I know this is a “book” site. But, is it? Or, is it a place where we can share moments of our lives? Those who are regulars here know we do both. I drove home yesterday, after staying up too late the night before to reminisce with Mom. I was up too early in the morning, and then, before leaving, shared a group hug with Mom and my sisters. I had garage door problems when I arrived home, and, as I’m writing this, I’m heading to bed early.
But, we pulled it off. Mom’s 90th birthday went well. As I mentioned, we had cousins come in from all over. Four generations of both sides of the family, some of Mom’s friends, including the Pier Pals that she walks the pier with, somewhere between 70 and 80 people. My college roommate, a professional singer, called just before the party, to sing Happy Birthday. And, we even had a retired choir director, beloved in our hometown, lead everyone in singing Happy Birthday. When I asked over the weekend, we learned Mom had never had a birthday party. We did good. And, one of my nephews wrote in his card to Mom that he hoped we could do it again in 20 years. (I love that guy.)
So, I have just a few pictures to share, although my sisters and a couple friends took others.
This was our theme for Mom’s party, with mints and her picture on all the party favors and the cake on a previous birthday when she had just a streak of green in her hair.
Our “Mint” Mom
Christie made Mom a “family tree” with Dad, her three daughters, her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mom with her daughters.
Thank you to all of you for your birthday wishes for her, and for putting up with all my comments about the upcoming party. Thank you to all the family who came in, along with Mom’s friends and neighbors.
Most of all, thank you to my sisters, Linda and Christie, and Christie’s daughter, (Elizabeth II – family joke), who all worked on the plans for several months. It was a party full of love.
Such wondeful pictures! Especially love the ones of your mom and all the daughters. So happy you shared them. 🥰
Thank you, Lindy! You’ve all been so patient with me as we prepared for this. I thought you might enjoy a few photos.
I’m so glad the party was a huge success. All the thought and work that went into it paid off. Your mother looks lovely. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Thank you, Kim! She looks great, doesn’t she? And, she is.
I’m glad your mom enjoyed her party.
She loved every bit of it, Sandy.
Happy birthday to your Mother. The party pictures are great.
Thank you, Jeannette!
I loved that Mint Condition picture. She looks great. So happy that it went well.
Thank you, Jeff! None of us had any complaints afterward that I wish this or wish that. It did go well!
What a great celebration for your mom! May we all be blessed to have that kind of longevity.
Bev, I agree, as long as we’re in good health as she is.
Aw, I have loved all of it – the planning right up through the big day. Your mom is such a treasure ❤
Thank you, Kaye! She is a treasure, and we know how lucky we are to have her, and that she’s still in good health. In fact, Linda walked the pier with her on Sunday and Monday. And, Mom’s Pier Pals came to the party. Oh, we know how special she is.
I know how much you treasured your mother, and how special she was to both you and Donald. We’ve been fortunate, haven’t we?
We truly have, Lesa ❤
Love it! Thank you for showing such beauty and grace and love for all generations.
Thank you, Becky! Definitely my pleasure.
“In mint condition”–what a perfect theme for a 90th birthday! I’m so glad you gave us some of the details and photos of the party, as it sounds almost magical and certainly memorable. Here’s to more good health to you, your mom, and your sisters.
Thank you, Margie. I wanted to share because I made all of you read about it for so long. It was both magical and memorable. Thank you for the wishes for good health!
Lesa, what a wonderful day for all of you! The closeness of your family is beyond admirable. I love seeing the photos and marvel at how fabulous your mom looks. You can tell she’s happy, active, and has a strong circle of support in her friends and her children. That is a sign of a life well lived!
Thank you, Deb. We’ve always been close, but I think we all became closer as we got older. It’s hard for sisters to be close when everyone is all over the place with work and little kids. We made our first trip together as adults in 2015, and every trip and visits together just brought us closer. Because we can travel and room together successfully without a lot of issues, it does bring us closer.
I think she would say it was a life well lived. Thank you.
Lovely photos, I cannot imagine a batter birthday party for you mother.
Thank you, Carol! It was wonderful!
I’m glad it went well!
Thank you, Mary Ann! It went great.
What a beautiful way to celebrate your Mom!! It just makes me smile from ear to ear.
My sweet little mom just celebrated her 93rd birthday and I swear she is “youthening” instead of aging!! She wanted no big shindig as she said, ” This isn’t a ‘big one’, save it for when I turn 95!” So at her request we celebrated her Memorial Day birthday with the holiday and our granddaughter’s HS graduation! It was just like her to want to honor others and just be together with us. But I will admit she loved, loved, loved the cake!!
Here’s to many more healthy years of celebrating these women who bore our burdens with us, led by example and with loads of love! How lucky we are.
Gaye, You’re so right. As long as they’re still in good health, mentally and physically, it’s a joy to celebrate them, and to continue to thank them for everything they do. We’re so fortunate!
Sounds like quite the bash! Lots of good ideas for those planning a similar tribute. Well done!
Thank you! It was a beautiful day.
Very cool! Thanks you for sharing the pics of the fun. Am also glad you made it back home safely as did all involved.
Thank you, Kevin, for your note, and for everything you did while I was gone. I appreciate that you kept the lights on while I really was partying this time!
What a wonderful post, Lesa! I’m so glad you shared it. Looks like you had the perfect celebration!
Thank you, Kate. It was as perfect as we could get.
What a wonderful event, a day for celebration indeed! Your mother is one of the youngest looking 90 year olds I’ve ever seen. I’m so glad you all have one another to enjoy life!
Thank you, Kathy. I agree. I’m with her often, and I still can’t believe she’s 90. I always tell people she’s in better shape than I am. She’s special. And, we all appreciate her, and enjoy being with her. It’s so much fun to observe her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her.