happy birthday Elena!

Betcha thought I forgot, huh? And in honor of your special day, I have taken the time to locate these two lovely photos I have of you! Let's see, it's you and I on the computer and you and I eating---what a surprise :)! For as much time as we've spent with you guys over the years, and as *cute* as you are--you'd think I would have had a few decent pictures!

And I will also share a funny story with you about you that you may not have heard before (which is just as good as a present, right?!). Back in the college days--a long, long time ago-- I would see your little blue Geo Metro over at Brad and Jarom's apartment from time to time. I finally asked Brad who owned it (A smurf perhaps? I believe even the tires had blue hubcaps!). He said "Oh, that belongs to Jarom's girlfriend Elena". That's the first time I'd ever heard the name Elena, and for some reason it didn't stick with me. In my mind your name became Pimento (you know, like in the olive), and I believe that's what I continued to call you for the next few years. So Happy Birthday Pimento!******
I hope you have the happiest birthday ever and that your year ahead is fun-filled and full of new adventures that only 32 year olds can have! You are one of the most kind, laid back people I know-- and you always know how to make me laugh. There aren't a lot of moms who are better than you--with four happy, brilliant kiddos to prove it. Thank you, too, for leading the way in this whole blogging thing!

your gift is on the way!

(and Zane and Ethan chose the Scooby Doo music to play along with your post, go figure! I guess nothing says Happy Birthday to kids like "Scooby-dooby-doo!)