Rule of 3

"The rule of three or power of three is a writing principle that suggests that things that come in threes are funnier, more satisfying, or more effective than other numbers of things." 

                                                                                                     --Wikipedia 

Not only a communication skill, but the rule of 3 is also a religious tenet of Wicca that believes whatever energy a person puts out into the world, be it positive or negative, it will be returned to that person three times (also courtesy of Wikipedia--God bless Wikipedia).

Whichever version you choose to follow, the rule of 3 was in full effect today in our house.

1.  Russell Wilson, number 3 on the the Seattle Seahawks, overcame a knee injury to lead the team in victory over the New York Jets.

2.  Someone, who also happened to be wearing a number 3 Seattle Seahawks jersey, celebrated his 3rd birthday.

Ack! I know, right?  How is the baby bird possibly 3!?!  He was just born like maybe a year ago.

Robin was so excited to turn three.  I was surprised to learn he even knew his birthdate.  We had a very chill day full of snuggles.

We baked his birthday cake (gluten free funfetti with blue frosting and blue sprinkles). Then Robin and I made a trip to Third Place Commons for some special book buying (he chose Pom Pom Panda Gets the Grumps) and a side trip to buy a blue mylar balloon.

Robin napped while his siblings ran in a cross country meet.  On their way home, they stopped to buy him some small presents.  Linus selected a dinosaur I have never heard of.  He, Dave, and Eileen then spent the rest of the afternoon constructing a habitat for it.

In the evening, Sally and Gino, Tim, and my parents came over.  We feasted on wine, grapes, and Little Ceasars.  Robin opened presents like a pro.  Dave and I gave him Tegu blocks (magnetic and super cool), but I think he liked Grandma's present best of all, his own little picnic set.  One of Robin's favorite activities right now is to play picnic with Grandma.

Cakey Goodness.

Happy birthday Robin!......Wait a minute.  If you only counted 2, you are correct.  A rule of 3 requires 3.

3.  I love my brother, Tim.  I will do whatever I can to support him.  At his birthday, we started plotting how he was going to "ruin" Robin's birthday.  You see, my little brother is gay.  It was something he struggled with for a long time. He has been out to the rest of the world, but not our parents.  Knowing there would be strength in numbers, I gave him permission to come out at Robin's birthday celebration.

     In preparation I bought party horn blowers.  That way as soon as he announced he was gay, we could all just start blowing horns and cheering.  It totally worked.  I think the horn blowing covered any awkward silences that might have otherwise happened.  Our parents surprised us.  My mom told Tim she would always love him and just wanted him to be happy.  My dad sort of half smiled/half laughed, and said that he had had the thought a few years ago that Tim might be gay.  I saw Tim choke back a few tears.  I was so proud of him.

    And then, that was that.  We ate cake.  Laughed.  Played with the kids.  There was loud boisterous political discussions.  It was a celebration of family.

The rule of 3.