Cliff Diving

Originally Written May 2018

My body can't tell if I'm about to put in my two weeks notice or jump off a cliff.

I'm equally excited and terrified. I was given an amazing opportunity to work with a growing tech company and jumped at the chance. It means advancing in my career, flexibility for future family plans, and contributing to growth in this company.

But that means leaving behind my work family I've been with for almost 4 years.

It's a weird feeling being at work knowing I'm not going to be here in 2 weeks. Business as usual for everyone else, but I am noticing all the small things.

Students saying hi to me from the time I pull up my car at work.

Co-workers stopping mid-email draft to tell me a funny story from their weekend.

Nerdy mentors stopping by my desk to snag some Mrs. Calls chocolates or show off the new shoes they just bought.

It's funny to be nostalgic for somewhere I haven't even left yet.

Change is the name of the game, but that doesn't make it any easier. Wish me luck!

Crazy Lady in Stripes

How the heck are we already in March?! With work I'm always looking 3-4 weeks ahead, and didn't realize how much time was passing by. Although we've had a few exciting things happen over the past few months!

Create a New Habit

Who is ever any good at holding to New Years resolutions? I'm sure not!

I think it becomes overwhelming; all the work that has to be done to finally be fit, read 100 books, send out birthday cards to all friends/family, etc. 

Luckily I've gotten a jumpstart on my goals this year. A few months ago I started working out consistently with some super fit friends doing BBG and hot yoga/pilates multiple times a week. I feel amazing after each workout. Progress!

Currently in September

I was inspired by my friend Rachel Sayumi to take part in Blogtember! I miss the days of writing just to write, so I'm hoping that this will force me to go back to the "good 'ole days" of blogging!

Reading... "You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero. But I think I left my copy in Yosemite, so I have to re-buy it!
Playing... at catch up. Always knockin' out items on my to-do list. 
Watching... Gilmore Girls, again ;) Fall is always the best time to watch this show! 
Trying... new recipes
Cooking... Keto/LCHF-friendly meals. Been trying to get our home healthy and learn something new.
Eating... Cheese, heavy whipping cream, protein, low-carb. Actually feeling pretty good so far. 
Drinking... Water! And Crystal Lite Strawberry. 
Calling... Mom, a couple times a week. Sam, every other week for life updates. 
Texting... Ryan and Evan! Usually corgi memes. 
Pinning... LCHF recipes, Costa Rica travel guides, Fall style, Halloween decor (Pinterest account)
Tweeting... Dog memes, because that is what makes me happy.
Going... to plan all the fun holiday themed activities 
Loving... boots, seriously can't have too many 
Hating... that my car gets dirty sitting underneath the carport 
Discovering... new chapters of my life
Thinking... about our family Costa Rica trip next year, after Jesse comes home 
Feeling... like a weight has been lifted of my shoulders from the past few months
Hoping (for)... more opportunities for growth 
Listening (to)... Google Play "Indie Dance Party" playlist
Celebrating... Labor Day weekend, and the start of fall 
Smelling... Boulangerie Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon
Thanking... Heavenly Father for all the blessings in my life
Considering... on buying more boots...
Starting... new habits
Finishing... laundry, dishwasher, and other chores

Melanoma

This is a hard post to write, but I want to share my life as of late with all of you. Also for myself, writing is therapeutic and this is a journal of sorts for me and my family.

Five years ago this month I was operated on for Melanoma Stage 1B. At the time I didn't realize the gravity of the situation, which in retrospect was a blessing because I would have been way more terrified going into surgery. (Read here for more information on the stages of Melanoma)

They excised a massive portion of my right forearm and 3 lymph nodes under my right arm. Luckily nothing had spread to my lymph nodes, which meant no chemotherapy. The excisions took months to fully heal, and even now from time to time I'll feel a little pull from the stitches underneath my skin. 

Every 6 months I have been visiting the oncologist for check-ups, as I'm now considered a high-risk patient. Mind you, I've never been in a tanning bed in my life. I've not purposely gone out in the sun with no protection to burn/tan. The doctors have come to the conclusion that my body is simply pre-dispositioned for this cancer. 

Each appointment during the past 5 years I've held my breath until I got that phone call. The doctors office letting me know the biopsy came back as negative. That was the case until March 14th. 

I was sick with a killer flu. Throwing up, body aches, sore throat, the works; couldn't be far away from my restroom for very long. I got a phone call from my dermatologist saying that 2 of the 5 spots came back as something. The spot on my back was Melanoma Stage 0 and the mole that grew on top of my Melanoma scar came back as "highly atypical" which is essentially the pathologist saying it was on its way to becoming cancer. 

I was home alone when I received the call, and held my composure with the doctor while I was speaking with her on the phone. As soon as it was over, I got weak in the knees and just cried and cried. I knew what was coming, and this time I knew how serious it was. 

I called my mom first because I knew Ryan was in class for another hour. I was crying so hard that my mom couldn't make out what I was saying at first. Once I calmed down, I was able to explain the situation and she made arrangements to be at my back surgery that week and the oncologist and mole mapping doctor appointments.

I had the mole on my back excised 2 weeks ago. It is still healing, and last week the oncologist took out stitches from underneath the wound because my body was rejecting it and not healing properly. I had the mole excised from my forearm this past Wednesday, it's still pretty ugly and painful.

Right after surgery I feel pretty ok because the local anesthetic is still in effect. I was under the impression that I would only have 1-2 stitches on my forearm because the mole was so small. My mom and I were in Target purchasing new bandages, when I decided to unwrap the bandage on my arm and noticed the 7-8 stitches, swollen skin, and spots of blood covering my old Melanoma scar. I was taken by surprise and felt the tears streaming down my face in the middle of the Orem Target. 

My mom was coming back to the cart from another aisle and saw the look of gut-wrenching sadness on my face and brought me in for a huge hug. Over the past few weeks I've felt emotionally raw, vulnerable, helpless, and despondent. I'm sure we've all felt that way in one fashion or another. When I first had the excision on my back, where no one could see, it opened my eyes to other people's pain and suffering that we can't see on the outside. I've been working on being kinder to others; since I never know what wounds, physical or emotional, they are nursing back to health. 

The past few days I've been at home recovering. I tire easily, as I'm still healing from 2 chunks of skin being taken from my body. I've been blessed and lucky to have an amazing support system. I wouldn't be recovering this well without all the help I've received from family, friends, and strangers. 

I've always told the doctors that I'd rather have scars than skin cancer. My thoughts occasionally make its way to my future family. This is a cancer I need to take care of to be there for my husband and future babies. Even though it is frustrating to be in pain and helpless, I'd rather take care of this now than let it grow and deal with it down the road. I can show my babies all my scars and be proud of them, as they are a symbol of strength and a reminder of how much I've overcome to be there for my family. 

Please get you and your families checked, it is only a quick trip to the dermatologist. Protect your skin, and your family! Thanks for letting me share :)

Hittin' the Ground Running

To be honest, 2015 was a rough year. So many good things happened, but a lot of things fell by the wayside. My health being one of them :/ I started going full time at my job last July, then even more craziness started with work. New campus' being built out, working weekends, and constant work stress. I often came home and was too exhausted to work out and too tired to cook. Queue the take-out then going straight to sleep!

I started back with my fitness resolution (with the rest of the nation) at the beginning of January! I joined Kayla Itsines' BBG which started on January 11th, I'm starting out week 5 and can't wait to see the results as I keep at it! If you don't know what BBG is, I have a week's worth of workouts at the bottom of this post. I did the full 12-week program last January-April before our trip to Hawaii, it brought great results but then after vacation I didn't have the drive to keep going.

With working out 3-5 times a week, I run out of workout clothes fast! I love this hoodie and the pink leggings below from Lole, might have to snag some once I hit week 6, the halfway point as a present to myself ;)

What are you all doing to stay on track with your fitness goals?

The Hernia Has Spoken

Earlier this week Ryan had surgery for his umbilical hernia. He has been living with the pain of having his guts try to escape out of his belly button for over two months! Every cough, laugh, sneeze, and sudden movement would put him in excruciating pain :/ Suffice it to say, we were excited to finally have a surgery date. 

Ryan is one tough guy, and I sometimes forget what it's like to see him vulnerable. He's such a manly mountain man, he can do anything and everything! Then to see him practically helpless this week has been heartbreaking. Just think about it, almost every movement you make is connected to your core! Soooo he pretty much didn't move all week. 

Lots of medicine, Netflix, shakes, and naps were on our schedule. Luckily I have a job that is extremely understanding, so I was able to stay at home for a couple days to take care of him until he could move around the house more easily. He's now doing better, and we are excited to go back to living our lives hernia-free! :)

Jokes

This is picture evidence of Ryan and I finally getting around to picking up our house so it doesn't look like a complete trash-pit. 

While it's been crazy busy around these parts, I've also been very happy. 

I love where and who I work with. They value the hard work I put in, which makes me want to work harder and do better. Ryan is finally getting the surgery we've been waiting 2 months for. The poor guy has been in constant pain but has been a champ through it all. I've started a new workout regimen with my friend Ariel that's going to kick our tushes and get us in shape #thekaylamovement. I've been eating healthier the past week and a half (1 week sober from soda) and have been feeling really good. 

Evan comes home in 2 and a half months and I'm over the moon about it. While he wants to live in Mexico and be a missionary forever (too cute), it's time for him to come home. I miss him. We are taking a family trip in April before Jesse leaves for his mission this summer, and I'm twitching with excitement. 

Sometimes I wonder what I did to be so lucky in life. Do I really deserve all this happiness?  I was just thinking that this morning on the way to work. Then I discovered my tire had a screw in it...and there's life crackin' a good ole joke. Keeping me on my toes. 

The Job Search is Over + Fall Floral

After a lot of searching...I finally found a job! Actually, the job kind of found me. Over a month ago I found a tweet with the hashtag #ProvoJobs about a job position, I tweeted saying that I was interested but then received word back that it had already been filled. Last week I received a tweet saying that a different position had opened up and they would like to schedule an interview if I was interested. 

After walking into DevMountain then having the interview, I knew I would be perfect for the Executive Assistant job and that I could do a lot of great work there. Even though I felt as if I'd rocked the interview, I still prayed & crossed my fingers that it would work out. Within a couple days the job was offered and I accepted! I had my first day of work yesterday, and I can't even express how blessed I feel. Thank you for all the love & support! It's so crazy to think that after all those months of job searching on KSL listings that I'd end up with one via Twitter :)

On another note, this Pink Blush dress is the comfiest thing EVER. I had so many compliments when I wore it to church on Sunday. Usually I change out of my church clothes as soon as I hit the door but I kept this number on while I cooked dinner and picked up the house. Yes, it's that comfy.

These Prismera pavé earrings and "U" necklace work perfectly with the rest of my go-to delicate gold jewelry. I've been wearing them everyday since I picked them up from the mailbox. Such beautiful pieces that I know will quickly become part of my go-to favorites!! 

Photography by Les Dedrickson Photography

Navy Blue Floral Dress c/o Pink Blush

TripleBar Pavé Hoop Earrings c/o Prismera

Collect U Pavé Necklace c/o Prismera

Dark Gray Steve Madden Milaan Booties

I've Got Trust Issues

Meeting new people is an interesting experience; because you can decide within a few minutes of talking whether or not you'll get along with them. I've found that while first impressions aren't always the best indicator of who that person is, it helps me get a feel of what they're about. Therefore, my list of people I don't know I can "trust" because we aren't on the same page about some pretty important things ;)

// Women with long toe nails.
Sick nasty much? Cut those things STAT/ASAP.

// People who cut the fat off of their steak.
That's THE BEST PART. A little bit of fat, a little bit of steak. Yummmm. 

// Those who don't like Tangled.
The height of adorable-Disney-princess-ness, a great story, and a talented cast. Plus Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi's voices? PERFECTION. Itso facto, you have no heart if you don't like Tangled.

// Girls who wear booty shorts, jewelry, a full face of makeup & have their hair down at the gym.
Girl. You're not really working out if you're not sweating like a pig. In fact, if you were actually sweating you'd definitely have your hair up in a ponytail.

// People who don't think that thick leggings/jeggings are a legitimate pant option.
If this is you? You're missing out on some serious life-changing comfort. Your loss.

// People who don't like Harry Potter and/or reading.
So you're "above" pretending to live in a fictitious wizarding realm? And you don't like to escape the real world for a spell to read intriguing and educating stories? No DUH I don't trust you.

// Couples who post their entire love life on social media.
Your love is still legitimate if it's offline my friends. I promise you. Unless you're being catfished, then ya...it's probably not legit.

// People who don't like hot chocolate.
How can you NOT like chocolate? Life FAIL.

// Girls who don't like shopping.
I mean you don't have to love it, but to not like it?? It's a little over the top, if you ask me.

// People of my generation having no knowledge of basic pop culture.
Where have you been living? Under a stupid rock?

What I've Learned In 3 Years of Marriage

June 4th marked our 3 year anniversary...THREE. I can't really put into words how challenging and rewarding the last 3 years have been. Ryan and I have grown so much as individuals and as a unit. Even though we aren't the same people who got married 3 years ago, I'm so happy with what we've become and are becoming. Here is my list of what I've learned so far {and my list from last year} :)

What I've Learned in 3 Years of Marriage:

// Make time for dates and trying new things together is important aka Dateline and Pizza Hut can only cut it as "date night" for so long.

// Stand up for each other. To friends, to family, to strangers.

// Find hobbies you can participate in together.

// Encourage the successes and be strong for one another while enduring the failures.

// Support the dreams and hard work that comes along with it.

// Fighting. It's inevitable. Take a deep breath, then talk about what is really at the core of your frustration. So much better than raised voices and it's a lot easier to bounce back from.

// Plan trips together. Search for adventure. Enjoy discovering the world with one another.

// A dirty house is less important than a loved one who needs hugs and kisses.

// Granted, a clean house can bring peace and calmness to the home.

// Make sure to always say thank you when necessary.

// Time spent with friends is time well spent.

// Be selfless...listen to your spouse and serve them. Actions can speak louder than words.

// Reminisce on the dating/engagement/honeymoon butterflies to feel warm & fuzzy, but don't miss the opportunity to create more butterfly moments :)

Happy anniversary Ryan, I love you with all my heart & soul. You're my strength, my confidante, and my sweetheart. Can't wait for more eternity with you :)

My To-Do List

While I {sometimes} seem easygoing, I work best with a game plan and a to-do list. I visit my Any.Do app religiously and relish crossing off errands on my list. I write out Ryan's work schedule along with our summer plans on the big calendar in our kitchen so we can plan life accordingly. Seeing as how this next month is gonna be crazy, here is my current to-do list!

// Start packing carry-on & suitcase for flight this Tuesday {SLC--->LB}

// Reschedule dermatologist appointment

// Finish washing & folding laundry {I always put off laundry}

// Purchase Us the Duo tickets for August 

// Go grocery shopping for Ryan {so he doesn't wither away while I'm gone}

// Get new blog business cards from MOO.com

// Plan blog pictures to take in CA {the beach!}

// Make solid plans for Sacramento trip at the end of this month {rental car, hotel, SF sights}

// Wash & clean my car 

// Give Ryan lots of hugs & besitos before I leave!

Livin' It Up

I've been enjoying my summer vacation so far! Now that it's starting to warm up, I'm itching to get my fire pit to so I can start hosting bonfire/movie night/BBQs at mi casa. I just love gathering all my favorite people and enjoying their company, plus hosting an adorable party is always fun ;) Ps, that necklace in the picture was a whopping $3 from the Ruby Bloom warehouse sale this past Saturday. So of course I had to buy 3 of them...

I finally got my diploma in the mail, which made it all the more real that I'm done with school. No more buying ridiculously priced books from the bookstore, no more begging teachers to fit me in their classes during the first week of school, and no more worrying about grades! Though, I am a glutton for punishment and have given grad school some thought. I wouldn't be able to apply until next year, so it gives me some time to think if I want to torture myself :)

Ryan & I's 3 year anniversary is only in 2 weeks, where did the time go?! We are heading to Sacramento at the end of the June for a friends wedding so we decided to make a mini anniversary vacation out of it and hit up San Francisco for a few days. I'm so stoked! I'm also heading down to California for my brother Jesses' high school graduation then spending a girls week with my mom, where we are gonna party it up! It's gonna be one jam-packed month of fun :)

Graduation Battle: High School v. College

I'm sure from the overgramming on my Insta-profile, you saw that I graduated this past Friday! I'm so excited to have finally gotten to this point, and thought it would be great to compare where I was at my high school graduation and college graduation :) This post is inspired by Ashley's at Making Our Marx, make sure to head over to check it out! 

17 ------> 22

Royal blue -----> Navy blue

Natural blonde curls -----> Bright blonde ombre curls

Titan -----> Cougar

1.5 year high school relationship ------> 3 year eternal marriage

Grossman ------> Rios

ASB goody-two shoes treasurer ------> Honor code rebel 

California golden glow -------> Utah blinding white complexion

Only sandals in my shoe wardrobe ------> 3 pairs of booties & 7 pairs of tall boots

Secret Facebook profile ------->  Public blog, Instagram, and Twitter 

Thinking of a business degree -------> Family Studies, Music, and Communication degrees

Stayed away from animal print ------> Obsessed with leopard print anything

Corona, CA -------> Provo, UT

Afraid to wear my "nerdy" glasses -----> Nerdy glasses are in style & all the rage

Non-existent blonde eyebrows -----> Waxed, tinted, and filled in brows

Braces in 2004  -----> And again in 2011

Verizon flip phone -----> iPhone5

2009 -----> 2014

It's Finally Here

Tomorrow I'll be walking in my cap & gown to grab my diploma {holder}, smile for some pictures, then I'll be...done. It's such an weird feeling to be finished with this chapter in my life. I've been working for 5 years to get to this point, and it's finally here! I'll talk more about that later, but for now here are some amazing grad pictures that one of my blog BFF's Rachel took for me :)

Ryan + I

Rachel was so kind to take not only my graduation pictures, but some shots of me and Ryan! I feel like I need to start scheduling more couple photo shoots so we have more to pick from than just our engagement and wedding photos when decorating the house. You'll see in these pictures that Ryan is a goober and tried to ruin some of them...but that's why I love him ;)

1, 3, and 5 Years

Graduation 2009

This June I'll be coming up on 5 years since graduating high school. Um, CRAZY. It feels like a different lifetime when I look back on those years {not like those years are the funnest to look back on haha...high school is so lame!} I'm giving all the credit to my blogger friend Bon for this awesome idea of a post! Here's where I thought I'd be at these milestones after college, and where I actually ended up.

1 Year // 2010

Where I thought I'd be: I thought I would be having a blast at BYU. You know, first time living away from home. Parrrtayyyyy. I would be ace-ing all my classes cause I'm a smart cookie, with lots of extra time to spare. Smooth sailing.

Where I was: In my first year of college, I went through some of my first real life hardships. I had gotten into a 5 car pile-up which moved my spinal cord and cracked a molar. I caught the dumb swine flu, then at the end of fall semester I had a root canal to fix my broken molar. Then during winter semester I burned my leg on the exhaust pipe of a motorcycle and tended to that for over a month. Of course, all of this affected my schoolwork, spirituality, and life in general. It was a great test of my faith and endurance, and I learned a lot that makes me who I am today. I am so grateful for those friends I made Freshmen summer who looked after me!

3 Years // 2012

Where I thought I'd be: Probably just starting to date someone seriously, nearing college graduation and starting to look more seriously at what kind of career I would want to delve in to.

Where I was: June of 2012 marked my one year anniversary to Ryan, and we had just moved in to our yellow brick house that we are still at today. That first year of marriage was a huge learning curve for the both of us. His father had been diagnosed with cancer and passed away December of 2011. I was diagnosed with Stage 1B melanoma and operated on. I had a huge chunk of skin taken out of my right arm along with 3 lymph nodes. On top of all that, we went through the typical first married year growing pains. It was a rough time for sure, but we've grown much closer because of it.

5 Years // 2014

Where I thought I'd be: Married for a year or two. Already graduated and working my first serious job in the Family Sciences field. Ryan would be finishing up school and we'd be looking to where we would first settle down.

Where I was: June will mark 3 years of marriage, woot woot! I'm graduating a year late because I decided to tack on my Communications minor. Last year I realized that my Family Science major, while I found it interesting, is not my passion. Now I'm trying to figure which way to steer my education and future career. Ryan still has another year and a half of school to go, which means we will be in Provo for a while. Which is totally ok because that means we'll be living here when my brother Jesse goes to school, when Evan gets back from his mission, and when my cousin Amanda will start school at BYU!

This all just goes to show that life doesn't usually unfold how you plan it to, and that's alright! I'm happy, thriving, and working together with my husband toward our goals in life. Everything I've experienced and learned has contributed to the person I am today. And I'm pretty awesome, so I'm not going to try and change that ;)

Eleven Things

One of my blogger friends, Nicole from Writes Like a Girl, posted these questions on her blog and they seemed like some fun questions for you guys to get to know me a little better. So here goes nothin! :)

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you're feeling stressed?
// I make sure to swing by the grocery store on my way home to grab a magazine {Instyle or Glamour}, then I draw up a flaming hot bubble bath, drop in my Lush bath bombs, and soak my worries away.

2. It's 2014. What invention are you still waiting for them to come out with?
// Gas-less cars and teleportation.

3. You're in control of the thermostat-what temperature do you set it?
// In the winter time, I love to feel warm...so I'll set the heater to 80 degrees and it drives Ryan up a wall because his body temp runs 10 degrees hotter than any normal person should. We are in constant debate over whether the heater or fan gets to be on. It's just as exciting as it sounds.

4. If you could go back and say something to yourself, what would you say and what age would you say it to? 
// I would tell my 16 year old self that "saving" someone isn't worth it when you get sucked down the drain with them. Being someone's sole reason for happiness isn't endearing, it's scary. And to listen to my parents, because in all your infinite teenage knowledge {HA!}, they really do want you to  succeed in life and be happy.

5. What toppings are on your perfect pizza?
// I am SO boring when it comes to pizza, I love a plain 'ole pepperoni. Although, I'll compromise and get a supreme with cheese stuffed crust to placate you-know-who.

6. If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to?
// My mom told me that if she had a second girl she would have named her Aubrey Noelle...and then I was instantly irked wondering why that wasn't MY name. I would have loved to be nicknamed Nollie! So now I'm going to steal that name for my future baby girl...Aubrey Noelle Rios. How cute is that?!

7. What actor/actress would play you in the movie of your life?
// Reese Witherspoon...DUH. And Ryan could be played by young Antonio Banderas, love that accent ;)

8. List three things you want to accomplish in the next five years:
// Get out of debt. Have at least one little one. Be settled, always progressing & happy

9.What's the last show you binge-watched?
// FRIENDS! I had only ever seen a re-run here and there growing up and wanted to watch the whole series straight through. So Ryan and I watched all 10 seasons in about a month. Not gonna lie, I was kind of depressed when it was over. Mourning over the loss of my fictional friends!

10. What drink or food item is your go-to guilty pleasure?
// Lately it's been the Sodalicious drive-thru...a "Your Mom" extra dirty {Dr. Pepper, half & half, lime, and coconut} and a sugar cookie make me happy right quick!

11. Do you feel that your current age fits you?
// I always have people mistaking me for being around 25, and I'm told it's because I "act so mature" or "am confident and hold myself well in conversation." But, I have a lot to learn and experience...so I'm ok with being the ripe age of 22.

Last First Day

Today marks my last first day of a college semester {this is why I'm holding up a 12}. It's so surreal, that I'm only 4 months away from that diploma! Of course all that excitement comes at a price...it's been ridiculous trying to sign up for my classes this semester. I decided over the break that instead of taking it easy with 6 credits, that I might as well re-declare my Communications minor & finish off the last 9 credits with classes I enjoy. 

All last week I called back and forth between the the Comms and Family Science offices, filled out graduation plans, and emailed the advisement assistants to finally get the thing declared in order to sign up for classes. I then rush to sign up for classes only to see that I would still need "departmental approval" to get them added to my schedule. What the?! *Sigh*

I know it'll eventually work itself out, but I hate that feeling of being all scattered that first week of school. As of right now, I have exactly 1 class for sure on my schedule...and I'm trying to add 3 more. Also meaning that I have not bought even one textbook. Eek! At least it's one step closer to that blessed graduation day? ;)

I'm Feelin' Twenty-TwoOooOo

This past Saturday was my 22nd birthday! I feel so young when I think about how much life I still have ahead of me, but also feel proud for what I've accomplished in my 22 years here. I conquered skin cancer, been married almost 2 and a half years, have held down 3 awesome jobs, am working on improving my musical talents, will be a college graduate in April of 2014, and have awesome relationships with friends and family. I am pretty blessed if I do say so myself.

On my birthday eve, Ryan took me out shopping and I found some amazing bargain pieces at Loft and American Eagle! {I'll share soon ;)} Then we ate at Firehouse subs before we went over to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2. Ummm, cutest movie ever & definitely just as fun as the first movie. I'm so glad it came out on my birthday weekend, it just had to be fate!!!

Saturday was a busy day, I had dance practice at noon followed by a choir retreat from 1-4pm. I quickly ran some errands then went home to prepare for the small party I was having! I just wanted something low-key with cake and some of my favorite people. It was a blast catching up with old friends and having an excuse to see them all!

Allll the way back in 2009, I graduated high school and left 2 weeks later for college. Best decision ever. I met some of my now closest friends that summer, and love that I was able to share the "college experience" with them! So of course we had to take a "Freshmen summer reunion" picture to commemorate :)

Well my friends, that just about wraps up my birthday post. We all know how much I love birthdays, and I'll admit I love having the attention on me and getting fun presents....but what I love the most is having my closest friends and family nearby so I can share how grateful I am to have them in my life.