Celebrating the BIG 4-0 80's Style

This past weekend, I turned the dreaded

BIG 4-0!!!

To celebrate, we had an 80's prom. I came up with this idea quite a few months back but then I kinda decided against it. But then I did tell Dale and my sisters that I would like to do it, but I didn't want to have to plan it (I know, I'm such a diva), so Dale, my sisters, mom and friend, Heather went about planning it. I have to say that they did a fabulous job. I knew a little bit about what to expect but they did so much more. It really was a fun night with family and friends and a fabulous way to celebrate 40. I even got to be Prom Queen and have my own court. And we danced the night away to tons of 80's classics along with a few current songs. The kids really got into all the dancing and discovered how much they like Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice.

I feel like I should be posting some very philosophical or very meaningful message on turning 40, but I'm just really not that kind of a person. I have had lots of people ask me if I feel 40. Obviously, I don't feel a whole lot different than 4 days ago when I was still 39, but there definitely is something that comes with the age. There is a feeling of peace and security that I did not have at 30. Turning 40 is not as dreaded as it is always made out to be. I had a much harder time turning 30. When I turned 30, I was 2 months away from having our first child, I had been in a steady job for almost 5 years but was getting ready to quit to be a stay at home mom, and we were getting ready to move to Vancouver. The future was bright but very uncertain. In the 10 years since then, so much has happened. We did have that first child, Hannah and then two more. We moved to Vancouver and then moved again to the home we plan to stay in. Over those 10 years, Dale and I also have met many of our closest and dearest friends who have helped make the past 10 years a blessing. I think the main thing to reflect on as I turn 40 is how truly blessed I am by God and all the people he has brought into my life. It has been quite a ride, and I look forward to what is to come. So that is about as philosophical and reflective as I get.

Here is a slideshow of many of the other great pictures that were taken at the party.