Happy Birthday

I have a really special birthday today. As I was contemplating the reason why I love my husband, I have come up with a couple really good ones:

1) Gary teaches me not to take life too seriously. Sometimes I still do, but I laugh a lot too.
2) He is a really good dad. He is the type of dad who lives for playing with L, and she is crazy about him.
3) He is an excellent financeer.
4) He is a very good friend. People are lucky to have him as a friend.
5) He is very compassionate.
6) He loves to cuddle....me too.

I love him more than I know. Happy Birthday, G!

Ode to Erika

Just used my first CVS ECB's today, quite exciting. Bill totalled $11, with $11 ECBs in return. Need to get two cards so I can get double the deals, and I still haven't figured out the coupon thing, but I'm getting the Sunday paper this sat.

Thanks, Erika

Garage Sale

Last Thursday I cleaned out Lily's closet, because her clothes were starting to not fit. I had a box of bigger sizes from several people, but I realized she still was lacking in a few departments, like shirts, Sunday shoes, and few other things.

So 7am after working at the peanut factory all night (that is a side story I might indulge in one day) I went to the Sienna garage sale. It was a success. I had to sort through many things, but here is what I found for $22. That is 13 things!



And this dress too.And yes, she didn't NEED the cowgirl boots, but they were so cute. And she has this shirt that say "Got Boots" with a picture of red cowgirl boots, that won't fit until next year, but she loves 'em. They were my only indulgence.

Vive Mexico!

This weekend deserves several posts, but first I will indulge in this one. We just came back from a Mexican birthday party. It was crazy. My friend Tahira (an Indian who grew up with only her mom), who married into a Hispanic family used to tell me how crazy parties were, but this was my first. The party started at 4 pm. L and the daughter don't know each well, but are nearly the same age, and very nice, so I thought it would be fun to attend so they could get to know each other better.

First of all, despite the Father and his whole family being American, I think I was the only one for the first three hours that spoke only English. I felt a little out of place, but even more out of place when Gary (my translator) left for priesthood session at church.

I knew at 6 when the food was still not served, that it was going to be a long party, and I guess according to Mexican etiquette, you do not arrive on time, (an hour or two late is fine).

L absolutely had a ball. Between the marionettes, dancing, pinata, learning Happy Birthday in a different language, Vive Mexico chants, and wonderful brisket filled tacos, it was quite the day. She cried when we left.

She did have candy, jello, and cake to feed her for a week, and was asleep within five minutes of getting home.

I'm tired too. I bet the birthday girl's mom is too. Mexicans sure know how to party.

This makes me kinda miss not having lots of family around. I don't know how many were family, but I am assuming the majority, besides that the Hispanic culture has an openness about them where everyone feels like family. I love that when my other Hispanic neighbors comes over I always get greeted with kisses, and friendliness.

To recant we got there about 4:15, and left the party about 8:15 (we didn't wait for opening of presents.) The party is still going strong, and I am going to bed.