Three

This past weekend, we celebrated Cullen's birthday with our family and friends.  The party was a great success, and by that I mean that there were lots of screaming kids, tired parents and one very happy Birthday Boy.

At times, it seems like my son was born with a spatula in one hand and a pot in the other, so I decided to have a cooking themed birthday party.  I made personalized aprons for everyone, the kids made their best rendition of personal pizzas and the cooking portion of the party hit a crescendo when the kids decorated their own cupcakes.  The ratio of icing to cake was definitely an issue with most of the kids, most of whom wisely decided not to eat their creations, but a $5 bet was on the table for any party guest that would; there were no takers.

Happy Birthday, Cullen.  We love you.

Glory Days

So, Springsteen's song goes: 

Now I think I'm going do to the well tonight

and I'm going to drink till I get my fill

and I hope when I get older I don't sit around

thinking about it

but I probably will

A few weekends ago, I did that, I relived my Glory Days; college.  It's funny, because I remember one of my best friend's sisters talking about someone that went to the same school and she said at first they didn't like it, but now they "bleed blue and gold."  And it's sort of like that for me.  I struggled in the beginning, making new friends, being away from home on September 11th and waking up to go to class, but then something happened about 4 months in: this crazy coal mining town with smelly streets, couches on the front lawn and the nicest, most carefree people ever won me over and I was hooked.

My four strongest friendships have continued to develop from the mandatory roommate situations to the type of bonds that help us support one another through marriages, kids, divorces, loss of jobs, 30th birthdays and the memories of all of those crazy nights spent living. it. up. college style.

So cheers to everyone that had the time of their lives in college and aren't afraid to admit that while the party may be over, the memories are legendary- if only in your own mind.