23.

Today is my 23rd birthday. Here are 23 photos from the 23 years God has blessed me with, from birth to present day. :)

The first born to loving parents. Hey look, I already have a roll of film in my hands! Hehe.

I was little. miss. attitude.

My brother and I dressed up all the time. This one on the right is actually on halloween...I think.

More dress up. :)

Me and my sis...pals from the beginning. 

I've always had a love for animals. Hehe. I had a hamster that I really thought was my baby. I even gave him a for real funeral when he died. We sang "It is well" and read his eulogy. 

Art class...what fun memories. 

Highschool. Oh me oh my! Can you tell that I skipped some of my horrific middleschool memories? ha!

Gracie and I were best friends since 2nd grade. We did so many dumb things, but it was all awesome. I love those memories.

I met Ashley in college. We are true kindred spirits and will be friends for the rest of our lives. LOVE that girl. She is a gift. We've been through so much together!

The last year of college I fell in love withe the most amazing man in the world. The memories seem like a fairytale.

Ok, this last "photo" is more like 4 photos, but I didn't want to leave out the last year or so of my life. It's been too wonderful! :)

I am so thankful for the 23 years I have lived thus far. I look back on these photos and think of how greatly blessed I have been. A week from today I will be on my way to Africa. I can't think of a better birthday present than to be able to share the love of Christ with the people of Ethiopia. My cup is full and overflowing. Sure, I've had bad times but I choose to remember all of the blessings God has given me. Scars, joys, tears and laughter...I am so thankful for it all. Here's to another year!