Happy Birthday to Me!

29 all over again...

Thank you all for making me feel loved and appreciated. It all started a week ago Friday. My parents took Lee and I out for lunch at a nice restaurant on Pine Ave. called Le'Opera. I had thee best Butternut Squash ravioli topped with Sage ever. Great time! On my actual birthday, I went to lunch at El Torito (for free - birthday coupon) with my parents. Ate their delicious buffet - made to order fajitas with hand made corn tortillas. Are you guessing that I have gained 5 pounds? The kids came home and I made strawberry/banana smoothies. Then I ordered my favorite thing: ribs and mashed potatoes (had a coupon at Naples rib company for $10 off). Earlier in the day, Brooke helped me make brownies. We had that with mint and chip ice cream. Brooke's favorite part was licking the bowl and then letting the dog lick it up after her.



I opened up presents from Lee and the kids. They all did a great job of picking out Reese's pieces for me, a few shirts and the MJ movie "This is It." My brother sent movie tickets, others gave me money, Gift card, chips, wonderful cards, facebook wishes and lovely lip gloss. A few kind souls wanted to be nice to Lee and gave me a new piece of lingerie. I am also looking forward to a steak lunch with my favorite gal, Tami. Blessed indeed, right?



I had so much fun on Friday night as 8 ladies came over to my parent's house (they went to a movie) and played games until a little after midnight. I was in heaven! We ate the most delicious pizza cookies topped with ice cream. Yummy! They were all such good sports to let me play about 4 different games with them. Oh what a night...



In addition to a Kohl's gift card, Summer gave me two $10 off of a $20 purchase. So I was able to get a $50 dress that was on sale today for $30, out the door for $20. That was a deal, especially since it is my favorite style and fabric for a dress. Sage found a nice $20 shirt that was marked down to $4. The fun part is always in the dressing room. Sage asking me why I am putting so many things in the cart to only come out of the store with 2 things for me. They just don't fit or look right!



Still have shopping to do. I am looking for a nice painting to go in our front room.

Birthday time in November

Michael lighting the 9 candles on his cake.

Libby watching Uncle Jon lighting her 7 candles.

Here's my big brother (I think this is his debut on my blog!)

Today we had a family birthday dinner to celebrate the birthdays of Libby and her cousin Michaelson. Everyone made their own pizza and cooked it in the adobe oven that Aunt Jessica built (sorry if that is not what it is called). All the Long Beach/Lakewood cousins were there, as well as my brother, his wife and daughter (visiting from Utah). They each had their own cake: Libby a yellow with stawberry frosting, Michael an Oreo cake that we made up as we went along (thanks Sage). They were both excited about their gifts, thank you generous family.

Perry turned 11

Perry is also going to be celebrating his birthday for the next several weeks. We started with a dinner from Pizza Hut and chocolates from See's. Then we had ice cream and Oreos the next night ('cause we ate too much pizza on his birthday). Even up in Sacramento, grandparents didn't allow him to go without a yummy lemon cake (see Jenny's blog for a photo). We are still anticipating his campout party on the 20th. So tune in for the results.

Sage's 7th Birthday: Part 2

The kids being entertained by the car hops.
Grandpa Reynolds dancing on the floor with Sage, Brooke and Noah.
Grandpa Reynolds before the night began. By the end of the night, he was all smiles.

As part of her birthday celebration, Sage wanted Grandpa Reynolds to take us out to dinner. She picked Frisco's car hop, where the waitresses are on roller skates and Tony sings live. We invited some friends for more fun and entertainment. Every child, including Perry eventually got up and danced. Chloe told me that she was just going to watch, but the music got to her as well. The Klines, Astles and Hardeys grooved with Grandpa. By the end of the night he even danced with a maybe 20 something girl. He saved a dance for me as well. Sage loved all of her gifts (not necessary). Brooke was so fascinated by the skirts of the car hop girls, she actually reached out and touched them (more than once I'm afraid). Some of you may have heard that Libby wants to be a car hop when she grows up. Perry informed her that "that is not a career". Kids are funny. This was a great way to get the kids to eat (not a leftover to be found). Another precious moment: Libby and Jeremy were caught dancing.