I am not even sure how to capture how special my celebration party was to me in words. I didn’t take any pictures, just saved a few others took! This was my 3rd (?) annual birthday party I’ve thrown for myself. Each year I am so blessed by who comes. This year we had so much more to celebrate! In addition to it being our anniversary (34 years!), we hadn’t done much for Scott’s birthday so we added those events. Then my retirement and beating cancer and you have yourself a celebration!
I created an event on facebook and invited tons of people. I sent an email to all of Eisenhower, the school social workers, all of Courser Lapo, and invited all of Homestead and our Bible Study. I would have invited all of TRU also but didn’t figure out how. It was hard to cut it off because I have so many people in my life who mean so much to me! I was a little worried as the date got closer as I had so many who said they couldn’t come due to other commitments.
But the party had a wonderful turn out and I was so blessed. There were at least representatives from all the groups I belong to. Leah and her family came for the day (so precious to me) and it was amazing to walk around with Henry introducing him to all and even having many hold him and cuddle him! And watching Emmet interact with all the adults, relatives, people he didn’t know, and the kids. He came up for love and hugs and sat on my lap many times throughout the party. He played with 3 year old Ziana, letting her pull him around in the wagon.
Larry and Jo also represented the family. Tracy and Dave and Lori and Lee and Scott and their spouses from school came, and later Helen. All of the Homestead girls came which meant so much to me. They looked so beautiful and dressed up! And Deb and Dacia.
Pastor Dave and Mel came (PD became my door greeter!), Chad and his family, Pittenger’s, Fred and his fam, all from TRU came.
Mary and Jon represented Bible study. 
Jesi and Kim came from Courser Lapo. My sweet friend Pam came. And Crystal. All in all there were about 60 people or more! We ate and drank and chatted and enjoyed! The weather was beautiful so people were able to group up around the table outside, on the sofas on the deck and on the driveway near where Scott was barbecuing. And also inside around a puzzle, around the table, and the island. And the kids played quietly on the video games in the new room.
So many people said they wanted to come and weren’t able so maybe we will have a repeat or a half birthday or find many other reasons to celebrate. Thank you to all who came and anyone I didn’t mention! I love all of you!
dianegclark 