Mambo this.

You know those times in your life when you sit still, look around you and realize that you are perfectly happy? Those rarely happen, and not because I do not feel the joy, but rarely do I take the time to just sit back and enjoy it.

This week I dodged the Jesse Spano freak-out bullet and turned 25. Something about the way that rolls of the tongue...it just hits me. I know that most of you will think to yourself, "good Lord, what a baby. Just wait til you're 30...40...50," and the truth is, age doesn't scare me. I'm all about the "only young as you feel" mantra, it's more of just the symbolism. I look back at this quarter century of my life and think of the usual "life" question - am I happy with who I've become? If I were my younger self, looking at my life today, would I be proud? I know, I know...it's a heaping question, one that I'm certainly not ready to face, however, the abundant love I have felt over the past few days proves that something is going right for me. For whatever reason, God allowed the most amazing family and friends to be a part of my story and I just couldn't be happier. So this past Tuesday my sweet friends braved the rainy and freezing temperatures to get together and celebrate. As we talked, drank and laughed, I sat there and realized that this is what it's all about. What joy to be surrounded by some of the most wonderful and funny people around...how lucky am I?

I was fortunate enough to have a few celebratory meals, so I thought I would share some pictures from the festivities. To all of you that made me feel so special, thank you. What a year its been. I'm marching right into twenty-five with the kind of hope that only a new year can bring, and to that I say - let's do this.

First up, brunch with the fam* at Abel's on the lake:


Second, a Monday (mall food court) lunch date with my Tinies. (and an early bday gift!)

Birthday Dinner at Mi Cocina with some of my favorite people*!

(2 Mambo Taxi's in...one Oprah you tube...and some cool h'whip - Heaven help us.)

Sweet Robbie
*so bummed that there was no group pic!

Also note, Owen Wilson managed to sneak into the restaurant mid-meal...and in true entitled birthday girl / over-confident fashion, I asked for a photo, only to get de-nied! I don't remember the specifics, but I believe that I said something to the effect of, "I will never watch Wedding Crashers again." - there's nothing like a scorned bday girl!