Friday, June 6, 2008

A Blinging Birthday

Last Saturday, one of the most sparkling individuals I know turned a dazzling 30 years old.

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In true Kate form she threw a glittering party to ring in the next decade of her life. I have commented on this before, but something I love about Kate and her family is that they are celebraters. Life is thrilling to them, and they take advantage of all the moments they have to embrace it and commemorate its stages.

All of the details were enchanting.

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She had a little candy store set up with an assortment of tourquoise candies. There were plastic treat bags to load up on sweets for the ride home. I loitered by that table all night and had a sugar belly by the time we sat down to eat. The heartburn I experienced later after eating all of the sour candies was so, so worth it.

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A close up of the cake, which tasted as delicious as it looked. I loved the detail, "Kate and Co.". She gave a little toast to all of us before cutting this piece of ambrosia, "to all of you, for making the first 30 years of my life so sparkling, sweet, and memorable." She is so humble and inclusive, even on her day. I got a little emotional. Stupid hormones.

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You will notice something in the following pictures. The smiles. It is a Kate trait. I love it. Within seconds of being with her you find yourself smiling too and you don't even know why.

This is the entire family minus Kate and Adam's two little girls. The littles were left at home for the night. I have been endeared to this family since I met them; they are good and nice people who genuinely care about each other.

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A little shout out to the man who wore a tux to his wife's party.

I like Adam so much. He is just so welcoming and kind. I like when I call and he answers and then takes a few seconds to ask how I am doing. I also like how every time I think Gunnar has some type of medical mystery or chronic illness, he calms my nerves without belittling me. I have an affinity for him to because he uses words like "epic" to describe something really cool, and "grinding" to talk about eating. AND I have a great fondness for him because he is sharing with me one of my favorite things, a kick-a microscope. Thanks, Adam.

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This is Adam's mom, Pat. I have always been fascinated by her calmness of spirit. She is one of the most peaceful people I know. Sometimes I call Kate's house on Mondays when I know Pat will be there just to hear her melodic and soothing voice on the phone. The other thing I admire about this woman is her timeless beauty. She doesn't age. What's the secret, Pat? You are a beautiful, classic woman, inside and out.


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Kate and Adam have an undeniable chemistry with each other, and with other people. Every time we are with them when we leave and are driving home we both comment,
"I like them. A lot."
"Yeah, me too."

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The man that was around long before either of the husbands, Bill, Kate and Colleen's dad. It is apparent that his family has always and will always come first. It is easy to sense the great love and esteem Bill has for the women in his life. The toast he made to Kate at dinner, brought on the tears. Stupid hormones.

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Kate is a tremendous party planner, but I have to admit, her mom deserves the award for party planner of the century. Being a part of any Barb party is an experience to tell grandchildren about. Her sense of detail, and her eye for color and style are uncanny. She too has a smile and a laugh that are contagious; I like her very much.

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When I see Kate and Colleen together it always makes me homesick for my sister.

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Colleen and I have something super special in common. We are having babies within weeks of each other!! That means we drank these all night...

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which isn't so bad because a Roy Rodgers is my favorite drink. I am so excited for Colleen, although she has had a tough time being pregnant. Colleen's spirit, energy, and enthusiasm are a magnetizing force. She is going to make an excellent mother; I know it. And coming from the genes of these two, that little boy has no hope of being anything other than a superstar!

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Two more glimmering personalities, Shelley and Craig. I could talk to these two for hours. Even if they were discussing gas prices in Afganistan I would still be fascinated by the words coming from their mouths. They are so animated and amusing. I also love how they play off of eachother; they would make a great comedy act. I especially enjoyed talking to Craig. His outlook on life and his perspective for my current journey right now were what I needed to hear. Thanks, Craig.

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Kiss her Craig; she doesn't have cooties; in fact she was one of the most beautiful women at the party. ;)

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While we are on the topic of outstanding personalities and beautiful women, here's another one of each that I have always loved.

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Matty, it just wouldn't be a party without you. I love your wit, humor, and effortless banter. I also love how excited you always get to see us; it makes us feel all good inside and stuff. Your easy-going approach to life and its trials is so refreshing.

AND check out Matt's hot, hot, hotty hot wife, April, who just, you are not going to believe this, had a baby 6 weeks ago. It's not fair Aps. How can you be so stunning when you have returned to the rigors of work, are not sleeping, have a busy 3 year-old, and just went through the experiences of birthing a child? You looked amazing; I have always been intimidated by your beauty and style. April is the smokin' hotness on the right in this picture. Doesn't she look amazing?

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I don't get to be in many pictures these days, which is fine, but Colleen snapped this one of me and the birthday girl. Thanks for sharing the dress Kate. I might have shown up in a burlap sack had it not been for you. I would have hot-glued rinstones on to it though, to add some extra flare. ;) Good thing you saved me from that embarrassment.

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The party was filled with laughter and love,

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fun and energy,

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color, style, and bling;

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all things that make up our girl, Kate.

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Kate, May the next 30 years of your life be just as dazzling as the first. Thanks for touching our lives with your special sparkle. You are appreciated, admired, and so loved. May every day feel like your birthday- Kam

p.s. Our little household has something to celebrate too. Stay tuned for more details on what's going down with us. ;)

8 comments:

Kate said...

Kam-- Your blog looks great. A total makeover! And these pictures are amazing. What a fabulous birthday party! The pictures of that lovely couple in the previous post are also SO great.
I was just trying to remember when I last saw you... and I definitely think it's time for a visit. We should be heading over to CA soon. I'll let you know.

lauren said...

You are AMAZING!! And your pictures aren't to shabby lady!! Seriously didn't you just start with your camera not to long ago. They are fabulous - I love the stories they tell.

shannon said...

What an awesome party! Your photos fully convey the wonderfully festive evening that must have been. And by the way, you look fab donned in blue and black (what an awesome color scheme)--glad to see you in a couple pics for once!

Alyssa W said...

I love this family! You all look gorgeous :)

Jennifer P. said...

You do realize that yours is the only blog I will wait 15 minutes for all the pictures to upload---and even go click on the x to take me to photobucket when some of them won't come up. YOU'RE THAT GOOD :)!!!

Loved all of them and the stories that I could see behind every one of them. And your writing too----always love your writing :)!

Sheryl said...

I think you spend so much time with sparkling people, because you are sparkling and dazzling yourself. Once again a blog that put a smile on my face the whole time I have been here. Love it!

Micha said...

My favorite part of this party is that everyones attire matched the color scheme. I've never quite been coordinated enough to make anything that fabulous happen.

I'm inspired by it all! :)

Anonymous said...

I was disappointed not to see more photos of your hansome husband at this glamorous affair.