Friday, February 24, 2017

{38}

Yesterday I turned 38.  
Three. Eight.
Two years from 40.  
This year is my 20 year high school reunion.
This year marks 21 years at Blue Bell.
Am I the only one who thinks like this?!

It's true what they say, the years go by a lot faster the older you get. 37 wasn't near as eventful as 36.  And that's a good thing because I am fairly certain I couldn't have taken another year like that.  It had it's moments - don't get me wrong - but for the most part, it came & went fairly uneventful, all things considered.  

The part about being two years from 40 doesn't really scare me...after all, age is just a number.  It's funny because when I was in my early 20's - someone nearing 40 seemed really old...like their life was coming to an end {figuratively not literally}.  And then I entered my 30's & people I hung out with in high school were nearing their 40's & coworker friends were nearing their 50's...and they certainly didn't seem old to me.  In fact - for some of them - they are having the times of their lives. 
 
Over the past year, unfortunately there were no fabulous trips taken or huge life changes.  Same job. Same house. Same vehicle. I didn't get married and Nola is still my only child. =)

So let's talk about that last part.  It's not something I normally dwell on or talk about constantly, even to my closest friends & family.  But I know people wonder & think to themselves - Casey, you aren't getting any younger!!  Yes, I know that....BELIEVE ME.  I know.

Has my life gone as "planned"?  Nope, not even close.  I want nothing more in this world than to get married & be a mom {& I think I would be pretty darn good at both}.  I have had many conversations with the Man upstairs because I really start questioning what I have done to not deserve to be happy.

Now before you go jumping to any conclusions or calling my mom to tell her that you read on my blog that I'm unhappy & depressed - let me clarify.

I am a happy person.  I have not stopped living life just because I'm not married & don't have kids.  Do I have my days?  Of course...who doesn't?!  It's life.  But I have the absolute best friends & family.  The cutest dog EVER.  And I  think I have done pretty darn well for myself.  I have been able to travel, build two houses & give my time to lots of organizations & people.  Not saying that to brag by any means.  Because has it been a struggle {financially, physically, emotionally}?  Absolutely.    If God was trying to teach me to be a strong, independent woman - I GOT IT!! Lesson learned. Now can someone help me carry out the trash & mow the lawn?! =)
But enough about that.  I have no doubt 38 is going to be a good year.  After 4 years without a "real" vacation - I am determined  that I am going somewhere this year.  It's been way too long since I have seen the Rockefeller Tree or Times Square...& I'm fairly certain NYC is missing me too.  I am going to become an aunt again in April and my cousin & one of my best friends are both due in July.  Can't wait to spoil all those precious babies.  Knock on wood, things are going good at work.  Hopefully this year we will see the return of several old flavors & a few new ones, as well as the reopening of some of our closed branches.  I'm helping my brother & sister-in-law with their new house & I would love to do a few more decorating jobs.  I mean, what's better than getting to do something I really enjoy while spending other people's money?!  I wonder if Fixer Upper is hiring?!  Ha! =)
God has a plan for my life...that I am certain of.  So there's no need to stress or worry about tomorrow or the next day or the next. Gotta live in the moment. 
So, Happy 38th birthday to me!   364 more days to make it my best year yet.



Thursday, February 16, 2017

{Happy ♥ Day!}

Better late than never...

Happy {heart} Day from me & my cute Valentine! =)

Monday, February 13, 2017

{Baby Shower & Weekend Recap}

Happy Monday everyone!  Once again, the weekend flew by, but hope y'all had a good one!

Saturday afternoon, some ladies & I hosted a baby shower at my house for my sister-in-law to celebrate the upcoming arrival of sweet baby Bo!  Only a few more weeks & I can't wait!!  We had a house full of great friends, lots of yummy food and Colby & Jodie received lots of great gifts.
 
 
 
 
Sunday, I spent most of the day doing this...
As part of my service award at work this year, I got a gift card to Lowe's. My goal is to do something with my pitiful looking backyard this Spring so I figured this was a great place to start.  Note to self: pick a day when the high isn't 85.  Y'all, it was seriously freaking hot!!    But, a few hours & a lot of sweat later, it's finished!  Now I just have to wait til the stores get some plants in so I can fill it up! {& ignore the dead tree & empty patch of grass...I'm working on it!!}
Needless to say, someone's going to be in for a rude awakening once it's full of dirt, plants & mulch!  Have a great week!
 

Monday, February 6, 2017

{Super Bowl LI}

So apparently we have started a new tradition...last night I hosted my second annual super bowl party!  Which I certainly don't mind because I love opening my home to friends & family {and it makes me get my butt in gear & give my house a thorough cleaning}.

But y'all - was that a game or what?!  It was C-R-A-Z-Y!!  I'm not a Patriots or Falcons fan, but I was rooting for the underdog & was hoping the Falcons would win. But fun side note, one of the players for the Patriots - Malcolm Brown - is from Brenham!  So congrats to him on his first Super Bowl win!

To say we had enough to eat was an understatement... {& this wasn't even all of it...the counters had stuff too}
No one went thirsty either...
There  was fondue on my coffee table!!
And some pretty intense game {& commercial} watching...the Mr. Clean one was the best!
Fun night for sure with some pretty great people...can't wait til next year {& clearly we need to work on our selfie stick skills between now & then}!!

Friday, February 3, 2017

{Happy Adoption Day, Nola!}

She's still wild and crazy at times.
She still doesn't  know any commands & she still isn't a fan of cats.
She still drinks out of the toilet, hogs the bed, chews & digs, and sheds like crazy.

And I still can't imagine my life without her.  

Two years ago yesterday I brought this sweet girl home. {you can read all about her adoption story here}
Her absolute favorite thing to do in the whole world is go for a walk.  She is ready to go as soon as I walk in the door every evening.  Added bonus is getting to swim in the creek at the end.
She LOVES kids.  Morgan is definitely her favorite person EVER!
She's not one bit spoiled.... HA! =)
We celebrated last night with cupcakes, ice cream & a few new toys.  And clearly someone partied too hard. =)
Happy Adoption Day, Nola!!