I can probably count on one hand how many birthdays of my mom's we've been able to celebrate with her in person mainly because her birthday fell at a time of year that was not easy to pull the kids away from school especially since usually two weeks after her birthday they would have their mid winter school break which we usually spent in Utah skiing. But I was determined to host her big 80th birthday! While our home wasn't done in time to host dad's 80th last summer, I was rushing to have things put together enough that there would a TV to share fun photos of her on, and enough seating for people to sit down and enjoy some food. I decided to not have it be a surprise because mom is loved by everyone and I didn't want to exclude any of her friends when it came time to putting together the invite list. In the end she decided to just invite her three closest friends, Eydie, Jane, and Pauline. She was worried that once she started to open it up to other friends, there was a chance someone could accidentally get forgotten and she would have hated to hurt anyones feelings, not to mention it would be a drive to Heber to come to our place and I'm learning that elderly people don't mix well with driving, especially through a canyon in Feb. It ended up being a wonderful day. While people were enjoying lunch and mingling we had a slide show playing in the background of memories with mom. Then we all gathered in the great room and everyone shared their responses to a few questions I had asked everyone in advance to come prepared with answers to, like tell us about the first time you met mom, one of her favorite qualities they admire, a personality trait they share with each other, a fun memory, etc. It was very sweet to hear from both family and friends. Of course we finished by eating some yummy desserts! It was a special day and one that hopefully will make up for all those missed birthdays. We love you mom!
