Happy Birthday ...again???

Yes, April is filled with Birthdays in our family. Tom turned 40 this month. We had a lovely time celebrating with a few friends and family. The original plan was to go for a lite dinner at The Edison then pop over to Griffith Observatory to view the planetarium show. Edison wanted $1,100 to reserve the room (yeah - so not going to happen. So we decided to visit Clifton's and then the observatory. Tom went that morning to pick up tickets and they wouldn't sell them to him...they will only sell tickets one hour before the show. As a friend pointed out 'They have turned yet one more lovely park into a government run illogical DMV experience'. Soooo plans
changed again. Final outcome: Clifton's for dinner and Wicked for those who could join us (major discount found & totally worth it!)
Lets say Clifton's is definitely worth the trip to
downtown LA - but you must experience its ambiance in a group setting. Not just for the shared opportunity but for safety too. The restaurant has been there forever, and done cafeteria style. And you
get a ton of food for the choices that you made, not to mention there was nothing tasteless and bland like so many remember from similar situations. The intent is to visit again for lunch...let us know if you would like to join us.
Wicked was awesome. Each of our wonderful guests had never been. The joy was found in watching them enjoy it and share the fun.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom's birthday is today. While the family remains busy with other things I decided to take a stroll down memory lane regarding my Mom. I appreciate all the hard work and effort she spent trying to raise us to fear God more than man, be kind to our siblings, seek out others who need to be cheered up, be a friend to those who need one, and the many other character traits that I'm sure I take for granted.
I remember hearing these often:
'You will welcome the friendships you have with your sister/brother later. Maybe not now - but you will.'
'The day is lovely - go play in it.' (Remember locking us outside while she ate a bowl of pudding.)
'This hurts me more than it hurts you.'
Making cookies from scratch and missing the baking soda (Shan that may be the problem with yours)
A birthday cake in the shape of a bear
The battle of wills over driving the car (she won eventually - I can now drive.)
'Did you have toys when you were a kid?' (now I get the same question)
Our home being a place that was welcoming for all
Attention to details that create comfortable parties
A place one can still go and take a nap
Cereal that was 'good for you' vs. 'stuff that will ruin your teeth'
Note napkins in our lunches for school
Hugs we needed but often refused to admit were enjoyed after discipline
Patience with 4 very active children who went in 4 very different directions

We love you Mom! Happy Birthday!

Happy Happy Birthday!

Yes, it has been awhile. I did want to post a few pictures from the 'get them all done at once birthday' dinner. It was wonderful having Gretch and Alan down for a visit. Someday we hope to have them stay with us too! Grandma came up for a visit too. We enjoyed seeing her as well