Mom's 50

I was so lucky to be able to surprise my mom and show up at her 50th bday party. First I have to do a big shout-out to Holly, because I never would've been able to make it if she hadn't offered to fly back down to TN and watch the kids for me. Next I should shout-out to Kendra for making it a big enough deal that I really wanted to be a part of it. Then of course to mom- thanks for turning 50 and being a great mom!

It was such a great trip for me. It is the longest I've ever been away from the kids and it was great to know that Holly was there to handle everything. I knew she'd have it all under control. In fact I called the next day and the first time she didn't answer and the second time I could barely hear her when she did pick up because they were having too much fun at jump zone. In fact, I think the kids were sad when I came home and Nana left! Anyway, I left Thursday night with a few books on hand and had the easiest flying experience that I've had in years! Flying without kids is so easy! My only hang up was when my connection was slightly delayed in CO and I called to tell Kendra about it, only to have her phone answered by my mom who wasn't supposed to know that I was coming! I had to do some fast talking about just getting ready for bed and checking on Kendra's party plans. I wish I had a picture of the face of the guy in line in front of me. He looked over his shoulder and glared at me a couple of times because I was obviously lying to my mom on the phone. After quickly ending the conversation (before mom could hear the airport announcements in the background) I had to explain to the man that I was surprising my mom by showing up for her bday party. Then we had a good laugh.

After getting in late and getting a great nights sleep on Ken's fluffy leather sofa I went for a run. I wasn't feeling too good by the end of the run, but got ready for the day. I came in a day before the party so I could help Ken with all the prep. Lets just say on like our second errand (Walmart) I spent more time in the bathroom than helping and Kendra was nice enough to deposit me at her house where I spent the rest of my day tossing my cinnamon Life that I'd had for breakfast. The couch and I got to know eachother really well, and Kendra's toilet was back on duty (for those of you who don't know, she throws up A LOT when pregnant). I have to say it was still a good time- being sick without kids or responsibilities isn't that bad... However, Kendra worked late into the night making up for my lack of help.

On Sat (Mom's bday and party day) I was feeling better and actually able to help a little. I couldn't believe the room when I showed up. The party's theme was Teddi's favorite things. There were Bavarian decorations everywhere. Kendra made sooooooooooooooo much food. The party favors were German style mugs with some of my mom's favorite candy. It was really great. David took mom to lunch so we went to the house to do a little more food prep and when they got back we all got to jump out and say Happy Birthday. I think she was really suprised to see me. It is probably the first time all of the kids have been there for her birthday in... well, forever. And we weren't even traveling (that is the norm on her bday). Kendra continued to do the hard work and I took mom to get her toes done.

We got back in time to party. Kendra really did such a great job! Balloons were everywhere, she used mom's decorations, posters, and crystal, and did I mention the massive amounts of food? Everyone that came had a good time. We started with everyone getting one of mom's favorite places to visit on their back. Thank goodness the Colvins came- I gave them the hard ones like Nurnberg andGarmisch. Everyone asked yes or no questions to figure out where they were. We also had a picture frame for all attendees to sign, a jar full of raisenets (a mom fav) for everyone to guess the amount, and a questionair to see who knew the most of my mom's favorites. Everyone ate lots of my mom's favorite foods (I unfortunately could not due to my stomach issues). Kendra had written her own version to favorite things (from Sound of Music), which we sang (not quite wonderfully). Kendra and Jared had also put together a video with old pictures and had gotten letters and emails sent from old friends. Another big hit were the "frau" bandanas the Ken and mom put together. I had no idea those would end up being so fun. (See pictures above!)

So the party was great. I got to stay Sunday and half of Monday before heading home. It was really one of the funnest things I've done- not because of the throwing up sickness, but because I felt like I was there for one of those really important moments in my mom's life. Thank you everyone for making that possible!