Neighborly Inspiration

We were honored to bring our neighbor to her Surprise Birthday party tonight. Mr. C had this planned since February. He asked us to invite her to a "program" for our kids at the local banquet hall. We had one job, get her to the party. We arrived on time, but there was no where in front to park. We drove around the cars and wouldn't you know, their church van was in back of the building. Oh boy, did I feel bad. In the end, she was grateful for a few minutes to prepare herself. She was completely surprised. There were over 175 people from all over the country there to celebrate her life. The things people said, one could only wish to hear about yourself. She truly is the sweetest, most kind person. She is always giving to others. Her son spoke about her sharing his thoughts on how she gives. He mentioned how he will call to talk to her and she tells him how she is planning a shower for someone she just met that week. Her siblings said nice things and confessed how they have never had a fight, except over who was better, Elvis or the Beetles. Mr. C did a great job hosting, making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. After, we were waiting for our cake, Miss Di's brother came to talk to me. He said she talks about my kids a lot and says how nice they are. He also said he wished for my children to have such a great relationship with each other as he and Miss Di. It was really nice, what a surprise. When people were giving speeches, Three asked if I could lift her up to the microphone to talk. I asked her what she wanted to say. Her response "I love my Grandma." I told her it is supposed to be about Miss Di. She changed the subject. Such a sweet girl.

We sat with some friends from their church and a kid who works in Mr. C's shop. The food was fantastic. Here I show up with three little kids. The buffet table has real (heavy and breakable) plates. The sweet couple next to us offers to help with the kids and plates. Luckily, our table is right next to the food. I managed to stick the salad plates on the table before the main course.

I had to go and get drinks for us across the room. Before I left the three at the table, I pointed out the navy blue cloth was their napkin. They all looked at me. Seven said "That is the napkin?" Mr. Clarence giggled. Five had eyes bigger than his tummy. He ate more than any other kid. Chicken drumstick with BBQ sauce definitely left a mark on their cloth napkins. Mr. Clarence came and helped Three with the end of the buffet line. He commented on how he should have gotten her more fruit as she took over my strawberries and watermelon. There was so much good food there. Two kinds of chicken, corn, ham, lasagna, mashed potatoes and gravy, almond green beans, salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, apples, watermelon, pineapple, and strawberries.

There were three different kinds of cakes, banana, lemon and chocolate. All had a great time. We brought N home a piece of cake. It was a great night. The flowers pictured above are ours from the center piece at our table. We "won" them by having the youngest person at the table. We will enjoy them all week long. Thanks to Mr. C and Miss Di for the fabulous night in Freeland!