HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, Aunt-with-Books!!!!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Aunt, happy birthday to you!

I'm sorry I can't be there for your 40th birthday! I still remember how great it was that you flew all the way to Houston for my surprise 40th birthday (and, boy, was I truly surprised!)

You are the best aunt ever, aunt with books! Every Christmas you make a homemade, from scratch, gingerbread house with the girls. You designed it, baked it, and helped them decorate!

You are also an awesome baker - fresh plum cardamon bread, chocolate truffles, the most delicious homemade brownies, fruit tarts, and so much more!

Over the years, you have helped us in so many ways-- you even helped move us into our house! You lifted and unpacked boxes, and you helped with home updates and repairs. You are a very handy gal!

When Bonnie was very small, you designed a wooden rocking horse for her and made it yourself using power tools. It is a precious and beautiful gift that we still treasure, and always will.

You have more books than anyone we know, and you have helped inspire your nieces to love reading.

It's a good thing that the Chicago area doesn't have earthquakes, or your love of books could be deadly!

*Bonnie steals Mom's laptop*

Happy birthday, Aunt With Books!!!

*streamers and confetti pop out; Celtic music begins playing*

I hope you have a really good b-day. Go out and buy more books {but don't go too crazy ;) }. I hope you know how much you mean to us. Your sense of humor {alhough sarcastic} and your prodigious vocabulary make you a pretty unique, awesome person. It's always fun to talk to you, especially about books. I hope this post has made you smile. :D Happy birthday, Aunt M. God Bless!

~ Bonnie

Younger niece says: "We had a great time with you this summer, and I can't wait to see you at Christmas! Happy birthday!"

HAVE A GREAT DAY -- WE LOVE YOU!