Okay, onward!
January may be over, but there are some pretty awesome people that celebrated birthdays this last month that I want to acknowledge. At the start of the month I was thinking that it would be fun to have one big party to celebrate everyone that had a birthday in January, but I'm glad it didn't work out that way. It's much more fun to stretch the fun a little further. Maybe I should be like an ambassador for birthdays or something. I love the opportunity to celebrate how special these people are.
Carrie kicked off the month, and I've decided that I need to add her birthday planning to my list of things to do in December. It always sneaks up on me, and I find myself scrambling at the last minute for her. She's too awesome for last-minute planning! Regardless of the poor planning, there was still a good handful of Canfields that were able to meet up for a nice visit over lunch, and I got lucky and had some free time to visit with Carrie on her birthday.
I hate to admit to favorites, but in a big family like mine, it's not a huge secret that there are some of us that have closer ties to each other. I still love everyone to bits, but Carrie is one of my favs. Growing up I did my own thing and played with my imaginary friends and missed a great opportunity to connect with the flesh and blood playmates that were always around. It wasn't until I was ready to leave home that it dawned on me what a close bond I had Carrie. It's taken a while, but we're finally living close to each other, and it makes me so incredibly happy. Now when I hang out with her, I don't feel that panic settling in when our visits come to an end, because I know there won't be a gap of months and months that pass before I see her again. I love Carrie so much more than I can express, but I suspect she knows it's always more. ;)
My lovely friend Brandi is next in line on the birthday train. I love that she loves her birthday and goes all out to celebrate it each year. She is an amazing person who I think the world of. I'm in awe of how she juggles all that she does and in the seemingly effortless way that she does it. There should be more designated days to celebrate her. I didn't expect to get any face time with her on her birthday, but I just happened to catch her at the right time, and I enjoyed a long overdue and wonderful visit with her.
Eric's birthday was a day later, and I feel bad that in the past I haven't done more to acknowledge his or my sister Michel's birthdays. I guess in some ways I felt like maybe they didn't want another reminder of their age advancing a notch, so I kept things simple with a phone call, email, card, or text. A birthday marks another year, but I think it should be more about celebrating the person, and the longer these amazing individuals are around to celebrate, the better!
It wasn't very original, but I think it was great that a bunch of us could get together again to celebrate Eric and Michel's birthdays. Eric picked a great Mediterranean Grill that everyone enjoyed, and I'm so glad it's in my neighborhood! We all had a great visit with each other, and it's always a good feeling when so many of us can find a window in our busy schedules to come together.
As an older sibling, especially one to a bunch of young kids, Eric was responsible (in a good way) for shaping us in one way or another. I love to hear every one's different memories about each other and how greatly they vary, but I think all of us would agree that Eric is indeed a gentle giant. He is kind and so much so that I can't think of very many times that I have ever seen him angry over anything. Those Keep Calm quotes that I'm seeing around everywhere lately make me think of Eric. I think Eric's ability to be calm is a great attribute, and when I'm around him I think of how much better a person I could be if I could keep my crazy in check.
Michel. What can I say about her? She's got some sort of super-human blood running through her veins. She's constantly on the move with her work and family, and if all that craziness wasn't enough..she's back in school again. Grace under pressure is what she embodies, and I'm always amazed by how much she is able to do. I'm terrified at the thought of going back to school myself, but when I look at Michel and all that she has been able to accomplish, I can't help but feel inspired and encouraged that I too can do more. She's a lovely example of a human being.
Small packages can pack some pretty big punches, and that's exactly what my young friend Emma does. She is a riot and I love the mess of adjectives that only begin to describe her personality...sassy, spunky, sly, sweet. I'm fascinated by her, and how full of life she is. She brings so much joy to those around her, and I know she will be thoroughly entertaining to watch as she grows up!
Finishing up the January birthdays is James. He's in a good place in Idaho, but I wish I got to see him more often! His easygoing and fun personality is a joy to be around. His comic relief on our hike this past summer was a huge motivation for me to keep going when I wanted to stop. James is such a fun and positive person, and you can't help but smile when you're around him.
These lovely people make a cold, long month so much nicer! Cheers to each of them and all the things that make them special and for the happiness they bring to others. I have probably said this before, but I'll say it again... they are a lovely way to start off a new year!
