90 Years Young!

If anyone deserves a celebration of their 90th Birthday, it is my mom! She is the "Rock " of our family. In her 90 years, she has touched so many lives, given to so many, and loved so well! Early in the year, when Lynn and I mentioned that we wanted to honor her with a celebration, she told us she didn't want that. She is very humble and doesn't enjoy being "the center of attention". After much persuasion, though, we convinced her that so many people would love to participate in recognizing her 90th birthday. We had the party at KingsBridge, the retirement apartments where she lives. They have a lovely pavillion there, and it is such a nice place for such an occasion.

Ralph and I began early and went through thousands of family pictures. After choosing many that represented each part of Mother's life, we scanned them into the computer and put together a video to be shown at the party- from pictures of her as a baby, to some taken just a few weeks ago.

Just inside the room, we placed a table with a guestbook, and a basket for friends and family to place birthday cards in. We tried to get Mother to sit and let her guests come and speak to her. But, she insisted that she would STAND right inside the door and greet each person. Afterward, she said she was tired--but that it was a "great tired"!

The lady at KingsBridge who does the food there did the food for the party. She did a wonderful job, and everything was delicious! We had fruit skewers, three different finger sandwiches, a cheese tray, a veggie tray, chicken wings, and nuts and mints--and of course, birthday cake!

We were so pleased with the turnout! Many friends were there, and almost all of my cousins on Mother's side of the family were there, too.

Here is my sister, Lynn, with one of Debbie's granddaughters( Sydney), and one of my granddaughters( Pressley). Lynn doesn't have any grands yet but we're hoping it won't be long before she gets to experience the joy of being a grandmother!

I think the grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed Granny's party. Evan especially enjoyed the chicken wings! He ate a plate full.

Here, Ralph is introducing "the whole family". Even though we all wore nametags, several people requested we introduce everyone. Since Ralph is the "talker" in the family, he was chosen to do the honors!

I thought this next picture was cute of Sydney and Abby. They liked the big windows at KingsBridge.

All the Great-Grands love their "Granny"! Here are six of the seven great-grandchildren. Amanda lives in Florida, so she wasn't able to be with us. We missed her!

This is a picture of all six grandchildren.

Well, it was truly a wonderful celebration--one that we will all cherish forever. But, Mother has made me promise that we won't do that again. I promised--that we wouldn't do another one--until her 100th!