60th Birthday Surprise

I've never shared these photos before, but since they were taken this time a year ago, I think today is the day.  This time last year my mom turned 60.  My brother flew up for the occasion and surprised her by walking in to join us at her favorite restaurant.  She thought her birthday weekend couldn't possibly get any better, but the next day, we surprised her with a party to celebrate her big year.

I'm still not sure exactly how I pulled off the surprise.  My dad was supposed to bring her to my house at a specific time, but instead they showed up a half hour early...just as I was taking the decorations over to the restaurant to set up.  I made up some really terrible lies to cover up why I'd have 6 flower arrangements sitting around and for some strange reason, she bought it.  After that, everything went according to plan.

We held the party across the street from our triplex, at Marigold Kitchen.  Sorry for the poor photos.  I didn't have much time to get ready or take pictures of the details.

We had a private room on the second floor.  SURPRISE!!


Mom was a little overwhelmed, but managed a picture with me before the crying resumed.


Reading the invitation. She's so cute!




I missed a lot of the detail pictures, but I had the tables set with vases of red flowers, candles, menus and some treats.

I made little tote bags for the ladies, a coloring bag and bib for the two little guests.  My cousin blogs here about her adorable family!


We enjoyed some red mimosas and Stella while Mom opened her gifts. I made her a photobook of our family through the years.


And then we had some delicious brunch.

And a little birthday cake!


Thanks to all of our wonderful family who made the long trip to join us on Mom's big day.


I hope this birthday is just as great!

Indian Baby Shower

I just found these pictures on my camera and thought they'd be fun to share.  This summer I hosted a baby shower for a coworker.  She is originally from India and loves the color red and anything elephant.  It was lots of fun to plan and catering from New Dehli, was delicious, as always.

I held the party at my parent's house, just 4 doors down from our new house and the exact same layout. I decorated with things I already had to brighten up the room.

I sewed the heart garland with some hearts I found in my scrapbook pile.

The mom-to-be had been shopping for a little extra storage, so Beau helped me paint an old dresser we were getting rid of. We didn't do it right the first time, so this thing ended up with about 10 coats of red paint by the time we'd fixed our mistakes. That will teach us.

Favors for guests to take home.


To add a little color and bring in my theme I painted some old frames red and added some scrapbook paper and elephant cut outs. The mom plans to use them in her nursery!


As a gift, another coworker and I found a gently used crib. We cleaned it up, and then sewed a bedding set, complete with adjustable crib skirt, sheet, quilt and mobile. The mom was concerned about the hazards of bumpers, so I made some bite guards to add a little bit of color and not sacrifice safety.

Here are some more of our home made gifts. Bibs, burp cloths, stuffed elephant, changing pads and onesies. The appliqued elephants on the quilt and onesies are from a soft velour so they have a great texture.




 

As a group, our coworkers shared the cost of the breast pump and the rest of the gifts were given individually. Beau's aunt also sent some gently used clothing and cloth diapers to help the mom get started.  Thanks Aunt Laura!

Everything was a big hit! Especially the home brewed beer Beau shared with the guys!!