more parties

It is a party time of year. OK, maybe it would be more appropriate to say it is a party YEAR. They have begun and will continue, as I already see several more on the calendar in the upcoming weeks.

Last weekend, we celebrated Brooke (and Steven) and her upcoming marriage. In the afternoon, we gathered at Lori's home to shower her with "Lacy to racy" items. It was a lovely afternoon eating yummy snacks and giggling with the girls. I think I was part of one of the greatest hostess groups around. Lori, Laura, Amy, Hollie, and I pulled our skills together--each detail with our "Brookey" in mind.

Then in the evening we headed to Dallas for a Girls Night Out. Our destination...Rise Souffle in Dallas, a fantastic location with fabulous french cuisine in the perfect atmosphere for a group of sassy women honoring a bachelorette. We enjoyed the extensive wine menu, souffle entrees, and of course a souffle for dessert. I would recommend this restaurant for any special occasion, even just a unique night out.

My night was made complete with just a snapshot or two of Brooke in her "Bachelorette" tiara.

3-0 arrived

I had no idea what to expect my actual birthday experience to be...but I loved it! The celebrations began as soon as I entered the school building. Some of the most fabulous parents ever had already decorated my classroom with streamers, balloons, treats, and flowers. The kids loved the fact that they also put a balloon on my car, which the 3rd graders showed to every person that entered the classroom that day. :)

Later, when I had temporarily refocused the students to learning...in walked Chrissy and Lori! I'm fairly certain some of the first words out of my mouth were, "Why are you not at work?". The sweet girls had brought flowers, index cards and stickers for the students to make "birthday notes" for me, and possibly most importantly to the little ones, was the cookies and punch. The party continued...

It was a very laid back day when I truly got to enjoy my class. We had a great time together! One of the highlights for them (and me) was that I allowed them to be in charge of the still camera and new video camera. They were delighted to have this opportunity! The day was documented through the eyes of 8 and 9 year olds. Gems shone through their silliness with sincere moments of appreciation and love.

After lunch, the fabulous parents came back for further festivities. This time they catered cupcakes, water, presents, and a special cake for me. A candle was even lit for the special birthday song. I seized the birthday opportunity to jet away from school early. It's amazing how much longer the afternoon/evening is when you don't leave work at 5-6 o'clock.

Later, Ashley and I ventured down to Downtown Dallas for an evening on the town. I had studied the layout of the area and planned better escape routes since our last drive on Commerce St. This one was much less dramatic, a relief! We had reservations at Fuse, a chic, upscale Tex-Asian restaurant. It had already been determined that we would take advantage of every aspect of this dining experience...and we did! Luxurious appetizers, entrees, and drinks were followed by TWO desserts! It wouldn't have been an authentic Ashley and Jennifer time without a good story...

Between our main course and the first dessert...a random guy wandered onto the rooftop patio where we were enjoying our "classy, single, 20-30 something girls night out". Apparently, we were the only seemingly approachable table because soon he had pulled up a chair and begun to talk TO us. Notice I didn't say "engage us in conversation". Within his first three audible sentences we realized that this was not someone who we wanted to hang out. However, due to various variables in his life, he did not pick up on our social cues...but the wait staff did. Thankfully! After a short exchange of body language and signals, they swooped in and whisked him away. It was a rhythmic operation. Clearly, not the first time they had maintained the desirable elements.

The 2nd dessert with the birthday candle

Another intriguing aspect of Fuse is the restrooms. I now understand why some people have fascinations with investigating the facilities. I need to expand my repertoire of dining locations, because the really great ones have restrooms with a story!

Once I arrived back home, Seth and I talked for hours wrapping up a wonderful day.

It was perfect! The best birthday ever!

the party

Alright, after sleeping much of the day I think I'm on the path to exhaustion recovery. It has been a great week, but VERY busy.

My birthday celebration began on the 12th in Tyler. Nana had prepared a Candy Bar Pie. It contained peanut butter and Snickers...delightful. The family sang and we had a low key celebration.

Things really got kicked off the next weekend. Tiger came in on Friday night. Saturday started off with pampering and shopping. The girls at The Limited knew just how to help me find the perfect outfit!! Hehe! I continued on to a few other stores and left feeling like Pretty Woman...a successful day at the mall!

My family arrived late afternoon. They brought snacks, cake, and lots of presents. The two hours passed pretty quickly and the 10 of us managed not to kill each other in the tiny space. I enjoyed them just being here in my home. I was completely surprised to receive a Flip Video camera and a new lens for my SLR! Two great new toys for me. Now I think I have a really good excuse to move towards that Mac this summer. Before long it was time to freshen up for the big party! The funniest part of the afternoon to me was when I came out of the restroom and the family all rose to leave, as if on cue...it made me feel like someone of importance. No one had been rushing me, but as soon as I was ready they were too. :)

Then we went to La Hacienda Ranch for dinner with 38 of my closest friends and family. Everything there went so smoothly! I would give strong recommendations to anyone to use this facility for a private event. I had the best time at the party. It was fun to have everyone together to see the different sides of my relationships--church friends who I live life with, work friends, and family. Of course, it was even neater to see how those lines are not always so defined.

Nana was a celebrity, especially with the girls from the homegroup. She was so flattered and had trouble containing her emotions. It was sweet! I believe she deserves all of the esteem that was bestowed on her. Other sensations of the night included the blessing with Pat Green's "What I'm For" playing in the background (which I thought was perfect!), my koozie (Thanks, Ashley! You were there in spirit.), the ring Nana recently passed on to me, and my high heels. It was ME and it all made me giggle!! All of this was amidst the Texas atmosphere and Mexican food that I love.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the night.

It was really hard for me to pick just six. Each of the images that Lori so lovingly captured are so dear to me. All of them say so much more to me than just what is evident in the image.

This day definitely ranked in my top five days ever! It was fabulous to celebrate with friends and family. I will forever hold this event close to my heart.

wiped out

I am looking for the time and energy to blog about THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!! I have many stories to tell...but the celebrating has worn me out! Until then...here are some pictures from last weekend.

reality

Something was brought to my attention today through the following text...

sent at 3:38pm: You have less than 2 weeks left in your 20s, fyi.

OH MY GOSH!!! I have been thinking about my birthday a lot for probably close to a year. The parties. The celebrations of friends, family, and good times. The places to go. The happiness. Thirty and flirty.

I knew I was consciously making the decision to embrace it as an adventure rather than look back...for good reason. Then I receive this text! It was a shock into reality. Despite all of the fun that will happen, I will be crossing a bridge that I can never go back over. It is the symbolism of so much more. I am not sure I am prepared and definitely not ready.

To the one who sent it (in case you remember how to get to this site), I know you sent it in love and fun! I love you, too! It just couldn't be helped-a moment you couldn't pass up and one I had to swallow hard. :)

Now..."Let the celebrations begin!"

Me and Nonda, circa April 1979

motivation

It has found me. This state is keeping me busy. The motivation has taken me to the gym regularly for the past week, kept my meals in check, and ....initiated many more minutes of prayer. These are the things I can control. A freshness sweeps over me because I am kept out of places I shouldn't be. While productive, these habits are escapes from the thoughts of things I can't control. I can see the fruits of my efforts. I am determined to be strong and continue to move forward.

There's a hint of something big just over the horizon...

Can you feel the energy?