I couldn't ask for more...

Well, I am officially 26. Last year I had a hard time on my birthday. I just felt kinda blah about life. Don't get me wrong, I had a great birthday trip with fabulous people, but as a whole I was still figuring out life. Now, this does not mean i have it all figured out now... but I feel a big peace that I haven't felt in a long time. I had a full week of birthday celebrations and will have my last birthday dinner in a few nights. I won't complain about stretching it out over a couple weeks. Ha. My week started with dinner with my dad and a class party at work. My parents at work were so nice and surprised me with $100. I am very blessed to not only have a class full of kids that i really love, but some amazing parents.

The night before my birthday, me and Amy went to Evansville, IN to Casino Aztar. I had never been to one, and i really wanted to go and just see what it was all about. I set aside a small amount of money to just "try out" the different games. We both tried a slot machine first. I lost the few dollars i put in there, and we move on to a 2nd slot. After a couple dollars in, the unbelievable happened... i won... big...well, big for me. I won $1,079. I sat there in shock. I couldn't even tell Amy what was happening... i just kept pointing to the machine. Have no worries, i cashed out as soon as possible, and was content with those winnings. And also... no worries, i know this was just luck... I don't really have a huge desire to go back! But, it was fun for sure.



This is while the machine was going crazy. A genuine face.

On Friday, we headed back home. My sister was able to fly in from Chicago for the weekend and i was so excited to see her. Mom took the day off work and so i was able to have a birthday lunch with my family on my birthday. It was so fun to go back to my mom's house and share the stories from the night before... it gave us all lots of laughs! Thanks again for the lunch mom... it was great!

On Friday, i went out with my group of best friends. It was so much fun. We went a few different places and had a blast together. We stayed at a local hotel for the evening, and I have to admit that was my favorite part, just talking and laughing with my friends. It meant the world to me that they all spent my birthday night with me!



The girls

On Saturday, we went to a early lunch and then all headed home. I was glad to take a good nap! I spent the afternoon catching up with sister, mom and other "sister" Carrie. It was a great afternoon.  My mamaw then had family birthday dinner at her home. And afterwards, Mayer came home with me and spent the night. He is for sure my favorite 2 year old in the world! This completed a wonderful weekend!

Trying to wake up on Sunday morning





All that to say... As i went to bed on Sunday night I realized how blessed I am. I had a wonderful week where God reminded me of how much love and support I have in my life. And this year, it is nice to look back and see where God has brought me. There have many changes... good and bad, but in the end it is nice to have such peace and contentment about where He wants me to be. I can't wait to see where this next year takes me! It is exciting to think about!