The kids and I got a nice early start yesterday, and we actually made good use of it by doing all of their schoolwork before co-op. Then I spent a few hours talking oven pancakes and My Little Pony with a shrewdness of homeschoolers, and after co-op Rockford met me at home to hang out with the kids for a bit while I went to DMV to renew my drivers license.

Poppy had “Nutcracker” rehearsal yesterday evening, so I got to open my presents — new shoes! unicorn socks! record-album coasters! — early. After Poppy’s rehearsal, we met some friends at Firehouse Subs so I could get my free birthday brisket sandwich.

And then we went back home, where my friend Carrie presented me with the Best Carrot Cake Ever, which she made with lots and lots of cream cheese frosting.

It was a tasty, tasty birthday.