Birthday #25

This past weekend was my birthday weekend and it was absolutely fabulous!!! It started Saturday with a triple date with Brian's brother and wife, and their friend Jeff and his date Shannon. We went to dinner at Gecko's, which is a really yummy Mexican restaurant. Then we headed over to Mulligan's to hit a bucket of balls. I am not really good at it but its something I will definately do more of this summer. We finished the night off with some good ole' Arctic Circle milk shakes and sitting around the fire in Brian's backyard. It was a perfect date night!

Sunday was jam packed! It started with me having to speak in church. I don't really have a fear of public speaking so it was not too bad. We then headed up to my Grandma's for my family birthday dinner! Every year my Grandma makes our choice of dinner. With my love of BBQ's we had hamburgers, hot dogs, salad's, jello, scones and my all time favorite treat, Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies! After hanging out with my family for a few hours, we headed to Brian's family Father's Day BBQ. We had steak kabobs, salad and more jello! It was a fantastic day just to be with family.

Monday was my birthday! I'm 25! I am not very happy about getting older, but 2 positives come from this. 1) My car insurance was cut in HALF and 2) I can now successfully rent a car on my own. Yep thats the only good things that come from being 25. But the day was perfect!

I took work off so I was able to hit the gym early in the morning. Brian came to pick me up and brought me the cutest bouquet of daisies, carnations, and roses. I was already satisfied because I always complain he never buys me flowers and this time he came through.

Next we headed off to get my present. He surprised me by taking me to get a MOUNTAIN BIKE! I have wanted one forever but just have not been able to afford it. I was so excited! After almost 2 hours at the store, I finally decided on one!

After that, we picked up some lunch and went to see The Proposal. If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It is funny, cute, and overall a fun movie. Next we were off to the mall to shop for some new clothes. It wasn't very successful but I did come out with a new pair of jeans. Always a plus!

Then we went to dinner at Cafe Rio with my closest friends. Last Heather had us over for strawberry cake and presents! (More pictures might be coming soon)It really was the best day I could ask for!

I have had some real soul searching the past few days as I approached big 25! I have learned so much in my short life, especially the past 3 years while I have been dating Brian. I look back to my birthday right as we met (we met the day after I turned 22) and I can not believe how far I have come. I have come to realize what really is important in life. I am so grateful for my family and friends and the happiness they bring into my life. And most of all, I am grateful for Brian and for everything he has taught me.

Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes and for making my birthday great!

I'm an AUNT!!!

It finally happened! Something I have been waiting for since I was 8 years old and I realized that some of my friends already were one. I am an aunt!

Anthony Adam Castleton was born Saturday June 6 at 2:52 am.

He weighed 9 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long.

You see all of the tubes because there were some complications during labor and the little guy came out in respiratory failure. He spent the first few hours of his life hooked up to a breathing tube.

He went on to spend the first 3 days in the NICU. But I am happy to say he is out of intensive care and up in the room with my Sister-in-Law. Both Anthony and mom will be going home tomorrow.

It is truly incredible how you can love something the INSTANT you see it. I have never felt anything like it, and it is only my nephew. I can only imagine what it feels like to be a mother. After the experience this weekend, I will admit I am absolutely terrified to have children, but I am sure it will happen one day. It has to be one of the most self-less acts a woman can do.

Congratulations to my brother Adam and his wife Danielle! Thank you for bringing my little Tank (yes I already nicknamed him) into my life. Love you both!!!