Andrew turns 18!

My son turned 18 on March 5th and it was a monumental occasion. For the past few weeks before his big day, I was experiencing so many emotions about his 18th birthday. I still can't believe that he is 18! I kept asking myself daily, "Where did the time go?" It just happened so fast! When I asked Andrew if he felt the time went by quickly he said, "No Mom, it went by just the way I had hoped. I am ready for the next phase in my life and I feel prepared and very thankful for you always being there for me." We both cried and I have not been the same since then. My son is now an adult and ready to leave the nest. (Sniff, sniff).

We could not celebrate his birthday on the 5th because he had to work that night. He was a bit upset about that, but I told him welcome to the adult world! Many people have to work on their birthday. But being the Mama that I am, I made sure his morning was special and I took him lunch to school for him and his friends. I even took 4 cupcakes for the occasion. He was surprised but very grateful. We went out the next evening to a wonderful restaurant on the outskirts of Santa Fe. One of the teachers I work with is the pastry chef and recommended that we go. So I took his advice and made reservations. Aaron made a special dessert for Andrew and made sure we had a special table by the fireplace. Andrew was surprised and very pleased with the choice.

Andrew invited one of his good friends, Andres, to join us that night and we all had a blast! We talked and laughed all night long and I don't think Andrew stopped smiling. The food was fantastic and when the dessert came out, raspberry blueberry cobbler topped with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, his eyes lit up! It was such a great evening and Andrew just kept saying what a great night it was for him. I was so happy that he enjoyed his evening.

Happy Birthday my beautiful son! You are truly a gift to my life and I am so very proud and honored to be your Mama. I love you Mijo!

I caught Andrew off guard... he was busy looking at the menu.



Andrew's friend Andres... he had a great time. We all love Andres!



Andrew with his special dessert... Make a wish!


Andrew digging in to his fabulous birthday dessert! I don't know if he had a chance to make a wish... he just wanted to dig in to this wonderful cobbler.


A proud Mama with her beautiful son...


Gene and Andrew ready to celebrate...


Two good friends enjoying a special evening. Thank you Andres for celebrating Andrew's 18th birthday. You truly are a good friend to