40 and Fabulous Surprise Birthday Party

I can't believe that I just typed those words. But, it is true. I turned 40 last week. Craziness.

Actually, I think that my kids were more excited and anticipated it more than I did.  I can tell you that I don't "feel" 40 . . .whatever that is supposed to feel like.  At least I don't feel like what I thought 40 would feel like.

On the day of my actual birthday we were enduring yet another snow storm here in St. Louis.  Little did I know, though, that my husband and friends were scheming and planning.  I told Scott that I really didn't want/need anything big but would just like to go out to dinner with a couple of friends.  Well, they sure surprised me.

I can't tell you the shock that I had when I saw a room full of my friends.  My friend, Janice, is a fantastic party planner so I guess Scott just put her in charge and boy, did she come through. 

The room was absolutely beautiful.  We had a private room surrounded by natural wood and coolers full of wine. 

I "might" like to drink a bit of wine.  Loved my "40 and Fabulous" wine gift from some really great friends, Angie and Kori.

I also "might" like to gamble a bit . . .

Janice made tons of picture props . . .cigars, mustaches, glasses.  They were so much fun!

Janice aka "Party Planner Extraordinaire" and me

 Angie and Kori gave me the great wine glass

 After party at the casino

 Corey (my Sunday Funday buddy) and Ann--great neighbors!

Although you would think that it goes against my personality but I truly am not a "center of attention" person.  I always feel like I am putting people out.  This is why I really appreciated all of the time, effort, and secret conversations that took place to make this a surprise for me.  It was great to celebrate with everyone.  It was definitely a birthday to remember!

 My sister and me

 Hottie Scottie

Sue and me

July Birthday Babies

from July 2013

I can't believe that my youngest two babies are already 6 and 4.  Where has the time gone?

GracieAnn's birthday is on July 1 and Caleb's birthday is on July 3.  They are still young enough to have joint birthday parties and, for now, we still do family parties.

Because they are still so young, I can still get away with matching birthday shirts.  Kanin has long outgrown this practice and I have a feeling than in another couple of years, Caleb will be putting up a fight, as well.

Of course, our Gaga made the birthday cakes again.  He does such a good job.  I hope the kids will always want him to make their cakes.

Our friends and family are always so generous when it comes to birthdays.  These kids don't know how lucky and blessed they are.

After opening presents it was time to blow out the candles.  Then, it was outside to spend the night playing with our friends.

It was another successful birthday party.  Looking back at these pictures, I can't believe how much they have both changed in only a short, few months.  Precious times!

A Year in Review-2012

I can't believe that I am already at my end of the review.  The last day of 2012.  Is that even possible?  So many things happened this year.  Here are a few of my favorite moments:

January
January was a pretty slow month for us.  We didn't do a whole lot but if you want to see the temperature changes just within one month, take a look at this. 

 We played outside in the snow.

We got to play outside with some sidewalk chalk.

We also got to go to the park a few times.

February

Gracie had her 1st day of preschool.

Kanin got to play hockey at the Scott Trade Center.

March

In March, Kanin had his first baseball practice.

We went to Vegas in March and had a great time with some great friends.

One of our favorite days of the year, St. Patrick's Day and the Dogtown Parade.

April

My babies looked so sweet on Easter Sunday.

Even though it was raining on Opening Day, we were so happy that St. Louis Cardinals baseball was back!

Kanin made his Mama proud when he hit a double at his very first at bat in his very first baseball game.

May

Mother's Day was very special.  I got to go to a Mother's Day Tea with Kanin in his classroom and then spent Mother's Day at Busch Stadium with all of my loves.

Mommy started working in March and headed to Jamaica in May.

June

We were able to support our Debbie with our 2nd annual team entry in the Race for the Cure.

Gaga was excited with his Father's Day gift of a Draftmark Kitand then a day of golf.

July

July brought my babies' birthdays.  GracieAnn turned 5 and Caleb turned 3.  Of course, Gaga made and decorated their cakes.

Dave came back to St. Louis!

Gracie started dance classes.

Caleb was a very happy boy when he finally got to see the coo coo trains at the Transportation Museum.

August

Kanin headed back to school in August.

 

The kids got their very first look at the ocean when we vacationed in Mexico.

September

Our good friends, Chad and Kelly, came in from Colorado with their daughter Teagan.  We had a great time playing that weekend.

We also enjoyed celebrating the Westerhold German heritage by going to a couple of Oktoberfests.

October

Gaga spent a lot of time and money putting new floors down throughout the entire downstairs.

Although we ended up getting beat in the NLCS, we had a great time during the post season.

The kids loved dressing up for Halloween.

November

My big boy turned 9 and we went to the school to celebrate with him.  Later, we went bowling.

 

We had a feast for Thanksgiving and everyone still loved the cranberry glaze.

Gaga read the Elf on the Shelf to these 3 anxious listeners.

December

December started off with Mommy heading to the Bahamas.

 

We had a visit with Santa Claus.

We made cookies for Christmas Eve.

We enjoyed another year together and we are looking forward to 2013!