I am 36 today.
3 days before 36, new hairdo!
I am grateful to be alive so I shall not complain about getting older.
As I enter the ‘other side’ of the 30′s (is this considered ‘late 30s’?), I thought I’d tell you 36 things about me.
Then I realized that you pretty much know me already (right?).
So, on this day I turn 36, I decided to write down 36 things I wish for my sons.
I wish for you both….
1. To always love one another.
2. To like each other, even if it’s not all the time.
3. To learn from each other.
4. To always be there for each other.
5. To share with one another.
6. To look out for each other.
7. To stand up for each other.
8. To challenge each other when it’s necessary.
9. To learn how to cook. It’s a useful skill, trust me.
10. To forever know the beauty of music.
11. To have the opportunity to sleep under the stars.
12. To find true friends, like I have.
13. To want to, and enjoy learning.
14. To enjoy the outdoors, in whatever way you choose.
15. To know true love.
16. To enjoy your own company.
17. To love the written word.
18. To like my cooking, always.
19. To be able to chase your dreams.
20. To know how to respect women.
21. To love to do something your father does – he’s dying to do something with you boys!
22. To forgive me for not being crafty.
23. To learn to enjoy ironing because your mother hates doing that.
24. To look after your body, mind and soul.
25. To have the opportunity to travel.
26. To always have a loving relationship with your grandparents.
27. To always have a wonderful relationship with your aunts and uncles.
28. To please not dye your hair some strange color. Thank you in advance.
29. To not complain when I ask you to clean the toilets.
30. To love desserts.
31. To wake up every morning, excited to start the day.
32. To have a sense of humor. And understand your parents’ sense of humor. This is important. Read #33.
33. To forgive us in advance for any future embarrassing parents antics. Which will happen, it’s a guarantee.
34. To know that you were very much wanted, and you make our family complete.
35. To know that your parents love you fiercely.
36. To know that I have tried my best from the day you were born, to be the best mother I can possibly be to you.
When is YOUR birthday?
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Twitter: themommymess
says:
Happy birthday!!! I love this list. Your values and heart for family and friends, and of course, your boys are so evident here.
Adrienne ‘s last awesome post..Do you drink in front of your kids?
Thank you Adrienne!
Have a blessed birthday! Mother’s love is the greatest, indeed.
jamie ‘s last awesome post..en(reach)ing jar: Rubi Summer Lovin’ Tote
Thank you Jamie!
Happy Birthday, Alison! Mine is April 16 . I’m 38 now. Hope you have a great day!
Just Jennifer ‘s last awesome post..The School Cycle
Thank you Jennifer! Eh, we’re still young!
Happy Birthday, Alison! From what I remember, 36 is a pretty good year and I love that you didn’t complain about getting older. With my recent birthday, I started to go down that path and then I read a post about someone losing someone and I told myself to knock it off and celebrate being alive.
I love what you wrote for your boys! One can only hope that they get yours and your husband’s sense of humor because it is awesome!!
Kristen ‘s last awesome post..The Hunger Games DVD Release Countdown
Thank you Kristen! I have a feeling 36 is going to be an awesome year. I have never feared growing older, to me, it’s a testament of my survival
I do hope the boys inherit our sense of humor!
Twitter: fiercedivablog
says:
Happy birthday! This list just warms my heart. And #33 makes me laugh because I embarass my kids qujte often…simply because I’m “mom.” Hopefully all will be forgiven one day. Enjoy!
ilene ‘s last awesome post..Learning to Live with the Mess
Thank you Ilene! Yes, all will be forgiven one day – when they become parents and understand the necessity of embarrassing their children
This is beautiful, Alison! Happy Birthday to you!! I hope your day is absolutely wonderful!
Thank you Jessica! It’s been a pretty regular day, which is more than I can ask for.
Happy Birthday, sweet friend!!! I absolutely love this list. I don’t think your boys will mind if you aren’t crafty
And, I pulled out the iron for the first time in 9 years, and my kids were all “What IS that thing?”…haha, I obviously never iron.
Hope you have your very best birthday ever!
Runnermom-jen ‘s last awesome post..Good, Better, Best…
Thank you Jen, and thank you for making me laugh!!
Happy Birthday, Alison! I hope you have a wonderfully fabulous day (and that we get to read all about it)! My favorites are #19 and #34. My birthday is June 3rd and I have issues with my birthday but starting next year, I will choose to celebrate instead of complain. Great idea (I might have to steal it).
AnnMarie ‘s last awesome post..I Don’t Wanna…
Thank you AnnMarie! Yes, celebrate! It’s a testament to our survival
Happy Birthday!! What a beautiful list! For the record, I think your “early thirties” end the same time your “late thirties” start – at age 39!
Tiffany ‘s last awesome post..I am a recovering people pleaser…but only if that’s ok with you
Thank you Tiffany! I like that, late 30′s starting at 39!
Twitter: ksluiter
says:
happy HAPPY birthday, friend! And 36 BETTER not be “late 30′s!” I think that starts with 38! you are still “mid-30′s”!
I love this list. It’s absolutely the same list I would make for my boys. Right down to the ironing. Because I don’t do that.
Katie ‘s last awesome post..loved from the start
Thank you Katie! You’re right, 36 IS mid-30′s!
I’ve never met anyone who likes ironing. Why does it even exist?
Wonderful wishes for your boys! I wish the same for my own.
Victoria KP ‘s last awesome post..Just Between Me and Me
Thank you Victoria!
Happy Birthday. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love that list. I wish so many of the same things for my children. And also, 36 really… you don’t look a day over 25!!!
Susi ‘s last awesome post..Share Your Recipe Thursdays… {Frosted Orange Glaze Cookies}
Thank you Susi – you’re really too kind!
Love your lists even though I am not good at writing them. I will be turning 40 this year. I am still reflecting on what it means to me. But it is nice to have a wish for your children on your birthday. The gift will be returned I am sure. Although I must say watch out for the kid with the dimples…
Happy Birthday Alison! Hugs!
Alma ‘s last awesome post..Playa
Thank you Alma! Uh-oh, both my kids have dimples!
40 is the new 36, haven’t you heard?
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
Aw, those are some pretty amazing wishes for your sons. You’re a good mama. They are SO lucky.
Bruna ‘s last awesome post..hiking: then & now
Thank you Bruna! I’m the lucky one.
Happy birthday! What a great list for your sons. I think since I also have two boys, I’ll have to do this when my birthday rolls around this October. I’ll have to try to forget your list between now and then so I can pretend mine is original, of course! Hope you’re having a fabulous day!
Jessica@Team Rasler ‘s last awesome post..Snapshots
Thank you Jessica! And I know you’ll come up with a fabulous list
Twitter: FotoFriendlyMom
says:
Happy Birthday!! You have an awesome wish list for your sons! They’re lucky to have you for their mama! xo
MamaCassie ‘s last awesome post..One Good Thing – Brother In Law
Thank you Cassie! I’m lucky to have them
Happy birthday to you. You look younger than your age, really. I love this post.
Ma. Teresa Grech Q. Racal. ‘s last awesome post..Amaya’s Version of the National Anthem
Thank you, and you’re too kind
Twitter: CountingKisses
says:
Happy birthday Alison! Beautiful post from a beautiful lady.
I turned 30 last month on July 4th, and I’m {mostly} feeling pretty good about this new decade. Seems like I have all sorts of great company in the 30′s.
Amy @ Counting My Kisses ‘s last awesome post..Swirls of sisterhood
Thank you Amy! 30 is baby!
Twitter: amommaly
says:
Happy Birthday to You!
I turned 35 May 20th, and have to say…my view on Life has changed, mostly for the ‘better’. I am noticing more of the ‘little things’…
As for your 36?
These are beautiful words for your boys! Thank you for sharing!
Kim@Amommaly ‘s last awesome post..I Made This
Thank you Kim! My perspective on life changed when I was 33. When I had my first son. I know, it’s cliched, but it’s true. And thank you for reading!
Twitter: tatterscoops
says:
Happy Birthday, Alison! You sure you’re 36 coz you can pass as 29! Hope you’ll have an awesome day. Your wishes for your boys are so beautiful, tugging on my heart strings.
Maureen | TatterScoops ‘s last awesome post..I’m Not Trying To Be A Skinny Bitch
Thank you Maureen, and really, you’re too kind!
Happy 36th! Those are nice wishes for your boys. Hope you’re having a great birthday
Kiddothings ‘s last awesome post..And The Winners Are…
Thank you G! I had a nice quiet day
36 is still a baby to me!
Happy Birthday Baby!
m.
Mark ‘s last awesome post..Little House
Thank you old man! (not really, you’re hot)
wonderful wishes girl. i’m already working on teaching damian to respect women. we all are. surrounded by so many, he doesn’t have a choice. lol happy birthday girlfriend! i turn 36 in ocotber so i’m right behind you. i don’t feel any different than when i was 25 so maybe it won’t be so bad or maybe it will be a terrible jolt. lol
vanita ‘s last awesome post..Bomb In My Baby’s Belly
Thank you! Oh, same age! I don’t feel much different either – other than carrying a few extra pounds
And it’s not so bad, 36!
Happy birthday! May all your wishes come true! Especially n°29… and n°33 made me laugh out loud!
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes ‘s last awesome post..Wordfull wednesday: wild berries
Thanks Tinne! Have a great vacation by the way!
Happy Birthday Alison! 36 is definitely still ‘mid-30s.’ After that, I was ‘a 30-something’ instead of ‘late-30s.’ It just sounded better! Hope your day is wonderful!
Co-Pilot Mom ‘s last awesome post..I’m So Proud! *sniff*
Yay, still mid 30′s! And thank you!
Happy birthday!
Blond Duck ‘s last awesome post..Friday Five: Summer Vacations
Thanks Miranda!
Oh Lady-bug,
with tears running down my face onto my keyboard…HAPPY BIRTHDAY…Happy, Wonderful, Amazing, Fantastic, Spectacular Birthday to you…
may YOU always know how loved you are, how much respect and awe I have for you, how your virtual hugs and smiles help me EVERY SINGLE day…may you always know what a GIFT you are to the people who love you..what a PRESENT you are to MY LIFE.
your sons will know, every single day, that your wishes for them..are things we all wish for them. Love, Laughter, Life and LIVING each day in the WISHES.
xoxoxo
Kir ‘s last awesome post..100 Word Song:Troth:Semantics
I don’t even have the words to reply to your wonderful, warm and awesome comment Kir. As always, you fill my screen with love and my world with sunshine. xo
Twitter: ashleytaylor76
says:
I absolutely LOVE this. What a perfect list for your children.
Happy Birthday!!
thedoseofreality ‘s last awesome post..The Reality Of Yes Day
Thanks so much Ashley!
Twitter: akajanie
says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mine’s in March!
Tricia ‘s last awesome post..My Intervention
Thank you Tricia! Will have to be sure to wish you a happy birthday come March
Happy Birthday!! What a beautiful post. I should start studying your list everytime I get down on myself. You write beautifully!
Thank you as always, for your support and kind words.
Happy birthday! My favorite of your wishes is the one about liking your cooking always. Haha! But they are all great, and they all are mini-testaments to how wonderful a mother you are.
Jaime ‘s last awesome post..BlogHer ’12: You’re Doing It Wrong
One can hope right? And thank you so much for your well wishes!
Happy birthday my friend!
And your boys will ALWAYS love maman’s cooking best.
Lady Jennie ‘s last awesome post..Salade Paysanne
Thank you Jennie! And they better or they’ll go hungry
Happy Birthday Alison! What a sweet post to write
I’m new to your blog..Kristen K. sent me..I’m a sucker for birthdays 
I hope you have a fantastic day with your boys! xoxo
kristin ‘s last awesome post..No Frizz Friday /Shop Suprises
Thank you Kristin! I did have a lovely day. So glad you stopped by, I hope it won’t be your last visit.
Such a wonderful list. I’d like all the same things for my two boys!
Happy birthday!!!
Jen {at} take2mommy ‘s last awesome post..A very special wine giveaway. Yes, WINE! ($100 value!)
Thank you Jen!
Twitter: KalleyC
says:
Happy Birthday Allison! Great wishes for your little one, my favorite one is #18. Wishing you many more Birthdays.
KalleyC ‘s last awesome post..Putting On Foundation Photos (Before After)
Thank you, Kalley!
Ahhh a list for your boys…inspired…and SO YOU! Rather than write a bunch of things about yourself (which I would have gladly read, of course!).
I hope for nothing but the best for you this year!
And to answer your question…this coming Monday!
Mrs. Jen B ‘s last awesome post..When I’m 33
Thank you Jen, and I do remember your birthday!!
*tear*
Happy birthday! I bet 36 will be your favorite year so far.
Phase Three of Life ‘s last awesome post..What he’ll eat and what he won’t.
Thank you, I have a feeling 36 will be awesome.
An amazing list and such a wonderful thing to do on YOUR birthday! Hope that ice cream was good… ;P xoxo
Elaine A. ‘s last awesome post..Beyond Bologna: A Creative Back to School Lunch Challenge
Thank you Elaine! The ice cream was ‘Death by Chocolate’, so YES IT WAS.
Best birthday post ever!
Aw, really?? Thank you Angela!
I agree with Angela – best birthday post ever! I love all the things you wish for your boys!
Thank you so much, Elena!
I hope that you have the most wonderful birthday (now that it’s almost done)!
Jackie ‘s last awesome post..Back to school shopping with Cookie’s Kids
It was pretty good, thanks Jackie!
Twitter: JanBierens
says:
Happy birthday! Oh, I wish I could remember the time I was thirty six!
JanBierens ‘s last awesome post..Tips For Getting Your Message Across
Thanks Jan!
Love love love this. Happy birthday, beautiful girl. You look remarkably gorgeous in this picture
What a wonderful wishlist for your boys.
No hair dying?! What if they decide on the COOLEST shade of blue? No?! It’s cool. I get it. Remind me I thought I’d be the cool mom to let my kids get away with this when I have children of my own (I already know this ain’t happening). XOXO
Charlotte ‘s last awesome post..out of the dating loop
Thank you Charlotte sweetie!! And no, no funny hair colors. Unless it’s temporary and washes out in one day. I’m not THAT cool.
You will rock 36! Happy birthday…and what a great list for your sons!
Natalie ‘s last awesome post..Newborn Photo Sneak Peek!
I sure will try and thank you! Hope you’re doing well with the baby.
Twitter: Divatude
says:
Love this!!! Happy Birthday to you
Michelle ‘s last awesome post..Thankful Thursday..Better Late than Never, Right?
Thanks so much, Michelle!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Alison! Hope you’re having an amazing day! Wishing you the most amazing year filled with lots of memories, love and new discoveries.
Love, love, love this list! This mom of boys’ heart melted reading it. And the hair…nice!!
My birthday is January 20th, btw!
Melanie ‘s last awesome post..Times Together…
Thank you so much, Melanie, I did have a nice, quiet day with my boys.
I’ll remember your birthday!
36? Alison you are stunning
Leighann ‘s last awesome post..Essence of Now – Bridal Shower
Leighann, you’re too sweet!
Twitter: krrobi
says:
((((( H A P P Y 36th
B I R T H D A Y!!))))
the world is sweeter w/ you inside of it
xx
My Inner Chick ‘s last awesome post..Gravity On My Heart
Thank you Kim! And you’re pretty sweet yourself
Happy 36th Birthday Alison!
What a beautiful post. Simply truly lovely.
I love your new blog-home. re-found you via your guest post on the SITS Sharefest.
(PS 36 is totally “mid-thirties”… late don’t kick in until 39. I’m still hanging on at age 42, so, yeah. 36 is looking pretty spring-chickeny right now )
x
Simone @Greatfun4kids ‘s last awesome post..Confessions of a Lazy Mother Revisited
Thank you Simone and so glad you ‘refound’ me (and I, you).
Totally buying into 36 is mid 30′s.
Twitter: mrs_KarenC
says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I’ll be 37 in October, but I can’t wait to be forty, it seems like a great age. Anyway, love the post, I may copy the idea when I turn 37 and link back to your post.
Yes respecting women is important as well as to look after your body, mind and soul. I love the list, so many wonderful things.
karen ‘s last awesome post..I’m Cute and I Know It
I think 40 will be awesome!! Do a wish list for your birthday, would love to read it!
Happy Birthday Alison!! I love this list. Incredible wished for your boys. As for being in your late 30s, my husband insists that 36 (I just turned 36 in June) is late 30s. I don’t agree at all. I think that he’s just bitter because he is firmly in his early 40s.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf ‘s last awesome post..Friday Round-Up and The Mizuno Mezamashii Project Giveaway
Thanks Christine! After some thought (and some comments here), I’ve concluded 36 is definitely mid-30′s. 31-34 is early, 35-37 is mid and 38 & 39 is late! Right? Your husband can’t possibly argue with that
Twitter: BusyMomofTwins1
says:
Happy Birthday!
What a beautiful post. I turned 36 this summer and wish I’d thought to make this list!
Enjoy your day and your boys.
BusyMomofTwins ‘s last awesome post..A Multi-Coffee Morning
Thank you so much! You can always do a wish list for your kids for …. Christmas?
Twitter: southmainmuse
says:
Happy Birthday. And I just had mine. Or it seem like I did, but it’s unbelievably been over a month. This year is going to be the fasted on yet. Enjoy your day. And your year.
Jamie@southmainmuse ‘s last awesome post..Traveling with children. Boost that immune system.
Thank you Jamie, and I did!
Twitter: Asianmommy
says:
Happy Bday! What a sweet post.
Asianmommy ‘s last awesome post..Great Spots in Philadelphia for Kids
Thank you!
Twitter: cmckane
says:
That is so sweet! And such a beautiful message for your boys. I’m an August baby too and just turned 31! Great idea to get a hair cut might have to do that too.
c @ annuary chit ‘s last awesome post..Writing Links in August 2012
Thank you, and happy birthday to you! Yes, do a wish list!
Happy 36th, lovely one.
This list you wrote for your boys is beautiful. And so full of optimistic youthfulness.
My birthday is in May. The Twins were born on my 30th birthday, 11 years ago.
*pregnant pause to do the math*
And on that day, I relinquished all birthday rights and turned them over to my two first born(s). Swell deal, right? They grow older with each passing year. And I? Simply grow fabulouser. xo
Sue ‘s last awesome post..Mommy Mixology – Review and Giveaway
Of course you are fabulouser and forever 30.
How sweet indeed to share your birthday with your twins. If I shared a birthday with either of my children, perhaps my husband will actually remember the day
Wishing you a very happy(and very belated) birthday, Alison! Somehow despite following you on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, being friends with you on Facebook, AND subscribing to your blog, I missed this on Friday.
Whoops.
Hope you had a great birthday! And loved reading your hopes and dreams for your sons.
(Oh, and my birthday is March 1st. I’ll be 38. Oy.)
Kristin @ What She Said ‘s last awesome post..Friday Tapas: The Reclusive Edition
Thank you for the birthday wish! So much for social media, eh?
Eh, 38 is young!
Twitter: justanothermom
says:
Happy Birthday! I am 36, too. It’s treating pretty decently, so far.
Hope it’s a great year for you!
tracey ‘s last awesome post..Where DID this summer go, anyway?
I do believe 36 is a good age, thank you for your well wishes!
What a beautiful list! It’s your birthday and you’re handing out wishes. I love it!
I hope this year is tremendous for you and that all your wishes for your sons come true.
xoxo
Tonya ‘s last awesome post..Letter To My Blogging Buddies
Thank you so much Tonya!! xo
I’m late late late to wish you a happy birthday! I hope it was just the best and I LOVE your list. I think you are a wonderful human being
Sarah @sundayspill ‘s last awesome post..a planner, a pencil pouch, a lunchbox swinging
It was pretty good and THANK YOU! I happen you think you’re pretty awesome too
I hope you had a fabulous birthday! It just gets better. xo
tracy@sellabitmum ‘s last awesome post..Save The Goats
I did, I did!! And yay!
Twitter: Sugarkissed_net
says:
Happy belated birthday, Alison! Such a sweet post. P.S. 36 looks good on you!
Janine (sugarkissed.net) ‘s last awesome post..Co-Hosting Marvelous Monday Link Party
Thank you so much Janine!
I have a feeling your children will love dessert just as much as you do.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Why I {Almost} Made Out With My Soap
I think you may be right……
Happy belated birthday! What an awesome post!
Mine is September, 28th, the big 4-0!
Amarie ‘s last awesome post..Introducing {Design Me Pretty!}
Thank you! 40 is exciting!
Of course your kids will love desserts! Coming from you, that’s a given.
Happy birthday my twin. xo
Kimberly ‘s last awesome post..Two Months
Thank you twin! xo
Hope your birthday was Awesome! This is a wonderful list for your sons. Each year I grow older I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes: “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” I’m glad to see that you are a woman that embraces each precious year
Nicole ‘s last awesome post..Coconut Lime Granita
It’s the only way I know how to deal with getting older
Such amazing dreams for your boys. I think the last one sums it up perfectly! Happy Belated birthday.
Thank you, Barbara!
I so want these things for my son and his cousins. I hope you are having a wonderful birthday.
JDaniel4′s Mom ‘s last awesome post..Taking Time to Play- Various Sites I am Playing on this week!
Thank you, I did.
Lovely thoughts and sentiment and idea and you.
{Happy birthday, sweet friend!}
xo
Galit Breen ‘s last awesome post..Watching, and Seeing
Thank you, for all of that. xo
So sorry I missed your birthday…I hope it was a grand one!
Leslie ‘s last awesome post..Turning Three
Eh, you have a new baby, it’s totally okay and understandable!