Sunday - February 28, 2010
It has been a while, but I felt today was a good day to share with you the efforts the family went through to throw a surprise birthday party for our 90 year old mother - Irene Layne.
The last couple of months have been full of planning and sneaking around by the family. The undertakings of the family paid off on Saturday, February 27, 2010. My mother, Irene Layne, turned 90 today – February 28, 2010. My nephew Billy always told her when she turned 90 we were going to have a big party just for her. The closer time got to her birthday, the more she would mention about what Billy had said. Thus the plans began to materialize – let’s surprise her and give her a party the day before her birthday. She would expect us to throw her a party ON her birthday, but not BEFORE! The plan was in motion!
We decided to give her party on Saturday at her home church, Highlawn Church of Christ. A list was made of who we needed to contact; invitations were mailed; and invitations were even sent via Facebook. Cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and the church family were all now in on our plans. Many thought it could not be pulled off, and that Mom would find out about our endeavors. The conspiracy was in action and many plans were being made behind her back!!! She never even suspected what was about to take place.
All of the family here would definitely be attending, but it was the family away from here who would be putting the icing on the cake. They all were making plans on being here for Mammaw’s big day! She would expect all of the grandkids from here, but not those who lived away! Oh what a surprise it was going to be for her to have all the grandkids and great-grandkids here!
All the invitations were out and now we were waiting on RSVP’s so we would know how many to expect! While we were waiting for replies, I ended up with the first cold/flu symptoms since retiring, and Mike had his back to go out causing him much pain! We both didn’t feel up to par, but the party must go on!!! We had help from the grandkids here, our cousin Patty, and my dear friend since junior high - Sharon, and some of the members from church! With all the extra help the plans were on schedule. We had the cake ordered, food was bought ready to prepare, decoration ready to put up, and one of the most difficult parts of the planning was ready!
Mike came up with the plan – along with some of the people from church. The church would host an activities day in which they would invite members from the area churches to get together for some Christian fellowship. Saturday was to be one of the first days for this get together! I got the idea to fix a PowerPoint of pictures showing Mom’s life over the 90 years since her birth. This was a labor of love that was like a roller coaster of emotions for me. I loved looking at pictures of Mom as she was growing up; of her family which was large when including her “foster” family; her with her sisters; and pictures of her parents and grandparents. I decided to do the pictures in a chronological order – showing her through her childhood, as a young woman, when she and Dad first married, as a young mother, and up to her being a great-grandmother today. The hardest part was going through pictures which included Dad and John and thinking how much I wish they were here to share this day with Mom!
There were moments I laughed when looking at the pictures because I remember when and where it was taken. Such great memories! Others I would cry when I looked at because those in the pictures weren’t here with us now. I scanned all the pictures I could find, and then I had to choose which ones to use. I tried to include everyone in the presentation. I have about seven or eight drafts with one having 125 slides and the one I chose having 85. Once the pictures were chosen, the order they were to be placed, and the timing for their display, the music needed to be chosen. If it wasn’t hard enough to go through the pictures, double that with choosing the music. We wanted to include music she would be familiar with and was part of her era!! Yep, they all ended up being tear-jerkers!!!!
Finally all things were ready to go! All we needed to do was get Mom to the church!!! After prayer meeting Wednesday, Mike made an announcement with the support of their Pastor and the lady who does the organization for activities at the church. The church would be the host for a movie with all area churches being invited. Mom is always ready to help and be part of any activity at church. We were hoping this event would be the same! Mike talked the activity up. He and Bill were planning on going to a MU basketball game that night. Mike told Mom he wouldn’t go the ballgame with Bill unless he came in early to go the movie!!! The plan was really in motion now! Bill agreed to attend the movie which tickled Mom!
Bill and I dropped all the things off at the church Friday. Meghan and Cassie had taken all the pictures and placed them on the display boards earlier in the week. They were now there at the church along with Billy to help clean and decorate. All the food was placed in the kitchen and was ready for the volunteers to put it together Saturday morning. Decorations were put up and the cake was picked up and delivered. I was taken to Mom’s ready to spend the weekend as I usually do! Bill would be back tomorrow to take us both to the movies!
There was one thing that could spoil our plans besides Mom refusing to go – the weather! SNOW SNOW GO AWAY! It did not go away! The snow kept many from attending, but we know they were there in spirit! Luckily for us, the snow had melted off the roadway for those who lived close to attend. The plan was to get Mom to the church a little after 1:00 with lights dim in the sanctuary so she couldn’t see who was sitting in the pews. With the extra cars in the parking lot, we wanted her to think other churches had members there who were going to participate.
Mike got to the church early. He called Mom and said he was going to make sure it was warm enough for her! Bill arrived at the house around 12:30 as planned. Mike called again. He needed us to stop and get some creamer for the coffee – another ploy to keep us from getting there too early. Those who know Mom know that she wants to be the first one there!!!! We finally left the house about 12:45! Mom was antsy! Bill took his time and we stopped at the store. Mom stayed in the car, and I took my time in getting the creamer! Mike called again – we needed to stall a little longer! Whew, this was getting harder, but again luck was on our side – we hit every light red going through town. Again Mike calls!!!! They needed a couple of more minutes to get some of those who came in from Logan to be seated. Bill was to turn at 27th Street – he missed the turn! Mom went oops – you missed the turn, but that’s okay we can go up and turn.
We finally pull into the church’s parking lot. The gentleman that always comes and helps her out of the car on Sunday morning was there to do the same thing Saturday. He and Mike escorted Mom into the auditorium. As they were walking toward the front Mike told Mom he was going to have her sit on the front pew so she could see the movie better! She could not see who all was there, but there were at least 60 who had been able to get there by 1:00. This was going to be great!!!!
Mike goes up to the front to welcome all who had come to the “movie!” He says we will open up with a song, but he wasn’t going to lead the singing! So he motioned for the grandkids to come to the front! Mom still has NO clue of what is taking place! The kids start singing “Happy Birthday” and Dink is wheeled up beside her!!! It is at that point she realizes what is taking place! Dink takes her hand and the tears start flowing – not just from her but the rest of us too!!!! She then realizes the pictures I have been working with and she has seen is the movie being shown. She leans over to Mike and says, “And I left a good John Wayne movie to come and watch this!”
After the “movie” she was greeted by all upstairs! She was definitely overwhelmed. As she said later there were many there she hadn’t seen in years! We all made our way down stairs for refreshments and fellowship. Before the party was over she had another surprise, John’s widow, Laurie came in. She had been on vacation and drove straight through from GA to get here to be with Mom!!! Oh it was so good to have her here with us!!!!! Laurie and John’s kids were kept away because of the snow –they were as disappointed as we were. However, we wanted them to stay safe and out of “harm’s way.” We hope to get everyone together when the weather is much prettier and warmer!
By the end of the day, Mom was tired but so thrilled to have so many come out and wish her a happy 90th birthday! She thanked everyone and said she would help give us a party when we turned 90!!! She was thankful for all the gifts and cards stating no one had to buy her a present, them being there was all the present she needed!
The hours of preparation and plotting had turned out to be the success we had hoped it would be. Mom was totally surprised and a large number was able to attend to help her celebrate 90 years of life! She is one special lady who is loved by many people! Many of those people were with her Saturday while there were many others who wished they could have been!
Pictures will be on the next posting!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Signing Off
December 31, 2009
It's time - time to take a break from the blog. Why???? My heart is not into writing, and when my heart is not into it, then I'm afraid all the blog would become is a means to air my heart ache and frustrations; to air all that is wrong with life, the world, politics, and any thing else that troubles me.
I know there a few who do follow the blog, and for those who do, not to worry, I will be back!!!! When? Sooner than later - I hope!
2009 was a year of ups and downs, as have all the years in the past. I have always tried to think of only the postitive, but too many times the circumstances of life have tried its best to tear down the optimistic atttitude I have tried to live by.
I know many love the pictures - especially those of old - and I may post pictures periodically.
Bill and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy New Year, and pray that the year 2010 is your best year yet!
It's time - time to take a break from the blog. Why???? My heart is not into writing, and when my heart is not into it, then I'm afraid all the blog would become is a means to air my heart ache and frustrations; to air all that is wrong with life, the world, politics, and any thing else that troubles me.
I know there a few who do follow the blog, and for those who do, not to worry, I will be back!!!! When? Sooner than later - I hope!
2009 was a year of ups and downs, as have all the years in the past. I have always tried to think of only the postitive, but too many times the circumstances of life have tried its best to tear down the optimistic atttitude I have tried to live by.
I know many love the pictures - especially those of old - and I may post pictures periodically.
Bill and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy New Year, and pray that the year 2010 is your best year yet!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Precious Gifts from the Heart
Saturday - December 26. 2009
I only had one comment for my last post - thanks Jeni, and I have to agree with you, that would be a perfect gift! :):) . . . . especially after the holidays and all the cooking, cleaning, and all the hustle and bustle that tends to go along with family gathering and the holidays!!
I have never really asked for anything for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, etc. - oh sure, Bill and I love to check magazines indicating things we like in them, but to specifically ask for something - can't think of anything I specifically requested. Even when we talked with Santa, it was always what ever you want to give me!! I was too afraid to ask him because I never felt as if I had been good enough that year to get anything from him! :):)
This year's Christmas purchases was all about Cora - her first Christmas!!! She has still to receive the gifts from Granddad and me, so I can't tell what we got her! :):)
Bill and I celebrated Christmas quietly yesterday morning before leaving to spend the day with Mom. The gifts I received from Bill were unexpected and beautiful. He does have good taste when picking out special things for me. . . . . and I believe I surprised him this year as well!!!!
There was a gift I received that was unexpected and will always be very precious to me!!! Most of you know that my oldest brother had a stroke back in February. We are so thankful for the progress he has made. He knows his limitations, but is able to let us know what he wants to do. He told Rhonda he wanted her to shop for Mom, Opal (his mother-in-law), Rhonda, and the boys. He had seen a commercial on TV showing a necklace with a heart that contains bells. Every time the heart jingles you are to think about the person who gave you the necklace. Apparently I was on the list to also receive one of those special necklaces. Dink, every time I wear the necklace; every time I hear it jingle; and every time I see the box it came in - I WILL THINK OF YOU!!! Mom holds anything her oldest son picks out for her near to her heart - this will be at the top of the list for her too! You have always given me a hard time - just like John and Mike - deep down I always knew you all really liked me! :):) You all three got more delight out of giving me a hard time and ganging up on me!!!! That's what brothers are suppose to do! :)
I received another precious gift this year as well - one that made the connection of the Layne siblings go back in time. The sad thing was that there should have been one more gift; one that had the year 1969! That gift would have been for John. Bill located a site that sold sweatshirts and t-shirts with the logos of our high schools before they were consolidated!! He bought the three of us one with Huntington High Pony Express and the year we graduated. We loved it.
As you can tell, Mike and Dink were having a good time at my expense - great time with the family!!!!!
Bill also got Mom one with Logan Wildcats and the year 1940 - the year she graduated!!! She absolutely thought it was wonderful - especially when Bill pulled out one for him with Williamson Wolf Pack on it - Logan's arch enemy!!! Some may think these were trivial gifts, but they were gifts from the heart that brought all of us together not just in the present, but the past as well! Job well done Bill!!!!!
I only had one comment for my last post - thanks Jeni, and I have to agree with you, that would be a perfect gift! :):) . . . . especially after the holidays and all the cooking, cleaning, and all the hustle and bustle that tends to go along with family gathering and the holidays!!
I have never really asked for anything for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, etc. - oh sure, Bill and I love to check magazines indicating things we like in them, but to specifically ask for something - can't think of anything I specifically requested. Even when we talked with Santa, it was always what ever you want to give me!! I was too afraid to ask him because I never felt as if I had been good enough that year to get anything from him! :):)
This year's Christmas purchases was all about Cora - her first Christmas!!! She has still to receive the gifts from Granddad and me, so I can't tell what we got her! :):)
Bill and I celebrated Christmas quietly yesterday morning before leaving to spend the day with Mom. The gifts I received from Bill were unexpected and beautiful. He does have good taste when picking out special things for me. . . . . and I believe I surprised him this year as well!!!!
There was a gift I received that was unexpected and will always be very precious to me!!! Most of you know that my oldest brother had a stroke back in February. We are so thankful for the progress he has made. He knows his limitations, but is able to let us know what he wants to do. He told Rhonda he wanted her to shop for Mom, Opal (his mother-in-law), Rhonda, and the boys. He had seen a commercial on TV showing a necklace with a heart that contains bells. Every time the heart jingles you are to think about the person who gave you the necklace. Apparently I was on the list to also receive one of those special necklaces. Dink, every time I wear the necklace; every time I hear it jingle; and every time I see the box it came in - I WILL THINK OF YOU!!! Mom holds anything her oldest son picks out for her near to her heart - this will be at the top of the list for her too! You have always given me a hard time - just like John and Mike - deep down I always knew you all really liked me! :):) You all three got more delight out of giving me a hard time and ganging up on me!!!! That's what brothers are suppose to do! :)
I received another precious gift this year as well - one that made the connection of the Layne siblings go back in time. The sad thing was that there should have been one more gift; one that had the year 1969! That gift would have been for John. Bill located a site that sold sweatshirts and t-shirts with the logos of our high schools before they were consolidated!! He bought the three of us one with Huntington High Pony Express and the year we graduated. We loved it.
As you can tell, Mike and Dink were having a good time at my expense - great time with the family!!!!!
Bill also got Mom one with Logan Wildcats and the year 1940 - the year she graduated!!! She absolutely thought it was wonderful - especially when Bill pulled out one for him with Williamson Wolf Pack on it - Logan's arch enemy!!! Some may think these were trivial gifts, but they were gifts from the heart that brought all of us together not just in the present, but the past as well! Job well done Bill!!!!!
Even with these special gifts, we all know that the most special gift we received was the love we have for one another and the time we can spend time with the family. None of us expected to receive gifts, but we know that those we received were given with love.The greatest gift of all came when God sent his only Son to die for our sins. That gift is one we all are thankful for every day of our life. We know that with this gift, one day we will be able to be with all the loved one who have gone Home before us!!!We hope you all had a great day with family and friends
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Perfect Gift
Wednesday - December 23, 2009
Hmmmm - it would be interesting to see what all of you think would be the perfect gift. I am afraid there are way too many people who wait for that "perfect" gift year after year. The thing is, over two thousand years ago we received the most perfect gift imaginable - God sent his only son to earth to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. We need to believe in God's word and follow what has been written!!!! We need to become a little more humble and remember that Christmas is not about us, but about the reason we celebrate Christmas!
I know that many of you DO realize this was the most amazing gift, but it would be interesting to see what you as the readers believe would be another perfect gift for you. I have so many ideas running through my head, but I won't share with you for a few days. :):) I guess the is one of my "writing prompts" I would use with my kids. I didn't give them examples because so many would use my examples as their idea! Thus, the absence of my thoughts for my "other" perfect gift idea!
I really would like to hear from you and your thoughts - besides it will give me an idea as to how many are still reading the blog!!! Yes, there is a counter, but a number of those numbers posted are coming from where we check on the blog! :)
So if you could just take a moment or two - let us know what you think your perfect gift would be!!!!! Write it soon enough and have that special person read your response, and who knows, you just might receive that perfect gift sooner than later!!!!
Hmmmm - it would be interesting to see what all of you think would be the perfect gift. I am afraid there are way too many people who wait for that "perfect" gift year after year. The thing is, over two thousand years ago we received the most perfect gift imaginable - God sent his only son to earth to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. We need to believe in God's word and follow what has been written!!!! We need to become a little more humble and remember that Christmas is not about us, but about the reason we celebrate Christmas!
I know that many of you DO realize this was the most amazing gift, but it would be interesting to see what you as the readers believe would be another perfect gift for you. I have so many ideas running through my head, but I won't share with you for a few days. :):) I guess the is one of my "writing prompts" I would use with my kids. I didn't give them examples because so many would use my examples as their idea! Thus, the absence of my thoughts for my "other" perfect gift idea!
I really would like to hear from you and your thoughts - besides it will give me an idea as to how many are still reading the blog!!! Yes, there is a counter, but a number of those numbers posted are coming from where we check on the blog! :)
So if you could just take a moment or two - let us know what you think your perfect gift would be!!!!! Write it soon enough and have that special person read your response, and who knows, you just might receive that perfect gift sooner than later!!!!
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