Birthday Continuation...

One of my very favorite verses is Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

My very favorite girlfriend in this world treats me to some kind of surprise every single year for my birthday! She outdoes herself EVERY year!!! I am thankful for our friendship and for how the Lord truly spurs me on toward righteousness through Ashley.

This Monday, on my birthday, I received a package in the mail...a large manila envelope with a sweet handwritten note from Ashley, wishing me a happy birthday and letting me know that she was picking me up on Wednesday evening at 6:00 to take me out to birthday dinner and would have me home by 8:00 sharp! {She and I have babies that we must feed every three hours!! :)} Also in the package were menus to three different restaurants...nice, ritzy restaurants, I should add...to where I'd never eaten! The choice was simple for me! I chose La Mesa Grill and Cantina immediately!! I LOVE anything of Hispanic origin, especially the FOOD!!! :)

Last night rolled around, and sweet Ashley was at our doorstep at 6:00 sharp! Russell was sweet to take our picture before our FUN girls' night out!!! Russell was also VERY sweet to keep our little man for a second night in a row so that I could go out! "Thank you - Thank you, Honey!!"

La Mesa Grill and Cantina at Downtown Five Points! YUMMY!!! First, we ordered from the Salsa menu: Pineapple Salsa & Chips! The pineapple was grilled to perfection and served in a spicy, sweet sauce!Next, we chose from the Tapas menu: Fried Cheese Sticks...breaded monterey jack cheese, deep fried and served with a spicy marmalade sauce. Again, YUM!Then, we ordered this delicious entree: Crabcake Sandwich on Sourdough, served with their signature Bravas, roasted spicy potatoes with this interesting, orange spicy sauce. Delicious!!

Speaking for both of us, ALL of the above are TOP recommendations! I can't wait to go back with my hubby!!! He would enjoy everything we ordered!

For dessert, we had to splurge with one of both my and Ashley's faves...TCBY!!! Cooled the palate perfectly after a sweet and spicy hot meal! :)

"Thank you, my best and sweetest friend!! You are the best, and the Lord continues to bless my heart through you!"

On another note, we are both officially 'soccer moms'!! :) That's right...our boys may be a bit young to get out on that soccer field, but we mommies are 'playing' the part in our new 'get-ups'!!

Like our mini-vans??? :) (Ours is a Toyota Sienna; Ashley's is a Honda Odyssey!)

I'll take this opportunity to admit that even a year ago, I was completely opposed to the whole 'mini-van' idea, but with the encouragement of my sweet husband's excitement and his "they're-so-functional" comments, plus the fact that my best friend was getting one, my heart changed!! :) God is good, and we are enjoying the mini-van! We're off for our second road trip in it this weekend!!

Darby, watcha think? :) The pic is for you!