Have you ever had a Navajo Taco?
When I couldn’t decide what I wanted to serve at my birthday dinner, one of the invited couples said they would help me make Navajo Tacos. I’m always ready to try something new so that’s what we did.
They just let frozen bread rolls thaw and rise and then they flattened each one and fried it in oil for a couple of minutes.
It was definitely a caloric splurge, but it was such a fun meal and everyone had a great time going through the line and adding their own custom toppings.
Here is what the finished product looks like.
Photo by Cook’n
One of the taco toppings is chili so Steve took it upon himself to make a pot of chili from scratch. It was delicious! (And no, he wasn’t about to eat that whole spoonful of chili; he was just posing for the photo.)
It was wonderful having Sarah home for my birthday weekend after being away ten weeks. I love getting to set the table for three instead of two. (Try not to be jealous of my amazing precision in placing the silverware.)
On my birthday yesterday, she came home from church and immediately started getting lunch ready so I wouldn’t have to do anything. After we ate, she whisked away the dirty dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.
Last night we spent some time going through my cupboards to pull out a few things she needed that I had and didn’t need.
I’m 1) wearing a sweater and 2) holding a ruler because 1) I am always cold and 2) we were trying to figure out the size of some of the pans.
I happened upon this FB post Sarah wrote for a previous birthday and was touched by it all over again.
This year, she gave me a card on which she had written,
Mom,
To talk to, to laugh with, to learn from:
I am blessed to call you both mom and friend!
Even as you faithfully serve your church today, I hope you are reminded of just how loved and appreciated you are by all who know you.
Love, Sarah
What was even dearer than the words was that, as I was reading them out loud, I looked up to see her tearing up. Such a tender-hearted gal.
I did most of my celebrating a couple of days early since I spent 8 hours on my actual birthday at the church, tending to various events and responsibilities.
I was hard at work there at about 5 p.m. prepping for an evening event when my phone rang. When I said hello, I immediately heard the voices of two little people (and their parents) singing “Happy birthday, dear Gwandma.”
When they got done I pretended I didn’t know who they were and said, “Who IS this?”
Oh my. The little people were incredulous.
“Gwandma! It’s Madi and Daddy and Noah and mom!”
Noah asked me how old I was and when I told him I was fifty-eight, Nathan reported to me that his face showed absolute incredulity.
So. Old!
When I mentioned to Nathan that I am still occasionally surprised by the fact that I am a grandma because I don’t think I could possibly be old enough he said, “Mom, being a grandma isn’t about age, it’s about honor.”
I am so thankful for his words and his heart and the way he and sweet Meagan are raising the four Littlest Smiths to honor family and to sing and to laugh and to make every memory special.
Noah thinking I was so old reminded me of this video Meagan made a couple of years ago when Steve turned 60. I laugh every time I watch it.
I’ll close with this photo of a gift from my dear, childhood friend, Lorrie.
Among the other wonderful items, she included a frame with a photo of the two of us (way) back in the day.
It reminded me of all that I have to be grateful for–years full of a good life, good friends and good memories.
And even the hard times (especially this latest lung diagnosis) that have been woven into my years remind me to be grateful–grateful to have access to good medical care, grateful for the lung function I still have, and grateful for family and friends who surround me with words of care and words of prayer.
It’s true. I’m no longer young. I have been through a few things on this Becky Smith Journey.
But I am celebrating the love of family and the faithfulness of God through the years that have passed and the years that are yet to come–whatever those years may hold.
What about you? How old are you? (If you are comfortable sharing.)
More importantly, how old do you feel if you didn’t know how old you were?
Happy birthday dear Becky! ??♥️?
That photo at the bottom is so pretty, in fact one of the best ones I’ve seen of you (and there are many lovely photos of you that I’ve seen).
Steve’s birthday video is hilarious and reminds me of a time many years ago when my mom turned 57. I handed it young daughter the card and instructed her to write the birthday message. I didn’t think to check what she wrote before placing it with the gift. After that I always checked the cards the kids wrote!!
As my mom opened the card at her party she read it aloud: “Happy birthday grandma! Wow, you are 57!! That is a BIG number!”.
My mom laughed and said ” well 57 is a big number.”
I am 39, will be 40 this summer. That makes me just 15 years older than my son, but to him I may as well be 100.
Funnily, I actually feel younger than I have in years. When I first was in the accident the caused my disability many years ago I was in so much physical pain and facing so much loss. Physically I felt 80. Even though I still live in pain I’m used to it and it’s not always what it was when I was 20. When I lost the ability to walk it was such a crisis. Now I have regained a little mobility and that just makes me feel like I am growing younger . So I feel younger than ever, in a strange way. I think I have been reading your blog since i was 27.
Jenna,
What a sweet thing to say about that photo; thank you! It takes me 40 shots to get one useable photo so I’m always thankful when I do.
Check what your kids write on cards. That is VERY good parenting advice. 🙂 I love that your mom had such a great sense of humor about it. If someone would have asked how old she was she could have said, “I am a BIG number old!”
As always, I love getting to read your wisdom and insights into life and suffering. You have been in a unique position to address all the layers of suffering and you have done it with such grace. And I am AMAZED (and honored) that you have been reading here since you were 27! (A very SMALL number.) 🙂
Becky, Happy belated birthday! I am so glad you enjoyed your celebration and that you and Sarah had special time to spend together. Her words were so sweet and special, as is your relationship. What a special gift your friend sent you, filled with treasures and treasured memories! Your tacos sound great, I had never heard of them, but definitely will have to give them a try. My age … actually, I am 70, but I am pretty healthy and in my mind and most of my actions I am much, much younger. That is until the aches and pains show up to remind me how old I really am. But as my mother always said, I don’t complain about my age, I just thank God for letting me live this long! (She died in 1992 at age 74.) Hugs to the Smith family.
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
I agree wholeheartedly with your wise mother. No matter what ailments, aches or pains we face, at least we are alive. And what a blessing “alive” is!
And yes, having Sarah home for my celebration was the best gift. Love that gal!
Becky you have the best kids and that last picture of you is beee-u-tiful.
Lesley,
I’ve never been told I was beee-u-tiful before. Thank you! 🙂
Happy belated birthday! I’m 55. I feel 55, and I love 55. It’s awesome to see where we’ve been while still looking forward to where God will lead us. Knowing my daughter as an adult is a great blessing that a younger me might not appreciate.
Kristy,
Am 55.
Feel 55.
Love 55.
That’s a wonderful outlook on life!
We love those taco’s! Funny how they are called something different here, tho. We call them Indian Tacos. We have a traveling food truck that has the best!
So happy that you got to spend time with Sarah! And that you were sung to by your most adorable grandbabies!
You are blessed!
Happy Birthday!!
Krista,
Tacos and grandbabies. Blessed, indeed!
Everything in this post made me smile. I, too, am 58 (since November) and no longer think that is old. I loved what Nathan said about being a grandmother was not about age, but honor! I don’t have any grandchildren yet, but have great nieces and a great nephew who are so fun. I’m so glad Sarah was able to be there to share your birthday and share her wonderful thoughts put into words. I’m right there with you still wearing sweaters. I’m actually under a fuzzy, cozy blanket as I type this. And even though I’ve lived in Texas for over 20 years, I’ve never heard of a Navajo Taco. The idea of the fried roll for the “shell” is intriguing, though. Happy Happy Birthday and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sue Ellen,
Glad the post gave you reasons to smile!
Glad I’m not the only one who needs fuzzy sweaters and blankets to stay warm. My family always laughs at me when they are sitting there in their shorts but . . . oh well!
Try to find or make a Navajo Taco soon. They are great!
Looks like you had a wonderful birthday! So glad Sarah got to share it with you.we could almost be twins I just celebrated my 58th birthday March 5th. My youngest daughter was here in NY for 1 day for Ft Lauderdale,. she flew in to go to go a party in Dallas with her boyfriend’s family.not that Ny is on the way to Dallas, but I’m not complaining. And now I’m off to Florida with my other daughter , to visiting my 3rg daughter and the youngest for 10 days. Can’t wait to escape the CNY Winter , get some time off work, and see all 3 girls in the same place!
Michele,
Sounds like a happy time is in store. Warm weather and three daughters, all at one time. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Enjoy every moment and happy late birthday to you.
Well I will be 74 June 30. Most days I do not feel that old but sometimes at the end of the day I do. After resting about 30 minutes I am energized and ready to go again. Tacos look good. Love the picture of you. So glad all the family made it a great birthday for you. Looking forward to many more. God bless. Love and hugs.
Ann,
You get more done in a day than most 35 year olds! I hope I have your vim and vigor at 74.
Hi and happy birthday. I am 40 as of last month. I feel even older because (like you) I have health problems. I’m not able to see a doctor so there’s not much chance of anything changing. Geez, I’m such a downer! I got the warm fuzzies reading about Sarah’s visit to you. And you may have just turned a year older and are having health issues, but you’re looking good! The last pic in this post is especially flattering. I am hoping you are around for many more birthdays!
Kristen,
Thanks for your sweet words about my photo. And I’m glad you enjoy reading about Sarah’s visits home. She just left to go back about an hour ago–I always hate to see your taillights disappearing down the street.
I’m sorry you are also dealing with health problems; those really can make you feel older than you are. I can definitely relate to the challenge and frustration.
Hugs to you today!
Those tacos look wonderful, especially when you make your own tortillas, I think they taste even better. That precious video – watching Madi as Noah opened his mouth wide at the sound of 60 – she was astounded too!!!! I did wish you a Happy Birthday on Facebook, and wondering if the birthday headgear got forgotten or there is not a picture of you with it. I will be 77 in August. Sometimes I feel like I’m 45 and I’m looking upward at these numbers and seeing 76 – I can’t believe that is how old I am, but, I am. So far the Lord has blessed me in such a way I don’t have a lot of aches and pains (except for my wrists with osteoarthritis), so guess I can feel like I’m 45 or a little older. Sarah is such a big help and those wonderful caring words she had for you. How blessed you are to have a daughter that is so loving and lets you know how much you are loved. That is such a beautiful picture of you – who would ever thunk you have such pain and have been suffering. Beautiful!
Sharyn,
I’m sorry to say we DID forget to get a picture of the birthday headgear! There’s always next year. 🙂
To be almost 77 and not have many aches and pains is such a blessing. It’s wonderful to be at that age and still feel like you’re 45. Whoever said age is just a number definitely knew what they were talking about.
Thanks for your sweet words about Sarah and my photo. You are always such an encourager.
That should be Phyllis not Phyllsi!
I am 64, turning 65 in July so I too will be applying for Medicare in a couple months – actually I can apply as early as next month. I have always looked younger than what I am, maybe because I’m on the short side. Most days I feel some younger than that. I have a cousin that is 16 years younger than me and I can run circles around her so guess I’m doing something right.
Your tacos look quite tasty. I love Mexican food of any kind, especially tamales. I volunteered at a Christmas shop an organization does in December. One of the ladies made homemade tamales. Oh my, they were to die for!
Phyllis,
Running circles around someone 16 years your junior is quite the accomplishment! You just keep on running those circles!
Ohhh, we call those Uff da taco’s up here in Northern MN. Soooo good. Love Nathan saying that being a grandma isn’t about age but honor, so true. I have 4 wonderful grandchildren with the 5th coming this summer. So blessed. Happy, happy Birthday. Sarah looks so good and I think of my girls asking if I have whatever and them taking it home with them. My youngest used to come up and “shop” for groceries in my cupboard before heading back to school…haha!
Wendy,
Yes, that’s definitely part of motherhood to have our young adult children “shop” our kitchen stuff. As I gathered up some food to send back with her today, I thought of what a joy it is to get to do that. She said, “Mom, I feel like I’m taking all your food.” But I was so happy to send it along, knowing she would be nourished even without me there to cook for her.
Uff da tacos is definitely a name you don’t hear every day.
Birthday Blessings to you Becky. I hope your day was marvelous and this next year is awesome for you with no further lung problems but improved health.
Mary,
Improved health is definitely on my wish list for my 58th year. Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Happy Birthday. Those tacos look really good. I made this recipie recently and it was good too, with a healthy beat with the squash.https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a20913477/burrito-spaghetti-squash-boats-recipe/
I am 63. My body feels 63 (arthritis etc) but I feel and act maybe 30. I am just a kid that never really grew up. I think part of that is because I never had kids and didn’t marry until I was 50!
Patti,
That recipe looks great! I’ve only made spaghetti squash a time or two; it’s nice to have another recipe that uses it.
I love that you feel like a kid that never grew up. Good for you! And how wonderful to find the love of your life at fifty. Love that!
Happy Birthday Becky!! I will be 57 in a couple of weeks. I laughed when you talked about Noah’s response to how old you are. I have a 14 year old granddaughter, but on my 45th birthday, she called me to wish me a Happy Birthday. She then says…..”How old are you Grandmom??”. I replied with “45”. There was a slight hesitation and she responds with “WHOA Grandmon, that’s a BIG number”. To this day, every time I think of that, I burst out laughing. It’s just a number Becky, and you look amazing.
Ann,
Love your granddaughter’s comment. Isn’t it so funny how the young look at our ages? I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid and now I am the age I was so astonished by back then. 🙂
Glad you have her comment to keep you laughing even all these years later.
Happy BIrthday, Becky! “Being a grandma isn’t about age; it’s about honor.” Tell Nathan, thank you for that! I just turned 65 in February. I’ve been trying to embrace the gray since I last colored in July, but when I look in the mirror, I don’t know who that is! So pretty sure the silver and gray will be going undercover again because I’m still rocking my mid-30s!
Guerrina,
Rock away! Mid-30’s is a great decade to live a few times over–gray hair, or no gray hair. 🙂
Happy, happy Birthday, Becky, that photo is gorgeous!! I am 63, turning 64 in May, my husband just applied for Medicare as he will be 65 in May…..some days I feel 90, some days I feel 18 again!!! When I realize my kids are 31 and 28 though, that brings me back to reality!! I am in touch with many, many high school classmates and we are all amazed that we are in our 60’s and just wonder where the time went……I am okay with my age, both my kids live close by, I just miss the years though, that they were young, I would go back to those days in a heartbeat…..okay, now I am tearing up getting all nostalgic, anyway glad you had a great day and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale,
Isn’t it crazy how thinking of our kids when they were young makes us teary-eyed? There’s just something special about those sweet, simple days.
Glad for the memories and like you, glad for the days (occasional) days when I still feel 18. 🙂
Each life set apart by Jesus is a unique journey from the Lord– one of walking through countless curves and straightened paths with Him– each day blessings run rampant down that road.
Yours has been shielded in His care and will be, continually. Ruth
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life.”
Ruth,
Thank you for your aways beautiful words, poetically spoken. And the Bible verses are so inspiring to read and meditate on and be reminded of.
Happy Birthday Becky. So glad that you got to spend time with Sarah.
Mel,
I’m glad, too. We had a wonderful four-day visit.
Happy birthday Becky!! That photo of you is just beautiful!!
Thank you, LeeAnne! That is sweet of you to say.