23

While we were in San Diego, we celebrated my sister Amy's birthday (hence the title, since she turned 23).  It was Sunday, so in our best efforts to keep the Sabbath holy, we decorated using things found around the condo.  We didn't bring tape, scissors, or string - not even markers (highlighters don't count).  Instead of a birthday banner, we used wrapping paper and wrote on it with a scripture pen, then used highlighters to accentuate the letters; instead of string, we cut up plastic grocery bags with an old knife someone had left behind, then used it to hang up the so-called banner.  We wrapped Amy's gifts and tied them with slices of grocery bags, then used all extras to decorate the top of a chair as her "birthday thrown."  By the end we felt pretty creative, using paper plates and cups to spell "happy birthday amy," which we laid out for Amy to see as she walked towards the door.

Some girls turn straw to gold (or so their fathers say).  We turn garbage to birthday decorations.  Personally, I think our way is better.