Monday, July 12, 2010

Ce-le-bra-tion!

Just think Kool and the Gang. Without the cool because its still pretty hot here. And it was my mom's 80th birthday party so cool isn't maybe the right word anyway. Can you tell I'm struggling with a title this morning? Regardless, my mom really enjoyed her 80th birthday celebration this weekend...


We all did...


It was just family which is what she wanted and we're a pretty big group so it definitely felt like a party. And of course the weekend went by way too fast. It began with my girls arriving home midday on Friday which I will confess was my favorite part of the whole three days.


Oh, and please pay no attention to the mess on the table or the mess on the desk behind us...when you have 13 people in your house for a weekend it is nearly impossible to find a clutter free photo backdrop.

Anyway, on Friday hubs and my brother in law decided to go hit a bucket of golf balls and daughter1 said she'd go too. There is a gorgeous golf course where she works and she can take lessons and play for free so she's thinking about it. Her first thought was to buy some cute golf shorts so she'd know if she liked the clothes before she commits to actually playing the game.

So far so good.

Friday night hubs cooked burgers on the grill and we even sat out on the deck for a bit. Still hot but not nearly as humid as it has been. Brother in law shares a birthday with my mom so on Friday night we had angel food cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream to mark the occasion.


My brother in law may in fact have a pretty big birthday of his own coming up next year but of course we won't mention that here. And naturally when I have house guests the deer and other assorted critters make themselves scarce for the weekend. We did see the colony of chipmunks and, according to the local news headline, "It's a bumper year for the chipmunk." The paper also says they are cute, furry, and destructive but we already knew that.

Saturday hubs and my brother in law had booked a very early tee time for golf but after two weeks of brutal heat and humidity the skies finally opened up and we had heavy rain for a good part of the day. Can't complain too much because the grass actually crackles when you walk on it and the rain stopped before dinner which made the grill master happy.


Of course my four year old nephew was excited to be celebrating....


So excited in fact that he may have cut a corner just a little too close and given himself a nice black eye to go with the already broken wrist. It took a little bit of ice...


a silly wig....


and the thought of chocolate cake to make it all better...


Chocolate cake with raspberry mousse delicately sandwiched between the layers that is.

For the birthday meal we had grilled pork tenderloin with blue cheese slaw, squash casserole, corn on the cob and a tomato mozzarella salad with fresh basil. You did want the menu, right? I've linked the pork tenderloin recipe because its my new favorite marinade and also the blue cheese slaw because people always ask for that one. I'm all about being helpful on this Monday morning.

My mom enjoyed opening gifts and her special surprise which was a DVD we had made...a sort of This is Your Life in pictures and then set to music.


Afterwards we took some pictures outside...


And my brother (who definitely does not look his age-No fair!!) entertained his nephew with some races and rock climbing.


By Sunday afternoon everyone had gone their separate ways including my girls. We reluctantly deposited them at the airport, sniff, and spent the rest of the day watching the World Cup final, enjoying a big giant nap on the comfy couch, and eating leftovers for dinner.

Yay for leftovers!

And for mothers turning 80.
And for family.


And for all the moments of our lives.

14 comments:

  1. Your mama does not look even remotely close to being age 80! 68? Maybe. Glad you had a wonderful weekend!

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  2. Who cares about the clutter, when you are surrounded by all those you love!

    Looks like a fabulous weekend with lots of laughs, hugs, photo opportunities, and good food! Glad the weather held out and we didn't get the showers they called for.

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  3. Golf really is all about the accessories. Or at least my version of golf.

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  4. I agree with the CPQ ~ Golf is all about fashion!
    Your Mom looks great for 80! What a great weekend. You'll probably go through withdrawals now... as soon as you clean up the clutter.
    Just sayin'

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  5. Looks fun! I couldn't even see clutter. You should come to mi casa!
    Happy Birthday to your mom!

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  6. Your mom looks great. Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend. Great pictures.

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  7. your Mom looks wonderful. Glad everyone got together to celebrate this milestone birthday! Looks like it was a great time and party!

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  8. Hello. I just found your blog by blog hopping. Your Mother looks wonderful for her age. Lovely post too.

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  9. I can´t believe your mom turned 80!! She looks so young.
    I loved seeing your family and it sure looks like you all like each other and had a great time!

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  10. There is no way your Mom looks 80! Wow! I only hope to look that good at that age. Sounds like a fun weekend and thanks for the recipes. I have one question though...what is tamarind concentrate? I've never heard of it.

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  11. Thanks for sharing. It sounds like you had a wonderful weekend with the nap on Sunday much needed!

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  12. What a wonderful post about your weekend! I really enjoyed reading it and seeing your pictures. Your mom looks fabulous! I would never have guessed 80. Thanks so much for stopping by to see me today. I can't wait to try your recipes at my next family gathering.

    Have a great week!
    Candace

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  13. You mom looks great! She does not look 80.
    My mom just turned 79 on the 6th. We were talking over the weekend about where we all should go for her 80th next summer. :)
    Looks like you all had a wonderful time. I'm so glad you're girls were able to be there too.
    Talk to you soon.
    Love,
    Valerie

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  14. As so many have commented, your mother hardly looks 80. I am so jealous of her genes! The party looked lovely and time with the family is always the best. Thanks for sharing.

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