Wedding Party?

The other day, we spent the afternoon at the park when we came across what we thought was a wedding party.

On closer inspection, we discovered that the "bride" looked much to young to be married; plus, she was wearing yellow. Finally, I realized that what we were looking at was a Quinceanera. I didn't know much about Quinceaneras but I was surprised grandeur of the display in the park. Enter Wikipedia:

A Quinceañera, Quince, Quinceañero or Quince años (English: "fifteen years"), is a coming of age ceremony held in some Latin Americancultures on a girl's fifteenth birthday, comparable to a Sweet Sixteen celebration. Usually the girl will wear a white dress but in more recent times she may wear a colored dress.

Planning begins up to a year in advance and requires the resources of several members of the family and friends. The family priest will perform a Quinceañera ceremony in a church. The girl's baptismal Godparents will oversee the spiritual celebration and her friends and relatives will attend to see the recognition she receives as she makes the transition from girl to young woman in everyone's eyes.

Quinceañera are comparable in scope and grandeur to weddings, and the party atmosphere that follows the somewhat more subdued religious atmosphere. There is a significant dress, just as with a wedding, and can be just as expensive and unique as a wedding gown. Flowers and decorations are selected to match the color scheme of the festivities, a reception is held at which guests will be served a meal and there will be dancing for all in attendance.

Well, that explains things, I suppose. Mom, Dad - you guys seriously cheaped out on my Sweet Sixteen Party!

-J

Race-car Driver

There is a little play center in the mall that I frequent a block away from our apartment. I take Russell there all the time (because it's too hot to play/walk outside) and he has grown quite fond of the the cars - which makes Ken very happy. Whenever he climbs on top of one he always claps at his own achievement which I find hilarious.

Kids really are pretty entertaining!

-J

New Hair

Hey y'all. It's been a long time since I've posted. I could say that I've had a lot going on because my life is so interesting and exciting; therefore, I simply had no time to fit blog posting in. But...that would be a big fat lie. Tangent: I've always been a little on the...ahem..."thick" side and when me and my sister played together growing up, every time she used the phrase "big fat" before something (i.e. "you're a big fat liar") I pretended to be personal offended by it to guilt her into letting me get my way. What can I say - manipulation works. Sorry Jenny. Okay, tangent over. Back to why I haven't been posting. Basically, I've been lazy. Plus, when you update your Facebook and write Family Newsletters to members of your family who aren't computer savvy enough to regularly follow a blog you get kind of tired of repeating yourself. That's why I'm posting a picture of my new big fat haircut. Then I will send this link in an email to said dinosauric (spell check is telling me this isn't a word but I beg to differ) family members so they can check it out too. Lame, isn't it?

Before...

After

Ken misses the long hair but I no longer miss the time wasted blow drying that thick mane. Besides, it's only hair - it will grow back and in this Texas heat less is more! Maybe you'll be hearing more from me but maybe you won't. That's how I roll.

-J