WEEK IN REVIEW

So it has been a week or more since I last blogged. Not good, but what is good is the time I've had the past week.

Last thursday the ladies at the office took me out for lunch. It was MARVELOUS. My co-worker Kristen cooked lunch for the editorial staff and hosted us all at her precious new house! I could not have felt more special!!

Friday was mom and my birthday. It was the most stress free day I have had in a long time. Needless to say it was practically perfect in every way. Worked at the office for a few hours (they let me come in late AND leave early!) then haircut (not that anyone can really tell, but I like it!) and a quick shopping trip with mom at TJMAXX and HomeGoods (of course I bought nothing.)

Then came home to make a birthday cake (yes I make my own birthday cake, and it is not sad -- i LIKE to do it :)

As soon as it came out of the oven the family headed to OLIVE GARDEN (the most tasty of all places!)

Saturday was my PARTY. and PARTY we did! 8 wonderful friends and I had dinner and dessert at my house, along with a craft and LOTS of story telling. Then there was the most wonderful gifts anyone could ask for. (THANKYOU CARDS ARE IN THE MAIL!)

After dinner we traveled to Brittany's house where we made special drinks, ate peanut butter m&ms, played loaded questions and TALKED till 530 am.

Sunday after waking up from 3 hours of sleep, I met mom dad and harrison, and we drove to Huntsville to drop Harrison off with the grandparents (since camp is over, and all of us are working)!

Monday-Friday have been typical workdays. Spent my free time packing and watching movies... Oh except I didn't go in monday after feeling horrible, and Friday I overslept after my FAULTY alarm failed me. I made it in by 10 (after Kristen called at 930 to make sure I wasn't in a car wreck), mortified... but they assured me everyone does it.

So now it is Saturday once again! AUGUST 7, and I am about to drive to Huntsville with Brittany Moore for Ashlyn's Bachelorette PARTY!

PS. Ashlyn graduated COLLEGE today!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Lots of pictures and fun are sure to be seen in the upcoming blog post! Her wedding is in a week and a day!

I'm proud of my friends!!

Today my beautiful friend Sarah Selleck found out that she has been accepted in the Nursing program at UA!!! We both cried on the phone when she told me. It is so exciting to share a success with someone and seem them reaching a goal.

After dinner tonight, Kate suggested that we get her a little something to say congrats and show how proud of her we are.

Kate knows how things like this are done because she too has been accepted in to UAB nursing school!!!!!! AMAZING. (which makes 4 nursing programs total that she's gotten into... long story!) Anyways, when she got her good news, a friend of hers got her a cute little name badge, card holder type thing.

We went out to Target in search of little things that said YOU'RE GOING TO BE A NURSE! and WE'RE PROUD OF YOU!!

After one whole HOUR of shopping around, we walked out with:

— an organizer/wall calander made by Real Simple, so she can stay organized

— a pack of notecards, for all the studying she'll be doing

— a pack of mechanical pencils

— a yellow notebook, that matches her NEW yellow bedspread (things like matching are so important in the nursing world. haha :)

— a pack of multi-colored mini Post-it notes

— a box of Kleenex tissues for the stress of it all... (also in a yellow design)

We drove to her house, rang the bell, and surprised her with gifts and love! We listened to her tell the story of opening the letter, and finding out about all the new things she'll get to do and where she'll have to park this year (parking is KIND OF a BIG DEAL at UA)

It wasn't about the gifts, or even the surprise.... It was about showing someone that you care about them. Being able to shower someone with love and encouragement in their successes, and comfort with someone in their troubles. Listening is key.

I am so proud of Kate and Sarah. They have worked so hard, and are achieving a real life dream. Nursing school is not easy, and getting into a program is a MAJOR DEAL.

Congrats to both of you!

I thank God for giving me friends like you. Friends who truly CARE about each other. Friends who are willing to sit and talk for hours about problems that aren't their own, even when there seems to be no solution. Friends that give encouragement. Friends that uplift, and don't tear each other down. Friends who will drive long distances just to sit with each other in times of need. Friends who communicate often and laugh a lot.

So, happy day!!! I am so proud of my friends and excited to share in this new chapter of their lives..... or as I like to call it College Part 2... aka HARD COLLEGE.