To My Wonderful Wife

Happy Birthday Ness!!!

For those unaware, Ness had a birthday recently. Now I don't wish to go against her wishes and reveal the magic number (which most of you know anyway). I will simply state that the following blog reveals the party we had the day BEFORE her birthday celebrating her last day of being 28.

Jennessa has never been a big fan of cake, so Ava suggested cupcakes because that is what SHE wanted. And as much as I tried to tell Ava that this party was all about mom, Ava kept insisting. Considering Ness' lack of desire about cake, I relented. After all, Ava loves to bake!

One thing Ness does love more than cake (or pretty much anything) is reading. The above book is actually a collectible, but I have a feeling it will not remain in pristine condition. Nor would we want it to be ... books are for reading! (It's "Lord of the Rings" in case you were wondering.)

This is Jennessa's actual present. More specifically, she gets to go to this English family's home and buy something. This family is quite a treat! Their entire house (about the size of the Bennett's home from P&P) is full of beautiful antiques. Some are for sale and some are not - you just have to spot a pricetag. It can be upsetting because you'll see this old stool that looks incredibly neat (and you know that some child was given a "timeout" on it 300 years ago) and it's not for sale. Anyway, Ness saw this corner cabinet and had to have it. It dates from the 1700's and is 100% original parts. Even the locking mechanism was forged by a blacksmith! Now this is my idea of what antiques should look like (see "You Are So Beautiful To Me").

And then Ness gives it style!

Beautifully engraved and original 1700's glass!

In addition, we are leaving for 3 days in Rome tomorrow! That is truly her birthday gift. The antiques she calls "investments".

So ... happy birthday to the most wonderful person I know. Thoughtful, caring, beautiful, intelligent, and most importantly, still YOUNG. Happy Birthday Ness! We love you.