Birthday Bow Out

Remember my mention of the Birthday Marathon? Well my birthday is the last one of this season's string of birthdays and so we have ended with a big bang. In case you forgot my fascination for my birthday, allow me to refresh your memory. It's ridiculous. I know. But I can't apologize because it's true and that is that. I hope that I will forever have that giddy feeling when I wake up on the morning of my birthday, that it will be a grand day. *

I'm so spoiled rotten by my husband and the Wee that it's near being considered a crime. Here is a taste of what my 26th birthday was like:

• I woke up to find that Jason was gone and that Luka had become a ninja and crawled out of bed without waking me up and was roaming around the house. I quickly assessed the state of the house and was surprised to note that nothing was out of place or otherwise destroyed. Luka's first present for me. I played with him and waited around for a little while for Jason to return from his mysterious absence, waited some more and then gave up and started prepping for breakfast. I was going to make blackberry waffles. I had only gotten as far as sifting the flour when Jason showed up with a "Happy Birthday!" and a bag full of breakfast and two iced mochas. Wheeeee! We sat down to eat our delicious breakfast burritos and Jason announced that this was the extent of his cooking abilities (he won't can't cook). I laughed and enjoyed it just as much as if he would have cooked it himself.
• After breakfast Jason made me hide inside the house while he set up Luka's gift to me on the porch. He gave me a beautiful purple plant! So pretty!
• He then informed me that I was to show up at the internet café at 12:15 with Luka and everything that Luka would need for the rest of the day. Hmmm....ok then. Imagine the wheels turning in my head trying to figure out what was next. I never would have guessed what was coming...
• We showed up at the café and what did I find? Jason had set up the table and placed small plates of nuts at each place setting. He then proceeded to bring plate after lovely plate of an assortment of tapas (fancy finger foods) set out very artistically and topped off with tropical flowers. Nuts, my favorite cheeses, fruits, crackers and smoothies. It was delicious! The kids that live by the cafe had seen him set everything up and their heads kept popping up around the windows trying to see how our date progressed. We shared the fare with them, of course and they were very sweet and gave me wishes of a happy day.
  
• Jason had arranged for Luka to be kept by a babysitter for the rest of the day, giving me a chance to do whatever I wanted. Whatever I wanted? What is this concept??? I had forgotten it existed. The truth is, I had no idea what to do with myself and so I simply relaxed at the house, gave myself a manicure and pedicure, talked with friends and family and read the dozens of well wishes that I received from loved ones on facebook (and responded to each one...I figure, if someone took the time to love on me, the least I can do is love on them back). It was bliss.
• My final instruction for the day was to be ready at 6:20. So I curled my hair and dressed up for fun's sake and was ready more like at 6:26. What? I am Honduran after all...the land of the late. Six minutes late is not that bad. Trust me.
  
• Jason took me to our favorite little restaurant, La Fogata, which some good friends of ours own, and we ate and talked on a private little terrace that is on the second floor of their hotel. So cozy and tucked away. So fun.
• As we went back down to the restaurant to pay and say goodbye to our friends, Patricia, the owner surprised me and brought out a big cake that she had made while we ate our dinner. It was delicious and we sat and talked with them for another hour, the whole time glancing nervously at our watches (well, Jason's watch because I don't own one and don't want to own one...Honduran, remember?) knowing that we were late, waaay late for picking Luka up from the babysitter. We finally pulled ourselves away to get him. The sitter was nice but looked about ready to drop, which Luka did on the short ride home.

The day was bliss. It was fun and I was surrounded by love and a deep sense that I am truly, deeply blessed by God. I really couldn't ask for more. Well, one of these would be nice, but that is beside the point. Thank you God for a beautiful life, and thank you friends and family who have given me your love. A happy birthday, indeed.

Oh the burst of flavors!

Sigh...what a romantic man. XOXOX

I know, I had no makeup on. Don't judge!

A man got his car stuck in front of our driveway and there was no one else around to help him out, so I donned my super rain boots on and pushed him out. This was the result.

Opening my present. Aaaaand could my mouth be any bigger? It almost looks like the The Rolling Stones icon.

I can't tell you what my present is because it is a secret...that will be revealed in due time. But it makes me very happy.

Felipe and Patricia at La Fogata. Love them! And their food. It's incredible. If you ever come visit us, we will surely go there.

It may look funny, but it was delicious! M.m.mm.

* Birthday fact: It always, always, for as far back as I can remember, rains on my birthday. No matter what country I am in or what season it is in that country, it will always rain. It may be a drizzle, it may be a downpour, but the sky breaks down. Why so sad sky? It's a happy day!