{My Mom's Birthday}

My mom turned 60 this year and we knew we needed/wanted to do something special for her.  We knew that the traditional surprise party was not the answer.  In fact I am pretty sure she would have severed all ties with us, written us out of her will and ran away, had we thrown her a surprise party. {I hardly blame her. I despise surprises just as much!}  Then I remembered this idea I saw online {HERE}, the others liked it, so we went with it!

It is almost like a surprise party in a box, without the awkwardness of a room full of people staring at you!  We contacted everyone we could think of that knew my mom; people from all stages of her life.  Then we asked them to send us their favorite memory of her or just a fun birthday message.  I then compiled all 60 of them in envelopes and this awesome box.  We then presented her with the box of 60 Years worth of Memories of her.  I cried through every letter that was sent to me and she wasn't immune to the tears either.  I know it is hard for people to actually put into writing about how they feel about another person, so we sincerely appreciate everyone's willingness to participate in the gift. It was worth it.  She loved it! Because my dad and Bradley headed to Bagdad Christmas night, she opened the present before they left.  Then on her birthday us ladies went to eat at Olive Garden.   Fun girl time!  We are lucky to have mom.  She is a wonderful person and I hope that she now realizes how much we all love her!

I made a few scrapbook pages to go along with the stories.  A picture is worth a 1,000 words!