What was suppose to be a surprise..

..Turned out not to be... 3 hours before the party. :(

but it was still a nice time anyways!

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HAPPY 25th

Ash wanted sooo desperately to be here... and her request was to have a picture placed to represent her. I thought this was the perfect place for her to be.. right next to all the CANDY:)

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An apron game with 22 items to represent her..

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The firsts are always hard...

Though we all celebrated in the joys of Ashley's new life, I wasnt completely prepared for what came afterwards.. ALL the FIRSTS! Sometimes, I dont think we realize how much we take for granted until everything is different and you have to get use to a new normal. I think of all the birthdays, other holidays, family gatherings, etc that we have had this year where Ash was unable to be present, and I know she so desperately had wanted to be, but couldnt! Its been a phase of life we hadnt ever known, until it happened.

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I think about what makes her unique- her giggle, blonde moments/finally getting jokes hours after they were told and hearing her laughing in a room by herself, to finally hear her say, I just got it. :) Stealing candy, and then coming to me later saying.." I hope you didnt mind, but I ..." She will always be my youngest sister, and Im so grateful to have her a part of my life.

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I now find that life stops when she calls! I look forward to her surprise/random calls in the middle of the night, catching up on all the details, and/or having web cam conversations. I have found that during these times our relationship has deepened and I truly cherish this!
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Missing you a lot recently, Ash.. and can't wait until we can be together again!

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Another year has come and gone...

My 27th

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This is from my dear sister Ash, as she is in Germany! Im sure she wished she could be here to help celebrate.:) Thank you so much Ash..as this was a nice suprise!
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I do get excited about gifts.. ;)
My original nurse mate watch had about seen it's last days, and was so relieved/excited to have another one to replace it!

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My birthday was celebrated over several different days due to conflicting schedules.. Went to dinner one night at Olive Garden, worked my actual birthday(which I hadnt told anyone at work that it WAS my birthday.. when the found out late that night, they brought cupcakes etc in to help celebrate the next day. Very sweet! Family gifts another day, and then finally on the following Sunday, my birthday cake!

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I enjoyed celebrating numerous times :) To an extent, I felt extra special because of it.