I'm back! And I'm OLD!

I've been really out of commission lately, and it's probably not a bad thing. I've been swamped with work as I am every January and February. I was in Houston for 7 days last week with our Annual Conference and I'm glad to report that it's over and I lived to tell the tale!

I'm beyond exhausted though! I've been in a funk lately and it stems from being overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with work, the quest to become parents, and above all, my precious Papa being sick.

I'm one of the lucky ones. I've grown up with my Nana and Papa within 10-15 miles of us, and I've had them by my side for everything. They were always in the stands of cheer leading competitions, gymnastics meets, softball games...my sister's plays, tennis tournaments....Taylor's baseball games, football games....they were at every single grandparents' day at school. So proud to be there with us. My brother, sister and I spent the night at their house all the time, we grew up in their pool swimming until our fingers pruned, and we sat our on their front driveway counting the stars and singing songs about monkeys in the trees. I've never known a moment without them and I am broken hearted with the reality that I won't always be so lucky. I wish I had a magic healing wand but God didn't give me one of those for my birthday...

Yesterday I celebrated the big 3-1 and I was blessed to celebrate it with people I love. Dave fired up the grill and treated us to steaks and chicken. We had ice cream cupcakes and enjoyed time together. Some of the crew was missing...Taylor headed out for Spring Training last week and Kristen was in Dallas, and they were missed!

I'm so, so grateful for a loving family. I cherish you...and I love you!! Thank you for celebrating with me and making me feel special!

My mom, my uncle Mike, Nana and Papa

My Papa tried his best to raise them right but they are a few grapes shy of a fruit salad!

My mom and her daddy...

My mom found by childhood/adolescent Bible about a year and a half ago. She never told me, and she gave it to me for my birthday. What a precious gift! It was given to me on my 7th birthday by my uncle Mike, so it was so fun that he was in town when I received it again for my 31st birthday! A few years have passed so it was so fun/funny to read through the notes that were left inside.
I love this note below written at some point during my teen angst years. It's notes on finding a mate. Non-negotiables and the reminder to "Become the person I want to marry". My teenage self will be pleased to know I found this man I had hoped for.

My parent's also gave me this fabulous coffee table book. It's the 50th anniversary compilation of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Exclusive photos taken during production, throughout NYC and lots of fun info on Breakfast at Tiffany's and Audrey Hepburn. Love it!!

Happy March, friends!