Mom's surprise 60th birthday celebration!!

The big event of our trip home to Oregon, at least for me, was my mom's 60th birthday party...because it was a surprise party, which I had been planning for months, far away in Pasadena.  I was really excited for her party, and all the pieces came together beautifully.  My dad, Sarah and Brant certainly all played a big role in helping pull the party off, amongst many others who came to assist when the needs presented themselves.  We held the party at Village Baptist Church, and about 75 people were in attendance!  We served appetizers and dessert, had a live jazz trio playing music, gave a wonderful toast for my mom, decorated the room with memorabilia, and had a great evening, honoring my fabulous mom, and her 60 years! (and we actually pulled off the surprise!!)

LA Times, Wall Street Journal and NY Times - January 22, 1953

The. Best. Cake. EVER.

I made this banner, and put pictures of my mom throughout her life, between each letter.

Planning the arrival "set-up" on how to get Mom into the room...

I put together a guest book which included a picture on every other page, of my mom as a baby.

You can't beat live jazz.

The centerpieces consisted of a red felt square, a vase holding rice and a twig we had spray painted silver.  On the twig, were several little ornament balls of red and silver, and on the sides of the vase were beautiful glass votive candle holders, with silver, sparkly snowflakes.  The tables each had 5-6 pictures of my mom, from various times in her life, and an additional picture of a toy that was popular in 1953 with a description.

Dad, pushing Mom into the room.  She is thinking, "Wait...what is this?"

Dad joins in with the singing of "Happy Birthday!"

She can't believe it - and she is loving it all at the same time...Mom LOVES surprises!!

:) Still in disbelief!

Caught up in the moment of seeing so many people she loves, in the same room to celebrate HER.

Loved this moment. :)

Hooray!!

Whew!  Can you believe we pulled it off?

Dad, giving a beautiful toast to Mom.

Having fun while dancing together.

So in love.

It was wonderful to see old family friends!

The woman does love her chocolate!

Mom's sister, Judi made it from Texas.  So special!

My favorite sister, and partner in crime.

I love that these two pictures were randomly placed by each other - Mom with her 2 granddaughters, and the other with her 2 daughters.

Aunt Judi, with Amara and Abby

I love my family.

The party was all Dad's idea.  He wanted to throw a bash that she would never forget, because she deserved it. Happy Birthday, Mom!!