Pinterest Post: Mom's Surprise Party!

I've been holding back on my "weekly" Pinterest posts because I was busy planning my Mom's surprise 60th birthday party.  I had a nice Springtime luncheon with our family for her.  She was very, very surprised!  I was so happy to bless her in that way.  Pinterest comes in, of course because I used many ideas from Pinterest to make her party extra special, from the menu to some of the decor.  Here are some photos of the extra special party!

I used a lot of vintage table cloths and rose china for the tables.  

The first surprise...

(Skip to 1:10 for the "Surprise!")

Sisters!

The menu was a "laid-back Easter Sunday dinner" from my recipes.com. (LINK HERE)  I found this menu on Pinterest.  Instead of making the chicken myself, I let Costco make it.  I also replaced the pasta bake the menu suggested for Juan Pollo's potato salad (which is delicious!).  This way, I was able to focus on the other sides like the roasted asparagus and Brussels sprouts and the spinach-strawberry salad.  YUM!

To include my siblings who live out of state, we set up two laptops and Skyped with them.  This was the setup for the second surprise.  About seven years ago, the diamond fell out of my mom's ring at church.  Despite several church members looking over every square inch of the floor and the pews, the diamond was not found.  She hasn't worn her ring since.  I had my brother sneak it from her jewelry box and with the help of family, we were able to get the diamond replaced, the ring repaired, and get it all shiny!  My mom was soooo surprised!  See for yourself...

I loved her reaction!

Trying on the ring.

Perfect!

The cake was from Alberston's.  I usually don't like store bought cake, but I've tried this cake several times in the past and I loved it.  I knew my mom would like the light cream, the fresh strawberries, and the light and moist cake.  It really is delicious.  Well done, Albertson's!

My mom and I!

For the bunting, I folded paper doilies over brown string. I then brushed on a little Mod Podge on to secure the middle of the doily.  Very easy, but very pretty!  (Another Pinterest idea!)

I love to use chalkboards.  This time, I used one for a menu and one for a birthday sign.

Flowers always look great in pitchers! 

And in Mason jars!

The butterflies were used at my wedding reception around the cake table.  I was glad I could bring them out again!  The wooden blocks on the wall spell out "Happy Birthday."  The were made a while ago by my father-in-law and they can spell out several different things.  Very cool!

Overall, I really liked how my mom's party decor turned out.  Most of all, though, I enjoyed being able to bless her with so many surprises in one day!  Thanks to all the family who made that possible!

Day 2: Family Devotion Basket

What's in it: The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones, God's Names and God's Promises by Sally Michael, a few other devotions, another Jesus Storybook Bible because we love it so much and so the kids can follow along, and a picture book of family and friends that we intend to use as a prayer aid.  

I must admit we aren't as organized with family devotions as I would like to be. Perhaps we need to organize our time better. Perhaps we need a reminder. For my Pinterest idea today, I put together a family devotion basket. It has all our favorite children's devotion books and I put it on the hutch in the kitchen so it is in sight. We usually will do a devotion before the kids go to be if we do one. However, the kids either space out or are tired. So, I feel we can give it a go after dinner time!  Ideas like this that are on Pinterest are so simple, but often very helpful.  We shall see!

My Parents

November 29th

Thankfulness Day 29

A family photo circa 1998 or 1999.  I think this is probably "take 15" of the photo, so we aren't smiling that big! :)
(l-r: Michael, Dad, Grandpa, Mom, Grandma, Timmy, Jenni, Me)

Today my grandma passed away.  I got the call first thing in the morning, so Troy and I headed out with the kids on a sad, cloudy, cold morning to try and cheer my parents up.  My dad is the only child, so there are no brother or sisters to help out during this difficult time.  My sister helped for years, which I am sure my dad is very thankful for.  In her last days, my grandma was taken care of by my parents  and my dad's cousin, Jody.  I remember the last time I saw my grandma comatose in her hospital bed in the middle of the living room, my mom was constantly by her side in efforts to keep her comfortable in her last hours.  She would take her temperature (she would run a fever often in the last few days), then run to the kitchen, get a fresh tub of cool water and washcloth  and gently dab the washcloth on my grandma's face, arms, and legs, while saying, "There you go, Sweetie."  Then, when she was finished, she would gently brush back my grandma's hair, kiss her forehead, and whisper, "I love you, Teddy."

My parents moved into my grandma's house when my sister moved out to Washington.  My sister had diligently taken care of my grandma for a while, and so it was just natural for my parents to take over full time, as my grandma was progressing in her Alzheimer's.  My dad took her to many doctor's appointments and took over her finances.  He has been her main "handy-man" since my grandpa's death seven years ago, taking care of things my grandpa would have.  Now everything seems to rest on my parent's shoulders.  My grandma's house---from what to do with all her belongings to actually figuring out what to do with her home.  Her finances---from her Social Security checks being stopped to her newspaper being cancelled.  All while in the process of grieving.  My dad said last night that it will be weird.  He has no family left (of course he has us, but we know what he meant) and the house will be empty.   It is weird.  I stood in the empty house last night as everyone went outside when we were leaving.  We will no longer get to hear the sound of the Angel game on the TV.  No soft pitter-patter of my grandma using her walker to get around the house.  I won't hear my grandma coming into the kitchen asking for cookies.  Or those sounds from long ago that I remember...the dripping of the coffee pot every morning, the timer for dinner every evening, the creaking of my grandparent's Lazy-Boys as they put the footrests up, or the shushing if we ran through the house too loud.  As I stood in the empty house, the quiet grew loud.  With a heavy sigh and a heavy heart, I joined the others outside.

Earlier in the evening, my mom asked me to help her get together my grandma's clothes for her burial.  It was hard for both of us.  We wept in my grandma's walk-in closet as we reminisced over her favorite shirts...all the same, just in different colors, and the dress my grandma looked so pretty in that she wore to Michael's wedding.  I was glad I was able to help my mom with that.

Even though this was and is an extremely hard thing to go through, I have been blessed to see how my parents cared for my grandma in her last days, last hours, and even after her passing.  I am thankful for my parents and the diligence, patience, love, and endurance Christ gave them in such a difficult time.  His grace is truly sufficient.

Christmas Cheer

Thankfulness Day 28
Today was a hard, slow day. After seeing my grandma last night perhaps for the last time, I was emotionally and physically exhausted. We decided to go ahead and get our Christmas tree tonight to try and bring some cheer into our house. After putting our perfectly shaped tree up and carefully arranging the strands of 1,100 lights and having my two helpers (Troy and Jackson) help decorate the tree, I felt a little better. Call me silly, but today, I am thankful for Christmas cheer. It helped distract from a not-so-cheerful situation.

Sweet Last Memories

Thankfulness Day 27

My Grandma Teddy holds Owen several month ago.

My mom told me today that my Grandma Teddy is now in a full coma and that she only has a few days left.  My heart is grieving and broken.  I suppose that is normal.  We (grandchildren) spent a lot of time with our grandparents growing up.  We have so many memories.

In recent years, mainly, after growing up having kids, I haven't visited like I used to (every school break, pretty much, for a week at a time).  My siblings and I would take turns going to each grandparent or aunt's house.  I am so thankful for all that time I got to spend with my grandparents, and I know that growing up that close to grandparents isn't always the case.

I was able to visit my grandma with the kids several times just recently because I wanted her to remember us as long as possible (she has Alzheimer's).  On one of those visits, Madelyn found a kitty stuffed animal in a closet and ran and showed it to my grandma.  My grandma grinned and said, "Do you want it?"  Madelyn hugged the kitty tight and nodded "Yes."  My grandma then gleefully grinned, as she enjoyed giving such a sweet gift.  Madelyn now carries around and sleeps with that kitty.  At the end of our last visit, less than two weeks ago, the kids and I were giving her hugs goodbye and as I held Owen up to her, Owen reached out and gave her a kiss.  He saw that it pleased her and gave her another one, and another one, and another one.  That affection from her great grandson left her with a sweet, satisfied smile on her face.  Those are my last memories of her.  I am thankful for those last sweet memories of my grandma.

As I go see her today, in her comatose state, I want to remember her just as I saw her last.  It is never easy to see someone so close to death, especially a loved one.  Please keep my family in prayer, specifically my dad, who, being an only child, faces loosing his only parent left.  He is having a hard time, understandably.  Pray that he his grief is overwhelmed by Christ's sweet comfort.  Please pray for my sister as well.  She spent many of the last several years living with and taking care of my grandma.  She moved up to Washington for a new job in September and needs to get down to see my grandma.  Pray that the company she works for is gracious and that the funds to travel become available.  And just for the entire family in general.  I'm sure you know.  Death is never easy.

My Grandma Teddy

November 25

Thanksfulness Day 25

A few days ago,  my Grandma Teddy suffered a stroke.  She was already in poor health due to Alzheimer's, COPD, and some heart issues.  She is now on hospice and is in a hospital bed at home.  In these times, when her time left is so short, sadness fills my heart.  It seems she is no longer aware of who anyone is.  My parents and the hospice aides and nurses are trying to keep her comfortable.  Death is never an easy thing.  I don't want her to suffer.  At the same time, it is hard to accept loss.  I know I won't loose all the memories I made with her...the many games of Chinese Checkers played, the times she would paint my nails a pretty pail pink, when she took me to get my ears pierced, the way she loved and took care of my grandpa till the very end, when she would bring us candy bars in her purse, the way she gave Troy and I a silly, sly grin the entire visit the first time she met him, the way she gleefully cheered when she first held each of her great-grand children for the first time, and even the time she cut my bangs by putting tape across my forehead.  I cherish all those memories, but they are so hard to swallow right now.  I am so thankful for my Grandma Teddy and for all the memories of her I have been blessed with.  I pray that God gives her great comfort over these last few days and that she won't have to suffer much.  

In these last few weeks, I have brought the kids to visit their GG Teddy a few times and she loved watching them play.  I'm glad I did that and I only wish I did it more often.

Vacation

Thankfulness Day 22

Today I am thankful for the privilege of going on a family vacation.  I love getting the chance to experience new things with my husband and children.  I love being able to spend 24/7 with them for several days in a row and getting a break from our regular routine.  I love make these precious memories together!

My Twin Brother

Thankfulness Day 20

Call me sappy, but I am very thankful for my brother, Michael.  We shared a womb together, and even though I don't remember that part of our life, I think that definitely has something to do with the closeness I feel to him.  Growing up, we always finished each other's sentences and he defended me when he could, and visa versa.  We spent many afternoons together walking home, running from local bullies trying to steal our candy bars, playing foot wrestling on the couch (like arm wrestling with feet), and making up our own language.  And even though he now lives about 700 miles away (way better than the 1400 he was a few months back), when we get our families together, it is like no time has passed.  I am thankful that he has done well for himself, and most of all, that God has saved his soul and on top of that, provided for him a great wife, a beautiful little girl (and one more on the way), a new home in a gorgeous part of the country, and a good job.  It makes my heart sing to see theses good things happen to the brother I am so thankful for!

Time with Family

Thankfulness Day 19

Today I am thankful for time with family.  We get the opportunity to visit my brother, Michael and his wife, Genevieve, and their little daughter who is just Owen's age, in Utah for the week of Thanksgiving.  It is such sweet time whenever we get to spend time with them and I look forward to every minute of it!

Good Friends & Family

A friend helped with a quick trip to the grocery store.  She even held Owen the whole time so we didn't have to get a big cart!

When I was without a husband, I had some family and a couple friends get me through the time without my helpmate.  Again, I know five days isn't really much for me to go without my hubby, but to me, never being apart from him for more than a day,  it still seemed like a lot.  I had good friends and some family come and visit, watch the kids so I could run errands, bring me a dinner, and even accompany the kids and I to Ikea and the grocery store.  I am thankful these friends and family who think of those little things that really matter.  You know who you are!  Thanks!  :)

Dirty Dishes

Say what?!?!  I'm thankful for dirty dishes???  When I woke up this morning, this is what I saw when I walked in the kitchen:

That's right.  I'm "coming clean" about my dirty dishes.  I have to say that this is THE thing that stresses me out.  Waking up to dirty dishes.  Yet, it happens often, no matter how hard I try to keep them out of the sink, they always seem to pile up.  Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I am thankful for these begrimed pieces of plastic and porcelain, especially when they are my arch nemesis of housework.

I am thankful for dirty dishes because it means that my family has filled their bellies with food, shared conversations, laughs and prayers over the kitchen table, and that I have spent time elsewhere, whether that be changing diapers, making paper airplanes, or helping the kids with a craft.

Don't get me wrong.  These dishes will get done.  They always do.  That's not to say that within less than an hour of having every single dish washed and put away, more are put into the sink.  That is exactly why I have to try and keep the mindset of where these dirty dishes come from---from all these little blessings I have running around the house.

With that said, I'd like to leave you with the poem I want to put over my kitchen sink:

It's perfect, isn't it?  Once I get Illustrator installed on my computer, I'll be right on making a colorful version of this for my kitchen!  Happy dish washing, everyone!  :)

My Church

This small building is a big part of my life, not because of the bricks that hold it up, but because of the people who gather there, and for the reason they gather there.

Today being a Sunday, the Lord's Day, how appropriate that I point out that I am very thankful for my church.  The people in it are like family.  It is such a privilege to gather with these people every week to worship God in song and hearing the preaching of God's word.  I have attended this church for 11 1/2 years now and have been a member for just over eight.  I remember the first Sunday I heard Pastor Robert preach.  WOW.  Ephesians had never seemed so clear.  I realized I had never heard preaching like that before.  It was full of grace and truth.  I am so thankful for such gifted preachers!  I know what it is like to go years without being edified with meaty portions of Gospel preaching.  It is an awesome blessing to get it every Sunday.  (That's not to say that it doesn't get interrupted at times by my "Sweet Kids.")    :)

I am also very thankful for the fact that I met my husband at this church.  It is a great thing to be spiritually like-minded in marriage!  That spiritual like-mindedness also reflects in the unity our church family has been blessed with.  I know this doesn't come naturally to a whole bunch of sinners who gather in one place once a week.  Surely, I have experienced churches that have had quite a bit of division.  It sure does make church life miserable.  I give God all the glory for this unity, for He truly has done a work in holding this body of believers (and sinners) together!

24 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 8

I am thankful for the Autumn.  I like some things about every season, but I LOVE the Fall!  I love the sights (although leaves don't get as pretty here), tastes and smells!  I love the way the sun sheds light differently this time of year---at a different angle, and, seemingly a different golden hue.  I love the dry winds that stir up and the sound of the leaves swishing in the trees and skittering across the street.  I love the smell of the fuji, gala, and honey crisp apples on my kitchen counter.  The spices of fall---the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamon---fill my nostrils with happiness!  And then, there are the tastes of fall---the pumpkin and apple laced with the mentioned spices---oh!  There are no words!  For Jackson's birthday, I made Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.  I love the recipe, but I do have to give credit to my sister-in-law, Robyn, for finding the recipe!  (Click here for recipe.) I'm not that big on pumpkin in things that do not bake in an oven.   I can do without pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pancakes, but there is something special about a fluffy pumpkin muffin, bread, or cupcake.  Now, if you pair the baked pumpkin fluffiness with cream cheese, forget about it!!!  All I need to pair that with is a hot Chai Tea Latte!

Our First Outing

For our first attempt to get out of the house after Owen was born we headed to the Dos Lagos shopping center.  (This was back in June!) It could be the 20 minute drive or the hills surrounding the location, or perhaps the two lakes that reflect the sunset that makes us feel like we are on vacation while at this shopping center.  We ate frozen yogurt at Pink Berry and took a very short walk to the waterfall in between the lakes.  The sun was setting and the air was cool...the perfect atmosphere for a walk!  We also took our first family photo (besides the hospital photo) as a family of five.  At the end of this trip, Jackson said, "Mommy, I'm glad you can come out with us again!"  After nearly 8 weeks of staying home on bedrest, then recovery, so am I!