Celebrating

 

Rise and Shine!  An early morning shot of what 40 looks like, taken right before heading to church.

 

 

Keith and Nathan made me a very delicious chocolate carrot cake with chocolate cream cheese icing.  It was a splurge worth every calorie.  I also received some new earrings and the soundtrack to 'Les Miserables'. 

 

Later that afternoon, K & K showed up to present me with my own personal birthday stack!  What a treat.  Truly spoiled.  Each gift was simply perfect.

 

 

Spoiled silly!  Since Keith and I are going on a cruise in a few weeks, that is officially gift enough for me.  Loving all the extras though!

 

We then headed to Grouse Mountain for a snow shoe trek and fondue!  It was a lot of fun.

 It was a winter-wonderland!

 

 

 

 

It was a great day and I thank everyone for all the well wishes, gifts and cards! 

Me - 40 Years in the Making

 1973 ~ 1 week old

 1974

 1975

 1976

 1977

 1978

 1979

1980

 1981 ~ In the stunning paisley gown

 1982

 1983~Back row second from the left

1984 ~ Back row second from the right

1985 ~ Never have had a flat stomach...ever!

1986 ~ In the hot pink cardigan

 

 1987 ~ A lasting friendship begun

1988 ~ Perm-o-rama!

 1989 ~ Beach babes

1990 ~ Ski bunnies

 

 1991 ~ Grad

 1992 ~ Dating Years

 1993 ~ Family

1994 ~ First married Christmas

 1995 ~ Vacationing as married couples

 1996 ~ Family Christmas

 1997 ~ Barely pregnant

 1998 ~ My precious first born

1999 ~ 5 years married!

 2000 ~ Fun times with friends

 2001 ~ Our second bundle of joy

 2002 ~ Mother's Day

 2003 ~ My good friend from Ireland

2004 ~ Sending Keith off to Arkansas for 2 months

 2005 ~ Our first big trip to Mexico

 2006 ~ My heart is full

2007 ~ Enjoying life and loving my husband 

 

2008 ~ 14 years married and a 'surprise' from God on the way!

 

2009 ~ Dream trip to Ireland 

 

 2010 ~ Mom of three! 

 

 

 

2011 ~ Life is grand

 

 

2012 ~ My beauties

 

2013 ~ This is a 40 year old woman who has been blessed beyond measure! 

Lest you think it has all been rainbows and unicorns there have been dark times in my life.  Marriage difficulties, financial woes, miscarriage, job stress, medical emergencies, car accidents, illness and relational issues.  Yet looking back I can see that the bright times outshine any difficulties and I am thankful.  I hope for another 40+ year filled with more precious memories.
Thank you God!