Top ten things about my 40th birthday

10. Turning 40 isn't nearly as bad as the anticipation of turning 40.

9. I didn't have to get anyone but myself ready this morning.

8. I blew my diet at lunch and didn't feel the least bit guilty - mmm, gnocchi.

7. Chocolate cupcakes at work.

6. In order to implement my evening birthday celebration, Cort picked up all four kids and I stayed at my office in the peace and quiet. No one yelled in the car on my way home.

5. When I got home, I was met at the door by four kids, all dressed up and SUPER excited, one of whom handed me a glass of champagne.

4. This:

3. A yummy four-course dinner, capped off by divine chocolate lava cake and my favorite ice cream (on a fancy plate that said "Happy Birthday Mommy"). All this was served by my older kids, who announced the food for every course, in our formal, never-before-used dining room with fancy and/or breakable dishes for everyone.

2. Handmade cards from all the kids. Joe's with some sort of code I'm supposed to decipher?

1. My wonderful, amazing husband, who not only orchestrated the evening celebration, but knew EXACTLY what sort of celebration I would really, really love.