So Many Favorites...

I love birthdays!
I find so many of my favorite things all come together when celebrating a birthday...

Birthdays mean taking time to think about one person and everything wonderful about them.

 (Do you recognize this birthday girl? She is smiling because she is lighting a few too few candles on her very own lemon cake.)

Birthdays mean gifts--the receiving and giving are both a rewarding experience. Whether you make something or buy something, as the giver you get to spend time thinking about that person and find a way to bring them a little bit of joy. As the receiver of a gift, you get to feel the love and appreciation of others--and you get a bunch of new stuff!

 (I have made this little gift a few times...because it's my favorite!...and it is so much fun to think about each person as I choose the colors and fabrics and stitch it all together. You can find the tutorial at comfortstitching.)

Birthdays mean parties--you get to spend time with people you enjoy doing things you enjoy.

You get to eat your favorite foods...

...dress-up...

 ...play, relax, indulge, laugh, dance, and simply have a good time! 

I usually get carried away in the planning of a party, inviting half the city and sewing party favors for everyone. But, in the end, even if I don't get all the loose ends pulled together, everyone has fun and enjoys spending time making memories together. And that is at the top of my list of favorites.