Category: Birthdays

My birthweek began on April 11th, by redeeming my FREE birthday coupons!

First, my love took me to Zoe’s Kitchen, where I received a completely free lunch! (Just my Turkey Stack–we purchased Jorge’s meal, and our Hummus Trio 😀 ).

We went next door immediately after we finished eating and redeemed my coupon for my free mini-bundt at Nothing Bundt Cakes! I got the White Chocolate Raspberry for free and we purchased the Red Velvet one. (Even if I’ve got coupons for free stuff, I feel guilty and have to buy something!) Mmmmmm.

I pigged out on it with my love and John at home in the evening and the girls shared the red velvet one. The day’s gluttony sent me into a spiral of guilt, so onto the DREADMILL I went.

I much prefer the great outdoors, but it was dark and Jorge doesn’t allow me to run out there for fear of someone kidnapping me lol, but at least I got to catch up on an episode of Grey’s. (Had I mentioned Jorge and I were fiending for more episodes so we started the entire series over again!) 😆

The next day, April 12th, I asked Sally if I could take her out for lunch, since her birthday is the day before mine, on the 13th. She said instead of me taking her out, we’d take each other out to Cheddar’s and split the check in half (she always does that on our birthdays instead of letting me take her 😆 ). We did our usual catching up during my extended lunch, and feasted on our entree and then a delicious dessert!

I feel sincerely blessed to be able to spend another birthday together with this gal! I love her!

On the 13th, Michelle took me out to Cheddar’s to celebrate my birthday (I could go to Cheddar’s every day!). Jorge and EZ went to celebrate with us, too 🙂 .

The next day, on my actual birthday, my love treated me to Hop Tung, where I had some steak Pho! It’s SO GOOD!

Then later we had cake at work to celebrate!

Mario took the kids to see me after they got out of school, before I got out of work, which I was really grateful for. It was, unfortunately, his weekend with them and we “switch” on Thursdays. Eenan gave me a drawing (like he has for the past few years ?) of Hello Kitty and Emily gave me a My Little Pony for my shelf <3! I went to visit Gramma right after work. We chit-chatted and took some selfies. She's getting a lot better at them, hehe!

I got home and changed into my evening attire (i.e. very casual clothing, heh). Michelle, EZ and of course my love and I were going to Suerte Bar & Grill for Selena Tribute Night. It became a HUGE event! We even had to buy tickets to get in!

It took a bit to find parking, but we met up with EZ and Michelle. It was a weeknight so Sally couldn’t get away 😕 .

By the time we got in, of course, Suerte was packed. So we opted for Thirsty Monkey right behind Suerte (they’re Sister bars), where the celebration was carrying on, too. We walk in and Yazmin is handing out glow sticks and toy mics. I was surprised to see her. It still freaks me out how grown up she is!

So we hang out, and are later joined by Jr. and we watch the (entire) Selena movie at Thirsty Monkey. Michelle and I sing like fools throughout the movie (even before any cocktails were involved 😆 !) and then we order our food and drinks.

It was so awesome to be there with all these strangers just singing out loud and sharing our love for Selena. It was the best!!

When the movie was over, we made our way back to Suerte and there was a LINE outside. We showed our wristbands and we got in pretty fast.

There was music all night, a look-alike contest and even karaoke, but karaoke was taking place at 12:30 and we were already tired and sleepy by midnight 😆 .

It was one of the best birthdays, ever!

Ugh. I feel like death warmed over. I told myself I’m not doing anything today; the kids and I are just going to be bums while I get over this darn cold. I NEVER get sick, ever, and when I do, I feel like I’m seconds from dying. I’m dramatic, what can I say.

I’ll update on the last week, since it was essentially a good one all around.

We were kid-less last weekend and both Jorge and I were feeling like not being cooped up in the house for once, so once I went to the bank after work I got home and we got ready to go have dinner. It took us a while to find a place, because we’re both indecisive but we ended up at Kumori. 2 Kumori’s. The first had tons of people and we were sort of ignored, so we got up and went to the one at Uptown, where we ran into Jeremy, Jorge’s old co-worker and friend.

Then we came home and continued our Breaking Bad binge :).

Alaethia had a UIL meet the next morning so I met Mary and the girls at the school the meet was hosted at. We met up with John and Audrey and all moved on to the hall where their writing meet was being held. It was much less chaotic than the cafeteria, thank goodness. The whole thing took about 1 hour and the girls emerged from the classroom and we were off. I came home and cleaned my bedroom a bit (I NEED to stop being a paper hoarder! I get so lazy throwing out important papers I *might* need some day but probably never will and I feel guilty throwing out the girls’ school work/projects. Ugh.) I kept myself pretty busy and then Mom and I went to Walmart, then Target, where I unsuccessfully tried to find something to wear for Jorge’s Company Holiday Party. But I did find some awesome planner supplies in that darn Dollar Spot!

Gets me every time! I’ve been avoiding Target like the plague; didn’t even do much Christmas shopping there because then I want to buy things for myself and I had to FOCUS over the holidays. *pats self on head*

We finished running errands, Mom and I, then visited Gramma. It was dinner time for her so I fed her her entire tray and then we chit-chatted some more before we came home. I debated rushing to Ross (always my last resort) to find something to wear, but I knew I really wouldn’t have time and I didn’t want to make Jorge and I late, so I wore one of my roomy, dressy blouses and threw on some jeans and boots.

The Company dinner was at Pappadeaux! One of my faves. We said hi to everyone, as half the company was already there, all timely. Jorge’s bosses sat next to us and across from us were Cesar and his girlfriend. We had a good chat about various subjects and then we played a trivia game. It was fun. And then of course came dinner, which I didn’t get a photo of because I devoured it. Tilapia and spaghetti squash, yum. I did get a photo of us, and our dessert, though!

The next day we spent quite literally being lazy. Wait, I think we left the house for tacos at one point? Yes, I believe so. I kept stalling going grocery shopping and by the time we knew it, Briana and the kids arrived! They came down for the weekend to celebrate Nick’s birthday. We got ready and went to Incredibowl (formerly Valley Bowl). I’ve been to bowling alley’s before, but have never in my life played.

Jorge tried teaching me, but I was awful till about halfway through, and by then it was too late! I was afraid I was going to slip and fly with the ball like they do in the movies buahaha.

Still, we had fun with the kids and the food was good, too!

Definitely need to take all the kiddos!

We got home and I was not happy about having to go to the groceries so late, but I knew I’d hate it even more if I had to go after work the next day. So I sucked it up and went. Then I was exhausted when I got home and fell asleep during Breaking Bad. Blah!

It was an overall low-key week at work, compared to all the other weeks! We had to get ready for our very first music in the park-type event at the Food Truck Park, and we had no idea how that would go, we just hoped it would be successful. We had other tasks throughout the week, too, like Michelle and I taking our Grant winners shopping for their supplies, so that takes up a good amount of the day.

Alaethia got home from school with a trophy for 2nd place in Ready Writing UIL! So proud of her! She’s gotten 2 1st place trophies and now a 2nd place one!!

I started the week out perfectly, but I woke up feeling like mush on Tuesday. I had the beginnings of a sore throat and my ears were stuffy, so I started chugging down OJ and green tea, and remembered to take my vitamins everyday. I felt great by the end of the day, though, and suggested eating at the Food Park to Jorge. (I’d taken a payment from the owners earlier that day and they reminded me for the 2nd time that I still hadn’t tried out the food!) He agreed, and the girls of course were all for it.

We decided to try Bliss Street Food out, since we hadn’t tried it yet, and we weren’t disappointed. The owners even sent out some fajita nachos on the house!

The temp. was quickly dropping and I started to get chills right when we were standing in line. The girls had showered before Jorge and I got home and their hair was still damp, so we got our food to-go.

We were so hungry I didn’t even get pics, heh. I had the Mexican Gyro (OMG, so good!), Jorge had the Gringas (tacos), Alaethia had the pork tacos (she’s a firm believer in Taco Tuesday) and Emily had wings.

The next day was Jorge’s 33rd birthday! I couldn’t get the morning off, but I got to get the afternoon off after lunch. Michelle and I took some of our Grant winners shopping and then we got back to the office where I got some things squared away for the event on Friday and then I left work. I stopped for some cheesecake for my love and some snacks to go along with his iTunes cards I got him for his birthday. He kept insisting we not get him anything, but I know he’ll always use iTunes cards so I got him those :).

He’d gotten 3 days off during the week to just relax, which I’m glad for. He finished getting ready when I got home and then I took him out to lunch to Kumori (his choice!).

Even though I could hardly swallow my food, I gave it my all! Everything in that photo is my absolute favorite!

We ran some errands, got some Starbucks and then we had a quick break at home before picking up Alaethia from Chess practice. Mario had dropped Emily off already with Mom. So we picked up Alaethia and then we hung around at home. Alaethia asked, “So! Where are we going for Daddy’s birthday?!” Jorge and I look at each other and I say, “Well, I took Daddy out on a date for lunch sort of late. Where did you want to go?” She said, “That fancy restaurant we always go to.” Pappadeaux! It’s usually where we go for his birthday, but since we’d just gone on Saturday with his co-workers and bosses we decided to do something different. After much debate, we decided on IHOP, heh.

I could hardly stand my throat by then. But we had a great time :).

Thursday afternoon was going to be a hectic one. I get out of work earlier than usual on Thursdays since Alaethia has UIL practice. So I picked her up, and then we went home and changed since Audrey, Maddie and my girls were going to try and Zumba Kids class with their classmates. I’d been wanting to put the girls in SOME kind of class, but everything is either to expensive, or it conflicts with my work schedule. This would work out, if they decided to join. Emily had been excited about it and then decided that day that she’d rather not participate; she’d just watch.

We get there and they’re the first ones. Sofia, Brianna, Audrey and Maddie get there with their moms and they instantly get into it. Even Emily, who was in jeans and sandals, decides to join. They had a great time and Jenny and I signed the girls up straight away :).

I’M even considering starting the Zumba class! It’s not my forte, seeing as how I’m extremely uncoordinated, but it looked like a great workout!

The girls finished up and we drove the 30 minutes it takes to pick up the boys. Picked up pizza on the way home, got them all ready for bed and Jorge and I continued our Breaking Bad streak–until I passed out on the couch, like always. He’s such a patient man :D!

Friday was finally here, I felt so much better, despite the occassional coughing fit every now and then. We spent the morning making sure we had everything ready for the Food Park that evening.

Once that was done my love and I had lunch at Zoe’s to celebrate some good news I’d gotten that morning, while I caught up with the Breaking Bad episodes I’d missed ^_^.

Michelle and I once again had some Grant shopping to do with the ladies, so that made the afternoon go by quickly. Who’da thought I’d get to do/shop for crafty things in my job??

We went to the Park to check things out and once the guys moved some stuff around we went back up to our offices where I did some last-minute social media stuff and then left to pick up the kids. I had to time it all correctly especially since there’s always that 5 o’clock traffic jam in Penitas!

We got back to my office just in time and I took the kids in to pee before going back to the park. I had them find a good seat on the bleachers while I went around taking photos and talking to a few of the Food Truck owners.

Our singer that night looks and sounds like Taylor Swift, so the girls (and boys) were immediately smitten.

Jorge stopped by for The Teenager (Eenan) who wasn’t interested in the event but posed for a photo for Mama like a good sport and we switched for Justin, heh.

The kids had a great time, the weather was awesome, the food was tasty and the music was great. I was glad to see we had a good turnout! Excited for the next one!

I got home with all the kiddos, dropped them off and then John and I went to get groceries. Then we got home and stayed up watching Breaking Bad. We have one episode to go!!

I don’t know if it was because it was chilly again by the time the event was over, or that I stayed up late or WHAT, but I woke up feeling awful today. Probably worse than what I felt Tuesday. I can’t believe I forgot to buy OJ!!

Ok, Emily keeps popping in to check when I’m going to be “done,” so I guess I am! Going to think of what to make for dinner for everyone.

I’m so sad that Halloween is over!

Briana had been planning an Alice in Wonderland themed party for Mia for about 8 months. I, myself, have always wanted to go to a Wonderland party so I was super excited.

The girls’ costumes were easy: they wanted to be Kitty Cheshire (Emily) and Madeleine Hatter (Alaethia) from Ever After High, so that worked out.

Dina was amazing and got card costumes for all 5 boys, and a King costume for Jules.

Jorge decided that he’d be the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp version, of course) and although I was undecided between Cheshire Cat and The Queen of Hearts, I eventually decided I’d do a mashup of the Queen of Hearts from Disney and the Red Queen from Tim Burton’s version. Pinterest became my best friend. Heh.

I also offered to help with the candy buffet table, so I got tons of awesone jars and vases from Dollar Tree, and bought things here and there from Walmart, which is also where I got the tulle for my skirt, which took me the entirety of a kidless Sunday to complete.

I also bought the rick-rack and satin for my cami-turned top at Walmart. Now I just had to figure out how to sew everything!

Last week was certainly a creative-y and DIY-y one. First, the girls had Red Ribbon Week, which encourages them to dress up according to an anti-drug theme daily.

Monday was 80’s Day. I’m sad I couldn’t find fishnet gloves for them, but at least they had legwarmers!

We attended the boys’ (Jaylen and Jorgie’s) last football game that evening. We miss Justin’s because he plays at the same time as Jaylen :(.

Mary took the girls shopping for boots right after the game, so they were ready for Give Drugs the Boot on Tuesday.

This was the evening Emily and I finished up her Sam I Am pumpkin character and book report.

And also the evening I worked on Jorge’s Mad Hatter eyebrows, which I made with orange feathers :D, and my scepter, which Jorge helped me with, and my white roses that were painted red (with red puff paint).

The next day was jean day and Picnic with Parents Day at the girls’ school. It was nice to hang out with them and, John, Jenny and the girls :).

Thursday was jersey day :).

It was Mario’s week, but we agreed to switch Thursdays, so i picked up the boys and we got pizza for dinner. Dina, Briana, Javi and the kids arrived that day, as well :). Once the kids were in bed, I worked on my crown. I cut and glitter decopaged the heck out of a blue Solo cup and stuck it to one of the girls’ old headbands.

I was pretty satisfied with it :).

I was pleasantly surprised that the girls’ school was allowing them to dress up in their costumes on Friday. I dressed them up, sans wigs, with a little bit of blush and lip gloss :).

I rushed to work, and was annoyed that it was so drizzly and damp since I’d spent 45 minutes flat-ironing my hair *sigh*. Our driver was already at work and we waited for my boss since we had a delegation from Tampico visiting. It was run, run, run till about 3pm, when they finished with their agenda and we dropped them off. I finished some stuff up at the office and rushed home to meet Briana, Dina, Javi and the kids.

Jorgie and Justin wanted to come over and were dropped off at our house seconds before we were leaving to a Halloween event in Peñitas. I was glad, since Jorge had already been told they weren’t allowed to be with us this Halloween. My kiddos ended up meeting us there with their dad, and we met Lisa and Noni, too. It was a free event and the kids had fun in the moonjumps, haunted house and eating :).

We got home and I finished my costume. At 1am. Briana and my love were kind enough to stay up and help me with the sleeves, because those sleeves were about to give me a stroke. Hadn’t busted out the old sewing machine in a long time, and I couldn’t for the life of me get the direction of the sleeves right! But hallelujah, I was done!

Jorge had to work the next morning so Briana and I cleaned up. She started hanging decorations in the trees and I cleaned my bathroom (for the sole reason my cats are gross, not for the party). The lawn guy showed up so I went to get cash out, paid him, then went to pick up my kiddos from Mario’s work. I dropped them off at home, picked up tables and chairs with John, the boys unloaded them, and then I started on the white chocolate covered pretzels and Oreos. I realized I was going to be short on white chocolate, so I went to HEB. Got home with groceries, filled containers with candies and the girls finished getting ready. Then Jorge and I got ready. I did his face paint, he sprayed my hair red and Briana helped me with my fake eyelashes and Jorge’s orange eyebrows. We got dressed and joined everyone outside.

Of course I took tons of photos. I would have taken even more but my phone was running out of space! I missed out on several things since I was fumbling, trying to switch the save option to my memory card. I didn’t even get a pic of the candy buffet table!! And I didn’t take more than one pic (the group pic) of Eenan since he was mopey due to friend stuff. But I still got some pretty great shots!

The kids played the rest of the evening and then the dads, uncles and grandma’s stayed behind while the Moms took all the kiddos out to trick-or-treat. (All except Eenan, of course!)

We stuck to Jenny’s neighborhood and it was safe, not crowded and pretty fast to get through the houses. We even visited with Jenny, John and the girls for a bit.

When the kids the adults had had enough, we packed everyone in the cars and came home. The adults laughed and joked around and then later on the little ones all sprawled on picnic blankets and pillows on the porch to watch Alice in Wonderland, and then later a Halloween movie I can’t recall the name of.

Halloween is going to be hard to top after this one!