Still HOT at 40

My hubby turned 40 last week! We are so lucky to have great friends and family that joined us for a celebration filled with fun and food.

The theme of the party was "Still HOT at 40". I came up with it because he absolutely loves all things hot and spicy (he married me, right? hahaha). See that gallon jug of Tabasco? That was his souvenir from our recent trip to New Orleans. He was in heaven at the Tabasco store, literally like a kid in a candy shop. I thought I would share a few shots of the party, it was so much fun. I had never planned and executed such a big party before. It was a lot of work, but I loved doing it. I planned the menu and made all the food myself, as always we had waaaayyyy to much food!

This is us with some of our best friends, I have know Caron since we were 5 years old!

The birthday boy with my dad.

My sister and me with mom and dad.

A better shot of the cake. It was a white cake with Bavarian cream filling. YUMMY!

Stay tuned for what I did with ALL the leftovers.

Blogger Book Club Discussion Questions

The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes

Chapters 1-10

• What was your first impression of Tim?

I think I am often skeptical so at first I thought he was just "playing" with her. She's so young and I think he could tell she was interested in him. I think he was surprised by her as he got to know her and began to develop feeling for her.

• If you were in Cee Cee's position, would you be willing to help your boyfriend in the way that she is willing to help Tim?

I absolutely would not do what she is doing. I remember being 16 and crazy in love, but I also had family and close friends that kept me grounded. I think Cee Cee jumps in because she doesn't have a close support system and she doesn't have anyone that she feels like she would be disappointing with her actions. On the other hand, she would be disappointing the only person she feels like she has if she doesn't do it.

• Why do you think Cee Cee is so eager to please Tim?

I think Cee Cee is lonely and has come to consider Tim to be her family. Being just 16 also has lots to do with her willingness to please him, she seems to go out of her way to prove that her age isn't an issue.

• Who do you think has it harder? Tim or Cee Cee?

I would say Cee Cee has it harder because as I mentioned above, she doesn't have anyone but Tim. Although I believe she truly doesn't want to be involved, she is so afraid of losing him that she is going against her moral compass. I am interested to see how this inner struggle plays out and changes her as the story develops.

• What traits about Cee Cee stuck out the most to you in chapters 1-10?

What sticks out most to me is her child like innocence and willing to trust despite all that she has been through in her life.

• Do you think Cee Cee is as mature as she seems?

I think she comes off as being more mature than she is because of the circumstances of her life and how she seems to have gotten through them. I think on the inside she is still just a scared little girl that is too trusting.