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?
Link up with Galit of These Little Waves and I for Memories Captured here, the linky closes tonight, August 17 at 9.00pm! Our sponsor this month is the fabulous Visions in Vinyl, who create gorgeous vinyl decals for your home. Two lucky linkers will win a decal worth $30 each (including shipping)! Winners will be chosen via random.org.
Latest posts by Alison (see all)
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Hi, I'm Alison. I write. I mother. I make wishes. I keep memories. Founder of Little Love Media, social media consultancy. I get by on copious amounts of chocolate, cupcakes, coffee, blogging & social media.
Happy birthday!!! I love this list. Your values and heart for family and friends, and of course, your boys are so evident here.
Adrienne recently wrote…Do you drink in front of your kids?
Thank you Adrienne!
Have a blessed birthday! Mother’s love is the greatest, indeed.
jamie recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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!
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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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!
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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Playa
Thank you Alma! Uh-oh, both my kids have dimples!
40 is the new 36, haven’t you heard?
Aw, those are some pretty amazing wishes for your sons. You’re a good mama. They are SO lucky.
Bruna recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Snapshots
Thank you Jessica! And I know you’ll come up with a fabulous list
Happy Birthday!! You have an awesome wish list for your sons! They’re lucky to have you for their mama! xo
MamaCassie recently wrote…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. recently wrote…Amaya’s Version of the National Anthem
Thank you, and you’re too kind
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 recently wrote…Swirls of sisterhood
Thank you Amy! 30 is baby!
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 recently wrote…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!
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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…I’m So Proud! *sniff*
Yay, still mid 30′s! And thank you!
Happy birthday!
Blond Duck recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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
I absolutely LOVE this. What a perfect list for your children.
Happy Birthday!!
thedoseofreality recently wrote…The Reality Of Yes Day
Thanks so much Ashley!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mine’s in March!
Tricia recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…A very special wine giveaway. Yes, WINE! ($100 value!)
Thank you Jen!
Happy Birthday Allison! Great wishes for your little one, my favorite one is #18. Wishing you many more Birthdays.
KalleyC recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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. recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Back to school shopping with Cookie’s Kids
It was pretty good, thanks Jackie!
Happy birthday! Oh, I wish I could remember the time I was thirty six!
JanBierens recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Newborn Photo Sneak Peek!
I sure will try and thank you! Hope you’re doing well with the baby.
Love this!!! Happy Birthday to you
Michelle recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Essence of Now – Bridal Shower
Leighann, you’re too sweet!
((((( 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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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.
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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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
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 recently wrote…A Multi-Coffee Morning
Thank you so much! You can always do a wish list for your kids for …. Christmas?
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 recently wrote…Traveling with children. Boost that immune system.
Thank you Jamie, and I did!
Happy Bday! What a sweet post.
Asianmommy recently wrote…Great Spots in Philadelphia for Kids
Thank you!
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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Friday Tapas: The Reclusive Edition
Thank you for the birthday wish! So much for social media, eh?
Eh, 38 is young!
Happy Birthday! I am 36, too. It’s treating pretty decently, so far.
Hope it’s a great year for you!
tracey recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Save The Goats
I did, I did!! And yay!
Happy belated birthday, Alison! Such a sweet post. P.S. 36 looks good on you!
Janine (sugarkissed.net) recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…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 recently wrote…Watching, and Seeing
Thank you, for all of that. xo
So sorry I missed your birthday…I hope it was a grand one!
Leslie recently wrote…Turning Three
Eh, you have a new baby, it’s totally okay and understandable!