How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?

Ha ha ha ha.  Well, I have no clue.  But I do know it's possible to eat a tootsie pop without biting it.  Though you don't end up with much of a tootsie roll left at the end.  I think I'll stick to "biting" them.  But I do have another thing to cross off my list :)

But I don't want it to end!!!

Not sure that words can do my 30th birthday party justice.  I had such an amazing time, and I'm pretty sure everyone else did as well.  So I will let the pictures speak for themself!

Beautiful and delicious cake!

Captain of the yacht

I searched high and low for this bartender - outstanding job Anthony!

Haley (aka assistant party planner)

Cousins ~ Mom and Peggy

Tracy (my partner in crime taking care of our kiddos at church) and Zack

The Tischler's - love them SO much!!!

James and Amanda

Jennifer, Connie, Mellissa & Kyla

(note Connie is ready to give birth)

Back row ~ Haley, Amanda and Sara

Front row ~ work friends, Maria and Loretta

Friends from Church

John, Ed and Will

My BFF who is sporting a gorgeous ring on her left hand!!!!

Nichole and Glenn

Mrs. Davies

Church friends ~ Ronda and Nicki

Getting ready to taste the cake frosting

So glad that my mom was helping me celebrate the big 3-0!

I will love him forever and ever ~ such an amazing husband!

Tater Tot Casserole

This one is for you, Ann!

I knew when I read this recipe, that my husband would be in heaven. I made a few changes to take out the veggies that James wouldn't like. If I were making this just for myself I might add some sliced mushrooms or other yummy stuff.

1 pkg. frozen tater tots (36oz)
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook ground beef, drain grease and add onion. Salt and pepper meat mixture. Grease 9x13 pan. Place tater tots in the pan. Layer meat and onion mixture on top. Combine soups and sour cream then pour oven meat. Lightly toss all ingredients together. Cook uncovered for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Add cheese and bake another 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. I added some more salt and pepper before adding the cheese.

Very simple, hearty and tasty.