Saying Hello To 40

Today I am 40. 

FORTY. 

Dude. Can I still say dude? Actually, don't answer that because I'll probably still do it anyway. 

Well, I'm writing this when I'm still 39. I imagine that tomorrow I will feel much like feel today which, like I wrote about last week, is pretty good. 

I'm celebrating with many of the people I love most and missing some that are far away. My Mom's here. Paolo's here for a few days. Aaron's around. The kids are here. People are taking care of me and helping me celebrate and I'm letting them. That's a big step in the right direction for me. 

Today I just want you to know how thankful I am for you. Thank you for being here and reading and supporting and signing up and cheering on and commiserating and asking good questions and encouraging and sharing and celebrating your own lives. Doing what I do has been a crazy, wonderful ride - one that I never expected to be part of my life experience. 

Here's to many more opportunities to celebrate where we are right this very minute with open hearts. 

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181 thoughts

  1. samanthas says…
    11/05/2015

    What an amazing privilege it is to be with you in this moment in life. Such an extraordinary life indeed friend. Xoxoxo.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. mjrose says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday. Thank you for all that you do, all the inspiration, and letting us be a part of your joy. Enjoy today and the many more wonderful parts of your journey still to come!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. kislanykim says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! Love the pic -- what a cutie you are but especially your parents!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. SusyFitz says…
    11/05/2015

    You are very much like your mum, very blessed. Have a happy day, I will be celebrating mine on Saturday.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Binxcat1 says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday!!!

    ... and yes, so much like your mum... to look at too... here's to celebrating good genes! ;)

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. aussiehostie says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali, wishing you love and happiness in abundance.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Anniejj says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali. I didn't realise you were so young.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. iHanna says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! I feel grateful for your blog, and the text and photos you share here, because they mean a lot not only to you and your family but to many of us. Wishing you a great day/year/continuous journey!

    We're almost the same age, I'll be 40 in April.

    /iHanna
    http://www.ihanna.nu

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Lynne_ says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday, Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. michell says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday!
    Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. Thank you so so much for sharing Simon's story, I also have a son on the spectrum. Thank you for giving so much to the scrapbook community. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
    Wishing you an awesome day with friends and family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. spagirl says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali!! All the best!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Tamibr says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! Hope you have a great day to do fun things.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. AWilliams says…
    11/05/2015

    Go Ali Go!!!!

    Happy 40th Birthday Dude! I love that you are letting people help you...why is that so hard for us?? I think our forties are to help us recognize that asking/receiving help is ok!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. scrappychick says…
    11/05/2015

    Age is just a number. I am 43, but in my head and heart, I am 25. If, you still say Dude (I totally do too) you are not really 40. That being said, the older I get, the more confident and comfortable I get in my own skin. I wouldn't trade that for being younger. Here's to the next 40 (or more)! You've done well with this half of your life!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. dptuffy says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy 40th Birthday Ali! And you can still say Dude, totally. At least I still do, and I'm past 40! Wishing you a beautiful day and year ahead.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. bravelove says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy birthday! What a wonderful picture of you with your parents. I see your face in both of theirs and thefaces of your children. Beautiful family. Beautiful life. Beautiful you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. retromom says…
    11/05/2015

    Sending birthday wishes your way a wee bit late. Wishing you many wonderful blessings, good health, and much happiness in the next decade of your life! P.S. Great throw back family picture!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. abragg79 says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy belated birthday.

    And, as a newly 36 year old, I truly hope saying "dude" is still acceptable,when you're 40. Because, dude? I'm gonna keep doing it, too.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      11/05/2015

      Perfect :)

  19. Madeline says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy, Happy Birthday Ali, again. Loved being 40 ;) Ali you look just like your mom
    I am 66 and STILL say DUDE

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. elinjanne says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali !

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Blitzburggirl says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! I turned 40 a couple weeks ago! It always amazes me how parallel our live are (sounds silly lol) and I didn't realize we were so close in age til you did the 39 layout. Hahaha! Happy Birthday Girlie!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. KarenC says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali, enjoy your celebrations and your people!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. princessmemo says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! Hope you have a special day! Many blessings in the year ahead!!!

    Side note: Jenny B. I had a baby right before I turned 40 also. It was a little mind bending ;) It is kind of like being between two worlds. But the best!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. katie1980 says…
    11/05/2015

    Have an amazing day, Ali. Here's to the best ever - for now, and may each year be better than the last!
    Love to your and yours from me and mine.
    Thanks for being here for us, you are totally amazing, lady :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. leahhearnsberger says…
    11/05/2015

    Happy Birthday!!! 40 is great!!! Enjoy your day and celebrate YOU! You deserve it!

    Reply 0 Replies

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