I didn’t have that great a day and when I came home to write my post, I saw these photos of Alyssa’s last birthday. I realized that her next birthday won’t be spent with me and I got really sad. I know children are supposed to leave home, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. So let me share with you the things we did for the start of the last year of Alyssa being a teenager:
At lunch, Alyssa and I went to Plaza Azteca for an early lunch.
I hadn’t ever been there before, but Alyssa raved about the fresh guacamole that they make at your table. So we ordered some and watched as it was mixed together.
I must admit, it was quite delicious.
Alyssa, of course, was always connected to the world.
I love the Mexican white dipping sauce.
The white sauce is so delicious and makes eating the hot, fresh chips quite addictive. I get addicted to yummy stuff quite easily.
It didn’t take long for the food we ordered to get to the table and it all looked, smelled and tasted delicious. I really love Mexican food.
The fixings for the chicken fajitas were abundant and…
…the fajitas were juicy and flavorful.
Among my most favorite Mexican dishes are shrimp tacos.
It doesn’t take long before I can make them disappear.
Next on our “To Do” list was shopping, so the shopper and non-shopper hit the stores.
When the evening rolled around, the whole family gathered at Texas Road House because once a Texan, always a Texan. In the waiting area, there is a BIG bucket of shelled peanuts. As you shell the peanuts, you throw the shells on the floor. It feels rather weird to be so messy, but we coped. (wink)
Of course, Alyssa still remained connected to everyone with her constant texting. I think she can actually talk to Elvis Presley on that thing. (laughing out loud)
Not only were there peanuts in the foyer, but there were small buckets at our table too.
We started off with whipped butter which was slathered on…(go ahead and guess)
Hot, fluffy, soft rolls. I’m salivating just thinking about it.
We were seated in the corner by the Rock-N-Roll and Willie’s Corner neon guitars.
I didn’t take too many pictures at the table because we were a little squished, it was kind of dark and the noise was quite high. I don’t handle loud noise too well lately and it took all my concentration to just focus on the food. Plus, it was the end of a very full day and I was a bit tired, however, Alyssa wasn’t tired.
After dinner was over, all the old fogies went home and Alyssa went to a bonfire with her friends! Oh to be 19 again!
I enjoyed the whole day with Alyssa and still can’t believe she is grown. Wow, ya’ll. Life goes by so quickly.
I love you so very much, Alyssa. I’m so glad that out of all the wonderful women in the world, I got to be you mother.
{{{hugssss}}} to everyone that wants a hug today!
mom says
It is sad that children do not appreciate their parents until they are older and they waste time they cannot call back. Alyssa has had the greatest mom ever and no one has been more loved. I have often been in the circle of your motherhood when I needed a mom. I did not have the luxury of having a mom like you or even myself. I pray she will realize before too much time passes to embrace you as the best mom ever. I have had the privilege to be a mom much longer than you, and I have had you and Audrey close all your lives except for schools. I thank the Lord tonight for that blessing.
If you are reading this my Alyssa—-make sure you know what you are doing before you fly away form home—you will never be able to go back and it be the same. You can never take harsh words back. They will go to your grave with you. Nanny loves you, and I am proud that I have your mom as my daughter. She has always risen above any differences we have ever had. I will go to my grave knowing my child loved me with all her heart and I will have her love forever.
The Redhead Riter says
Thank you, Mom. I do love you and am glad that you know it.
Skip_D says
What a wonderful birthday! The food looks wonderful – especially the shrimp tacos; I’m sure I’d make them disappear quickly too! The guacamole looks delicious too. Yeah, I love Mexican food too.
You are right to feel so proud of Alyssa. She seems to have grown into a wonderful young woman… but then, she has a wonderful mother!
{{{huggsssss}}}
The Redhead Riter says
Thank you, Skip. {{{hugsss}}}}
Susanne says
First and foremost here is a big hug for you. I enjoyed the various photos of Alyssa that you shared with us, allowing us to see the various aspects of her personality.
Although you will miss her terribly, and I am sorry, but I don’t know how to make you feel any better,I would like to say that you are very lucky that you will be connected to your daughter in heart and soul. Not every mother and daughter are so fortunate.
Maybe you need a nice roommate. I happen to know a woman in MA who wouldn’t mind changing her life….lol.
The Redhead Riter says
Susanne,
Thank you for the big hug. I don’t think I could ever get too many.
“Maybe you need a nice roommate. I happen to know a woman in MA who wouldn’t mind changing her life….lol.” Ummm…let me think reeeeeally hard about WHO that could be. LOL
Teresha says
She is a shining testament to your gifts as a mother. Her birthday is your birthday too, it was the day you were reborn as a mom *hugs*
The Redhead Riter says
Teresha,
Yes, her birthday is the day that changed my life forever! What a lovely change.
katherine says
Thank you for the hug, I always like getting hugs. I enjoyed sharing Alyssa’s day. Sorry you are sad. I send hugs back xo
The Redhead Riter says
Katherine,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the hugs!!
Doreen Lombardo-Campisi says
Such a great post and I love the pictures! Glad you had a fun day with your daughter.
The Redhead Riter says
Thank you, Doreen. I’m glad you like the pics! I could take pictures of her all day. I think she is so beautiful.