Third Grade…A Transitional Year of Learning and Love

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It seems like yesterday that I walked my mini me into the Sonshine Center for her first day of preschool. Now she is a big third grader and requested to be dropped off in the carline. My sentiments echo what parents across the world are thinking… if you blink you are going to miss it! If you look away for a mere minute, her childhood will be over. So embrace this stage and age with all the good and the bad and know that like a shooting star, if you look away, you may miss the magic!

What Makes Third Grade Special?– The last grade level under the early childhood umbrella, third grade takes the skills taught in first and second and expands on them. Third graders read complex text, develop fact fluency (in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and read for meaning in science and social science. In third grade we begin to see the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” As a reading consultant I don’t like to use these terms because we learn while we are reading at all grade levels and most third graders continue to need phonics instruction which falls under learning to read. But it is a phrase used by many to describe the changes we begin to see during this transitional year. The best thing you can do for a third grader at home is to get them to read. Easy to say as a reading consultant but if I’m being honest, hard for this Noteworthy Mommy to implement.

First Day of School Cookies– Gone are the days of the ceremonial reading of “The Kissing Hand” but the tradition of making Nana’s famous homemade sugar cookies lives on! This year my friend, Ms. Ginger, helped us bake the delectable cookies that my mini me gifted to her teachers and administrators on the first day of school. Instead of making cutouts of hands and hearts, like we did in years past, we used a cookie stamp with Martin Luther’s rose. Borrowed from Ms. Cherie, who I refer to as my Zion mom, it made a sweet addition to our back to school cookies.

Making homemade Back to School cookies with Martin Luther’s rose design!

Miss Firminhac– My mini me has a young and energetic teacher this year. Miss Firminhac is new to Zion and came to us after completing two years teaching fourth grade in another state. She is a third generation Lutheran school teacher and we are thrilled to have her! The minute I met Miss Firminhac I knew she was a natural teacher. She is confident, kind and tall! What impressed me the most is how she got down on my mini me’s level and spoke directly to her in a soothing tone that eased any trepidations my mini me had about starting a new school year. With her inviting classroom and infectious smile, my “eight year old self” secretly wishes she had Miss Firminhac for a third grade teacher! I know my mini me is going to learn exponentially under the guidance of her dynamic teacher and will not only learn about the love Jesus has for His children but will be shown love by Miss Ferminhac as well.

Writing is Hard

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Last year I made a promise to myself. Try 50 new things during my 50th year of life and journal about each adventure. I went on many adventures, but I never wrote about any of them! I simply didn’t feel motivated. Did I have a major case of writer’s block? Or was writing another dreaded task on my never-ending to do list that kept getting pushed to the bottom? I have countless rough drafts in the que, unpublished, but eagerly awaiting to be released and read. So, what’s the hangup?

Writing is hard. There, I said it. And it’s even harder when you don’t have a deadline and aren’t financially profiting from your prose. But writing is also something that brings me joy. Taking a blank screen and putting together carefully selected words to convey emotions, raise awareness and to get readers to think, is powerful! The minute I press publish I am empowered and accomplished. It’s the best feeling!

Do you have something in your life that you used to love but have for whatever reason pulled away from? Think about it and share in the comments below. Let’s motivate each other. And come back to my website and read some new posts from the Noteworthy Mommy. It feels good to be back!

Photo by lil artsy on Pexels.com

Leaping Into Summer… Reflections on a Year in Mrs. Leeper’s Second Grade!

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On Thursday, May 23, 2023, Zion’s principal declared the end of the 2022/2023 school year at closing chapel and summer officially began!

Our second grader is leaping into third grade! As I look back at my mini me’s second grade year, I am amazed at how much she has grown! Not just in physical height but in academics and confidence too. And we have her nurturing second grade teacher, Mrs. Leeper, to thank for leading us through the special year that is second grade.

Mrs. Leeper– With her quiet disposition, nurturing ways, and keen sense of intuition, it didn’t take Mrs. Leeper long to realize what makes my mini me tick! And that connection helped her guide and nurture my mini me. Mrs. Leeper has high expectations for her students, promotes independence and decision making, and provides ample opportunities for her students to work together and solve problems on their own. While in second grade my mini me gained more independence, confidence in reading and writing, fostered new friendships, and developed a deeper relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Leeper and my Mini Me on the last day of school.

I had the opportunity to be my mini me’s second grade teacher on several occasions this year and some of my favorite memories are dancing to grammar and math songs, sharing pretzels and oranges with them at snack time and reading favorite Jan Brett books during read alouds. I led the class in prayer and reminded them how much Jesus loves them.

Field Trips– This year welcomed our first field trips since COVID and second grade enjoyed trips to the library, Magic House and to the Science Center. I accompanied the class to the Science Center where my STEAM loving girl and her BFF had a blast exploring every corner of the museum!

Special Guests– I wasn’t the only family member to teach second grade this year. My mini me shared her grandfathers with her class when her creative art teacher “Pops” taught an autumn leaf art lesson and Army Veteran “Paw Paw” visited on Veteran’s Day. And her engineering daddy joined the class when his auction bid brought Lutheran High’s robotics team, The Roboteers, to the classroom for an engaging demonstration.

Market Day- And then there was Market Day where the second graders made, marketed and sold a product to their peers, Zion students and family members. The kiddos made commercials, posters and all of the products. My mini me created Slimy’s Slime and sold three varieties of slime: regular, sparkle and glow in the dark! It is a project the class will happily remember forever!

Reading, Writing & Arithmetic-Although my mini me hasn’t fallen in love with books, she can read text independently and is comprehending and discussing what she reads. And like her Noteworthy Mommy, my mini loves to write! And Mrs. Leeper created ample opportunity for her to practice and refine her skills in second grade. The school year ended with a unit on letter writing and I’m happy to report that my little one is exchanging letters with her two BFFs weekly, if not twice a week! One friend gifted her a little mailbox and the BFFs personally deliver their carefully crafted letters to each other’s doorstep! She excels in math and science and they are her greatest loves; clearly skills she has inherited from her mathematical daddy!

This is only a sampling of the many learning opportunities that took place this year. Other highlights included singing at an Advent Service, participating in the spring musical (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), classroom parties, field day, lunch worker Julia’s magical birthday party, mileage club, Jumprope for Heart, dress up days, Mrs. Leeper’s surprise birthday party and weekly memory work. The memory work may not rank as a class favorite but the gift of carrying God’s word with them wherever they go, finding comfort in His word when they are facing adversity, and sharing His word with others, is a gift that will last a lifetime.

I have enjoyed watching these kiddos grow and look forward to new adventures with them when we leap into third grade in August!

All is Well this Christmas

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Where is the Joy?- Throughout the season of Advent everything was harder then it needed to be. The gifts we ordered for my sister-in-law and her family were returned to sender. While writing our Christmas letter my computer keyboard stopped working, the labels printed incorrectly and FedEx couldn’t help me self print. I got the flu (knocking me out for days), the bottom strand of lights went out on our Christmas tree, we fell behind on our Christmas decorating, had winter weather, and I know someone was inadvertently left off our gift list. Have you ever had days or weeks like this where even the simplest task becomes frustrating and nothing seems to go smoothly? It appeared to be one thing after another and it kept coming, culminating with a pipe bursting at church on Christmas Eve leaving part of our sanctuary under water hours before worship services were to begin! Maneuvering through the missteps and obstacles sucked some of the joy out of what comes with the season of preparing. Although the moments were annoying, they were far from life altering and All is Well.

The First Christmas– Upon sharing my Advent obstacles I was reminded I was not alone. I heard from friends dealing with illnesses that set them back in their preparations and caused them to miss special celebrations. Others were spending the season navigating life without a loved one, making my inconveniences minor in comparison. My thoughts took me to the first Christmas where Mary and Joseph were faced with setbacks. No room at the inn, an unexpected birth in a stable surrounded by animals, and a manager for a bed! Throughout their journey they never lost hope and All is Well.

All Is Well This Christmas– Members of our Zion congregation band together with shop vacs in hand and cleaned up our sanctuary in a little over an hour and our Christmas Eve services commenced. All Is Well! On Christmas morning our cards had been sent, our halls were decked, presents wrapped, and we were ready to invite family and friends into our home to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All Is Well! And if you know St. Louis weather, in a few days the Arctic freeze melted away and it was 60 degrees! All Is Well!

Zion Lutheran Church Harvester before and after.
All is Well- spending time
with my family on Christmas Day 2022.

Looking Harder for the Joy- Sometimes we have to look harder to uncover the joy. It’s always there but we get distracted. This year the unexpected opened my eyes to what Christmas is truly about. Through the frustration of trying to get our Christmas letters printed I met Toya, a manager at the FedEx in Wal Mart. Toya was patient and kind and went out of her way to help me. After several visits to the store I felt we had made a connection and I asked her if she was a Christian. She said she was and with tears in her eyes shared this was the first Christmas without her son who had recently went to be with Jesus. I had a scripture ornament in my coat pocket, leftover from the Advent By Candlelight event at church, and I was moved to gift it to Toya. A sweet moment between two strangers in a world of chaos. All Is Well

My choir sang the song All Is Well on Christmas. I pray no matter what you are experiencing this Christmas you can find peace and love in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Emmanuel.

All Is Well All is well, all is well. Heaven and earth rejoice! For tonight darkness fell into the dawn of love’s light. Sing alle, sing alleluia!

All is well, all is well. Lift up your voice and sing. Born in now Emmanuel. Born is our Lord and Savior. Sing alleluia! All is well!

All is well. All is well. Let there be peace on Earth. Sing, for Christ is come, go and tell that He is in the manger. Sing alle, sing alleluia.

Born is now Emmanuel. Born is our Lord and Savior. Sing alleluia, alleluia!

Sailing Into Second Grade!

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My mini me started second grade a few weeks ago and I am happy to report that so far second grade has been smooth sailing! As a mommy educator I have been looking forward to this age and stage! There is less drama then the previous grades and although second graders are gaining independence they still have the sweet innocence of a young child. Second graders are comfortable with school. They were introduced to critical foundational skills in first grade and are now ready to apply those skills in second grade! It’s so much fun seeing my mini me make those connections! Her reading and writing skills have taken off and she is working independently with just a little help from mom and dad. She is confident and loves school!

But her love of school isn’t simply from the skills she is beginning to master but rather from the amazing teacher who is guiding her! This is the first time my mini me has had a young teacher. After working with inspiring young educators this summer, I was drawn to their energy, excitement and pure optimism! So when I found out Mrs. Leeper was going to be my daughter’s second grade teacher, I was thrilled! Mrs. Leeper was born in 1996 (so she’s young to this fifty year old noteworthy mommy) and she embodies the young educator vibe. With her inviting classroom, warm smile and infectious love for her students and her Lord and Savior, she exudes positivity and enthusiasm. After a few days I could tell Mrs. Leeper is naturally intuitive. Based on some of her comments I told the hubs, “What a blessing it is that our daughter has a teacher that really “gets” her! I know we are going to have a fantastic school year!”

My mini me with Mrs. Leeper, her 2nd grade teacher.
Making homemade sugar cookies with Nana. A back to school tradition!

Jesus Loves You Cookies– Now that my mini me is a big second grader, we no longer needed to read The Kissing Hand to prepare her for going back to school. However, I know there will be times when my mini me will feel sad, frustrated or anxious. There will be times when she is faced with decisions to make and will feel unsure. I reminded her that Jesus walks beside her wherever she goes and that she can turn to Him for support. Jesus hears our prayers while we are at school, when we are on the soccer field or at a friend’s house. We can talk to Him through prayer in the morning, afternoon or evening. He is there to listen when we feel happy, worried or sad. So my mini me continued the tradition of baking homemade iced sugar cookies with Nana but instead of making kissing hand cookies like they did in years past, they made Jesus loves you cookies! Heart shaped to remind us that Jesus is with us wherever we go and crosses with hearts to remind us that Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross so our sins could be forgiven. My mini me enjoyed making the cookies with Nana and shared them with teachers and administrators at school.

Cookies to share with Zion teachers and administrators.

I wish all of the teachers, students and parents around the world blessings for a wonderful school year! Whether it’s your first year or twenty-ninth year in education (like me) I pray you have smooth sailing. When you find yourself in rough waters (there will be those days) know you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, make sure you take care of yourself and know that Jesus loves you!

Brilliant Bogg Bags…Filled With Function and Fashion

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I have never been first to get in front of the newest fashion trend but this time I jumped on the Bogg Bag bandwagon and have sported one of these amazing bags all summer!

A group of teachers in Alabama sporting Bogg Bags!

I was first introduced to the Bogg Bag phenomena in early June when I trained teachers in the south…South Carolina and Alabama to be exact. Every other teacher walked into my sessions sporting a Bogg Bag or a similar Simply Southern bag! It was literally a Bogg Bag takeover!


It’s easy to see why people are crazy about these bags. Thoughtfully made from easy-to-clean, lightweight EVA foam (think Croc material), this do-it-all tote is the perfect companion for fun in the sun. Comfy straps and a generous interior provide easy access to your essentials during a day at the pool, beach, lake, gym, ballpark, or teacher in-service! And the bags come in any color you could possibly dream of, making it easy to sport a bag that matches your favorite team!

I find myself replacing my swim/boat bag at the end of every summer but those days are in the past since the Bogg Bag! This bag will last forever!

My Bogg Bag

After I convinced the hubs that this was the summer bag for our family of three, we went online to buy one and couldn’t find one anywhere! Disappointed, I accepted the fact that I’d have to wait until their popularity waned. A week later I came home from a work trip and was surprised to find a limited edition patriotic Bogg Bag waiting for me! My amazing hubs came through and gifted me with my very own Bogg Bag to sport during the summer of 2022!

Only in My Dreams…a Girls Night Out With Debbie Gibson and My Mini Me!

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My fifteen year old self still feels like she is dreaming! This past weekend my family of three packed up the car and drove to Chicago to see Debbie Gibson, my favorite singer, in concert. Being a huge fan it isn’t surprising that I’ve seen her in concert a few times before. Most recently in September when the hubs took me to Vegas during her brief residency at the Bellagio.

But I became a Debhead in 1987 when Debbie released her debut album, “Out of the Blue.” I was 15 years old and had the album on cassette tape. I wore the cassette tape out playing it over and over again! Deb and her music were so relatable. In an industry that is all about money and image, Deb always remained true to herself by writing the music she loved and wearing the clothes she felt comfortable in. My parents took me to see the “Out of the Blue” tour because I just couldn’t get enough of Debbie’s heartfelt lyrics, which she has always written and composed herself. In fact, Deb was the youngest female artist to write, produce, and perform a number-one single. That was followed up with the “Electirc Youth” concert during my senior year of high school. Everyone at my high school knew I was a fan of the princess of pop and I often got teased but that didn’t stop me from being a proud card carrying DGIF member!

Debbie had an illustrious run as a Broadway actor performing in many beloved shows on and off Broadway and on tour. I saw her play Rizzo in the touring production of Grease in 1995 and had the joy of meeting her backstage.

Deb and I after a performance of Grease in 1995.

As Debbie matured, so did I, and her music continued to resonate with me. Her ten studio albums are the soundtrack to my life! When I hear one of her songs, I am immediately transported back to what I was doing, experiencing, and feeling during that time in my life. Thank you Deborah, for creating such memorable music that speaks so deeply to me.

My husband has always supported my love for Deb’s music, making sure we incorporated some songs at our wedding reception. He accompanied me to see Debbie in the NKOTB Mixtape Tour and took me on an anniversary trip a few months ago to see her amazing concert with Joey McIntyre in Vegas.

Live in Las Vegas in September 2021.

And that brings me to her latest album, “The Body Remembers” and her June 2022 concert tour. Although I always say that her latest music is the best, this album is simply AMAZING! I fell in love with the songs the first time I heard them. A few songs have shades from the past but there are lots of fresh, new sounds too! It simply has all the feels and since it’s release in August 2021, I have listened to it thousands of times. This is the first album Deb has released since the birth of my seven year old “mini me,” so she knows all of the lyrics and loves to dance and sing along!

When Debbie announced her June “The Body Remembers” tour I got tickets for my family of three to see Deb perform at the family friendly Des Plaines Theatre outside of Chicago, IL. I also splurged for VIP passes so my mini me and I could meet Debbie! Deb did not disappoint. She was so sweet, getting down on my daughter’s level and engaging her with talk about her dog Joey, who we had met earlier in the lobby, and shared some of the songs on the set list. I got to tell Deb how proud her mother would be of this album and tour and how much her music means to me! It was truly a night to remember!

My mini me with Deb’s dog, Joey.
Meeting Debbie Gibson on “The Body Remembers” tour in June 2022.

The concert was amazing! A wonderful mix of old and new material. Deb spent time at the keyboard and followed that with fun dance numbers with “The Bookend Baldies, who we also got to meet! They are wonderful guys and my mini me loved watching them dance. So much talent on the stage! I think she enjoyed Eddie and Buddy just as much as Debbie! We jumped out of our chairs and danced and sang all night long!

Me and my mini me with the fabulous Bookend Baldies

As the concert drew to a close, Deb sat at the keyboard one last time to play one of her iconic songs “We Could Be Together.” Then the most amazing thing happened, she invited fans to join her on stage. My mini me was invited up and I followed! What a dream come true, singing and dancing with Deb and Eddie and Buddy and the band she selected for this tour. My mini me stood beside Deb at the keyboard, fixated on her hands, following along to every move Deb made. I swayed back and forth with other Diamonds, some having traveled internationally to see their star on tour. Introducing my mini me to an artist that continues to inspire me as I enter my 50’s was a dream come true for this Noteworthy Mommy! I also met new friends on stage that night and for a few minutes I was transported back to a simpler time where music and friends and being together was all that mattered in my world.

A video of the Noteworthy Mommy and her mini me on stage with Debbie Gibson.

It’s Not All About You

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Below is the devotional I wrote for Zion Lutheran Church’s Fruit of the Spirit Easter devotional book written by the pastors and some of the congregation at my church. As you will read, Kimberly has made a positive impact on my life and helped shape the Christian woman I am today. The minute I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted Kimberly to be my daughter’s godmother. Kimberly (Aunt Kay Kay) continues to be a blessing in my life and is an extraordinary Christian mentor for my mini me!

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth. Matthew 5:5

It’s Not All About You

By: Jennifer Freeman Talley

Although often associated with negative connotations, meek does not equate to being weak, helpless, or timid. Meek is the opposite of arrogant and conceited. Meek people are not hoity-toity, presumptuous, or self-assertive. A meek person does not act superior to others. Being meek means showing grace to others, forgiving, and not holding grudges. The best example of meek is our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In Matthew 11:29, Jesus describes Himself as being meek. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

In my young adult life, I placed greater importance on worldly things (success, power, popularity) then I did on being meek like Jesus. Although I went to church and volunteered in Sunday School, I was focused on myself.

During this time, I met a Christian co-worker named Kimberly. As our friendship was developing, she began telling me, “Jennifer, it’s not all about you!” If she had brought this up once, I probably would have dismissed it, but it came up again and again. At first it was hard to hear, and I admit I was a bit offended, after all, no one wants to be told they are selfish or arrogant! But after observing Kimberly, I realized I had much to learn from her. I was immature and self-centered, and I knew I could do better. Kimberly looks outside of herself and treats everyone she encounters, even strangers with kindness and respect. Although Kimberly is a sinner like every one of us, she is a beautiful example of what it means to be meek because she makes a concentrated effort to show godly attributes wherever she goes.

I thank God for putting this amazing friend into my life! What a blessing to find a friend who freely shares her love for Jesus and walks in His image. She loves and cares deeply for others and wasn’t afraid to call me out so I could be a better version of myself!

I recently experienced a situation where I wasn’t assigned to do something I really wanted to do. I took a step back and reminded myself, “Jennifer, it’s not all about you!” God has a plan, and I need not interfere as He has others in mind to take part. It’s about Jesus! He is the way, the truth, and the life. Striving to live in His meek image has brought me more happiness than I could ever imagine!

Prayer: Dear God, help me be quiet when it is fitting but give me strength and courage to raise my voice when it will benefit Your children. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, so I can receive the reward of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Amen

Reflection: Can you, like Jennifer, point to someone in your life that reminds you to get outside your own needs to focus on others? How does Jennifer’s description of ‘meek’ differ from being ‘weak?’ In what ways do the “meek inherit the Earth?”

With Kimberly (Aunt Kay Kay) on the day of mini me’s baptism in 2015.

Everyday is Easter…Easter Blessings From the Noteworthy Mommy

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After the emotional journey to the cross during Holy Week, I was looking forward to Easter. As I got ready on Easter morning I was eagerly anticipating the hymns filled with alleluias, the scripture of promise, the brass quintet trumpeting the good news of a risen Jesus, and the brightness of lilies and colorful Easter outfits. All of these images hold a stark contrast from the quiet, silent, darkness of worship, a mere two days prior on Good Friday. Suddenly my thoughts of Easter celebration were interrupted when I heard the distant wailing of a lawn mower slicing through green grass recently awoken from a winter slumber. I asked myself, “Who would be cutting grass on Easter morning?” On the way to church my thoughts were shaken once again as I passed a huge car show with hundreds of immaculate hot rods on display and spectators spilling into the parking lot from a line a mile long. Again, I asked myself, “Who would have a car show on Easter morning?”

The thought of doing anything but praising our resurrected Savior on Easter got me thinking of the people in our world who don’t know about Jesus. But it also got me thinking how many times I have put worldly things in front of Jesus. Maybe not on Easter Sunday but certainly on other days. A friend posted on social media that every Sunday is Easter when you know Christ as your Savior. I would add that every day is Easter when you know the ending of the story.

But I certainly don’t treat every day as if it were Easter. Worries, social media, to do lists and busy schedules filled with activity consume my thoughts on most days. How many Sundays have I sat in the pew, in the Lord’s house, yet, Jesus did not receive my full attention? My mind wandering, distracted by the outside world. I know that Jesus has forgiven me but I can do a better job of making a concentrated effort of treating each day like it was Easter! That may come in the form of reading a devotional, doing a bible study, attending worship regularly, praying and sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Or finding a church to attend while on vacation and gathering the family together for evening devotions. It may be doing something kind and unexpected for someone else without intending anything in return. I can do better and if you’re still reading this, during this Easter season I challenge my Noteworthy Mommy readers to do better…treat each and everyday like it is Easter! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

I found this in my daughter’s art table. No fancy paper or script but just the reminder I need each and every day of the year!

Fifty & Fabulous!…50 New Things During My 50th Year

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On Christmas Day, December 25, 2021, I turned 50! Although I had some small celebrations with family and friends around my actual birthday, I chose to celebrate my BIG 50 for an entire year! If Walt Disney World can do it, why can’t I? During my 50th year I am going to do 50 things I have never done before. Some things will be small like reading a book I have never read, seeing a movie I’ve never seen or eating a new food. Others may be a bit more complex like trying a new hobby, experiencing a new activity or traveling to an unseen destination. Throughout the year I will challenge myself by participating in activities that force me to reach outside of my comfort zone. This will be a year filled with learning and discovery! I hope to include family and friends on some of my adventures, so if you have suggestions to add to my list please comment below. I’ll be documenting my “50 new things during my 50th year” on Noteworthy Mommy so make sure to check back often to keep up with my adventures. I look forward to experiencing 50 new things this year!

Celebrating my 50th Christmas Birthday with a giant donut!