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 cousin Gordon came to Kansas for a visit last week. He and his wife Elsa live in San Antonio so we don't get to see each other very often. As you can see, we had fun taking pictures. Anyway, I want to wish Aunt Joan and very happy birthday. We've had lots of fun this summer with Aunt Joan. She brings us lots of good food, especially my favorite Huntington Chicken.
Aunt Joan decided to show her backside to the camera. Luckily, Nancy didn't include the backside in this photo. This photo tells you a lot about the spirit of Aunt Joan.
Gordon and Elsa
Susan and grand daughter Avery
Sweet Nancy
Joey, Anna, Sam and I went for a ride in the pastures before they left for vacation. Joey was checking to make sure the cows had plenty of water during the hot summer days.
Anna liked to taste the salt that Joey was putting out for the cows.
Sam and Anna helped their daddy Joey put out salt and mineral for the cows and calves.
Anna and Sam even liked the salt out of the empty bags in the back of the pickup. Note to Joey and Kelly - children are deficient in salt!
After the hot, hot drive in the pastures, the kids rested in front of the TV. Shhh, don't tell Joey and Kelly that we let them watch TV. Sweet Sam found a comfortable spot on one of Debbie's quilts.
Anna
Hallie joined the group when Matt brought her to the farm. I think the parents were doing some last minute packing before they left for a Colorado Thielen family reunion. Hallie also laid out one of Deb's quilts for the rest period. This is actually the back side of the quilt. Anyway, I like how all three of the children were mesmerized by Little Bear.
As the afternoon progressed, it became evident that Anna wasn't feeling well. Again, there is nothing better than to use a Debbie quilt for comfort.
I couldn't resist taking this photo of Hallie, she found her own recliner.
Kramer was trying to get my attention without barking. Have I mentioned that he is the best dog in the world? One more thing, Pearl is also the best dog in the world.
