65th Surprise Party

We threw a surprise 65th birthday party for Andrew's parents in August and it was a success! Dennis and Marilyn had no idea and both were completely surprised! It was a lot of fun to plan, and gather family and friends to celebrate such a special couple, who are very loved by so many. And, who certainly don't look their age! It was wonderful to see almost our whole extended family and catch up with one another. Our gift was a scrapbook with photos, notes and special memories. They loved it.

A very special and happy birthday, that we'll remember for years to come! xoxo

Cheers to 35!

I enjoyed a 5-day birthday celebration this month, and it was wonderful! I thought about glossing over it, but considering it's sort of a big one (35 y'all), I thought it worth mentioning. I started thinking about what I might like to do, a couple of months ago, because, who am I kidding, I've always loved birthdays! All I really wanted was an entire day to myself, to come and go as I please, use a spa gift card that I've been waiting TWO YEARS to use, some family time and definitely sweet desserts. My husband knew I needed some "time away" and a break from the stay-at-home-mom daily routine. As much as I love being a mom and a stay-at-home-mom, I miss some of the freedoms that I used to enjoy. Like being able to fully relax without feeling like I have to be somewhere or do something every minute of the day. Casually shop at a few of my favorite stores. Have lunch with a friend. Go for a quiet walk. Eat whatever I feel like. I just needed a break. All you moms out there know what I'm talking about! 

My very thoughtful (and brave) husband took a couple days off from work and decided to take a road trip with our favorite little buddy, to visit his family for a couple days. Leaving me "all...by...myself......." (cue music). Which may sound sad, lonely or even a little selfish. But it was just what I needed. FREEDOM! Let the long weekend adventure begin.

I started by treating myself to breakfast at my favorite little cafe, Atlas Eats. It was a bright sunny after-the-winter-windstorm of 2017 morning and I savored hot coffee and ate an entire stack of pancakes. I'd like to start every morning like this, thank you very much.

I headed out of town to Mirbeau Spa, in Skaneatlas, New York, for the afternoon, to use my long awaited gift card. A HUGE thank you, to the gift givers, you know who you are! I lounged in the quiet room, got a massage, took a dip in the outdoor whirlpool (surrounded by snow and icicles, it was kinda surreal), sat in the sauna and picked up some bath salts from the gift shop on my way out. It was absolutely as amazing as it sounds! I grabbed a late lunch at Dougs Fish Fry, and stopped to take a view of the lake on my way home. It was cold but beautiful!

The next morning, after sleeping in my VERY quiet house, I headed to a favorite spot that never gets old. Simply Crepes (to use my birthday freebie!) and The Village Bakery for French Macarons. The walk around the canal was gorgeous, even when frozen. I felt like I was on vacation! 

I got to meet a friend for dinner, dessert and some much needed laughs. Always making fun memories with this one! 

The next day (yes, there's more) I met another sweet friend for lunch and we talked and talked. It was good for my heart. That evening, there happened to be a mom's night out scheduled for my MOPS group, so I went to that, too! Just call me a party animal. 

On Sunday, my boys returned - I really did miss them! And we celebrated my birthday a day early with my family. It's not easy coordinating all of our schedules, but it meant so much to me that we could spend time together. And capture the best group photo we've ever taken!

You guys. Can we take a minute to talk about this CAKE?!? I had been wishing for a special cake and "happened" to meet Rebekah, who works at Something Delicious Bake Shop, literally the week before. I talked with her about the type of cake I was hoping for, and she truly made me the most beautiful and delicious birthday cake! Chocolate fudge with buttercream flowers. It was soooo good. I want more. Like right now. I had to take photos of it, it was almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 

On my actual birthday, Marshall and I went to a St. Patrick's Day play date party, which was a lot of fun. Let the partying continue! That night, I got to celebrate with my D-group (Bible study) ladies over dinner and more cake! Yes, I shared. 

I enjoyed the very last slice on a certain special plate that I received, years ago, when I was about 10 years old, from very dear friends. It's tradition! The expression on this cat's face is pretty much how I feel when my birthday is over.

I definitely felt spoiled, loved and surrounded by friends and family throughout the week. And I soaked up every minute of my solo-vacation! I got to rest and recharge, see friends, visit favorite places, and celebrate with the ones I love most. It was more than a girl could ask for. My husband is far too good to me! So far, 35 has been good! 

50th Surprise Birthday Party

In January, my sister, Lisa, threw her husband, Chris, a SURPRISE birthday party. And he was completely surprised! Success! This was a big birthday, too. 50! However, Chris certainly doesn't act or look his age! 

You make 50 look good, Chris! 

When Lisa started planning the party, I volunteered to design the invitations and help with decorations. I love party planning! 

We wanted to celebrate his 50 years in a fun, upbeat, and classy way. Lisa selected the color theme and plaid napkins in blue and green. Then we added touches of gold and silver. I cut out "50" numbers in gold, attached them to skewer sticks for each centerpiece and wrapped large mason jars with burlap. We filled them with paper filler, added curled ribbon and a Bible verse. I had silver chargers and enough small glass jars to hold flame-less candles, which we filled with rainbow sprinkles. How cute is that?! 

Lisa made a photo collage in the shape of "50" on foam core and we used my two burlap message boards to pin the rest. Everyone always enjoys looking at photos from throughout the years. 

It was a fun afternoon of celebrating with family and friends. 
 

Chris, you are loved by so many! God has blessed you with a beautiful family and dear friends. You are a testament of God's goodness and faithfulness and we are thankful for you!

Spring Birthday

It's that time of year again...my birthday and the first day of spring! Although, by the looks of it outside, winter isn't going to leave without a fight. 

I thought I'd give you a special TBT photo. For those of you who are challenged by acronyms like I am, TBT stands for "Throw Back Thursday." Not to be confused with "Truth Be Told," like I initially thought it meant. 

This is my class picture from 4th or 5th grade (for some reason, I can't quite remember, and if it's not written on the back of the photo, I have to guess). I'm pretty sure it was around 1991, so 9 or 10 years old. I'm wearing my FAVORITE pink and navy polkadot dress at the time - complete with a bow, front and center. Pearls I wore in my sister's wedding. This is pre-braces. My teeth needed some serious orthodontics (thanks Mom & Dad!). And, last but not least, my WORST. haircut. EVER. It's SO short. Slicked back, swooped on top, and all kinds of not-what-I-wanted. This is why I've never come close to cutting my hair that short ever again. But, it was in style at the time I guess, right? I wanted to try it. And now I can look back, remember and laugh. 

My husband spoiled me this birthday week - dining out, shopping, a new watch. I am one lucky lady! I'm thankful for the thoughtful cards, sweet gifts and wishes from family and friends. My heart is blessed by all of you. You sure know how to make me feel special! I thank God for every one of you. Thank you for being in my life. 

I'm looking forward to whatever God had in store for me this year! 

Farewell 30

Today, I bid farewell to 30. It's hard to believe this sweet little face was me at 19 months (ironically, I still part my hair that way). Today is also the first day of spring. I'm looking forward to new beginnings and what 31 will bring. Happy Birthday to me!

30th Birthday Ladies Luncheon

These are some of my most cherished friends in the whole world! They are beautiful ladies, inside and out, and they got together to surprise me and help ring in my 30th birthday! My husband was the instigator behind this secret plan. Andrew enlisted the help of Christy and Kimi (sitting with me on the bench) to arrange a beautiful and unforgettable ladies luncheon. All for me! I was so surprised, very blessed and enjoyed every minute of it!  

It was Saturday, March 17th, 3 days before my birthday (also St. Patrick's Day). I was led to believe I was helping host a bridal shower - not so! Kimi's four season room was gorgeously decorated with a long table dressed with white and blue linens. The sun shone through the windows. We gathered around the table to share a delicious meal, laugh and enjoy each others company (and stories). It was a perfect afternoon! 

The girls thought of everything - fine china, linen napkins, beautiful tulips. So pretty and classy! 

They even made place cards.

And candle favors with soy wax and re-purposed glass baby food jars. Love these!

The food was amazing. Ina Garten's Curry Chicken Salad, Traditional Chicken Salad, Croissants, Spinach, Strawberry and Pecan Salad, Corn Chowder, Cheese Tortellini, punch, lemonade - all of my favorite things!

And the desserts - Vanilla cupcakes and fruit tarts! Thank you Mrs. White and Susan for helping prepare the food. It was delicious! 

And of course coffee and chocolates! Everything was so special. 

On top of all that, I received beautiful cards, gifts and gift cards to some of my favorite stores! You ladies know me well. My heart was overwhelmed. I was feeling so loved and so thankful for such wonderful friends, who are truly gifts from God. 

Photo courtesy of BA Photography


I couldn't have imagined a better way to celebrate this milestone year. Thank you ladies, for making my birthday so special and for being the beautiful, creative, thoughtful, talented, encouraging and inspiring women that you are. I love you and I'm grateful I get to share life with you. Kimi, thank you for hosting us in your beautiful home. You and Christy, aka "RoMaglio", outdid yourselves and should seriously go into business! You are both so talented and have a gift for throwing outstanding parties! 


And a big thank you to my husband for pulling off such a wonderful surprise! You are too good to me, and I know it. I love you with all of my heart and I'm so glad you're mine. You'll be 30 in a few months...


For more details about the ladies luncheon and yummy recipes, visit Christy's blog.