Every year since I can remember, my mom and dad have always played Camelot’s “Lusty Month of May” on May 1st and May 23rd (my birthday) for me… if you’ve never heard it, here it is:

My parents have always, always, always throughout my life made my birthday a special occasion. I was born 6 weeks early, so my mother will always tell me how she scared she was for me (I was 4 pounds, 9 ounces – “you fit in the palm of your dad’s hand!” she tells me). I’ve made it my promise with my parents that regardless of how busy or crazy life is, I will ALWAYS celebrate with them. In college I remember going off with friends for my birthday, but always celebrating with my mom and dad a day or two before or after. Birthdays have ALWAYS been a big deal for us and I’ve carried that over to my children, too.

Last night I got to celebrate 39 with my parents at Aidan’s Irish Pub in Bristol, RI. My birthday is tomorrow and I’m heading out of town for work, so I wanted to make sure I did an early celebration with them.

I love being with my parents. They are funny and just a good time! The older I get, the more I cherish my time with them. I love seeing my father laugh out loud. I love seeing my mom’s eyes crinkle when she laughs. I love seeing them get excited to see my kids and really take them in, really listen to them, really be present. It means more to me than anything in the world!

My father has an incredible dry sense of humor, which I adore. And my mom has an over-the-top sense of humor that I love because it’s so unexpected from her, she’s just naturally funny. My husband caught this moment last night where I was belly laughing at my father, all while we were trying to get the “perfect” photo! We were joking that if I photo didn’t go up on Facebook, it didn’t happen.

I love having my parents on social media, they are too funny with their posts.

But most of all, I drove home from their house last night thanking God for them. I know our time together it’s what it used to be because of having 5 kids and working full time, but I just genuinely love being with them. It means so much to me and warms my heart. There’s nothing like your mom and dad on your birthday. That day for them was just as important as it is for me.

Love you mom and dad!