happy birthday danny!

We had a BBQ this weekend for Danny's 30th birthday. It was so much fun getting our families together! My camera battery died halfway through the party, so I gave the little camera to Loo-loo, and I took some pics with my phone. But I didn't get photos of the wonderfully delicious Peach Cobbler we had for dessert.

Danny and Linds

Mal and Olive (Nala)

Mal is a vet tech. She loves animals- and this kitty came into her clinic because her owners could not afford medical testing, and were going to just put her down. (?!?!) So Mal jumped in and saved her from death. (how could you not?)

She is a Bengal, and one of the nicest kitties I have ever met. She has been living with my parents for a week or so, and is already a part of the family. She also really likes me, which is a plus. (I wish we could adopt her!) Anyway, after they finish the testing to see if she is sick or not, we think that my brothers friend will take her.

Mal and a blurry Bella

Loo-loo, Mom and LaRue

Ta-da! No 30th birthday is complete without a Birthday Hat!

I heart my Loo-loo!

Ashkan and Danny, laughing about something nerdy.

LaRue telling us hilarious stories. I absolutely love her.

Linds. She drove 3 1/2 hours just to be here. Such an awesome surprise!

Auntie Kris and Linds sneaking some of grandmas caramel corn.

Oh wait, there's the cobbler!

LaRue, Craig and Kris.

Linds, Danny, and Chels.

With Loo-loo behind them giving them bunny ears, of course!

thirty years and counting

So today, I am officially 30.

When I was young, I always thought that by the time I was 20, I would be "grown up".

Then I turned 20, and didn't act or feel "grown up" at all.

I lied to my family about everything.

I dated and befriended evil, manipulative, and opportunistic thugs.

I went to rehab.

I lost all my "friends".

I had to claim bankruptcy.

I lost my house.

Then I turned 25. Back then, I was grateful I even made it to 25. And 30 seemed so far away.

I have been sober for almost 5 years.

I treat my cats like they are people. Like they are my children.

I have perfected sugar cookies, cupcakes, and cheesecake.

I am married to my soul mate.

My parents and my siblings are now my best friends.

I have never been happier in my life...

Do I feel "grown up"?

No.

Do I look "grown up"?

Not sure. I hope not too much.

But if this is what "grown up" feels and looks like...

Then yes, I am.

Finally.

happy birthday to me!

I had a Birthday party earlier this evening. And I do have to say, that it was the best birthday I have ever had. In my life.

I was dreading 30. Not nearly as much as 29 though. Why? Seriously, I don't even know. As I have gotten older, my life and my happiness has gotten greater. Every year that I get older, I get happier. So whats to dread? Nothing, apparently.

It started when I got home. I came in through the side door, and Danny came running and said "No! you have to come in the front door!" I said "No, it's to cold outside. I'll close my eyes ok? Lead me." I pretended to come in the front door, and when I took my gloved hands away from my eyes, this is what I saw...

Hello Kitty and twirly "30" decorations hung from the ceiling, everywhere. I almost cried. See, I had this small, little wish that my house would be decorated for the party. I am turning 30, damn it! I wanted a party. And there are always decorations at a party! Anyway, my husband heard my heart's secret wish. And it filled me with joy.

And for my Birthday Cake...(drum roll please) Cheesecake Factory's 30th Anniversary Chocolate cake & Cheesecake cake. Layers of cheesecake in between layers of chocolate cake. The best cheesecake I have ever had that I haven't made myself. And it was their 30th anniversary special edition- for my 30th birthday! Perfect!

Here is a little video of me and the Loo-loo opening presents...

(I have no idea why I am looking up and not at the camera.)

The stash: an automatic car starter and key less entry (yes! yes! yes! no more cold car!) a UV filter for my new lens, some lip gloss pots that are shaped like adorable little cupcakes, my new lens of course, a cupcake cookbook, 2 more cupcake ornaments, some money, and the cutest cupcake pillow- did you see it? Oh I love it!!!

Lindsay begged to play with photo booth for a bit...

(I can't stop laughing when I look at this one!)

(doesn't my brother look like Mr. T?)

And to end the night just right, we got a new chair & ottoman...

Loo-loo had to try it out first.

And then my adorable husband.

And then Matilda...

And then the littlest cow...

And finally, me. I am blogging from my new chair, in my house full of party decorations, cheesecake, Dr. Pepper, and cat hair.

I love my life. I am so lucky...in so many ways...

Best Birthday Ever.

(they really do!)