a birthday tea

when your birthday falls in early january and the two months before are filled with the flurry of thanksgiving, christmas and two of your children's birthdays, 

then all you want for your own day is quiet, rest and simpleness.

that's what i told them.

and that's exactly what i got.

 topped off by kid-thrown fireside birthday tea party.

finger pinky etiquette required.

a most sweet and happy birthday it was.