Hey Shorty, It's Ya Berfday

The big 2-6. Nothing too remarkable, just a quiet evening with my parents, husband and adopted big brother Mike Rudy. I even earned a phone call from Spain (miss you MK!), Florida (shout out to my Stanzione family!), fairy Godparents, and a few other loved voices.

Here are some classic pictures of birthday pie (WAY better than birthday cake!) courtesy of Daddy's cell phone.

It has been an amazing ride so far and I look forward to many more adventures. In many ways my birthday is like no other day: I'm about to crawl into bed with my gorgeous husband and adorable puppy, count my blessings, and thank the Lord for my life. Tomorrow, I will get up and haul my tired buns to work, still hungover on ribs and chicken. But on this day, 26 years ago, the love of a young man and young woman (not unlike my husband and I) created a life - my life - and it is they who are owed the praise and credit. I am a product of their love, their faith, and their strength; they have inspired me beyond my capabilities and encouraged me through my darkest moments.
So on this, my 26th birthday, I thank you Mom and Dad, and promise to continue to live a life of testament to you and the values that you have instilled in me.