Checking out the planes in San Francisco as we were
ready to head to Colorado. We left June 1st to prepare for
mom's retirement/early birthday celebration happening the next day.
Papa flew with us. We have a funny story where Andrew(always
trying to "rock the boat" a bit) surprised Papa by trying to put Bobo right next to
him on the plane (who happened to be back several rows from us).
Needless to say, dad was in "kick back" position
with headphones on and not expecting a 4 year old....hee hee...
it was funny. So we gladly took back Bobo, maybe next flight!
You never know with Andrew...he is good for all of us!
The next morning we got right to work.
Ahhhh I was happy.
Colorado morning. Starbucks. Surrounded by my family.
Decorating for a party!
Joy!
We had a beautiful club house room at mom's complex.
So we made a lot of Pom poms!!
Andrew and I came up with a plan to have all the guys
dance to, "She works hard for the money", they were
practicing! Andrew came for only two days because of
work, mom really wanted him to come.
The three of us sisters all contributed. Heather prepared
a lovely array of yummies, Stef worked on communication
inviting our guests, and I worked on the decor with
Stef and Heather helping me gather the different items.
Stefy, and my two wonderful brother in laws, Roy and Brent!
Blessed by cousins!
Dev and Noelle writing words of love on rocks for their Gigi.
Mom's two longest friends...Peggy and Rose Marie
Libby (Roy's sister), Anne (long time family friend),
and Carrie and her mom, June. Also friends who
have been with us for awhile. I love that I have a home
to go home to with friends I hold dear and part of
the tapestry of our lives!
Come on boys!
The guys also had sheets of paper they read with statistics
of mom's career...how many students she taught, paints
used, etc... Impressive numbers!
"She works hard for the money...."
So my husband (the one I mentioned above who
likes to rock the boat of my sometimes formal/constricted family)
shook his booty right in front of my mom.
So now my Bobo does the same and I can't really correct it,
....the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"
and sometimes I am glad. I could only hope he receives.
some of his dada's freedom.
Stef read words from mom's high school buddy who couldn't attend.
We also surprised mom with money towards a New York
trip with her girls in the near future. I just have to figure
out how I can leave my kiddos for a couple of nights.....
We had a wonderful full time of sharing.
It was wonderful to hear from so many
about the blessings of our mom.
She just received.
She was present.
I was proud of her.
Mom clearly spoke thanksgiving to all.
Ned and Kristen, looooong time family friends!
Wonderful to see everyone, mom's school friends,
Bible study ladies, Bunko friends, and family friends.
All right.... party winding down....we can sit back a bit.
Really winding down Uncle Roy!
Never tire of seeing the mountains
They could hardly wait for pool time! I don't know how many times
Bobo ran down the hill from the clubhouse to check out the pool.
I think he fell asleep at 6:30 that night.
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I am so thankful Aunt Dot is in Colorado to be a part of our family.
My girl
My sweet Missy (Noelle)
They had a great day together!
I love these two
Thankful my sisters and I were able to give this to mom.
Oh mom, 23 years. A second career after raising children.
Mom went back to work when I was a junior in high school.
I am so blessed she choose to stay home for us and so thankful
she pursued her teaching art career that has given her expression.
financial freedom, use of her gift, and fullness.
Now she can explore new horizons. I am thankful she doesn't have to
set the alarm every morning or be always "on" and she can
slow down a bit. At the same time, I am excited to see they ways
God will use her in this next chapter!
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