28

Since everyone knows how much I like to milk my birthday for all it's worth, you'll be happy to know that I have successfully had 5 separate times to celebrate. The first was with mom and dad after church on Sunday. They took me out for sushi and then to see Mama Mia, and gave me my presents - much needed bath towels and storage baskets. Thanks!

I woke up on the 22nd determined not to be depressed about turning 28 years old. As daunting as that is, and with 30 looming two years out, my immediate reaction is to freak out! I got to read all the great birthday blogs - Thanks everyone!

At work the gang threw a little party for me with Red Velvet Cake and everything (not as good as Ma's though)! I got some sweet cards and gifts and about 30 co-workers came over to the Sales Office to help me celebrate. They are really only there for the cake, but that's okay :)

After work I met up with Shara at the beach. She just got back from Belize, so I got to hear all about her amazing and challenging mission trip. I'm so thrilled that she is being provided with so much opportunity to go minister outside of the country. God is really using her and changing her in so many wonderful ways. I didn't think there was any way he could improve upon my very best friend Shara. But he has taken everything beautiful about her character and heart and deepened it, adding a whole new dimension. I'm so proud of her and so thankful to have such an amazing friend! She had a stack of perfectly wrapped packages for me, and as always, they were filled with special little gifts that have "Chesed" written all over them. I am blessed!

Then I went to Off 98 that night to celebrate the 2 year Birthday of the group and to give Matt Walker (it's at his house) a proper send off as he moves to Memphis to start a new chapter. Attendance was up and the teaching was very relevant to everything going on right now in my life. My birthday was also celebrated, which was a surprise...

Last night for my other young adults' group in Grayton Beach, I showed up and they had a banner and gifts and ice cream cake for me, which was another great surprise! I got flowers, cards, and a pearl bracelet from Rendezvous in Seaside (I've wanted one for a while now)! We roasted hot dogs and went over to the huge pool at Sactuary at Red Fish to swim and sit in the hot tub. Though it was a late night, I was so thankful that I'm blessed with tons of people who care about me and wanted to do something to make me feel special!

28 is going to be a good year for me! I've decided!

Famous Frauds

Funny story: Last Saturday was a dreary day, so I slept in (9:00) then rode my bike into Seaside to grab a cup-o-joe at my favorite place, Amavida. From there I went to this little book/music store Sundog, selected a few magazine's, and curled up with my latte in one of the reading nooks for about an hour while it rained outside. One of the magazines I picked up was Emerald Coast Brides, thinking "I bet I'll know somebody in here." I came to an article about choosing the right photographer for your engagement pics. I started reading it. When I turned the page I saw my own face smiling back at me, along with Chad's. There was the picture of us right in the middle of a collage of random engagement photos of happy REAL couples! I laughed out loud and someone else in the book store looked over curiously. Immediately I called Chad and he was shocked that they would publish that picture without speaking with us first, but still he thought it was pretty funny. He called Ryan and pretended that I was really mad about it. So, on Sunday when I saw him at church he covered his face with his hands and apologized profusely. I quickly let him know that I think it's hilarious!
So this weekend, not a whole lot is going on. I'm going to see Fuddy Meers, a play at the Seaside Repertory Theater and checking out England night at Redfish Village. Last night I played tennis with Brooke, Matt, Jimmy and Chad and I must say, I'm not so great anymore. I need alot of practice!!! Chad thinks he's Rafael Nadal, of course. My goad this weekend is huge - To Get a Tan! I'm so pasty white from the rainy weekends!

Deep Creek

Home from Deep Creek and I'm missing the mountain air already! Even with those really cold nights in the tent, I love the weather in the Smokey Mountains. Even though we missed Ma & Papa it was a nice time with the family. The babies were a little bit of a challenge to keep up with, but I think that they all had a large time!

Mountain top on the Nolan Divide Trail

Mario tried out the tube and loved it!

Summer, Me and Karin at Indian Falls

Riding in the Ducky was a nice change on the rafting trip. Luke let me slack off a little bit too.

All the hikers. We thought it was important to have a recent picture of us all together so that if we went missing or got attacked by bears, they would have a photo of us for the paper.

Good times



Thanks Ma & Papa for the jackets! We wore them every night :)

Now I'm back at work and in my own bed! As much as I love it there, I'm content where I am and looking forward to the rest of the summer in Florida.