The happy box

Last night we dropped Natalie off downstairs with explicit instructions on what to do and what not to do with her. As soon as we walked in, our landlord, Edgar, says, "I'll put her to bed." I wasn't into that. The point of waiting until 7 to go out to dinner was so that we do Natty's bedtine routine and hope that this would distract and calm her in new, scary surroundings. Then he told us not to worry, if she wakes up, they'll play. No again, I'm afraid. We explained that from this time on, she sleeps- no playing. He seemed a bit disappointed, but we left feeling like we had done our best to explain what she is used to and how to treat her if she were to wake up. And off we went on our first date since Valentine's Day- Scotty's birthday dinner. He had chosen one of his most favorite restaurants, Mi Tierra. It's Brazilian style, which means an endless supply of meat. And we're not talking chicken (unless you count the hearts), this is beef, pork, lamb. They bring around different cuts on skewers and you can accept or decline (I find declining hard cause they sometimes seem to take it personally). And then there's a large salad bar with veggies and various fried things that go well with red meat, and a dessert bar. You can see where this is going. Overindulging and very full bellies at the end. But, we had such a nice time catching up after a busy week and celebrating the life of a wonderful man. And then, the grand finale- the happy box. Scotty had to run out of the restaurant when we first got there and I informed a waiter it was my husband's birthday tomorrow. He said they play the "Happy Birthday" music and do a "happy box", whatever that is. I said that sounds great and he said they'd be happy to do that tomorrow for my husband. I was a bit confused at first and then explained that the man I was there with was my husband and I was hoping they could do it tonight...he readily agreed. So, as we sat down with our plates of rice pudding and crepes, the wonderful latin version of "Happy Birthday" came over the speakers and out came the waiters with a plate that had a little box made out of flat, square pieces of chocolate, filled with whipped cream and "Felicidades Scotty" nicely written in strawberry gel- a happy box! When we got back home, we found Natty asleep, after having been taken out, walked around and put back to bed in a lit room on a bed, watching soccer....mmmmm, I won't bother typing how I felt about that. But, I was thankful for neighbors we can trust and a good relationship with them.

After a busy morning, Scotty and I headed back into town for a small office party in his honor. One of our favorite traditions here is how everyone takes their turn during a birthday party to share what they love, admire, and appreciate in the birthday person. It was neat to hear Scotty's office co-workers and friends all agree that one thing they see consistently in him is a passion for Christ and the Word. I've thanked God many times for a husband that can explain Biblical ideas to me and to other people as well as a man who has a gift of faith and loves to grow in his love and understanding of the Lord. Scotty is a patient, fun, loving, affectionate, compassionate, generous, intellegent, friendly husband, father and friend- how grateful I am for the privilege of being his wife.