Michelle Wilsey Berry

About six months after graduating from high school a few girlfriends and I decided to move into our own apartment. We needed co-signers (yep) but, we did it. 4 girls in one 2-bedroom apartment. We lived in the Quadrangles apartments on University - right next to ASU. Definite college living at it's...um, finest. If that's what you want to call it. 

The four of us girls - Me, Nancy, Gina, and Michelle - had a BLAST. We were pretty much dorky college students/workers. We were your typical 18-year old girls. We had lots and lots of laughs, stayed out late, worked, went to school, partied (a little), went to clubs (some of us), watched movies, stayed up really, really late talking and laughing. We had so much fun. I remember late-night trips to Fort McDowell. We couldn't believe we were old enough and had no curfew. We made big messes and struggled to clean them up. We pined after boys and even did a little bit of stalking. Lots of dinners at Red Robin. We just had fun. Pure, simple, no responsibilities fun. 

Good, good, GOOD times.

January 15, 2012 - Michelle lost her battle with cancer. She had been fighting this horrific disease for the last few years. She left behind a husband and three puppies that were literally her children. Over the years I kept up with Michelle periodically, but not as much as I should have. It's hard for me to not feel guilty that I did not see her as much as I would have liked. Of course Facebook was a helpful tool in staying in touch. The day before her passing I had the chance to go with the Nancy and Gina to say goodbye. The four of us once again in the same room. Michelle slept for our entire visit - but, we all sat with her and prayed for her peace. I will say that her husband, Jake, is the most amazing man. The way he sat with her, talked to her, and cared for her - that is something I will never forget. What a truly genuine and loving person. So fitting for Michelle. 

Please pray for Michelle, Jake, and both the Wilsey and the Berry families. Michelle comes from a family just like my own - three girls and one boy. Sadly, the Wilsey family lost Michelle's brother just last year. So much heartache in such a short time.

I love you, Michelle. You are so greatly missed. I will remember you as the most inspiring and fun person who never gave up the fight - even up until the end.  

Thank You Julie!

My friend Julie surprised me with some cute hats for the girls.

Aren't these seriously adorable??!!

They're from her friend's online store j. jane on of course, Etsy!!

Such cute stuff!

Julie (and Stefan) = good people.
Great people, in fact.

Thanks Julie...they fit both the girls!

And, we L-O-V-E, LOOOOVE them!

Dinner Night with the Truran's

It had been a long, long time since we dined with the Truran's.

Cassie cooked....it was DELISH!

And their girls are so sweet.

The Cuties get along so well with them both.

Presley was OB-sessed with Charlotte.

Thanks guys!!!

You are such good friends...like family :)

p.s. is Avery super tall or is Lil super short?

hee hee.....

Besties

Tonight we have Aidyn staying with us.

We are loving it.

Especially the kids.

Check out the new besties.

Yep...they're seriously the best of friends.

Too cute!

Girlie Weekend

I had a busy, busy weekend. A girlie weekend. I enjoyed every minute.

Friday night - Gina, Nancy, and I surprised our friend Janea with a Girls Night Out for her 30th birthday. These girls are truly my oldest and dearest friends. We had a blast. We started the night off making jewelry at a bead party - then a late dinner at Brio. It was relaxing, fun, and downright awesome. I love these girls and am so thankful that we have stayed friends for so many years.

Saturday was family day. Just as special. Dance class. T-Ball. Babysitting for very good friends. Home family time. Perfect.

Sunday was Robin's pamper shower. Kind of a tradition in my family to do a pamper day when someone is expecting baby #2. This was Robin's turn. Lunch at Oregano's (yuuuuummmy!) followed by pedicures. Just girl time. What a lovely day with my favorite girls. I am so lucky to have such a close-knit family. I love it!

A Little Bit of Passion

I have been talking (for years it seems like) about having a Passion Party. I went to one a couple years back and it was a hoot! Yes...a bit personal, and funny, and embarassing, and crazy....but, utimately super fun.

This got me to thinking - I seem to like these "party-type" girlie get-togethers. Whether it be Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Southern Living, or even Passion parties - you send an invite...and I'm in.

Do I buy something? Typically, yes.
Do I need it? Typically, no.
Are they fun? Definitely.

Really...it doesn't matter what type of party it is - I just like the "catching up with old friends," meeting new friends, chit-chatting, gossiping, and just plain, girl-fun laughter.

Hmmm...I'm spotting a trend....is it really the "party" that I like or the GNO fun??? Is anyone up for a rotating girls game night or dinner night or even just a gossip night?

p.s. the Passion Party was fun and funny...and I think it was a good turnout - so THANKS!!!

Best Friends

Saturday evening we had a house guest.

Avery Lee Truran.

When she arrived, Lil was sleepin' away.
We tried to wake her up.
She wouldn't budge.

Avery didn't care.

She made herself at home.

Played with the girlie toys.

Ruffed' it outside with Brady.

She made herself right at home.

Just how I wanted her to be.

When Lil finally awoke,

the girls played together like the bestest of friends.

Strollers. Cars. Baseball. Dolls. Kitchen.

It didn't matter - they had fun.

We took a field trip to the San Tan mall playground.

The kids were all great.

Waiting for the round-up call

to head over to the DQ for a little treat.

Over at the DQ the girls had vanilla with sprinkles.

Brady had a cherry dipped cone - in a dish.

Mmmmmmmm....De-lish.

I hate the word delish.

Sorry...sidetracked.

We made it back just in time to change into jammies.

Then, Avery's grandma picked her up.

As Avery was leaving she says,

"There goes my best friend, Lily."

Ummm....A-DOR-A-BLE!

Old Roomies

Freshman year of college I had 3 roommates. We lived in a small, 2-bedroom apartment near ASU.

You get 4 girls together in small living spaces, and things are bound to be crazy. I came from a family of 2 sisters and a brother. I was used to fighting, followed by immediate laughter. That's what siblings do, right? That's what it was like in the apartment. Loud, Crazy, Fun, a bit of Fighting, and lots and lots of laughter.

In one room, Gina and I slept in futon bunk beds. Yes...futon bunk beds. In the other room, Nancy and Michelle each had their own real bed. Just like siblings, we often all bunked together and shared stories late into the night.

We were young and naive. Once we had a party - we barely showed up...but, everyone else sure did.

Kind of seems like yesterday, while at the same time light years ago. In all reality, it's been over 10 years since those cramped bunk days. We're all grown...reaching the milestone 3-0 and still taking time out to see each other.

I like to think we'll forever be friends. Here's a recent snapshot taken about a week ago for Gina's birthday. Michelle had to leave early...but, here's Nancy, Gina, and Me.

GNO

I've said before that I'm not a very good friend. It's not that I don't care about my friends or want to spend time with them. It's just...I really don't know.

I really, really, really will try to be a better friend. I promise!!

Last night - I was invited to join one of my oldest and most dearest friends, Nancy, to celebrate her 30th birthday. About 13 girls joined and boy did we have fun. Half of them were cops - yes, uniform wearin', gun-totin' cops. And they are awesome. They bring style, fashion, and intelligence to the force. What a group of ladies!! The other half of us were some of the old school crew of friends.

Isn't it fun to bring old and new together? I thought so.

Thanks Nancy!! I had a blast and I hope this helped make your birthday extra special.

p.s. passion party coming soon - isn't that always what women talk about when they're together...bedroom toys?

BIL's

I think my parents have the best Son-in-Laws EVER!

So cute - matching on Thanksgiving. Don't they all look like Hotties!!??

Yes, they were matching...

Yes, it was an accident...

Yes, they refused to stand next to each other all night...

Yes, they refused to have their picture taken...

Yes, I finally begged a picture out of them...

Yes, they look adorable!!

Next year, boys, let's all plan matching ensembles!!