To Turbo, With Love

Dear Turbo,

Today, as you embark on your thirty-third journey around the sun, I want to wish you the best trip ever.
To celebrate this year, I've decided to do things simply. I did not buy you gifts (sorry, no gummy boobs, engraved flasks, autographed books, or, to Nate's displeasure, video games). Rather than give you things that collect dust, or an awesome sandwich that won't last the hour, I wanted to say thanks for the things you do every day that make you special to us.
So...Thanks for making us laugh every day (even if you make us mad first), for keeping your cool when I lose mine, for being a voice of reason. Thanks for warming the car up when it's cold, making dinner when I'm tired, helping with homework when it's too hard. Thanks for teaching us life lessons (like getting up early is just as cool as staying up late), for making great coffee and even better pizza pannies. Thanks for the big stuff (like choosing to go to work every day) but most importantly for the little stuff (like waking up with us every morning).
Tonight, instead of a pile of gifts, you'll be welcomed home with kid-crafted cards, a special dinner, and a cake made by your favorite budding chef. I hope you enjoy it.
Happy Birthday.
Karleen