My mom turned 70 over the weekend and we threw her a surprise party in the backyard! Her actual birthday landed on Memorial Day this year and we had invited her over for a casual family barbecue and celebration. But last week I called to tell her I had forgotten about other plans I made (not true) and could we change it to Sunday instead. This, combined with my being out of town for Mother’s Day prompted the response, “It’s not a big deal. We don’t need to do anything to celebrate.” Which made surrounding her with family, friends and lots of love all the more sweet.
I instructed everyone to huddle under the maple tree to await her arrival. It started raining but nobody complained:
Not sure which part is my favorite. Dropping her purse at the shock or when she starts to cry:
Followed by hugs all around:
Thanks to Google, I found a handful of quotes on growing older and hung them up around the party. This Bette Davis one was my favorite:
I put together a playlist of her favorite songs. Which basically involved raiding her CD collection of the You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle soundtracks. Carson’s new fav? Splish Splash by Bobby Darin:
My mom actually offered to bring along the cake her Bible study group gave her last week. As much as I would have loved to see her arrive at her own surprise party with a week old half eaten cake in hand, I told her I’d go through the trouble of throwing something together.
Helen Bernhard Bakery made a delicious white chocolate with fresh strawberry filling. And purple tulips, please:
Carson certainly enjoyed it:
Given her birthday fell on a holiday weekend, I was so happy many of her good friends were able to make it (and made the drive up from Eugene and Corvallis):
The only glitch involved the slideshow montage that didn’t happen. Apparently projectors and bright daylight don’t mix well. For your viewing pleasure:
Mom’s 70th Birthday Montage from Amy D on Vimeo.
Happy Birthday Mom! You certainly make 70 look fabulous. Here’s to growing old gracefully:
Amy…You and Jason did an amazing job of capturing the essence of the day! I still tear up when I think about it. I was so completely surprised, so blessed and loved. I can never thank you enough for all you did to make my 70th birthday so awesome. I love you so much and am so proud of who you are as a woman, daughter, wife, mother, friend, designer, decorator, party giver and the list goes on. God bless you abundantly! Love, Mom
Hi Amy & Jason and the “gnomes”–
Your creativity is truly amazing and so much appreciated by all of us. What a milestone to share with such a dear friend and you and Jason made it so very special. Saying just “thank you” doesn't seem adequate…but a big hug and thanks for all that you do, especially for producing 2 of the most delightful grand children I've ever met. Lois Kingsford
Happy Belated Birthday Judy! You look absolutely amazing! It looked like a fabulous suprise, thank you for sharing and a job well done to the party planner 🙂
I am smiling from ear to ear right now. Judy hasn't changed since I first met her in our college dorm in 1996. Amy, it looks like you gave her a wonderful party. I love how Hadley gunned for her when she walked in. Miss you, Amy!
Dena
Amy, you made your mom know, even more, how much she is loved. She e-mailed me all about it. I cried through her e-mail and the slide show, too, happy tears for all the joy and love your family has together now that might not have been. I'm thanking the Lord for His strength, forgiveness and love that has kept your family together and “produced” such an awesome woman as you.
Your mom's love for the Lord and enthusiasm for life and family has been a trail blazer for me as I approach each milestone with anticipation and not fear. Growing older with Jesus and His people is a gift. Thanks for reminding all of us of that.
I loved seeing Carson, Hadley, Anita's family, the violins, and the Lincoln house, especially. The violins and houses brought old, but warm memories to mind for me.
I'm planning my mom's 80th next week, and you have inspired me to make our plans even more special.
This morning I'm getting our Wisner Haus ready for a wedding reception here then I'm off to Lincoln for James and Joey's t-ball game. This is Joey's first game, and he is so excited to be on the same team as James!
Hugs to all of you.
Love and joy in Jesus,
Cindy Goeller
“…what matters is faith that works through love.” Gal 5:6
One more thing, Amy, I loved watching Eric's face in the surprise video; he was so pleased, proud and happy to surprise his mom. Cudos to Ray for pulling off the surprise, too. (The purse dropping was great!) Seeing the pics of the two of them together through these last years was awesome…love them both. Seeing them with you kids and the grandkids, too, made my heart full.
Love and Joy again in Jesus,
Cindy Goeller
“Long life is the reward of the righteous; gray hair is a glorious crown.” Prov 16:31
What a day! Your love and creativity made it most special, Amy. The quotes–about old age–were clever. Somehow, they just don't seem to apply to your mom yet. 🙂 She continues to “age” gracefully. Nancy