Ella's Turning What? Blog Hop

Ella Jade is celebrating her birthday by giving away presents to YOU! The grand prize is a $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) gift card, but all of the 107 bloggers participating in this lovely blog hop are offering prizes. 

When I signed up for this blog, Ella asked that we blog about a special birthday memory, a special gift, or something along that line. I didn't have to think too hard about my special birthday memory. It was the year I turned 4.

  

I should probably start off by telling you I was the only granddaughter. My family had high hopes that I would be the girly girl they all wanted. Hahaha, the joke was on them. I'm a tomboy princess.
Birthdays were a big deal in my family. My uncle and his family would gather with my grandparents and my parents for a big meal for each birthday. My grandma used to make us these beautiful cakes. (This one was chocolate with peanut butter chocolate frosting with ballerinas on top. Yes, I still remember the flavor of that frosting...years later.)

I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to hand a 4 year old a knife that size, but here I am. LOL (That's my daddy sitting beside me. Don't you love those mutton chop side burns?)

My dad was a volunteer fireman. He served with some amazing men. If they weren't family, they were very dear friends. One of my dad's friends loved to tease me mercilessly and I adored him. When Bill found out it was my birthday, he decided to crash my birthday party. As we were finishing up our dinner, Bill drove by in one of the big firetrucks and got on the loudspeaker of the truck. "HAAAAAAAPPPPPPYYYY BBBBIIRRRRRTTHHHHDDDAAAAAYYYY!" rang through the soft summer air...scaring the bejesus out of one little girl who immediately burst into tears.





This is the reason I look so somber in this picture. 

Okay, I may have been a little angry as well. I mean, my whole family laughed because they thought it was funny. I was not amused.

Bill made sure to apologize to me when he saw me next. "Sweetie, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I didn't mean to scare you." It took a big man to apologize to a 4 year old little girl.

Looking back, I don't remember the gifts I received or what food was eaten (though it looks like burgers and picnic foods), but I remember the cake and the unusual birthday wish from a very special man.

How many other little girls have gotten a birthday wish like that? Is it any wonder I love firemen like I do? *grin*

Now it's your turn:
Tell me about the most unusual birthday wish you ever received.

The winner will receive an e-copy of both Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart and Natural Born Enemies.

Happy Birthday, Ella!!! I hope it is the best birthday ever! I appreciate being able to be a part of your celebration :)