70 YEARS YOUNG

Mom's 70th birthday came and went on Monday--but it wasn't without some surprises along the way!  We've actually been celebrating all month long!  Our family got together for a quaint evening when the majority of us were here and surprised her with a little party with what she thought would be a "family meeting".  We had presents, cake, and a birthday banner to mark the occasion.  Most of the adult children and spouses were there and we really did have a nice evening together.

  But it was such a fun surprise to have these fun lady friends from Quilt Guild come dressed up on her actual birthday.  Nobody actually knew they were coming (otherwise we would have given our Mom a heads up) but maybe that is why nobody clued us in on the fun! :)  They just knocked on the door and walked right into her room and celebrated her with singing, balloons, gifts and goodies.  They hugged her and loved her and really made her feel special.  It couldn't have been more meaningful. 

It was truly just what she needed.

I'm old enough to realize that as birthdays come and go--they are pretty much the same kind of days we live the other 364 days of the year.  But I also know how much this special birthday meant to her--now as she's outlived her own mother by 15 years, and her dad by 8, she was grateful for yet another year to put into her bag full of life experiences.

She is optimistic about the future and hopeful for many more amazing years. Mom we love you and celebrate you and your amazing 70 years of life.   

#5 Never Felt So Good

Mom has felt really crummy with Chemo round #4.  She didn't once come out of the "feeling sick" stage.  I am still amazed at how well she's done--but I know this one has been really hard for her.  It has been hard to see her lethargic and without energy or excitement for life.  And then there's all the weird symptoms that have manifested themselves this time around--we won't even go into those- But let's just say that with three additional visits to Huntsman aside from her last treatment during this time, she was really relieved this morning to be going for her scheduled 5th treatment today.  I dare say she had an actual spring in her step this morning before she left.  And a real genuine smile that I haven't seen for days!  I think it must of felt liberating for her to get up and get ready--because she actually had somewhere she needed to be today--and because going there would get her one step closer to being--DONE.

I couldn't help but capture a few pictures before they left. It brings tears to my eyes as I think of my Dad helping my Mom into the car--and then Mom turning to me and raising her arm up in a cheering motion saying, "#5! #5!"

Surely, #5 will never feel better than it does right now for her. She will likely be sick again like she has been. She knows that--and so do I--so it was nice to see her have her little moment before she gets sick all over again.

And lastly, Mom was a super star last weekend as she put on her happiness {the best she knew how} for a Dunford Family Reunion at their home in Midway.  I know how hard it was for her to get ready to go outside--I ran into her room after everyone had started arriving to see if I could help her--and she surprised even me by wanting to wear her red cowboy hat.  She looked classy and lovely in every way.  A city girl--gone "a little bit couontry" in her own right!   All of her siblings were there {except for dear Uncle Carlos who passed away a year and a half ago.} I think it must have been interesting for everyone to see my Mom in her state--but she fooled them all and smiled most of the time.  Great job, Mom!  Only 1 more left!

{PINK} Cotton Candy for Sale

Fourth of July Weekend our kids had a wonderful experience selling {PINK} cotton candy to benefit breast cancer research.  For three days they stood in front of "Seasons of Home" in Midway during a craft fair that was taking place. 

They loved making it!  Except for it left them very sticky...which they didn't mind as much as their mothers...

 
And the kids loved eating it again and again.

The best part is that the supplies were donated by a lovely lady--who insisted on donating them despite the fact that she herself possibly has breast cancer--AND--with all the kids efforts, they raised $82 in honor of their Grammie.

We are so proud.