Surprises

I love surprises. My Mom's 80th birthday was Saturday, the 19th. On Friday, the 11th, Julie & I took Mom to Fredericksburg, VA, for a birthday adventure. We surprised my Mom with my sister being there. We had a wonderful time - went to a tea house for lunch, Bonefish grille for dinner, and spent lots of time playing games and having fun. We had been busy collecting photos, scanning them, sending them to my sister, and she fixed up an album for my Mom. I wrote a poem for the book. That's why in my earlier blog I said I had been so busy, but you'd have to wait to find out why. We had a blast - lots of stories and laughter, a cherished time together. Then yesterday, Chris and his family joined us at Mom's church to surprise her. Irene Mills and I played an offertory as special music. We had a good time worshipping together. So for my Mom's 80th birthday, we had about a 10-day celebration. My Mom said "when you get to be 80, you can't celebrate all in one day." She was surprised and very appreciative of all our efforts - with the usual "you all went overboard" speech. I told her you only turn 80 once. We only turn any age once, but she bought it so I let it stand. Or maybe she just let me off easy this time. Love ya, Mom