I'm 50 and loving every minute of it! In case you didn't know, I celebrated my 50 birthday on July 17. Well, I need to clarify the word celebrated. I actually celebrated more than one day, in fact, my birthday celebration started a week early when Nancy and I went to Topeka for shopping and a meal. Then Nancy gave me a card and gift each day of my birthday week. Some say that she spoils me, but I don't think that at all. On Saturday night, the date of my actual birthday, several of us went to the Bunker Hill Cafe for supper. The Saturday night group was: Aunt Joan and Fred, Susan, Joey and Kelly, Mom, Nancy, and Matt and Lori.
The big
surprise celebration came on Sunday evening at my sister Debbie's house. She had invited a few of us to her house to celebrate my birthday with a gourmet meal, but, in fact, she had invited several others to celebrate as well. Now, I was surprised at exactly what was going to happen, but I wasn't too surprised that there was more at Debbie's than just a small gourmet meal. Deep down, I knew my family wouldn't let this 50 thing pass without a healthy dose of harassment and partying. If you know anything about Debbie, you could guess that the event was anchored by interesting and delicious food. She didn't let us down for this celebration. We had gourmet lemonade, strawberry daiquiris, wines, and lots of other more traditional drinks. And the food - it was OUTSTANDING. My favorite was a shrimp salad - I actually used it as a dip. I loved it... Debbie, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I need that recipe. That is how much I loved that shrimp dip/salad. Now, don't think that Debbie was the only conspirator in this process. My sister Susan was just as much a part of it as Debbie. The Saturday night dinner at the Bunker Hill Cafe was a decoy by Susan for the real party on Sunday. I think Nancy and Jody were also part of the gig as well. Now that I think about it, I am fairly sure that many of you who read this blog were conspirators, too. YOU'RE ALL GUILTY!!
Have I written lately about how much I love and appreciate my family and friends? It's true. Thank you Debbie and Susan and Nancy and Jody and on and on and on for a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of Mary Kay.
Now for the photos - as you can see there are only TWO photos from the party. I had my camera out early on, but when people started to show up (that I didn't know were coming) I was sidetracked with conversation and fun and I forgot to take photos. However, I think the second photo of Emily, Mom and me is sufficient because it spans the generations and represents my
most cherished gift - spending time with family and friends. 
My sweet great niece Emily and me. In the background you can see Greg fitting a riding helmet on Natalie. Greg bought a pony named Splash for the girls to ride.
This is the photo that says it all - love of the young ones and the not-so-young ones.
When I woke on Saturday morning, Susan had posted several post-it notes around the house with birthday wishes. Well, I would not call them birthday wishes, more like birthday reminders of how old I am. Susan, your time is coming because you turn the big 6-0 in September. Friends, mark your calendars for a big blowout for Susan!
This is a smattering of the birthday gifts I received: MKS blocks from Nancy, a piece of artwork from Hallie and Brooklyn, a puzzle of the US from Nancy (we are going to travel someday), 50 hot tamales from Susan (she also gave me 50 pieces of licorice), and 50 one dollar bills from Susan (well, by the time we left the Bunker Hill Cafe, there were only 40 one dollar bills because Joey and Kelly needed some ones to pay their babysitters.)
Jody made this sweet, sweet (notice the play on words) birthday sign for me. You should be able to see this in a larger view by clicking on the photo. Many of the attendees signed the poster. Can you tell Jody is an elementary school teacher? They are the only one who are creative enough to do this. Thanks Jody for the great birthday card! One more thing - we will be celebrating Susan's birthday in September, but we will be celebrating Jody's b-day in October AND a new baby!! Yes, I can always use more great nieces and nephews.
My sweet great niece Emily and me. In the background you can see Greg fitting a riding helmet on Natalie. Greg bought a pony named Splash for the girls to ride.
This is the photo that says it all - love of the young ones and the not-so-young ones.
When I woke on Saturday morning, Susan had posted several post-it notes around the house with birthday wishes. Well, I would not call them birthday wishes, more like birthday reminders of how old I am. Susan, your time is coming because you turn the big 6-0 in September. Friends, mark your calendars for a big blowout for Susan!
This is a smattering of the birthday gifts I received: MKS blocks from Nancy, a piece of artwork from Hallie and Brooklyn, a puzzle of the US from Nancy (we are going to travel someday), 50 hot tamales from Susan (she also gave me 50 pieces of licorice), and 50 one dollar bills from Susan (well, by the time we left the Bunker Hill Cafe, there were only 40 one dollar bills because Joey and Kelly needed some ones to pay their babysitters.)
Jody made this sweet, sweet (notice the play on words) birthday sign for me. You should be able to see this in a larger view by clicking on the photo. Many of the attendees signed the poster. Can you tell Jody is an elementary school teacher? They are the only one who are creative enough to do this. Thanks Jody for the great birthday card! One more thing - we will be celebrating Susan's birthday in September, but we will be celebrating Jody's b-day in October AND a new baby!! Yes, I can always use more great nieces and nephews.
The Blues Cousins - Natalie and Anna
My niece Jody
Stacia - mom to Natalie and Emily
Debbie with Emily; Debbie is the grandmother to Natalie and Emily
Natalie
Natalie
Emily and Anna
Natalie played the hostess by serving Sam a cup of tea.
Don't you just love the way Debbie looks at her grand daughter Emily?
More love from Debbie to Emily
Anna, Sam and Natalie
This is how the group photo started, Sam and Natalie were not ready to stand together. Anna worked her magic and made it happen.
Debbie and grand daughter Natalie
Jody and Nancy
The cousins, Natalie and Anna, ended up spitting water on each other.
Jody gave the kids a volleyball lesson - yes, she did it in the house.
Even though these next few photos are similar, they show the gentle spirit of Emily.
Emily and I have similar rolls on our arms.
These photos are from Thursday night when Nancy, Susan and I took Hallie and Brooklyn to the lake for fun in the water and at a play park.
Brooklyn has two teeth!
I like these two photos of Susan and Brooklyn. This one is when things were fairly calm, the next one is when they both broke out in laughter.
