Tina Jay Photography | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

This is the 2nd year in a row I'm in North Carolina for my birthday - last year I was down at my sister's house waiting for Addy to arrive, and this year I'm down here celebrating her 1st birthday:) This year my sister is taking me out for my birthday, since they ditched me last year (aka went to the hospital to have Addy). It will be a day full of manicures & pedicures, my baby niece, and a delicious dinner out tonight:) Happy birthday to me! (We love our birthday week, can you tell??)

I made it down to North Carolina yesterday, because it's a certain someone's 1st birthday this week!

Isn't her invite the cutest? (excuse the iPhone quality) I headed down early to my sister's house to help her get ready for the party this weekend, AND to celebrate my own birthday:) I told my sister my name better be on Addy's cake too, since our birthdays are two days apart. We'll see if that happens:)

I'm sure I'll be posting tons of Addy pictures when I'm home next week!

Yesterday was a sad, sad day for Penn Staters all across the nation. The world lost a great man, and I'm sure every alumni's heart is just as heavy as mine for the loss:

To quote a statement released from the Paterno family yesterday, "When he decided to forego a career in law and make coaching his vocation, his father Angelo had but one command: Make an impact."

Well Joe, you made your impact.

To say he made an impact is a gross understatement. He has made a difference in the lives of thousands of athletes, students, and alumni across the nation. He was a great man, and has done SO MUCH for Penn State. He dedicated his life to that university. In my opinion, he is the heart of Penn State.

I'm so proud to say I'm a Penn Stater. I'm honored that I was able to sit (or should I say stand) in the stands with JoePa coaching on the field for all four years of my college career. It blows my mind that both of my parents sat in those very same stands during their college years, with JoePa coaching on the field. He's a true legacy, and will be sorely missed.

I choose to remember Joe Paterno for all of the good he did in this world. I believe he was a great man, and it's hard to even begin to explain the impact he has made on Penn State University. He has done so much good for the school, the students, the athletes, and the alumni. His legacy will live on forever.

Joe, you will never be forgotten.

Penn State football will never feel the same without you.

You are a main reason why I'm proud to be a Penn Stater.

WE ARE!!!