The Big 4-0 - Week of Celebrations

It has been quite a week for me! As you know, I turned 40 on Wednesday but the celebrations began last Saturday with my family. We had them over at our place for pizza, salad, bread, cake and ice cream! Eric and the boys decorated and made everything look so nice!!

Wednesday was my actual birthday. Eric and I took the day off to spend together. He took me to Krispie Kreme (my fave) and we did some shopping, had a light lunch and got home in time to get the boys off the bus. They showered me with gifts and took me to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. (YUM!) It was not the Beach or Chicago, but I truly enjoyed the day!

Friday, I walked into work to find my desk and the area surrounding it decorated by my co-workers! It was such a nice surprise! I felt so special!!

Finally Saturday, Eric planned a night out with some of our friends. I had no idea what we were doing or who would be there - but I knew we were going out. I am not going to lie, it drove me crazy not knowing for more than 10 days! When we arrived, Stephanie and Mike were there followed by Rachel, Brian and Kim. We ended up doing an Escape Room!! None of us (but Eric) had ever done one and I don't know if it was the combination of the 7 of us or what, but it was so much fun!! We managed to escape in 52:15 (we had 60 min). I think I can speak for everyone when I say WE LOVED IT!! From there we went to a Restaurant/Bar next door for food, drinks and a lot of laughs and we finished the night with a Go-Kart Ride. Just me and the guys went! It was fun!

I am a very lucky girl to be surrounded by so many wonderful and loving people. Thank you to everyone who was a part of the festivities this past week and so many of you who reached out to me to make me feel special.

An extra special Thank you to my wonderful hubby Eric for all of the planning, decorating and organizing he did to make this week amazing and one I will not forget. It is not his thing to plan, organize or decorate so I want you to know how much it means to me. Also, to Alex and Evan who played a big part in picking things out, making me cards and signs. I loved it all! The three of you mean everything to me and I love you all so very much!!

Here is the week in pictures!!

March 2, 2019 - Family Celebration

All decked out

Evan's Sign he made me

Evan with his cousin Ellis

Alex and Ellis

Loved my cake!

It was HOT!

The "stripes" crew

With Mom, Kristy and Dad

My Mom and Dad - Love them!

The Fam

Wednesday March 6, 2019 - My Birthday

I got 40 cents! 

Bob. Ross. Socks. Enough Said.

I love us

My favorite

Friday March 8, 2019 - Work Surprise!

Great job by my co-workers!

That's Right!

YES!

Saturday March 9, 2019 - A night out with Friends!

First Escape Room - Firefighter Rescue!

We Escaped!! 7:45 left!

Our Room

Love this one!

My 2 Rocks

Steph and I

Brian and Kim

Me and Rachel

Brian and I

My Awesome Hubs

Mike and Steph

GO-Kart Riders

In our Swim Caps

Ready to Ride!

My favorite people! I love you guys!

40

Today I turn 40. I have mixed feelings about this milestone. I mean, it's kind of a big deal right?

When I was younger, 40 seemed so old, but now here I am living it and it's not so bad. I feel like I have reached the half way point in my life but yet it feels like the beginning. My babies are 8 and we have so many more memories to make together before they go off and make their own lives. It is a weird, yet humbling feeling. I am very fortunate to have all I have. I have worked hard to get where I am and there is so much more out there to see, to do and to acheive.

I am so blessed to have met and married someone who wants many of the same things as I do. While our time together has had it's challenges, we continue to push through the hard times and cherish the special moments. 18.5 years is a long time to be with someone, but when that person loves you, fights for you and encourages you like Eric does for me, it makes me appreciate all of him. He loves me for me. Always has, always will and I couldn't ask for anyone better to do life with.

Raising a family has turned out to be much different than I imagined but I am no different that any other mother when it comes to challenges. We all have them - mine are just different at times. Each day presents new challenges that I try my best to handle. Some days I feel like a complete failure; others I feel like superwoman - and together it makes me stronger.

Everything that I have gone through in my life has shaped me into who I am today. In my 40 years, I have been blessed with an amazing family, traveled to places I never dreamed of and have had experiences that have changed my life. I am who I am because of the choices I have made both good and bad and don't have a single regret.

If you are a part of my life whether it be my family or my friend, Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for the memories and unforgettable moments. I love each and everyone of you and I hope that like me, you will cherish each and every moment you have.