Reflections of a 40 year old

That's right. Two days ago I hit the 40 mark. Hard to believe. I had an absolutely glorious birthday filled with tons of love from my family and friends. I am happy to say that this 40 year old body was still able to get out of bed and go for a morning run..AND spend 6 hours gardening and doing yardwork. Mark offered to take me out for the day and wine and dine me...my preference was to stay home and wrestle with a rototiller!
My sweet husband knows how to lovingly make my birthday special. This years theme was 'cooking' . I received 3 wonderful new cookbooks that I am anxious to delve into and dazzle my family with mouthwatering delicacies! Mark signed the two of us up for a one night cooking class entitled, "A Romantic Dinner for Two". I will at long last learn how to cook lamb. Katie bought me the most darling set of espesso cups and saucers..and my boy Daniel picked out 4 of the cutest little tea spoons I've ever seen.
The second part of my birthday revolved around my running habit. Mark's parents provided the funds for a splurge on new running shoes..plus extras!! Mark also bought me..not 1..not 2..but 3 new running skirts! I have been wanting to try out the running skirts and am so excited about them!
So here I am...40. Happy to be here..excited for what lies ahead...and thankful to My God who has surrounded me with a family that I love!

It Might Be Spring

It's hard to tell for sure..there are a couple of tell-tale signs:
1) weeds are growing faster than the grass
2) grass is growing faster than we can keep up with (which tells you how bad our weeds are)
3) kids are wanting to wear their shorts
4) the sun is out..wait..it's gone..no wait..it's back..no wait..it's gone...no wait..it's back..no wait.....
5) Deanna had her yearly haircut..short..short..short.
6) bathing suits are almost completely sold out at the stores

Signs of Spring! 

Jenna waits for the kids to finish their schooling. 

Some form of lichen..not sure which. 

At the Women's Retreat 

Waters of the Row River