tree of life: Erik's 28th Birthday!

January 19th my husband turned 28! He doesn't like parties for himself so I kept it really simple this year. He requested Beef Stroganoff, homemade rolls, and cheesecake. It's his favorite meal that I make! We just hung out at home and celebrated his birthday. My sister and my niece were there to celebrate.

Erik has several things that he wants so he requested money in lieu of an actual gift. I'd rather him get exactly what he wants and enjoy it, so I was happy to do it. We did spend lots of time on his card though. Isaias and Juliana each made him a card. Well, Isaias' was a card and Juliana's was more of a book. She drew several different Angry Birds, which she drew quite well for not tracing! Isaias did Mario, but he wasn't in the drawing mood so he didn't put as much effort into it.

Isaias and I also made a list of 28 things we love about you! Last year my sister and niece made a list like this for me (except it was 25 since that's the age I was turning) and I really loved it! It was very thoughtful and those are the best gifts!

Here are just a few of the things we thought up for Erik:

28 Things We Love About You!
I love...
... that you're pretty cool and like to wrestle (Isaias)
...how you always tell me I'm pretty! (~~Isaias~~, Lily) :)
...how you go out of your way so people won't feel dumb or less than you. (Cristina)
...that you're so helpful with the kids. (Cristina)
...when you make up special songs for us! (Isaias and Lily)
...how hardworking you are. (Cristina)
...after 13 years you still tell me I'm beautiful! (Cristina)
I love how far you've come over the years. You continue to grow, mature, and become the man that God wants you to be through Him.

I thought I'd add a few from the list my sister and niece did for me last year.

25 Things We Love about Lovey: (Lovey is the name Erik calls me... at the moment. He'll only refer to me as Cristina, and he's always had a nickname for me)