Friday, August 29, 2008

Happy 75th Birthday, Mom

So, before August ends, I want to share a little bit about my Mom's 75th birthday party. The actual date of her birthday was while we were in California and our original plan was to celebrate there. Then when my Dad couldn't make the trip, the 2 of them stayed home. My sister thinks Mom was secretly glad because then she could pick her raspberries, which she loves and I think E might be right about that!

Mom thought that no one was really doing anything special for her birthday and she was a bit grumpy with Dad, I gather. But unbeknownst (I like that word!) to her, Dad was busy planning a big party at a hotel for the week after her birthday! He worked so hard to keep it a secret, order good food, invite all their friends and have a little program. He was able to carry the whole thing off with a little help and Mom was completely surprised. Here are a few pictures of what happened.



Waiting for the guest of honor to arrive.



When my parents entered, they turned away from me so I missed the whole surprised look thing.



Our 3 beautiful nieces who all helped in the talking part of the event. I love their smiles - such a genuine reflection of their personalities.




Meadow loved the balloons!



My Mom and Dad

I am so blessed to have my parents still living in their own home, driving everywhere, taking care of a huge garden, checking fences for cattle, being interested in farming and loving to visit with their friends and grandkids. My maternal grandmother died when she was 76 so this milestone for my Mom is a poignant one. I pray that our time together will be long and full of more precious moments!!

9 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you shared some photos of the day! And I'm glad she was surprised! :) :) :)
    Love the red theme! Surprise, surprise she was wearing red too, hey?!?!

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  2. Awwww!Waht a fun Surprise. Happy Birthday to your Mom!

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  3. What a great surprise! What great memories to cherish!

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  4. What a wonderful way to celebrate! You are so blessed to have them both with you and so full of life and energy, Crystal. I too am so blessed my Mum is still racing about too. Lovely photos!

    And thanks for your comment. It is driving me crazy. Sigh. Not to mention how Andrew feels too - his wonderful gift turned into a nightmare. He also deserves much more.

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  5. So, has anyone told you recently that you look so much like your mum?

    Your parents look like they have a lot of life left in them - I swear their eyes are sparkling with adventure.

    Nice post.

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  6. You captured the moment perfectly. I love the photo of Jill, Jen and Pam. I'm sure Grandma was surprised, but totally thrilled to have everyone there. She probably didn't sit down much that night, unless she was made to. ;) What did you end up doing for the program?
    I often think about the amazing blessing we have of both sets of grandparents still being alive. There are such a big part of our lives and always have been. We're praying for many more years with them, and God's continued provision and protection over them. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. Your dad did a grreat job on the birthday party. It must really mean alot to her that he did it mostly on his own and kept iy a secret.

    Happy Birthday to your Mom!!!

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  8. How wonderful!!!
    Susan

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  9. Hi Crystal,
    A belated Happy Birthday to your Mom. She looks just wonderful and you are indeed blessed to have them both in good health and still with you. I lost my Mom when she was 70-far too soon..
    xo

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