Scrapbooking

I got some really lovely presents for my birthday at the weekend, but I was especially touched by the scrap book my Mum and sister Louise put together of my 40 years.

I have kept photo albums through out the years but they are the type that have sticky pages and scrawled notes on them. I had a real laugh recently looking through my angst-ridden ones from my teenage years complete with torn up photos and letters from boys who had dumped me!!

This one is just stunning and I wanted to share a few of the pages, though the pics aren't great.

This one is from my earliest childhood, complete with birth card and baby photos.



This page is one I'm most proud of. The 'N Ireland' and the Red Hand of Ulster are from when I represented Northern Ireland in a National Cross Country race. Also on this page is a couple of less than flattering newspaper photos documenting my race wins.



On this page there are pics of me and my hubbie Andy, from our earliest days to more recent ones. The one on the bottom left is taken from our first year formal at Uni when I was 19 and Andy 18. I even have a stunning curly perm!



And finally, one of my friends. My best friend Jane, my hen weekend and the Scottish gang.



I just wanted to say, Mum and Lou, I really appreciate the time, effort and energy you have both spent on making this for me.

40 today!

So today I turn 40. I'm relieved in a way it is finally here as I've been hearing about it for so long from friends and family. It doesn't bother me at all as it's not as if I'm friends with a bunch of 18 year olds now is it? All my friends have either already turned 40 or will be soon. I think I may stutter slightly though the first time I have to tick the box that reads 40-49 rather than 30-39!

So what have I achieved in these 40 years?

Well I am a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I am a physiotherapist, I've lived in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland. I've visited Jamaicia, Budapest, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and Lanzarote. I've made great friends. I've started my own business. I've been married to Andy for 15 years and we've been together for nearly 21 years. I have 2 brilliant children that I love to distraction.

Not bad for an old doll :D

To celebrate my 40th birthday, I'm offering a massive 40% off in my shop today. Just put '40% discount' in the note to seller and I will refund via Paypal.