Turning the big four-oh

I've really enjoyed writing last week's posts about our decade or so spent living in Sydney and reading your delightful comments. It's been like having a mental spring clean, an appraisal, even a clearing of the decks as I've relived how I've spent my last decade. It was quite timely.

You see, today I turned 40. Woo hoo! Yes, the big four-oh.

Who's that bonnie babe? Me at my christening time

I'm not the slightest bit bothered about entering another decade. In fact, I'm ready to embrace it. It's also caused me to reflect a little. My first two decades were all about enjoying childhood, obtaining an education, starting my career and getting married.

My fifth birthday present

My third decade was about consolidating my career, buying our first home, overcoming health problems and having the three pixies.

All of that leads me to now. I think this decade will be fabulous. We'll watch the pixies all start school, make new friends, learn new skills and develop more independence. We'll watch their personalities develop and share in the precious journey through childhood. We'll buy a family home with a garden and enjoy decorating it in our style instead of living in a rented house. We'll discover all our treasured possessions which have been stored away in the shed following our move. I imagine that along the way, Mr PB and I will have more time to spend with each other and revel in each other's company, just like life pre-PB. Yes, there's a lot to look forward to!

My celebrations already started yesterday with a family lunch with our parents and the pixies. The best tableware was found, silver cutlery polished and crystal glasses buffed.

Blue and white, my favourite table setting colours

 Mr PB and the pixies gathered some beauty from the garden.

Our spring garden flowers

The place settings were laid.

Silver cutlery and crisp, white linen serviettes

Here is the birthday cake so lovingly made by the pixies and Mr PB.

Iced by the pixies

Here are some of my birthday presents, following my requested French theme:

Here are the two sides of this divine vase

Inspiration for many years to come

This divine brooch from Magoolie Designs

A little something to set the mood

A leather bound journal for recording blog ideas when they strike!

The fun will continue for the next two weekends with family and friends joining us at home for French-inspired lunches, catered for by my darling husband. He's a keeper, that one! Then we plan to fly to Sydney in late September or early October, sans the pixies (for the first time), to spend a weekend with our friends, hopefully with dinner at yes, you guessed it, my favourite French restaurant, Tabou.

So, it's time to take stock a little, work out where I'm at and where I want to go. Life is not a dress rehearsal! I might write a 'bucket list' - have you heard of it? It's a list of the things you want to do in life before you 'kick the bucket'. It'll be a challenge - I'll have to find (or make) some headspace first - but I think it will be worthwhile, at least worth a try. I've even found a website which can help me. I'll let you know how I go.

Anyway, time for some more celebrating!

Jane