This has been a WONDERFUL birthday week.  I am officially 24 now and it feels oh so good.  My week started off with me coming home from work to this on the kitchen counter....

I am so lucky to have him as my husband<3

I was at work when my birthday came along at midnight.  My coworkers made being there during this time so special.  I am so blessed to work with such caring and loving people.  Here are the goodies they had for me that truly brightened my day....

I also received a very special picture message at midnight from two amazing guys...

...and arrived home to breakfast from Mom.  Big Red, McDonalds, and a balloon. 

She knows me all too well;)....I do realize how unhealthy this looks, but it's okay to 

splurge on your birthday, right? ;)

That night Ben and I went to visit my in-laws and 

the we went to my favorite restaurant, Ginza.  

I always enjoy spending time with my family!

 On what I call...the day after my birthday (because I like to stretch

it out as much as I can) I was invited to sing at Spalding University's

Nursing School Pinning Ceremony.  I sang last year when I was 

graduating, so it was an honor to be back as an undergraduate alumni, 

current FNP student, and Mrs. Kentucky. 

Professor Jacqui gave me flowers for singing.

She is SO sweet!

Afterwards I was treated to "The Day After My Birthday Lunch"

at Outback Steakhouse with my grandma "Maw."  She is so special to me!

I filmed my very FIRST commercial yesterday.  It took place at Spalding University and I played the role as a Spalding Graduate.  It was so much fun.  I had never done anything like this before so I was very nervous, but the camera crew and all involved made me feel great and we just had fun with it. Of course my super supportive hubby was there to watch and ended up being asked to play a role as an extra in the background...he is just to cute to pass up!  I can't wait to see the final results!

With some of the extras.  One of my past Professors (far right)

was a part of it.  It was fun to see her play this role rather than

her serious Professor role;) 

On our lunch break I ran into a familiar face;)

What a successful day!!!  Today I went with Queen Mom and picked up my Mrs. America competition gown from Elizabeth at Miss Priss in Lexington.  It is GORGEOUS!!! I cannot wait to wear it on stage.  I also picked up a few other gowns to wear during the festivities the weeks prior to the competition.  Elizabeth always has such a great selection.  Miss Priss is definitely the place to go for all your prom/pageant needs!

I thought it was so cute how she had my bag labeled<3 

Next on the to-do list was to find an interview outfit.  Luckily, I found the one I have been picturing!! Let's just say I get to wear blue and, for that, I am one happy camper.  I am so excited about all of my outfits.  It feels great to have these in my hands and now I can send them to be altered for their final touches!

I just got home from the Zonetone Fire Festival that was held in Shepherdsville, KY.  I had the chance to play the role of judge during their 4th Annual Mr. and Miss Zoneton Fire Pageant benefitting the Crusade for Children.  It was so neat to switch roles and be behind the judging table rather than on the stage.  I realized that it is also nerve-racking to be a judge.  This was a great thing for me to experience and I learned a lot from it.  I judged alongside of Mrs. Louisville Plus America and Miss Kentucky Plus America- they were so sweet.  I am so glad to have met them both.  

Miss Teen Zoneton 2012, Adrienne Poole

She is a Meade County Native also!

I am an official Dale Carnegie graduate!  What a wonderful opportunity I was given through the Mrs. Kentucky program.  I will forever remember this experience and continue to use the life changing principles I learned.  I truly enjoyed meeting all of my wonderful classmates and coaches.  Each individual had inspiring stories that led us all to improve how we live our daily lives.  

Last night I got to see my favorite artist for the fourth time!! Who might that be you ask...Miss Taylor Swift of course!!  She never ceases to amaze me and continues to put on a flawless performances.  I had a GREAT girls night out with my Aunt Dawn and friend Shelby.  

Another successful Kentucky Derby goes down in the books---although I can't say I had much luck winning any money!!! It looks like I better stick to Vegas for all of my gambling;)  This year Ben and I attended a Derby Party at Denise, Mrs. Kentucky 2007's, house.  It was also hosted by two other terrific formers- Elisha, Julie, and of course the husbands!  They had a live band, tons of food, lots of wonderful company, and much talk of the big race!  Some of our best friends, Jessica and Philip, were able to come with us too!  I must say after attending this and the Queen's Club Christmas Party, The "Yates Inn" never fails to impress!

My Queen Sisters

With our best friends!! Jessica and Philip

Love my man!

I had a BLAST tonight at the "Derby Eve Wine Festival."  One of my wonderful sponsors, Springhill Winery, invited to me to come for a meet and greet--and a tasting of course;) Eddie, the owner was so kind and welcoming to me.  I was able to speak on stage and had many photo opportunities with the crowd.  I think I need a round two of this event;)

My beautiful mother was my date for the night while my

Mr. Kentucky was away on a business trip.

I ran into the owners of the Holiday Inn where we 

stay during the Mrs. Kentucky pageant.

My parents sell their blackberries to this winery so

I was thrilled to try the final product.  It was DELICIOUS!

With the owners of Springhill Winery, one of my Mrs. Kentucky

sponsors.  They invited me to this fun event and gifted me with a bottle 

of white wine to take home!! They are too sweet:)