What can I say... besides TGIF?! So ready for the weekend and being able to put one more week behind me.
1) Tonight is a chill night w/ friends and the mister. Just what I need.
2) We are attending my niece's 3rd birthday party tomorrow. Looking forward to catching up with family!
3) If the weather is good, we will be hitting up Fireside Pies patio w/ my bff Steph. There's nothing quite like a big pitcher of prickly pear margaritas, great pizza, and good company.
4) I'm dreading the time change {although I am grateful for an extra hour of sunlight, I do despise losing an hour of precious slee}.
5) Can you believe all of the crazy events happening around the world right now? Please keep my dear friend Melanie in your thoughts and prayers. She is teaching English in Sendai, Japan and experienced the big earthquakes. There was one on Wednesday she blogged about here but that was before the biggest quake and tsunami yesterday {this AM - US time}. I'll keep you posted as I hear more...but keep her and her family in your thoughts!
It's Monday again. Feels like the weekends are just way too short these days. Had a fabulous weekend full of some super special people. Friday night dinner at Jasper's w/ the mister was great - the pork loin and corn was pretty amazing. On Saturday, I cruised to Main Street Bakery for lunch w/ mom and dad. I just love that they live so close and I get to see them all the time. Saturday night I painted w/ the bffs. Let's just say this painting might be hanging in the garage where no one sees it! Ha! I'll post a pic later. On Sunday, we had brunch w/ the Stringer side of the family at Cafe Brazil - delish. I scored some pretty great b-day pressies, but nothing was as good as spending so much time with good people. Love it.
I did have to treat myself to a few fun finds on Sunday. I hit up Nordy's Rack again and found these awesome DVF jellies for super cheap.
It's V-Day. The mister and I never really celebrate it since it's super close to my b-day {and neither of us are mushy}. What are you doing for the big V-day? Anything special???
Holy moly it is finally Friday. What a day. More like, what a week. I am so wiped out... but have a pretty decent wekend ahead of me, so let's get started with my five Friday fun things!
1) I celebrated another year on this earth... in Langhorne, PA. Not the most exciting adventure, but oh well. My co-workers and I did venture to a pretty fabulous restaurant Wednesday night in Philly {executive chef is Iron Chef - Jose Garces}. We indulged in the smoked pecans {soaked in maple and bacon}, fondue {w/ vidalia onions}, suckling pig, wild boar rack {w/ maple grits}, sugar pumpkin croquettes, and beignets {w/ makers mark chocolate sauce}. Amazing.
2) This week was absolutely crazy town at work. A lot to do and always feeling like there are not enough hours in the day! {I can't even count how many Red Bulls I downed this week}. Yesterday we had a 6 am flight home... meaning I was up at 3:30am central and put in a full day of work upon arrival. Needless to say, I just want to sleep in this weekend!
3) I have a jam-packed weekend of birthday bashes. The mister and I are celebrating my bday tonight at Jasper's. I've never been, so I'm pretty excited. On Saturday, I have lunch plans w/ my rents - always a good time. {The mister has to work thanks to blasted busy season.} Saturday night is girls night out w/ the bffs! We are going to Gnosh, like I mentioned recently. Super excited for another fun painting night and just hanging out. We have family lunch w/ the mister's side of the fam on Sunday. Not sure where we are dining yet...but I'm always up for something good!
4) Between the mix of all the birthday activities, hoping I can finally catch up on laundry and housework. Ugh! {doesn't really fit into my 'fun' things Friday... but oh well!}
5) I got the best birthday voicemail in the world from my favorite friend in New Zealand. It's been almost 6 years since I was there and I still feel like part of my heart has never returned {the mister and I are still scoping out possibilities to move to NZ someday}. Because of the 17 hour time-difference, we have scheduled our chat for this weekend. I can't wait to catch up!
I'll leave you kids with some clear pictures of why I love NZ so much... Happy weekend!
{Uncle Leon... words cannot describe him. Love him and his family so much! Can't wait to catch up soon!}
And of course, If I am going to mention NZ, I have to shout out to my girl Brooke. I seriously listen to her almost every day. And never grow tired of hearing her crooning. This is her first song I ever discovered... and my heart has been full ever since. Enjoy!
I am thankful for my family. I have been so richly blessed to have wonderful parents who love me without end. They have provided for me and made sure I had a good childhood filled with great education, strong friends, and a solid faith. They taught me the important things in life like playing well with others and being honest. They supported me through everything including 10 years of volleyball practices, games, tournaments, and summer camps. They cheered me on in the classroom as well and really pushed us to earn good grades. They were thrilled with my decision to attend ACU and supported me while I was away for four years. They supported my decisions to go to New Zealand and study abroad {and even came to visit me down under!} They have watched me make decisions, both good and bad, but have stood by side through everything. I know I made a good decision in choosing to marry Jeff. They just love him... and how could they not?! They have watched me earn a living and support myself but have always been there with open arms a full pantry any time I wanted a home-cooked meal. They have been an example of a strong marriage (38 years) and what it takes to keep that love alive.
{the harbour bridge in sydney - it's WAY famous}
I have always been Daddy's little girl. I just adore my dad. He has always worked hard to provide for us and has taught me the value of a strong work ethic. My dad has a lot of love for life and bleeds purple and gold {geaux tigers}! He is full of spunk and personality and loves to tell jokes - it's his way of making sure everyone has a great time. But underneath all of that LSU / Saints pride is a man who loves his family immensely. He recognizes his blessings and doesn't take anything for granted. He never hesitates to remind me just how much I am loved.
Since I left home for college, my mom and I have developed a strong relationship. She has become one of my best friends. She was there for me during every hard heartache whether it was caused by family or friends or organizations. She always reassured me that my identity was not in who I was dating, who I was friends with, or to what group I belonged. She has always encouraged me to do my best and above all to be the best person I can be.
I am bummed this year we can't celebrate Thanksgiving with my brothers. They are hilarious and fun to be around, especially since I don't get to see them very often. Growing up, my brothers tormented me {what older brother didn't?!} but we have grown much closer these past few years. They still see me as their baby sister, but also as an adult and friend.
Since marrying Jeff, I have been blessed with another amazing family. The Stringer crew has taken me in and loved me from the beginning. I think the first time I met anyone in the family was at a reunion with aunts, uncles, cousins... the whole she-bang. I guess I did well enough to make the cut! Jeff really has a great family and I am so fortunate to be part of it. I have been blessed with extended brothers, sisters, parents, and an adorable niece and nephew. I love the holiday gatherings in the country because it means we get to see everyone. There is guaranteed good conversation, laughter, and magic snow! To the Stringer ladies - I still think you should all join the blogging world so I can keep up with you {and so I have more blog friends!}
To all my family - thank you so much for being who you are. Thanks for loving me the way only a family could. Thanks for challenging me and making me a better person. Can't wait for Christmas to spend more time together!
