What to do if your child's birthday is on Leap Year Day

Tell her this is the most special birthday ever because it only comes every four years. She is one of a few very special people who have this birthday!

On the Leap Years break out the biggest celebrations possible.

When people say to her, "oh you poor thing, you only have a birthday every four years" make sure and correct their mistake. She is extremely lucky to have this very rare and wonderful birthday!

On the years when there is no Leap Day celebrate for the entire week beginning with February 28th and roll on through March 6th. This makes up for the lack of the 29th.

Remember that she will encounter odd issues like not being able to actually fill in her real date of birth on forms that don't have the 29th as an option. Teach her to insist on having her REAL date of birth listed no matter what.

I've lived on the Earth for 57 years but I've had 14 real birthdays. But because my mother told me from the time I can remember how special this was I have grown up feeling fortunate. And yes, last week was a rolling birthday party here on November Hill.

Can you even imagine how huge the party will be here on November Hill in 2020 when my numbers hit 60 and 15? Something to look forward to, for sure. :)

Birthday art from my very talented daughter

She's a scientist and an artist - and I love this birthday greeting from her, featuring our kit-meow Pippin:

A belated birthday wish for Redford

It's been busy and I'm behind on birthday posts, but sweet Redford's birthday was not forgotten! It boggles my mind that little Redbug is NINE years old! He remains sweet and sometimes shy, though he is quite bold in many ways too. Since Salina passed on Rafer Johnson has become quite bonded with our pony and Redford loves being with the "big boys" of the herd, Cody and Keil Bay.

Here's Redford's new portrait. He gets a little whiter every year and his face is now almost solid white. He's a handsome, very fit donkey who always makes me smile. Happy birthday, sweet Redbug!

Contractor on site today! Barn roof and shelter soon to be underway

Before:

After:

In progress! 

Porch steps, complete! And a break from the to-do list, also complete!

Two coats of French Gray milk paint on the front steps, check, last weekend. They need a few weeks to cure and then I'll put a final coating of tung oil on for good measure. 

I had to close my eyes to the porch step rails for now. Until I get the wild muscadine, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and holly bushes cut back (all the way back in the case of the vines), there is no point in working on porch rails or the trellis that borders the bottom of the porch. 

I need a heavy duty hedge trimmer and some digging muscle for the work under the porch, which is where all those vines are rooted. This chore is such a dreaded one it isn't even officially written on the list!

Today's post serves as a reminder to me that the to-do list is there because it needs to be, as an organizational tool, but Life and Family is the Main Event and it's not made up of checking things off the to-do list.

This weekend we had a wonderful time with my mom who stayed with us three nights. We ate and watched season 1 of Parenthood and went to my favorite restaurant Ashten's for an early birthday dinner. I tried on new riding helmets and have to go back to make the final pick (my head got so sensitized I couldn't really figure out which of the final two fit the best). We had a fabulous weekend in which no chores from my master to-do list got done and THAT IS OKAY! In fact, it's necessary. The chores, like the vines, would take over if allowed. 

If you, like me, are often driven by your to-do list, kick it to the curb for a long weekend and enjoy time with your family. It's time you won't regret. The chores will be there waiting when you get back to the list.