golden birthday

Growing up I always thought my golden birthday was so far away. Like it was never going to come. I felt the same way about my 16th birthday - I couldn't imagine what it would be like the day I would drive. But even more so I couldn't imagine the day I celebrated being 26 on the 26th. I woke up this morning thinking 'it's finally here'. I wanted to celebrate my golden birthday.. I mean, it only comes around once! But a recent move, job change, and crazy life happening over the past few months pushed those dreams and planning aside.

Then a few weeks ago my sister-in-law asked what I was going to do for my birthday. I was hesitant and said I wasn't sure.. she encouraged me to have a party. And to have it at my house. My eyes bugged out - I couldn't imagine having people over in two short weeks with our house torn apart. She immediately threw out all excuses of not having a tidy house, or finished construction.. and instead she reminded me everyone would be coming to celebrate me. Instantly all the ideas came rushing in of how fun it would be to celebrate in style.. in gold!

I looked to Pinterest for some easy and inexpensive party ideas to pull this thing off. The crazy thing.. there wasn't very much on golden birthday's for adults! So instead I ended up using some New Year's party ideas and made other things up as I went.

The night before the party I was running around trying to finish organizing the house and get the food prepped and finally gave up on trying to do it all. I just couldn't do all the things. I was flustered and texted my sister-in-law, our home was still a mess and the week didn't go as planned. Again, she reminded me people are coming for me and my identity was not found in my house. Whoosh. I needed to hear that right in that moment. She was so right.

And the party was fabulous. I have some amazing friends who walked through my door, past the mess and loved on me so well that night. So much so that I forgot to take photos of us all! My birthday was fabulous and full of laughter and memories. Just how I had always imagined celebrating.

We toasted to my 26th year. A year that will be golden and full of fabulous blessings from the Lord.

How did you celebrate your golden year?

a full december!

oh my word! i feel like i've been absent for a year!   so.. there is lots to catch up on. but i'm going to try and keep it short :)   our craft show last weekend went well! it always such a long and full two days.. but it was so fun to spend it with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. they're both great and make for a fun weekend!! here are some photos i got - i know.. not many.. we were busy! [and i forgot my camera] it was so funny, we didn't even try to match - but we did! we all had hot pink, grey and black on! so funny!! we even had a couple people ask if it was on purpose :)   before that.. was thanksgiving weekend. which i never did a final thankful thursday post..   i was busy spending the weekend with all the most wonderful things i'm thankful for. family, food, community, friends and so so much more! here was our thanksgiving evening [i forgot to take photos - i was too busy enjoying the delicious meal!!] and black friday - we had SNOW!! but now it's like... 60 degrees. crazy... welcome to the midwest.   and then, it was my birthday!! which was also amazing! i spent the evening with my husband and we had so much fun falling more in love! i know we weren't supposed to spend any money for the entire month of november.. but my sweetheart was determined that we spend a little cash so he could treat me to a nice dinner. it ended up being a winner - we went to one of my favorite restaurants and found out that monday's are family night.. meaning we got twice the amount of food for the same price! so much happened that was so meaningful and special. turning a quarter century was wonderful! my prayer for this next year is that i grow closer to the Lord and bring him MORE glory in this next year than i did in the year previous.   it's been a great couple weeks. and we've got some more amazing times ahead too. including a wedding and vacation to MEXICO!!! friends, we are only 12 days away from this again...

i can't stinkin' wait! [ps.. i'm looking for some guest posts for the days i'll be gone - if you're interested, email me! :)]  

the big two-one.

no.. not me. i did not recently turn 21. although i did get carded when we were out for his birthday. i understand.. if you look under 40 you must be carded. i sure hope i look under 40! but him being 21.. either i am his twin and turned 21 too, or i must be older otherwise i wouldn't have tried to order. :)

we went out for dinner and a drink. it was simple and nice.

here is the birthday boy!

and here are some photos from our evening!

these were the delicious drinks i had. a nice glass of oberon [which is one amazing seasonal beer, if you have it in your area - try it!] and then i had a sangria. i can't ever say no to sangria! delicious!
it was fun celebrating him :) we do like to argue and tease one another but deep down i love my brother so much and am so thankful for him! praying for many many more birthday celebrations to come!

have a wonderful thursday and see you tomorrow for friday letters! :)