Almost Abandoned At 15

I feel so bad.  I've been so busy today that I didn't even have time to celebrate my baby's birthday. Austin turned 15 years old today.  As it is accustomed in the Burney home, if your birthday is during the school/work week, you get a cake (or cupcakes) and one gift.  The big birthday bash is always held on Saturday.  But instead of the usual, I shipped my baby off to spend time with her cousins.
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I know it sounds really bad, but what had happened was.... :-)  Lon had a meeting after work, which meant I had to take Kingston to his first football meeting to get fitted for his uniform.  My original plan was to do the grocery shopping while Lon took Kingston to the meeting.  We would then meet back at the house for Austin's big moment.  But that all changed to me doing everything.  Luckily, I had picked up her cupcakes after my doctor's appointment, which took up most of my day.  

I had come home to write this entry as an update on the birthday plans, but I ended up taking calls from parents who were inquiring about Saturday's event.  By the time I was done with that, I had a full house.  King and Austin had made it home from school and two of my nieces stopped by to visit.

But there's a bright side to this story.  My little brother is in the area on business.  He couldn't come to us, but he wanted to see his nieces and nephews.  As many as could fit into my oldest niece and her husband's car, piled in and headed off to St. Augustine. 

Because I'm the type of mom who tries to make everything work out, I threw Austin into the car so that she wouldn't be home alone on her birthday.  That way, she would still be with family and I could keep Kingston happy by not missing his first football meeting. Oh...and we wouldn't starve.

Plus, Austin would be with the uncle who loves giving money for good grades and treating his siblings' offspring for things like birthdays and just being themselves.  I'm sure, for her, that trumps cupcakes and a pair of socks any day. :-)

As I'm typing, Austin has just walked in the door from her "unusual" and impromptu birthday party.  At least she can say she almost stayed out until midnight on her 15th birthday. And it ain't over!  In my "mama gone work it out" fashion, I refused to let the day go by without the Burney ritual.  Here's how it went down...

Here's the birthday cupcake. Ok..so it's a "Happy Easter" cupcake, but it was pretty.  I stuck a yellow candle next to the egg, and BAM!  Instant birthday cupcake!  :-) 

Blowing out the candle...couldn't fit 15 of those

Who knew blowing out a candle could be so amusing :-)

Popping balloons for cash

Adding to her spoils from Uncle Spoil'em-Rotten

I will have all the updates on the birthday event on Saturday.  I also have some details on Lon's meeting. I'm excited about it, but I have one small thing to confirm before sharing.  Until then...goodnight.


Love & Blessing ~