The Big Four-OH

Well, it’s here. I’ve never really been sure how I would feel about turning THIS old. I remember when my Mom turned 40 – and she was such a young 40. Her surprise party at our house was full of friends and fun. I was 16 at the time and as a budding teenager, I was so well aware of the “fun” they were having (I knew they were all wasted and crazy, just as we will be). My one wish is that I take after my Mom, who is still a very young mid-60's today. If I’m blessed enough with her genes, I’m blessed enough. Thanks Mom.

I’m not phased by this milestone birthday much – except in a very good way. I feel so blessed and lucky to be turning 40 with my health and all things important to me. There are many more than 40 blessings in my life, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to take inventory and remind myself of each and everything that should be remembered and appreciated. Some people have a bucket list. Mine, for today, is my TOP FORTY list.

As an aside, I will admit, Casey Kasem was one of my favorite Saturday morning past times years ago with the top 40 countdown – it was no mistake who my college room mate and best friend ended up being – Tracey. She was a top 40 girl, as I was and was quickly nicknamed Tracey Kasem. Any of you 70’s kids will remember his sign off at the end of every top 40 run – “keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars”. Oddly enough, I think of that saying a lot. Perhaps it’s helped me along these last 40 years...

In no particular order (aside from my top 4), here are the TOP 40 blessings that I am beyond grateful for – some as a result of hard work, most as a result of just pure luck.

~My husband – my rock, baby Daddy, confidant and lifelong partner.
~JD&Cole – my miracle babies who have taught me more about life than I will ever learn, in a very short time. You make me laugh daily, and cry occasionally. Watching you grow up is amazing – although going much too fast, I don’t take a day for granted. You will never know how special you are to me – you’ve completed me and made my life rich beyond measure.
~Angel baby Calvin-keeps me grounded, protects us all and reminds me daily of the fragility of life.
~Mom & Dad-the two people who have made me what I am today, through love, friendship and being incredible role models.
~My brother-what a kid to grow up with, and what a man to grow old with. Our memories make me laugh almost daily; we’ve had so much fun over the years;
~Girlfriends-you know who you are; without each other, we’d be insane by now. You guys are amazing and I am thankful to have such wonderful counselors, role models and fun seekers surrounding me.
~The roof over my head-my home is my safe place and I love it. It’s perfect for us and I’m grateful to have such a peaceful place to call home.
~My job - I genuinely love what I do and that I have the opportunity that I have. Not many people can be so lucky (most days).
~Aunt Kathy
~The hermie went to heaven, finally;
~Carolyn & Joe (my MIL & FIL) – for raising my husband to be the man he is today; and Carolyn for being a friend and huge help in my life.
~Jeb (my step FIL) – for being such a gem in our lives and taking such good care of Carolyn.
~Cousins – all of which are absolutely amazing people that I’m so proud to be related to!
~Great neighbors
~Fun Coworkers
~Moms of Multiples group
~Good doctors
~My camera – for recording our lives so well over the years;
~Blackberry - for helping me be able to stay in touch at work while I have time for my family too;
~Reliable car, which I spend 80% of my time in and gets us to and from safely;
~Trainer - although not as frequent as I would like, it's better than nothing;
~Good health - so far so good;
~Childhood friends - who have known me forever and still like me;
~The "juniors" - who I love dearly;
~My AMOM friends
~My husbands job/career & his work ethic
~Faith
~Laughter - as often as possible
~Godchildren – many of which were my first “kids” before my own;
~Nieces & nephews
~Sister in laws
~Flexibility I have with work so I can be with my kids
~The internet
~Microwave - because I am an awful cook;
~Pizza delivery guys (see above)
~Facebook - for reconnecting me to some very special people;
~TV DVR
~The best 40th birthday gift, our Beach cottage;


Blessed beyond measure and happy to make it this far. Can't wait for a weekend full of celebration and fun - 40th Bday and Mothers Day, all in one. Bring it on!