My husband, John grew up in a family of thirteen children!! His parents did a lovely job raising them insuring that they all had charming childhoods, teaching virtues such as hard work, integrity, respect, faith and love. John’s mother was a wonderful cook and baker and insisted that all thirteen children had happy, celebrated birthdays. On their special day, each child was allowed to choose their favorite dinner for the evening and of course, their favorite dessert. My husband and his twin sister always chose the same birthday dessert year after year, as my husband’s twin, Josie chose German Chocolate cake and my husband chose All-American apple pie. (Clearly, John was destined to be my husband for he understood at an early age pie’s allure and magnificence.) After dinner, much anticipated birthday gifts were opened as the whole family watched with excitement. Balloons were then passed out as all the children romped in the living room with smiling faces, contented bellies in magical “birthdayland” euphoria.