Every year birthdays happen and you never really know how you will feel on the day or what it will look like. I especially had no idea this year, as my friends and family took it over and gave me one of the most beautiful days. I was surprised on the eve of my birthday with an early gift... my sister. My best friends and family pulled off one of their best surprises to date, as I had NO IDEA as my sister walked up to the breakfast table. After a few tears and many moments of confusion, I was handed a menu for what would be my birthday dinner that my sister was in town to cook.

The following days were filled with dinner prep, lots of good food and an amazingly beautiful dinner table created by my two favorite men, Joey Haro & Raymond Burns. I sometimes feel like my friends see and know me better than I do myself, as they created the perfect moment in time for me to sit and enjoy another year, surrounded by people I love.

I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story, but I would like to add one thing... As I grow and evolve into the new chapters of my life, I learn what I must take with me and what I must leave behind. I am faced with battles I sometimes can't see through, but ultimately I overcome. I have learned how to love, how to forgive and how to exist in this world when sometimes it feels impossible. However the thing I have learned the most - the thing that sticks with me and holds me up is my friends. I have been so privileged to have such amazing people enter my life who make it all worth while. Every one of you who has helped shaped my heart and inspired me to live each day are so very special. So thank you. You all know who you are and I love you.