Happy 70th to Me!

 Wow, I cannot believe that I am 70! I am not going to lie, there was a time when 70 seemed very old but now that I am here, it doesn't seem all that old. I know it is the sunset of my life but there is still plenty of time to enjoy life. There is comfort in numbers, I am not the only one turning 70, I am surrounded by friends joining this club with me. And there are a fair share of friends who were not granted the privilege of getting to this age. So when considering the alternative, I will take turning 70 and embracing it.

Another thing, age is just a number. I have never had a problem turning any age. So just as I rolled into  those other milestone ages, I will roll into this one, too.

This would be my first birthday without my mom. I knew it would seem odd to celebrate without her. I remember when she turned 70. We had a surprise party for her and she really enjoyed herself. She certainly didn't seem old as she celebrated with all her family and friends that night. My mom always made our birthdays a big deal with a party, cake, and presents and I have continued that when it comes to celebrating with my kids and grandkids. I didn't know what if anything would be planned for this birthday, but I did tell the girls I wanted to go to Alissa's in Bloomington IL with the family. They did send John and I to a John Denver Tribute in December which I did enjoy very much and if that was the extent of the birthday, that would have been okay, Of course I was hopeful there would be something planned at Alissa's but I really didn't know what to expect.

My mom on her 90th birthday complete with sash and crown

Mom on her 70th Birthday before the surprise party

Celebrating another of mom's birthdays. Birthdays were always a big deal around our house.

Courtney went down to Alissa's a few days early to get things ready, (I was still not expecting too much) Paul and the girls drove down with us in the midst of a huge snowstorm. The four-hour drive took us quite a bit longer. When we arrived I did see a few balloons tied to the mailbox which was a nice little touch. When I walked into Alissa's house, I was so surprised by all the balloons and beautiful decorations. The girls had set up a background for a photo op so I could get the family photos that I always want. There were cute little items for us to hold in the photos. I would have been satisfied with just that, but there was so much more.

There was a beautiful cake that tasted every bit as good as it looked. There were fun little trivia games. I was so pleased that my girls did the things that I did for family on their birthdays. We had lots of laughs as we discussed the answers to the "how well do you know the birthday girl" questions.

From there we went to Blono Pizza where the girls had rented a room complete with free arcade games, a driving range right outside the big patio doors, pizza and beer. My favorite things with my favorite people. There was something for all of us! My granddaughters enjoyed all the activities, too. A few of Alissa and Nathan's friends joined us, one of them was Alissa's college roommate, Kim. I hadn't seen Kim in a very long time and it was so nice to catch up with her. I always credit her with being the reason that Alissa actually stayed in college. I haven't swung a golf club for years, but it was fun to try it again, although I wasn't very good at it. It was the perfect place to celebrate turning 70.

We returned to Alissa's house for cake and of course, the singing of Happy Birthday. The girls had compiled a play list of 70 songs, one from each year since I had been born. We weren't able to listen to them all because we got distracted by playing other songs. We had quite the sing along going. We may be a small family, but we sure do know how to have fun.

Our family may be small but we know how to have fun

And that brought an end to turning 70. I couldn't have asked for anything more and I certainly wouldn't have changed a thing. The best part was just seeing how the girls took the time to plan such a fun experience, they have learned well from me and I learned well from my mom. She was very much a part of the whole celebration.

moms and daughters, a special bond

So, I am now a 70 year old woman. feeling blessed to have made it to this milestone and feeling blessed with a wonderful family who has proved that they know how to throw a grand party.

 Thank you, Courtney, Alissa, Paul, Nathan, and the girls.