The Simple Things in Life

     Last week I turned 26.  Wow.  Birthdays are always a time to reflect upon yourself...where you thought you'd be at certain age, what you hope to accomplish in the next year, etc.  I don't know what it was about this birthday that is getting to me...maybe its because I am closer to 30 than I am 20 or possibly because I feel like I just turned 21...the past 5 years have literally been a huge blur.  Life really is starting to move too quickly-to the point where it's freaking me out!
     Aside from my paychecks coming in too slowly and leaving too quickly & having to say goodbye to late night corn dogs & fast food because my metabolism has taken a turn for the worst...26 really isn't so bad.  I am still young, full of life & energy, and most importantly (I may not have that Adriana Lima body I will always envy but) I am healthy.  
     I had such an amazing birthday weekend & it really is the little things in life & simple things people say/do that make all the difference.

From Lyndsey Crooke & Megan Collins (and their husbands!) being by my side to help celebrate all weekend....

To those who helped celebrate at the biker bar, Sharkys...

with Megan Gillikin, Megan Collins, and Martha Bright

Suzanna Williamson attacking me with silly string before our softball game...

My best friend, Brittany Hardy, for making the trip to Raleigh to help celebrate for just one night...

And ALL of my best girl friends who attended Wine & Design.  It was such a fun group, I had an absolute blast!!

Sarah Prince, Elizabeth Rainey, Megan Collins, Megan, Brittany Hardy, Martha Bright, Suzanna Williamson, Casey Taylor, Maggie Mowbray, Melissa Abrams, Nicole Neishem, Catherine Reilly
Emily Dnistran, Allison Millsaps, Lindsay Booth, Heather Ransom, Lyndsey Crooke, Katie Carlough

I am so thankful for all of my friends who helped make turning 26 so special.   After reflecting on 26 years I realized there is still so much of the world to see, so much to do, so much that I still want to accomplish!!  I feel like since I created this blog I have been more adamant about doing things on my bucket list as opposed to just talking about them; however, I have not crossed off a single thing from my bucket list this summer.
This is the first summer since I graduated ECU in 2008 that I have not had a job where I worked weekends and was in school.  I honestly didn't want to have any big plans.  No plans is such a nice feeling,-I love grilling out whenever, sleeping in on Saturdays, and playing catch in the nearby park.  I love warm weather & the ease of summertime; my favorite part of the year.  Summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and take in all of life's simplest moments. "Some of life's simplest moments become our most treasured memories."  This summer has been all about the little things, and I am more than grateful for that! 

No plans means I can pack up& head to the beach whenever I want....

With Chris Wagoner, Catherine Reilly, Kenny Walters 


Make BLT's & Mojitos on a random summer night....

With Casey Taylor, Suzanna Williamson, Allison Eckley


Enjoy a Ladies Night...

Maggie Mowbray, Suzanna Williamson, Lyndsey Crooke, Casey Taylor

Lime-aritas+80 degrees+sitting on a dock=HEAVEN...

with Katie Carlough, & Catherine Reilly


4th of July is my favorite holiday (aside from Christmas!) because it's simple.  No big plans, no fancy dress, no expensive dinner reservations.  Just good friends, good beer, & celebrating our amazing country!!!

w/ Suzanna Williamson, Casey Taylor, Emily Dnistran, Heather Ransom, Allison Eckley, Lyndsey Crooke, Elizabeth Rainey

with Kenny Walters


This has so far been one of the best summers yet!

Even though I have taken a break this summer from my bucket list to enjoy all the small things-other people havn't.  I love crossing things off my bucket list &  I love when I see other people do things that they have always wanted to do.  

Here are some favorite's from this summer...

my Uncle, John Bojescul & brother, Nathan Jerrell

my dad, Greg Jerrell, about to hike Pike's Peak! 

My parents, Greg & Mary Jerrell, in Prague, Czech Republic.  This was a low key night where they enjoyed good beer, good music, and the locals...my dad described it perfectly
 "I could feel life flowing through my veins." -I love that.

Just a few of my favorites from this year.....

My friends, Mike & Lyndsey Crooke, in Rome!

These are two great shots of my parents, one with a 700ft glacier in the Alaskan Sea and the other is from when they climbed Machu Piccu for my dad's 50th birthday.  My parents have been doing lots of really neat adventures and traveling lately...I guess that happens when you have 4 kids and they are all finally out of the house! I love hearing all about their trips; inspirational to say the least.  I must have inherited my adventurous spirit & passion for life from them :)

Whatever your plans (or lack of plans are) here's to taking in all the simple things & enjoying the rest of your *SuMMer* ...it always seems to go by too fast.