The Big 2 - 5

Yesterday I turned 25. Thinking back, 25 always seemed so far away. After all, it is the reference point for an entire decade. Think about it. At 25, "early 20's" turns into "middle to late 20's" as if there is no difference between 25 and the last day of 29.

While I know life is just beginning and there are many more adventures in store for me, I thought this would be the perfect time to reflect on some of what the past 24 years and 1 day held for me:

Age
4 - first boyfriend... both of them. it was over when they figured it out.

4/5/6 - named Little Miss Kansas, starred in commercials for ice cream shops

6 - Over the Rainbow (pageant) created category and named me first winner: Friendship Award

7 - first detention for working ahead in class and stealing a chair

14 - first "real" boyfriend, first kiss

15 - first bad softball injury, first knee surgery, first job, first car (all connected)

17 - first overseas trip (russia), first real heartbreak, accepted to Ottawa University

18 - graduated high school and left home for Ottawa

21 - graduated with 4 year degree in 3 years, named co-captain and 'most inspirational player' for OU softball, first real job

22 - met the man who will forever change my life for the better, Jeff

23 - accepted into graduate school, began my Master's education

25 - well, so far today i managed to get out of bed and spend time with the people i love. i am lucky, and there is so much more to look forward to.


i want to thank everyone who made my day special:

for my parents, who drove from spearville to make sure my day was perfect

for tony, april, john, jaye, and jeff who surprised me with dinner, cake, and presents

for jeff, who continues to be the love of my life and the one who inspires me

for those who kept me in their thoughts, called, and wrote

i am grateful for all of you.

Crabs, Chili, and Christmas Music

This past weekend we were fortunate enough to catch up with some old friends. :)

First, we had a wonderful family dinner with the Schneiders... It's been way too long since the last time I got to see Ica, Adam, and McKenna, not to mention never having met Corbin. And to think they'd never gotten the opportunity to meet Jeff! It was high time to do something about that, so we decided to meet at Joe's Crab Shack. We were not disappointed, as we got a chance to see Ica and Adam (who are SuperParents in my book) in full action as they fed, changed, and chased their children...



On Saturday, we met up with Jeff's friends for Michael and Allison's first party as an engaged couple. Allison started the evening off right by dropping her phone in the chili, and the rest of the night was just as electric. :) We were there until the wee hours of the morning talking about the finer points of life and debating the mysteries of the world. As is with any fine get together in October, Ashley brought out the Christmas music and we each took turns entertaining with shadow puppets to the classics.

Dear friends, Fall has officially begun. We even got a pumpkin. Take care and lots of love.

Great Friends and Good Times

This weekend we ventured to Wichita to watch Jeff Dunham in concert. We met up with Kym and her family at the hotel in park city and spent the afternoon catching up. We then went on the Great Hamburger Bun Hunt of '08 on the way to James and Melissa's for dinner.

Next up was the actual concert. Guitar Guy opened for Jeff Dunham, and his hit "Sarah Palin". His act was excellent, and we couldn't help but laugh at his stories. Jeff Dunham's opening act showed great promise for the upcoming bits. We laughed until we cried at Walter, Achmed, Peanut, Jose Jalepeno (on a stick), and Bubba Joe. It was a (mostly) family friendly adventure into the world of ventriloquism and the lives the characters have created.

We were able to catch up with Craig and his family (they were my neighbors back home). It is always good to see them and catch up. :) After catching up, we found $3 Long Island Ice Teas and spent the rest of the evening enjoying good company.

Overall, it was a great weekend, and I am very grateful to have gotten to see everyone. Our adventures continue... I hope all is well with you and yours. :)



Jeff, Heather, Craig, Kym

Here it is....

The rest of our new furniture arrived (much to the thanks of Uncle John's pick up truck and good, strong back!).

The end table:


and Coffee table:


Just in case the beauty of the surfaces are not clear, they are travertine stone (which looks like marble, but without the high maintenance):