My mom is quite shy by nature, and unlike my dad, does not enjoy being in the limelight or the center of attention in any way. This is why we received the instructions that in no way were we to plan a surprise party for her 60th birthday. Despite these strong reasons for NOT giving my mom a surprise party, there was "something" that I can't really explain that propelled me to want to plan one for her anyway. Given my obedient nature, particularly when it comes to my parents, I had quite an inner struggle developing as I worked on this event. I did not like keeping a secret from my mom, especially when I wasn't sure how she would react to the secret when she found out about it. It was so much more difficult than keeping a secret from my dad when I was planning his party, even though that wasn't an easy task! I can't tell you how relieved I was when the party finally happened. I was so relieved mentally - no more secrets! I am not so sure that I would want to do this for her again - although I might be up to it in another 20 years or so!
I definitely knew that we needed to keep the party low-key. We only invited a few of my mom's close friends & family to come to my house for lunch. A couple dear friends were missing, but almost everyone we invited was able to attend. My mom thought she was coming to my house to pick me up so that I could go out to lunch with her, my dad, and my aunt (mom's sister from California). Her reaction when she came to the door & I answered it as everyone started singing "happy birthday" was to stay out on the front porch, hide behind the door, and tell everyone that she hoped they had a fun party because she was going home. I was a little worried at that point, but we finally convinced her to come inside. She seemed to get over her shyness fairly quickly and had a good time (although I learned later that she didn't enjoy her lunch like she wanted to because she was so nervous - she hid it well - no one would have known!) Pictured here are the party attendees (minus Lesli who is taking the picture).
The party was really all about the food. Janae planned the menu and organized us so we could get it all ready by 11:30. We had a variety of breads & stuff to put on the bread (like bruschetta, artichoke dip, chicken salad) - then a pasta salad and Katie's yummy green salad. One of my dishes was the fruit salsa with flour tortilla cinnamon chips. You can find the recipe here, and let me tell you it is so, so delish!
After the lunch we set the table with lots of luscious chocolate desserts. My mom loves chocolate, and has passed down that love to her daughters & granddaughters alike. Most of us are chocolate fiends! Notice the beautiful flowers. My dad went to Costco the night before the party & got us pile of roses which Dawnae turned into amazing arrangements that we placed throughout the house. My house smelled so fragrant!
Here's our chocolate dessert table. Janae made the adorable hand-dipped chocolate pretzels to the lower right of the photo. We also had mint brownies & chocolate chip cookies and chocolate dipped strawberries, and, and, and, - everything chocolate! It was heavenly.
The dining room looked so lovely just before the party. Sadly, I did not think to take a picture until after the party, although I do have a photo of a place setting below. We used Karla and my china, and with Dawnae's arrangements, my dining room couldn't have been prettier.
I think the "something" that propelled me to plan this day for my mom (despite her firm objections) was my love for her and my appreciation for all she has done and continues to do for me and my family. She gives of herself freely and is such a dedicated mother & grandmother, and I could never adequately show her how much I appreciate all she has done for me throughout my life. In planning a special party in honor of her, with the best food possible and the prettiest setting possible, I was at least able to express, even in a small way, how much she means to me. I am sure that Mom's surprise 60th birthday celebration will be a highlight of 2008 for me and my sisters. The planning and preparation time with my sisters and sisters-in-law ended up being as enjoyable as the party for me. We worked together late into the night on Monday and then all morning before the party preparing food. I can't remember the last time that we were able to spend that much concentrated time together. I am always impressed by their talents and abilities. It was great to be kids together, but I like being grown ups together even more.
I have to say that it was well worth the disobedience to give my shy mom a birthday party grander than any she has had before. Happy 60th, mom! You're the best!
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