the big 4-0

july 24, 1970 in the wee hours of the morning(i'm not really sure...just guessing!)an 8lb 4oz baby girl was born to a young girl not ready to be a MOM.
this young girl lovingly named her baby ~veronica may.

11 days later this small baby was placed~ providentially,with the young schouls family, consisting of dad carl, mom margaret & big sis of 2 yrs, debbi.
margaret & carl named their new daughter, brenda.

yes, people....i will finally admit it~ i'm 40.
i'm 40!!
wow, saying it out loud makes it so much more REAL!
i know, i know...it is real regardless.....but now i have to 'own it'.

with my mom & my cute sis(i'm the chubby baby ;) )


18 mths....check out the 'uni~brow'!!!


no more 'uni~brow' ;)!!


then....


now....


God has richly blessed me in these 40 yrs.

~i was brought up in a loving christian home.
~i attended christian elementary & secondary schools
~God in His mercy gave me 'normal' teenage years
~i married my high school sweet heart,wayne.... who treats me like a queen & loves me unconditionally~ flaws & all ;)...luv ya, babe!
my handsome hubby

~i have been blessed with 5....count 'em, 5 beautiful children!!
eryn...


danielle...


veronica...


levi...


jordyn...


the family...


for some reason....(i don't know!), i was stressing about the number 40.
to me, i guess, it was just sounding older.
don't get me wrong.....i am totally thankful for these 40 years God has given me!
so there's no more denying it...no more lying about my age....i have to claim it & own it & be thankful for it!!

we had a small get together with friends & fam on the weekend...
cake~of course
coffee
lemonade
snacky/fun food
shrimp
fruit
marshmallows for roasting~yum
& great wine!!


kids played soccer


q~t patooties eryn, nicole & niece..cass






some gifts were...
beautiful flowers from the hubby


cross pendant from christine...love it!!


hand painted wine 'diva' wine glass from maria sommer...




we had a great weekend & fab get~together with family & friends...thanks everyone for sharing my birthday with me!!
i am blessed beyond measure.