Quite a few unexpected blessings for my first quarantine birthday. A year ago, we didn’t know the school calendar would be changing to add in two extra breaks (one week in October, one week in February). Due to three hurricane days in August, which turned out to be unnecessary, we were required to make up two of the days from our February break. This was still so welcome!
With my birthday falling on the Sunday after the break, we planned a mini getaway/birthday celebration/babymoon trip three hours away in San Antonio. I cannot remember the last time Kyle and I just sat. In a coffee shop – okay, two coffee shops. To read. To enjoy coffee.
As if we hadn’t already traveled with too many books, we found ourselves in a precious local bookstore – only because the kind woman who was about to lock the door let us in. With the way we spend on books, she didn’t regret that decision!
In preparation of the incoming Texas winter snow storm, we hunkered down for my actual birthday on Sunday. My mom, however, no matter the circumstances, makes my birthday feel like a national holiday (love you, mami!).
And then, the same night, LIGHTS WENT OUT! If you haven’t heard of the Texas power grid drama… Well, millions of people are without power or without water or without both. For almost 24 hours, we did not have power. We stayed put, and it did return Monday at almost midnight.
There are horror stories of the deaths occurring across the Lone Star State due to weather-related issues. I am very thankful to God that: my family around Houston is safe; we have a gas stove; my mom is staying with us.
Elías’s first snow, too!
While I am praying for every Texan’s safety, I must confess the additional days off school are an odd welcome. It seems as though I am continuing the birthday celebration – power or no power, safe with my people. I’m thankful for being able to celebrate another year of life! Here’s to the mariachi celebration next year!!!
britt escribe 
Love how your post goes across a time span, but stays focused on the celebrations despite the challenges. And the pictures… oh my! I want to hear more about that snowman!
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Melanie, thank you!
The snowman was grandma entertaining my son, as well as using my son’s hat because he was refusing to wear it himself! My mom was getting pretty clever with what to use for eyes, nose, etc LOL 🙂
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One can never have enough books. I was watching the world news tonight and the stories about rolling blackouts and deaths due to running cars and generators in enclosed spaces. Everything this year seems to be upside over. Glad you had a good birthday celebration.
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I couldn’t believe we were making national news! 😦
Thank you so much for the wishes!
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Happy belated birthday!! What a wonderful celebration and birthday blessings! To spend time in a book store would be heavenly right about now.
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Thank you!! The bookstore was heavenly indeed. We were the only ones, and we had to be quick. I’m eager to return to the days of taking it slowly in each aisle 🙂
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Happy Birthday!! An excellent way to enjoy a birthday. My parents just lost power earlier this morning, but they are staying safe and warm. A lot of family has been affected. What crazy weather to a truly wild school year. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for the birthday wishes! We’re finally back, and we hope it’s for good. Last freeze is tonight into tomorrow morning – I’m eager to get past this 🙂
So true, by the way – crazy weather on top of a crazy school year.
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Yes- continue that birthday celebration! Yay for family and fun. Hoping you stay warm and safe.
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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What a memorable birthday! I loved all your pictures. I am so glad everyone is staying safe.
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Thank you so much!!
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You’ll never forget your 29th, will you!? Such a neat post. I’m so happy you’re able to spend time with your husband and the rest of your family.
The book store finds look great, and the snowman is just awesome!
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I will truly never forget it! 🙂 It’s funny how circumstances the past year have allowed for precious time with family – and isn’t time what we always complain about?
Already digging into the books, and the snowman was basically all grandma HA!
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