His birthduation celebration

Alex graduated from seminary last month and his birthday is this coming Tuesday, so we commemorated the two-in-one with a backyard bash at my dear mama-in-law's. Alex said months ago that he wanted a taco person to cater all-you-can-eat meaty street tacos with rice, beans, horchata, and a plethora of salsas. I went off his wish and supplemented the entree with a do-it-yourself elote bar, churros from Costco's food court, watermelon wedges, and various soft drinks - all simple, self-serving, and conforming to a near Mexican theme. I had plans to make papel picado to contribute to the fiesta feel, but I was too idealistic with time this week. Instead, I used a stash of white tissue squares that served as business card separators from work (they were going to be thrown away but I saved them for crafting purposes months ago) to make wannabe papel picado bunting by taping the tissue squares onto string with washi tape. It cheered up the backyard a notch. I really like putting tables together in banquet style for a more communal vibe during parties, so we did just that, and layered neutral tablecloths and a kraft paper runner down the middle. The runner kept moving due to slight wind, so we pinned it down with vintage book centerpieces and bowls of tortilla chips.

Alex is a big picture type of dude, so when it comes to event planning, he sees the big picture. All he knew was that he wanted 100 of his dearest to be there, and a taco person to cater. I am a details type of gal, so I zoom in on the nitty gritty, down to the types of bowls and spoons for the elote condiments, exact yardage of bunting, and number of chairs we'll have to transport to my mama-in-law's backyard. We kept laughing at one other yesterday because we always forget how stressed we get during event execution (the last time was our baby shower). Every time we have a shindig, we load so much stuff in the car that it looks like we're moving. Then the set-up ensues. Alex was standing on top of a tall wall, my brother-in-law was at the other end of the backyard, I was holding a clingy Serene while untangling miles of bunting and directing them where to attach it, all while the scorching afternoon sun was beating down on us. After we completed set up, Alex declared, "I never want to have a big party ever again." I laughed and teased, "What if I want a big party for my birthday with 200 people?" He shook his head and replied remorsefully, "Sorry, I can't do that. I don't know how to bunt."

Needless to say, I love my silly love so! So thankful that he always helps me see the big picture in all things. Yesterday, it was celebrating God's goodness in his life through his seminary graduation and upcoming birthday with the community we're blessed to have in our lives. Praise God.