Suprise and THANK YOU!!

Matt and the kids have been really rubbing in the fact that I will soon be 40.  In fact the phrase "threshold of death" has been the theme for the last few weeks.  We have discussed hearses, Depends, and all the other crazy things that go with being "over the hill".  Matt told me he was taking me on a lunch date to the famous Red Lion Inn to start the birthday weekend off with a bang.  The inn was darling.  The best part was the 2 hour drive.  I forget how nice it is to get my husband all to myself!  I lucked out in the husband department.

After the date I told Matt I had to get some groceries, he said he needed some as well, I told him I would get them, he said we would all go, I decided ok... whatever.  As he took a very strange route to the store I realized something was up.  My family has been a little strange and sneaky but I knew better than to ask questions .  They told me we needed to get out of the car.  I opened the door to this dreamy spa and was greeted by 12 of my girlfriends!  Total shock!  I got teary as I put the pieces together.

I have always told Matt I wanted a surprise party at some point in my life, but I never really expected it would happen.  Months ago my friend Beth and I were on the treadmill talking about how we both had January birthdays and that I was turning 40.  We talked about surprise parties and how I couldn't imagine Matt ever doing one.  That was all it took to set her in action.  Unfortunately I can't remember who all did what, but Suzy and Alison got in on it a planned a Spa Surprise party!  These are all women I see all the time at the gym, running or at school.  I am so impressed no one spoiled the secret.

They treated me to a spa pedicure and manicure.  I felt like an absolute princess with all the pampering I received.  This was my 3rd pedicure and 1st manicure.  It was absolute heaven.  I felt like a candy cane with all the minty, tingly stuff that was massaged all over my tired limbs (that's a good thing).  My poor feet have seen better days, I have put them through a lot this year.  I am sure we shocked the sweet employees with our nasty feet as most of us are runners.  The chair was heavenly, it took care of my sore shoulders and glutes.  As all this was going on I was sitting there being served sparkling juices and hanging with some of my favorite people ever.  Words do not express how amazing it was.

Happy second 20th Birthday!

 As if that wasn't enough then they took me to Spoleto's for a delightful pizza dinner.  We had our own private room.  There was a tower of gifts I was instructed to open. Let me back up.  A few weeks back I told my friend Suzy I had always wanted Fiestaware and that each holiday I was going to start collecting a piece here and there.  For Christmas I started my collection.  Holy smokes, Suzy had listened to every detail.  All the ladies pitched in and bought me an amazing collection of dishes.  Once again totally shocked.

 Then the cake came out.  I thought the 1945 was a joke about the year I was born.  Nope, it was my marathon number.  Amy had gone through photos just to get my number!  That's not all, the orange frosting was representative of the Hartford Marathon orange!  It was also from my favorite bakery Cerato's

CAAA!!

All aspects of the party were amazing.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  So grateful for the surprise, the spa treatment, the food, the Fiestaware (I am in love with it, we used it tonight!), the thoughtful cake, and the company.  Even more so, I am so thankful for the incredible friends that I have.  Friends that really listen and pay attention to the details of my life.  Friends that laugh with me, cry with me, encourage me, and help me to become a better me.  Friends that help me with my children and bring joy to my journey.  Thank you from the bottom of my rear, I would have said heart but my rear is bigger.  God has blessed me with an amazing group of girlfriends wherever I have lived.  I am thankful for each and every one of them!