Turning Old

You know that moment when you've waited too long to tell your friend she's had spinach the size of Africa in her teeth?  Or that awkward feeling when you should have asked someone her name to refresh your memory and now it's too late because she feels like you are long lost soulmates?

That's how I feel today with you.  I hit a huge milestone in December but I just couldn't quite bring myself to talk about it.

I turned 40.
Some of you are like "dude, she's old!"
Some of you are like "golly gee wilikers, you're still in your prime!"
Some of you are like "get over yourself."

I'm trying to get over myself, really I am.  But all that vanity that I was sure I didn't have has surfaced over two little numbers: 4 0
My kids graciously informed me several months ago that when I turn 40 I would be considered old.  As in AARP; send me my social security check; dye my hair blue-gray O.L.D.

I thought that when I actually hit the date, they would be so awed  by their oh-so-hip momma that they would take back all their "old person" chitchat.
Nope.  You're officially old, Mom.

So I decided to take the bull by the horns and celebrate a few months early with a girls' weekend away with some dear friends (one of which was turning 40 two weeks before me).
We lived it up eating carbs; strolling through IKEA not once, not twice, but three times; and rockin the sales at Hobby Lobby... twice.
To top it all off, we were awakened at 4am by the hotel fire alarm.  Nothing bonds you with friends like sitting in the parking lot in your pajamas watching the fire trucks roll in to put out a fire in the laundry service area.
Maybe our activities should have been a fair indicator that yes, in fact, I am getting old.
Give me some credit.  I tried sushi for the first time and bought skinny jeans.
Oh yeah pullin out all the crazy!

Bestie since college days FINALLY got me to try sushi

I decided that I would let the actual birthdate to slip in unnoticed and hide from my kids so they wouldn't realize that my oldness was official.

My sweet husband and parents had other plans.  They surprised me with a party that I was not expecting.  My house was filled with dear friends, tons of noise (from young and old) and delicious desserts.  As I looked at each precious face as they sang me into my 40's I was reminded that life isn't about numbers, but about being filled with joy, showered with grace, and knowing I am loved.  Wrinkles and all.

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 It helps ease the pressure to surround yourself with other crazy people.  

 My main squeeze totally rocked the Outstanding Husband award by ordering these shoes for me.  

He picked them out by himself and even got the size right!  I am blessed!

 Part of my parents' gift was this iPhone cover.  LOVE, love, love it!!!

 My brother and sister-in-law's motto is that "every woman should get a Tiffany Blue box at least once in her life."  I'm so glad they stick to their beliefs!  They sent me my 1st blue box to celebrate 40.

So many gifts and keepsakes from friends and family.  

By the end of the day, I was beginning to see 40 as a lens that 

helps me focus on all that is good in my life.

Speaking of good.  My mom's apple cheesecake was truly 

one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth.  

And we're talkin 40 years of puttin stuff in my mouth!  ;)