23rd Birthday Celebration Numero Uno

Is it possible to already have an awesome birthday when my birthday isn't even until Thursday?

I haven't even lived here one year yet, yet tonight I was surrounded by a group of people who cared about me enough to not only get together for my birthday, but to spoil me while at it. My night consisted of flowers, Sprinkles cupcakes, gifts, drinks paid for, and dinner paid for. It also consisted of lots of laughs and good times.

The group at Chuy's.. minus Ian... and you cant see everyone's face... oh well...

We all ate dinner at Chuy's to start off the night. Then we went to Knox Street Pub for Karaoke, but there was no karaoke being played (sad day!) so then we headed over to Baracadia. Baracadia was the coolest place! It was a bar and an arcade. And lucky us... Tuesday is free game night! I played several rounds of Street Fighter 2 with the boys. I was so excited! That was my favorite game growing up and I was pumped to play again. We then played Jenga, but it was a massive Jenga! After that we headed to Yogurtland for yogurt and more laughs.

Massive Jenga!

It was such a joy to celebrate my birthday with these people. I am so thankful that God has placed each of them in my life! When I first moved here I was so nervous about making friends, but God has proven himself faithful (as always!) and has blessed me with the greatest friends. We always have a blast! Thanks for a fun night guys! You are all the best!!

Sarah and Me :)

Proud to be an American!

Pictures from fireworks on the 4th....

And apparently I was wrong in thinking that the holiday weekend was over. Dallas shot even more fireworks tonight, and we watched them with the Whittingtons downtown. It was by far the best show of the weekend, and we had lots of fun! Below are pictures from that adventure....

Pictureless Post...

What a busy, busy weekend! Friday we slipped and slided on a huge tarp with some friends downtown. It was a blast, although we were all really dirty, oily, wet, and sore when it was over! We then headed to a hole in the wall italian restaurant for dinner and it was yummy! Saturday I went shopping (of course.. I've got to break this habit! But how do you say no to all of the wonderful sales?!) and then that night we headed out to the ranch for a celebration with friends and family. (Pictures are in the post below!) We had a blast and ended the night jamming in the car back to Dallas. Yesterday we went to church for the 4th of July celebration. It was so wonderful! We live in a great country. Then we headed to Rusty Taco for lunch. After that we all had a pool party! It was fun to spend the afternoon with a lot of my dallas friends. After that we all changed clothes and went to Jake's for dinner and it was seriously the best burger I've had in Dallas! We ended the night watching fireworks downtown. Let me tell you, Dallas knows how to do fireworks right! It was great. Overall, it was a busy but relaxing weekend. I'm thankful for the time that I got to spend with my friends, and I'm thankful that God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends here!

(I didn't start taking pictures until we were watching fireworks, and I've currently misplaced my camera. So I will have to upload pictures later and come back and add them to the blog.)

Now it's back to packing. I feel like I have so much to do in so little time! I'd really like to finish the packing today. Tomorrow night we are going to dinner with all of our friends for our birthday and then we're going bowling after. Thursday my dad, Chase, and Ashley are flying in for our birthday! Then it's moving time on Saturday. Busy week, but what else is new?

PS. It looks like we might be taking a random trip to Alabama next week. Sarah is dying to go, so we are talking about leaving on the 15th. We will be all around the state. Stay tuned for more details. :)

4th of July BBQ @ the ranch!

I thank God for my life....

for the stars and stripes....

may freedom forever fly....

let it ring...

salute the ones who died....

the ones who gave their lives...

so we don't have to sacrifice....

the things we love!

Happy 4th! I hope your holiday weekend has been as jam packed and fun as mine. I am proud to live in the land of the free and the home of the BRAVE! Thank you to all of those who fight to protect my freedom.

Baby "It"

My poor baby boy became a poor baby "it" yesterday! He is SO pathetic and SO mad at me! He pretty much just glared at me all day and all night. He has to wear this cone when he is alone or asleep and I can't have my eye on him so that he doesn't pull his stiches out and he hates it! I'm sorry baby boy! I promise it will get better soon. :) Doesn't he just look pathetic?

Now it's time to put the packing aside and start a busy 4th of July weekend! We are having an extra large slip n slide at Josh's tonight, followed by a cookout at the ranch tomorrow, and a pool party with friends on the 4th! Hopefully we don't get rained out! I will try to take lots of pictures to share with you guys. :) Happy 4th of July!

Speak for Me

July 2nd is always a bittersweet day for me. Seven years ago today I was on a beach trip with 10 other families, and we lost one of our own to a riptide in the ocean. She was beautiful inside and out, and the world hasn't been the same without her in it. It was a terrible day that brings back months of heartache, but at the same time it's such a blessing to remember her sweet spirit. There is no one quite like Molly, and I am blessed to have been her friend. Molly, we will never forget your beautiful smile and your loving spirit. You changed many of our lives for the better, and I can't wait to see you again one day.

(I have more pictures of her, but they are all packed up right now. This is the only one on my computer!)

Cohen

I follow Kelly's Korner which led me to the bittersweet story of little Cohen. I am participating in the day of silence for Cohen and his family, and it would be an honor for you to join in with the rest of us as we show our love and support for the little guy's memory and his family.