happy birthday cole!

I have been an aunt since I was 12. And I am aunt to 2 beautiful nieces and 5 handsome nephews. Last Saturday we celebrated my youngest nephew's 2nd birthday. And since I took a class with Sharon Clark (Smitten Photography) I think I'm some kind of photographer. I must say, though, that I love taking pictures. Here are some pictures of Cole and his big brother, Isaiah, and other friends from his party.

yay! it's my birthday!!
Cole with his uncle Adam and brother, Isaiah
my best friend, Chaille's, boys (Nick, Beck & Jack)
one of his pals, Hayden...very serious
finally, his pal, Landon.

It was definitely a fun day celebrating little Cole's life. The joy of nieces and nephews is you can give them back to their parents. I love mine.

things i REALLY like

i'm in a bit of a reflective mood and wanted to share some things i'm REALLY liking right now. granted, there may be things i REALLY like, and even love, not on this list. it's spontaneous (and in no particular order).

...Chic-fil-A corporate headquarters: nestled back in a wooded area 10 min from the ATL airport. hiking trails, free lunch (includes CFA sandwiches, icedream with toppings, diet dr. pepper & lemondade anytime), and friendly staff. what a great place to have a training meeting!
...a rental car: it's usually new and an automatic. i love driving a car that's not mine!
...the moon: it never ceases to amaze me that as a turn a corner and catch a glimpse of the moon, i gasp. literally gasp. it's huge, perfect and low.
...dark chocolate: needs no explanation
...business trips: it's rare in Young Life that i go on business trips. but, occasionally. and so my 24 hours in Atlanta has been nice so far. i'm enjoying being in a hotel, driving a rental, eating dinner alone, and learning more (of course)
...fall: i do wish it was cooler, but nothing is better than a fall evening.
...the mountains: adam and i got to spend (his) fall break in an amazing mountain house less than 2 hours from Charlotte. it was amazing and relaxing and extremely peaceful.
...the kite runner: i'm not sure how long ago this book came out, but i remeber it's following. i usually reject anything that becomes instantly popular. and i am aware that i miss out on things b/c of this. however, after seeing the movie first, i knew i just HAD to read this book. it's incredible. i don't have the ability to come up with words to describe it.
...my husband: he got up early to take me to the aiport today. that was kind of him. he's loving, kind, smart, witty, and just so fun to be around. i can't wait to see him when he picks me up from the airport tomorrow.

so, there you have it. my "REALLY like" list for the right now.
enjoy.

T minus 30

In 30 days I will be 30. Just like that my twenties will be over. I'm not really sure how I'm feeling about the whole thing. My mom was 32 when she had me. I remember when I was 15 and the woman I babysat for was turning thirty...she said to me, "I'm twice your age!" Well, duh, I babysit your kids. Those girls are now 19 and 17. Crazy.
I'm thinking that age is a weird thing. I'm not really sure where I thought I'd be at 30. Of course, when you are 15 thirty seems SO old. But, now that I'm here, it doesn't really seem that old. I sometimes feel younger or at least feel like I act younger (than what I think 30 should act like). "They" are saying that 30 is the new 20. But, I don't want to be 20.
I do feel like our lives can be marked by the decades of our 20's, 30's, 40's and so on. I wonder what my 30's have in store for me? Travel perhaps. Probably kids too. A move. I'm not afraid of turning 30. It just seems weird, like I should have something to show for my 20's. I am thinking that this is going to be my year!! I may spend the next 30 days thinking about what I want my "Year 30" to be and go for it. As my friend CC says, "put yourself out there!"
I am looking forward to 30! And since I love birthdays, I hope it'll be a great one!! (no pressure, huh?) I think I'm going to set some goals for myself this year and live a full life!!