My Mom's 80th B'day Party

I went home last weekend to Illinois for my mom's 80th birthday. It was a bit overwhelming. There were people there I have not seen in 20 years. It was like a family reunion/homecoming full of hugs and memories and laughter. It was really hard to leave, I wanted this to go on forever.

For part of my mom's b'day, she requested a 'show'. She wanted everyone to sing to her. So we did :)

My mother is known for her hats. She doesn't leave the house w/o a hat. So at the party, all of the center pieces were one of my mom's hats. Later in the evening, the family all got together, we all put on one of moms hats for a group photo. It is fabulous! Now my dad being the 'shit' that he is - put on one of mom's hats and then took out his teeth and smiled real big - i nearly pee'd my pants. 

One of my best friends came to the party with me. She and her husband, took pictures and filmed a lot of the singing and are putting it on a disk for my mom.  I got a sneak peak of the slide show and she did such a great job! Being the sucker I am for family photos, I  thought I would share it here :)  

I am really easy to pick out :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom's birthday is today!

While Vanessa and I were at the lapidary show we came across these candy jade faceted beads.


I remember a while back, Mom had called me and told me about 'These bracelets made with candy jade on 'the QVC'. Have you seen candy jade before?'

Well I had, but not very often. When I saw these at the show, I pointed them out to Vanessa and told her of me and my mothers conversation. She fell in love with them too. Vanessa bought 'em -gave me two strands and sed - "Make a necklace for your mom and tell her thank you for all the apple butter!"

I made it and sent it along with a note. She got it yesterday morning!






"I love it!" she says. "Me and your dad are going to the new casino and I am wearing it right now!"

It made my day to hear the excitement in her voice.

Happy Birthday Mom!