After admittedly lamenting the fact (here on the blog, in fact) that we wives and Mothers typically end up planning our own celebrations, my family and friends took me by complete surprise yesterday with the PERFECT 50th party!
Given John's recent cardiac issues, I had put any thoughts of a celebration out of my mind - assuming that 50th or not, such things would be put on the back burner for awhile...
Well, while I was busy assuming, daughter Courtney and niece Sarah were busy conspiring (along with friends Jen and Dustin) to host an absolutely enchanting gathering in my honor....
A large white tent, lit with fairy lights and set in Jen's beautiful garden....
An absolutely delicious menu, which included grilled shrimp and chicken and assorted salads and vegetables....
Beverages galore, including an amazing concoction called "electric lemonade" (sooooooo good, and REALLY sneaks up on you, hehe!)
Key lime and vanilla cupcakes for dessert....
And best of all, so many of the people who are dear to me; my family and friends, some of whom I haven't seen in far too long, and who drove many miles to help me celebrate....
What a blessing to have such a thoughtful and caring daughter and niece (I love you both to the moon and back!) and what a blessing to have these amazing friends; family really...I'm truly fortunate. As for hitting the half century mark, well, it hasn't happened yet. I still have a few days in my forties. But it's bothering me less and less. I'm seeing age as an awakening, a realization that life is what we make it, that there are still so many new things to experience, new adventures to be had, new paths to follow, new art to create...There's a freedom in aging I think. You worry less about the small stuff, and, as the saying goes, most of it is small stuff. ;)
I'm still hoping to host a little giveaway here soon, in honor of hitting the half century mark, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I'm painting madly and counting my many blessings....
Happy Birthday to me. ;)
♥ Carolee
22 comments:
Happy B-day Carolee! That looked like a lovely party. Now I'm hungry. Hope John is doing better.
What a wonderful celebration, Carolee!!! I love your philosophy on aging, too. :-)
Happy belated birthday, it looks like you had a really great day, what a lovely surprise! Jane xxxx
Happy birthday Carolee.
A lovely setting, delicious food,
caring family and friends- that sounds like a perfect day.
And because it wasn´t at your place you even hadn´t to clean up (ha ha).The best wishes for you and and I hope your husband is well.
Janine
Happy birthday Carolee!
Oh Carolee! You lucky girl!! What a wonderful surprise! And darn it...I didn't get to celebrate with you! I think we'll have to save it for Ghoultide! ;o) lol
Happy Birthday!!!! =o)
Hugs, Lori
Happy 50th! It already happened to me last year, and I'm wiht you on your philosophy on aging, so true! Your surprise party looks wonderful. I love the photos! Suzie.
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Carolee you indeed had a perfect day. Electric lemonade? Oh my sounds wicked. Pam
It looks like you had an amazing birthday celebration!! How wonderful!!
I know you enjoyed every moment :).
Best b'day wishes and hugs,
Carrie
Oh how fun Carolee and what a great way to celebrate! Happy Birthday my dear! :)
Haunted Birthday Hugz,
Joycee
what a beautiful party, I'm so glad you have such wonderful and caring people in your world!
Happiest of days to you!
*hugs*
Cat
Happy Birthday, Carolee. Looks like a real SHIN-DIG! I hope health and happines abound for you and your family.
We really surprised you! It was a wonderful evening:)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! wow what a great suprise. just what you needed. Looks like fun. I hope John is doing better....keep your chin up!!
Kathren
Happy Birthday Carolee! May the next 50 be even BETTER!! Looks like you had a wonderful time at your party. Wish I could have grabbed one of those yummy-looking Key Lime Cupcakes!
Did you get the trailer to Alice in Wonderland I sent you?
Best to John and have a great week!
Happy (early) Birthday Carolee!
Glad you had a wonderful time and a chance to celebrate!
Lori
What an exciting surprise and couldn't happen to a nicer girl. Happiest of birthday wishes to you Carolee. I hope that in your 50th year, your fondest dreams become reality.
♥, Susan
What a very sweet surprise, Carolee! Cupcake pics always get me, and that lemonade sure sounds like a winner!! Have a magical 50, and best wishes for John also, as he recovers his health!
hugs,
Brenda
Happy Birthday! I am so happy for you that you got such a delightful surprise! Have a wonderful day!
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn
how wonderful carolee.. glad you had such a wonderful day!
I hope your Birthday was wonderful, Carolee! Surprises are always so fun!!!!!!!!
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