Belated Birthday Post (I'm 40!!!)

With the hassles and disasters of moving and pup's emergency surgery, which all happened either ON or immediately following my 40th birthday, the pics from that day and subsequently this post got pushed to the back burner. But HELLO, I'm FORTY!!!!! How the hell did that happen?  Seriously, how has 40 years gone by already? Especially the last 20....it's like a freakin' blurrrr.  And add kids to the mix, and somehow time speeds up that much more.  *sigh*

Too all you young'uns out there, just remember, time is precious. And fleeting. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one, so I am thankful for my 40 years, however quickly they have passed.

On that note...you better go make this cake today, b/c it is something you do not want to miss out on. Provided you like chocolate. If you don't like chocolate, uhmmm, you may be at the wrong blog ;)

For my 40th, my dear mommy had a cook out for me, and my dear little sis made me this fabulous cake. I don't know how she knew I would love such a thing (other than she knows I am a chocolate freak, and I pinned it with the caption 'I want this for my birthday'. Because I'm subtle and suave like that.)

Me, being a big fatty, with my awesome cake (and awesome daughter, Number One)

The cake is made with cake mix, brownie mix (family size), TWO cans of frosting, and chocolate chips. wowza!

For the complete recipe and great step-by-step assembly pics, go HERE!

Not only did my sister make me a super, duper, chocolate brownie cake, she also gave me something every food blogger covets....

image source

A light box! Or more accurately...a Deluxe Table Top Photo Studio Light Box!  I am so excited! I can't wait to start using it, especially since it is already getting darker much earlier and has been impossible to get natural light at dinner the last couple of nights.  I will be setting this up ASAP! I've just been trying to clear out enough boxes...and I am finally getting there!  Yes, everyone needs an awesome sister like mine.  She also gives me shoes...you will have to read her blog to understand why that is such a wonderful thing.

To work off all that cake, my parents gave me a kayak (since we now live on the sound)...

But they didn't want me to lose too much weight, so they also gave me....

an ice cream maker!!! Yay! 

(Sorry for the blurry pic, one of my kids was in charge of the camera)

My brother gave me a super cute casserole dish and candle from the Polka-Dot Palm. And when I say my brother, I mean my brother's girlfriend, thanks M.! My brother always gives me liquor when left to his on devices...which I am SO not complaining. I mean really....hauling kids to the liquor store? I don't think so.  (However, you never know, desperate times call for desperate measures. lol)

So - that's the OH MY LORDY, I'M FORTY wrap up.  It was a great bday, and quite the milestone. I don't feel like I should be 40, I mean, I still listen to Metallica & AC/DC for goodness sake.  Aren't old people supposed to listen to....uhmmm....well, I have no idea.  My own mom has a more awesome (& current) CD collection than I do.

Of course, I'm feeling the eye strain from staring at the computer. 

Damn, I am getting old.