41

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Jackie

Once a year we all reach a special milestone. Of course to some it’s not all that special and we’d rather ignore it and to others it’s a reason to celebrate for days and something that we look forward to all year.

Yes, it’s our birthdays.

Today I am 41… another year has passed and I don’t feel any different than I did yesterday. There are days where I really do believe that age is just a number and that it really is about how we feel, act, and live our lives and then there are days that I start to feel (and see) my age.

So in celebration of my special day I am taking the day off of work (it’s a paid holiday for me where I work WOOHOO!) and I will be doing all the things that I want (except for taking my husband to the airport at 4am today and the load of laundry).

I’m going thrift shopping, napping, collecting my free pizza from the local pizza place for lunch, writing a few blog posts, and a maybe even doing some crafting…. and if I can fit it in… a pedicure. Today is all about me and what I want to do. Because your birthday is your special day and you should be able to do what you want, right?

There are times that I look back at my life and wonder how the time has passed so very quickly. I look at all the pictures, where I was and who I was with in each of them, and fondly remember each and every moment like it was yesterday. Through those pictures I relive special times in my life.

Weddings, birthdays… mine, my children’s, and family members alike, holidays, special events, and every day moments are all captured in those pictures of my life. They’re a history of me. A history of my life. A history of my family.

As I looked through pictures yesterday for this post I realized how many pictures I really have, printed and digital. They’re are literally hundreds of pictures and they span the entire 41 years of my life.

So today I celebrate my 41st birthday and look forward to what the new year holds for me.

How did you celebrate your birthday this year?

The Last One

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Jackie

Today I’m off doing all the things that I want to do…. when I want and how I want. Today it’s all about me and I’m totally being selfish.

Why? Well, because today I am celebrating the last one.

Yup, today is my 40th birthday. I’m still unsure how I feel about it because I sure as hell don’t feel that old and not to be full of myself or anything but I don’t think I look 40 either. But then again maybe I do… I’m just used to looking at myself and don’t see what others do.

Anyway, I’m skipping social media today (maybe), not working, and taking 24 hours for me.

Me time. I think that I deserve it.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Monday and I’ll see ya tomorrow!

Will they remember

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Jackie

What is the earliest birthday party that you remember? How old were you? And what details can you remember from it?

For me it’s my third birthday. But that was so many years ago that it’s amazing that I remember so many of the details about it.

My parents were still married at the time and had invited our entire family to the party. I remember the itchy dress that my mom put me in that day, the ponytails with with fuzzy ribbons that held my hair back, and my family. It was a pretty good day considering I was only three years old.

I don’t remember a lot of decorations or anything like that but I do remember the double layer chocolate cake that my mom made, the three candles that were placed carefully on it, how my parents stood by me as my family sang happy birthday to me, the gifts, and the fact that my cousins told me exactly what they got me.

Before the cake was eaten and the gifts were opened my cousins told me that they got me a brand new pack of crayola crayons and two coloring books. I don’t know why I remember some of these little details but I do and they’re so special to me. They’re memories that I hold on to tightly, never wanting to forget.

So what about my kids? Will they remember their birthdays with the same fondness that I do? Will they look back one day and think about their birthdays and the family, friends, the cake, and the gifts?

I hope that I’ve done everything that I can to make birthdays fun and memorable.

My oldest daughter had a big bash for her 13th birthday party complete at a hall with balloons, snacks, streamers, and a DJ. Why? Well, because you only turn 13 once in your life and it’s one of those moments that are important… memorable… and special. I’m hoping that for her 16th birthday this year we can do something equally special but I’m having a hard time talking her into doing something.

Every year for the girls birthday I let them decide what kind of cake & party they want. For Natalie’s 4th birthday she wanted a chocolate rainbow cake and that is exactly what I made for her. I love looking back at these pictures and seeing how young they were and how much they’ve grown over the years.

Lauren loved Strawberry Shortcake and everything had to be Strawberry Shortcake for her birthday that year! Even her dress was Strawberry Shortcake! What you can’t see is all the other decorations, cupcakes, or the fact that the cake was strawberry too. As I look at this picture I wonder what it is that she wishing for. I’m sure that it had something to do with her gifts or all the things she wanted to do.

What do you do to make birthdays special for your kids?

Happy Birthday to Me & a Giveaway for You!!

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Jackie

I did it! There were some doubts (mostly from the husband) about whether I’d make it or not but I’m here to tell you all that With Just a Bit of Magic is a year old!

I started writing last year in May and it’s been a great journey. I’ve had ups and downs. Met the green envy monster. Looked for my voice and what niche I fall into.

And now I think I’m there… it’s a great place too. I love my blog, the writing, the social media aspect of it, and meeting new people. I have learned so much and from so many people that there is no way I could possibly repay them for it all.

But… I can try! And this week I have 3 great giveaways for you!

Today’s giveaway is from Therapon and they are giving one lucky reader the Theraderm Skin Renewal System which is valued at over $100!

I first learned about Therapon when I went to Gleek Retreat and had a mini facial done. It was great! I’ve been using the products since the conferences and have noticed a different in my skin. It’s smother and healthier looking and I think that you’ll like it too.

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