My 24th and a case of Poison Ivy

On October 4th I turned 24 and it didn't really feel much different than the year before or the year before that? Could this mean I'm getting old...I don't like to think so;) Derek once again spoiled me. He is always going out of his way to make me feel special and loved and my birthday was no exception. Since my birthday is in October it can range in a variety of temperatures. I've had the rainy/misty birthday....the Indian summer hot birthday....the "I think it might snow" birthday. This year it was a "chilly winds" birthday. Derek and I wanted to take bikes out on the constitution trail, but even the thought of that made me want to burrow in a heating blanket. So we changed plans and went to Barnes and Noble for some cozy book reading. I'm not sure if it was Derek's favorite thing, but I can get lost in a book in 1.5 seconds no problem. After that we did some shopping and then went out to eat at Medici's in Normal. I loved the atmosphere at the restaurant and the food was good too. Then we found a little cupcake shop where I picked out a snicker's cupcake. Overall it was a good day and we took our bikes out a different day :) A few days after my birthday I started noticing that I had a lot of bumps on my feet and legs that looked suspiciously like poison ivy. We had recently been out in the timber, but I remembered showering right after so I was sure this wasn't it. Was I ever wrong. Within a few days it had spread over my body making me want to crawl out of my skin. It was the worst in the night by far. Sleep wasn't an option unless medicated with benadryl...which really only made me groggy. I remember looking at all these mom's with newborns posting pics on instagram of late night feedings and I'm thinking, "hey I'll get up with your baby and you can go back to sleep since I'm up anyway". Granted I'm sure said moms would not like someone with poison ivy holding their child. Anyway I finally called the Doctor and got a prescription for a steroid cream that seems to be working good. Needless to say I've been extra cautious since then when we are at wiener roasts or anywhere near the woods for that matter. Gotta love the country ;)

J&K Married!

                            

Wedding days always appear to go somewhat in the same fashion. You have the getting ready, the pictures, the bride looking gorgeous and the ceremony. I would argue though that there is always a few little things that set every wedding apart and this wedding was no exception. We got ready that morning and I was introduced to fake eye lashes....for the first time ever. I was somewhat hesitant when the makeup ladies whipped out the glue....I was wondering if it was a permanent thing there for a minute. After much reassuring and many a layer of I don't know what I had new eyelashes. I may or may not have texted Derek to let him know that he should not be alarmed if I look Egyptian. Anywho after all the fluff and getting into our dresses in walks one of the groomsmen with wet hair....wet shoulder length hair that is. He was wondering what to do with it for pictures since pictures were starting in about 15 minutes. Let's just say about 5 women descended on him with blow driers, straighteners, gel and hairspray. It was a funny sight, but we got the job done and I am now further convinced men should have short hair ;) Pictures commenced and it was an absolutely gorgeous September day.
                                     
Before we knew it it was time for the ceremony to start. Katy looked beautiful and I was so happy to be able to be apart of her day. From there we went to 5-points in Washington for the reception. We were all hungry and couldn't wait to eat;) It almost felt like a highschool reunion and was so fun to reconnect with people we hadn't seen for awhile.
                                           
Katy and I have been friends since middle school and have been through thick and thin together. I am especially grateful for her friendship and that she is always willing to lend a listening ear and that no time is too late or early to text her. We wish both of you the best in your marriage!