I was going to write this whole "Thirty things that I've learned in thirty years" but to be honest, I'm still learning the ropes of being a live and doing good.  I can neither confirm or deny that I've actually learned anything... so rather than making it all boring and long i'm just going for the YAY in BIRTHYAY!!

I turn 30 today and that is awesome.  Just for the simple fact that I'm alive and breathing and healthy! I'm going to indulge in a good ol' cheeseburger, some Netflix marathon-ness, and hugging my Husband and the pup.  I may or may not have a beer to top it all off.  Here's to another kick ass year!!! 

Whoo!!! 

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Hey Dad!

Remember that time when I was like 5 years old, maybe younger, when you drove your Toyota pick-up all the way to Chihuahua to visit grandma and grandpa for Christmas? We stuffed the truck with gifts and rotated in the cabin to keep you awake because you were the only one who could drive stick shift.  I remember all of the adventure stories of your youth, and how they have so resonated with who I am today.

Tales of how you jumped on trains, walked deserts, and even saved a mans life.  My mother showed us heart and you showed us adventure.  You opened the world to us.  We camped before there were any air mattresses and hiked up to the cross at Mt. Rubidoux and ate sandwiches at the top.  Remember?

We even had dates.  Riding on the motorcycle to LA or taking each of us to a Love Ride on your Harley.  Now we ride side by side as father and daughters and riding buddies.  You and my sister are my favorite riding buddies.

But aside from all of that, you showed us much more.  You taught me how to speak Spanish, even though I was embarrassed by my American accent.  It was you who taught the importance of respect, manners, and how to be proper people.  You would accompany us on the long bus ride all the way to Mexico so that we would know our grandparents, know our family, and know our roots.  You taught us the value of things.  The value of want versus need and we were never left with out.

You taught us the value of hard work and how it always pays off in the end.  And although growing up I didn't understand the value of yard work, hammering nails, and drawing blueprints... I do now.  Discipline and honor.  You taught us that.

And remember when we were riding once and I leaned over to ask you if you would ever consider sky diving? You said you had never actually considered doing it.  Then, on my 20th birthday we went and jumped out of a plane.  I wouldn't have wanted anyone else right by my side.  At 13,000 feet.

Dad, out of everything you have taught us, you have taught us love.  You love us.  And you showed us that there is a world so big and full of adventure and to never be afraid.  To go boldly and honorably.  You showed us that mistakes are part of the learning process.  You never failed to teach us new things and teach us that we should strive for better.

So, on your birthday, I want you to know that I am proud to have you as my father.  Proud to say that you have enlightened my life more than I can imagine.  And you that you loved me.  That you were the kind of dad that would bring home little knick nacks and pan dulce after a long day.   The dad that always kissed us good bye in the morning even though we were still asleep.  The dad that made us laugh and was always up for a good tickle fight.  You were the dad that would watch cartoons with me and laugh.  The dad that taught us how to not be afraid of the world.

You are my dad.  And I am lucky to have you and mom in my life.  I love you. And dad, you're the coolest dad ever!

Chancla

Dear Mom,

You are the coolest mom.  Ever.  You are kind, funny, caring, definitely a giver, and always looking out for my sister and me.  Ever since before I was born, ever since before my sister was born you were the one that was chosen for us.  You were the one that life, or maybe God, picked to be our mother.

To be the one to count our fingers and toes right after being born.  The one who would make us egg sandwiches in the mornings while we got ready for school in the mornings.  And you did this all the way through high school.  Because well, you know what it's like to be a girl.  You were the one that dressed up every Halloween and never failed to take us trick-or-treating.  And never failed to let us pick our own costumes.  You were the one who let me wear multi colored Keds and pink leggings when I was younger because you understood I was my own person.  

You were the one who coordinated, dressed me up and photographed every one of my birthdays.  And my sister's too.  You even baked us cakes.  And lets not forget the Christmases where you'd bake your amazingly delicious peanut butter cookies.  It was you who showed us how to be our own person, not take BS from anyone, and to be smart, strong women.  You are the smartest and strongest person I know. The one who always says, "I love you no matter what."

Through all of the softball games, band concerts, swimming meets, band practices, make up classes and photography courses, you supported us the whole way through.  You never gave up on us. You are our number one cheerleader.

And even though I was a major pain in the ass for many years, finding myself and growing into the person I am today, I realize that I am more and more like you.  And that to me is an honor.  My sister and I always say that if we could be half the person you are, then our lives would be complete.

We are who we are because of you.  We are giving, caring, and funny.  We make egg sandwiches and celebrate our birthdays together.  We still dress up every Halloween together.  And you have made us smart and strong women.

So, even though I've known you all of my life, I keep learning from you.  Growing from our relationship and enjoying ever minute.  We are not only mother and daughter but good friends.  My mentor and confidant.

After all mom, we were meant to be.  Happy birthday mom.  I hope that this weekend makes your heart smile.  I love you.

Flacalina.

My beautiful mother. 1980 

Us.

Halloween 2008.

Leave her a little comment below if you want to wish her a Happy Birthday!