The Longest Birthday Party Ever

When I said I was going to celebrate for a week, I meant it.  So, here's the post you've all been waiting for (haha)...  How I Spent the Week I turned 40: 

Lucy and I are going through the Secret Keeper Girl '8 Great Dates' program, and it is wonderful.  I highly recommend it for moms of 10-12 year olds (the author says 8 - 12, but I think that's a bit young).  Anyway, the mom-daughter date next on the list was a facial!!  So, we planned a spur-of-the-moment Mary Kay facial on Monday night.  Lucy insisted on before and after shots of me, so here they are: 

One thing I have definitely noticed about my age is that it's not such a good idea anymore to go without makeup...

This is Kathy, my MaryKay lady of many years with Leo - see that big smooch mark on his forehead??

This is a random photo taken by Felicity, actually, a couple weeks ago.  Not bad for a 4 year old. 

Wednesday, I had a massage followed by lunch with my mom and sister...  We haven't done anything just the 3 of us for 5 years!!  The only thing that would have made that lunch date better would have been my s-i-l Sara, who couldn't make it because she lives in Hong Kong (sniff*sniff)...  But I came home to a lovely package from her and my brother:  a magnolia tree!!  I promptly planted it in my front yard.  (picture forthcoming)

To top off the evening, my sweet hubbie took me on a carriage ride around town.  Keep in mind that I have long talked about wanting to do this, and he has long argued that it must be the cheesiest thing to do in the universe.  But he made the arrangements and smiled and didn't make fun of me even once (well, not much).  Leo did pretty well until he filled up his diaper and then threw up all over himself.  But that's par for the course wherever we are...I loved the ride.  It was a beautiful fall evening, perfect temperature, and such fun to move leisurely through the historical neighborhoods, noticing much more detail than is possible when passing by in a car. 

I forgot to mention that before the carriage ride, we went to dinner, the 7 of us.  My kids' behavior was stellar (or maybe I was just in a really happy and forgiving mood). 

I just like this picture of my mom and sister...

Thursday I had to take the baby for a well child doctor appointment...  Daddy had the day off, so he did school with the kids.  Hence, another day off for me! 

Finally, on Saturday night, we had dinner with 2 of our favorite families at my favorite Irish pub.  I had a blackberry beer and irish stew.  Lots of fun!!

 Thanks for all the warm birthday greetings from family and friends!  This was such a great week, I don't know how I can top it.  What will I do when I turn 50????