Behold the youthful Cathy, with her big, Texas hair and dramatic makeup —
College days, during my dating-musicians phase
Waiting for our dates
Those were the days when I could wear corduroy without the fear that someone could hear my thighs making that swish-swish sound as I walked. The days when it was fun to spend an hour (or two) on hair and makeup. Since becoming a mother — well, my standards have sunk.
It started with pregnancy.
When you look as though you're carrying a litter in front AND in back, you know things are bad.
No, I'm not leaving a bar. I'm in the vomitous stage of labor, on the way to the hospital to have baby No. 2.
This cut & style was dangerously close to Mom Hair.
Why hello, Hubs! Wanna try for a third? I know you want me.
This month, my kids turned 5 and 7. I’m just now losing the baby weight. My hair is finally getting back to normal. I’m ditching the mom jeans. Mostly.
So hello, 40! I embrace you.
Girls' Night Out Birthday Bash. More photos tomorrow.
Tags: Motherhood, My quirks
Meet Cathy Frye — deer widow, mama to two small children and stepmom to two teenagers. By day, she writes for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. By night, she Googles things like “whooping cough symptoms” or “child ate toothpaste.” Cathy describes herself as barefoot, breeding and medicated. Her husband considers her a real catch! 
OK, so I started reading your blog, and laughing, thinking, “damn, I remember when…” You are making 40 look not so bad, and believe me, I am ABSOLUTELY dreading it! Kids bring so much to our lives, and yet they seem to suck all the life out of us… This is the year I decided that come hell or highwater, there will be time for ME, and because of that, I will be a better person for everyone. It’s still early yet, but I have hope. Keep me posted on how it’s treating you – and celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!
Happy birthday, Arkie Mama! While you looked lovely with dramatic makeup and big, Texas hair, I think you are more gorgeous now than ever. And you have wisdom that only Mamas have now, too! I’m glad you had a wonderful birthday and I hope that 40 will be your best year yet! Thanks for including me in your celebration!
Hugs,
Stacie
happy 40th! you look fabulous….life has been good to you! here’s to 40 more years of happiness and love.
Happy 40th plus a day!
I’m sorry I missed your party – it looks like y’all had a blast!