Day Three Hundred and Fifty-Eight

The Cumpleanos and an End to His First Regular Season

Ok, so I have a little explaining to do. I technically made this creation last night...but since Alejandra routinely checks my blog, I couldn't post the latter half of my day yesterday. Why? BECAUSE IT'S ALE'S BIRTHDAY TODAY and I didn't want to ruin her surprise! I knew that today was going to be a bit hectic...so I spent a good portion of last night in the kitchen working on the cutest project to date!

Betty Crocker White cake batter prepared as usual. I only ever bake with Betty. Instead of just scooping the plain, boring batter into cupcake liners, I got a little colorful. Using 5 different containers, I divided the batter up, added food coloring, and then, started randomly pouring! This was my result. And oh my gosh! I just knew Alejandra was going to love them...both because they tasted good AND they're crazy...just like her! ;)

This was my finished product. I used a similar technique with the frosting, added in a few love notes, a few crazy swirls, and ta da! A bunch of bright neon, deliciously perfect birthday cupcakes! They ended up melting in the car though. Gosh Darnit! At least I had this photo to show her once I delivered them! Along with the cupcakes, I made Alejandra a scrapbook album of our first season together...from the day I met her until now. I've been working on the project for a couple weeks and was so excited to give it to her!

Alejandra has so clearly been a tremendous blessing to my life. I am sure, completely and totally convinced, that God crossed our paths for a very specific reason, and every day, I find out a little more, the plan He's made for us. Since our very first road trip - a 9 hour drive as total strangers - we've grown into something so much more than I could have ever imagined. I feel honored to be her friend, and so very thankful for the time we've gotten to spend together. She's been the breath of fresh air that I never knew I needed. Adam said something of her tonight that I can't help but continue to return to, "Alejandra is just so...authentic." And I don't think a better description of her exists. That is the kind of person I strive to be, the kind of person we all should strive to be...just me, just you. In the most real way possible. Because today, those kind of people are very few and far between. I'm lucky that I found one of the good ones. And I'm keeping her locked in my heart forever.

Happy 20th birthday Alejandra.

I love you.

Te amo. 

Alejandra left for Tampa this afternoon, and so, we couldn't take her out for a birthday dinner. Bummer. But, we did decide to do a little celebrating of our own. Adam finished his last game of the regular season today!!! Holy smokes! Like, WHOA!!! 140 games in 5 months...and it's already over. His first regular season: done. Finished. Just like that! It doesn't seem real! But, in fact, even though the regular season is over, the post season is just beginning. We still have a ring to win! The Hammerheads begin a 3 game series against the Port St. Lucie Mets on Tuesday. Jose will have the ball that night, and Adam, the following night. On Wednesday. But before championship play begins, we all get one day off: tomorrow. So tonight, we found a local tiki bar - the same one that Alan Jackson recorded "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" at - and enjoyed the sunset over a couple drinks. The bar is a gigantic sandy oasis, right on the Intercoastal, overlooking Jupiter Lighthouse and the Castaway Marina. With live music playing and a view to kill, we were able to relax, take a deep breath, and just be. We've lived in Jupiter almost a year now and still can't get over how much we absolutely love this town. 

This is the view of one side of the Square Grouper (the tiki bar) from the dock. The other side looks almost identical, with the live band located in the very center of it all. I've never seen anything like it! 

The drive back to our apartment is right along the ocean. It's the best road in Jupiter. And we got especially lucky with the scenery tonight! A parasailing ride unlike any other. The dude is riding a parachute, propelled not only by the wind, but by a gigantic attached fan too. Incredible! 

To finish off our eventful day, we were selected as the recipients of a homeless man in need of a place to sleep. Food too. His name is Zach Neal (you've met him before...once) and through a less-than-ideal turn of events, he was kicked out of his apartment for the night and needed a place to crash. That's what happens in this life of baseball. Things are constantly changing and always unpredictable. So, we did what any good teammate would do...and gave him a bed, some leftovers, and a few beers. He's welcome to stay as long as he needs to, just as long as he leaves the toilet seat down, washes his clothes, and says 'thank you' every now and then. Oh, and no chew bottles either. But he doesn't dip anyways, so we're good to go! 

And real quick (I know, this was a long one)...

Daddy Update:

Johnie is feeling great and says that he's getting better every day! He posted on Facebook, "Much less drooling and much more use of my right hand!" Haha...I told Dad I was bummed out because I was hoping to see some drool when I head out to Washington on the 15th! ;) Amen for progress and positive attitudes! Keep it up Dad and family!!