40... LIFE IS GOOD!!!

I sometimes still can't believe it...  I AM 40!!!  I really struggled the day before my actual birthday, but I am now embracing it and loving my family, friends, kids and do I dare say--- a little more freedom:)  I keep saying that these are "my golden years"...  It also helps that my shoulder is doing exceptionally better.

October was a great month.  I called it birthday month for good reason.  I celebrated all month long.  I'm kinda thinking that it might be good that I only turn 40 once - I might not live through another celebration like it.

I went to Key West with 4 other wonderful ladies for 5 days...  It was gorgeous weather and a super fun time!!!

Flew into Ft. Lauderdale and road tripped through the Keys...

"Bag of fun", dancing, bands, flip flops, fruity drinks, and TONS of laughing

I loved my new glasses.  Thanks Lynn!!!

Riding a moped has always been on my bucket list :)

Those 40 glasses got a lot of attention...

Lots of Dancing....

I also had several fun times with friends in K-zoo...

K-zoo birthday celebration with girl friends

My kids were so sweet...  They love to tell people that I am 40 :)

Sushiya with my favorite people!!!!

Thankful my family treated me to my favorite food

Wine Tasting day with lots of fun K-zoo people

Brett spoiled me rotten

Wine Day LADIES!!!

The LITTLE -not really- Black Sling

 Boy was this summer different...  I am 3 months out of surgery and very happy that it is behind me.  I actually went to my surgeon today, NO green light yet:(  I am really struggling getting my range of motion back...  It is so frustrating for me.  I am really wanting/needing to get back to my active lifestyle.  As I was driving home a little discouraged, I was thinking back to ALL the crazy things my "little black sling" has done this summer - this is kinda like a FLAT STANLEY project.  Check out all the fun, cool places my sling got to go this summer...  I have come a very long ways!!!  My goal is hitting PT hard this next month so that my next doctor visit in a month goes EXCEPTIONAL and I am back at 100%...  Just in time for my 40th birthday --- YIKES!!!!

I had NO idea what I was in for here!!!

Just waking up to reality...

My permanent spot for the first week

The best friends looking after me and bringing food for us...

My ice machine was my friend

It took many weeks, but finally back on the boat

Several HOT trips to Lake Michigan

Dance recital 3 days after surgery...  Maybe one of the toughest outings...  But wouldn't have missed it!

LOTS of couch time with my kiddos...

Soccer championships...  GIRL POWER!!!!

Lots of sympathy and support from my family

My wonderful sister came to help me...  I love you!!!

My glorious BED for about 10 weeks...  UGH!!!!

A super sad funeral for our beloved SPIKE...  RIP best beardie EVER

TENT camping 3 weeks post surgery... another very trying 3 nights!!!

John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids

4th of July Boat Parade

Girls Get Away in South Haven for a night!!!!!

Birthday party/sleepover for my 12 year old

Welcoming a new addition to the family --- COLE

Great visit with Christy and Emily...  Thank goodness she could do my hair --- FINALLY!!!

Finally comfortable on the boat

campfire fun

Binder Park Zoo

Blake Shelton concert in Chicago

Wrigley Field

Shopping in Chicago

Detroit area fun with Oma/Opa and the Warner clan

Lots of fun on Indian Lake

Test driving and buying a Porsche...