Quarter of a century

I have been alive for a quarter of a century!!! As of February 22nd, anyway. And so many of my sweet, sweet friends came to celebrate with me. It was a fabulous night!

First and foremost I have to give and thank you shout out to my two wonderful coworkers, Brooke and Jamie. This table was completely their doing. They showed up at my place with the tablecloth, matching cups, silverware, napkins, and plates... not to mention the FOOD! Chips and a seven layered dip, Subway sandwiches, and all kinds of fruits with cinnamon and chocolate dips. I was totally blown away with their support for my birthday. It meant so much to me. They also brought cute little lanterns that they hung up all over my apartment. It was quite celebratory.

Ander got the cake, some different chips, and we decided to make Teriyaki meatballs in the slow cooker. Those went FAST!

 Nathaniel (Jamie's husband), Jamie, and Brooke making lanterns

 Brooke and her boyfriend Justin. He's huge.

 My two Tracys. Tracey Hanson is the VERY pregnant one on the left, and Tracy Graff is in the middle. I am in Young Womens with both of them and they are wonderful.

 my friends Erica and Steve Middleton from my ward

 This is Kirsten (KIR-sten) and her husband Nephi. They are in our ward and they live three buildings down from us. This picture was taken six days after Kirsten had her first baby. She looks amazing. I hope I can be like that...

This is my darling client Michelle Weinstock. I couldn't believe she actually came to my party. I sent her an invite because I wanted her to know I was thinking of her, and she and her husband totally showed up!! They had a great time, and Michelle told me later that she was very impressed with all of my friends.

 Megan Peterson is in my ward too. She stopped by for a little while and partied it up (as you can see with the orange SOLO cup) Pretty sure she hit the Dr. Pepper.

My salon owner Teresa. She is such a wonderful woman. I admire her a lot, and I'm very thankful I have her in my life. I was so honored that she came to my birthday party!! (and my cute, wonderful, DARLING hubby in the back there)

Jacqui and Kraig Webb. They're also in our ward, and Jacqui and I are in a book club together (Megan Peterson from above is also in it with us) and we are obsessed with reading. And I love that!

I brought my giant bear out for people to sit on but no one wanted to sit on it, they all just wanted to marvel at it. So when it came time for me and Teresa's picture she opted for the bear.

Nathaniel, Jamie, me, Brooke, and Justin. What a great crew, huh? They really made that night special....hmmm... I think I still have some of their dishes. I should take care of that.

Andrea Coles and Gabby Turner. Andrea isn't in our ward anymore, I actually do her eyelashes so I see her a lot. Gabby is in my ward and is an amazing woman. Home-schools three little boys. 'Nuff said.

Doing what I do best: talking.

No really. I'm thanking everyone for coming. I was so filled with gratitude that night I had to publicly say something.

 Delicious ice cream cake of Ander's choice. I think it was an Oreo-something-something. Anyway, it was delicious.

 Winding down for the night

 And of course the highlight of everyone's night was when Ander brought home a bag of goldfish to feed his pet Guadalupe Bass. Everyone crowded into the guest room to watch that fish eat. It was hilarious. Ander can be such a nerd sometimes.

And at the end of the night, both the May-Merz and I were pooped. Ander told me I was never going to have another birthday party every again.

Me: "What!? Why!? This party was great!"

Ander: "Because I'm exhausted!!"

Me: "Well I hate to bust your party bubble buddy, but it's not your birthday. It's mine!"

People give me energy whereas people suck energy out of Ander. You can see the dilemma, I'm sure. Oh well, we balance each other out well enough.

Here's to being 25!!!