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Monday, November 29, 2010

50's not so bad!

Wednesday was my 50th birthday and I have to share my celebrations! Prepare for lots of pictures.
It started early with some loving gifts from friends...

things like prune juice, diapers, cold packs and more!


I had to work that day and was serenaded by the residents and given many birthday greetings.

My sister Cheri brought in a pretty bouquet of flowers.



Later that afternoon some flowers were delivered from Andy.


Our church was doing a supper that night for about 160 people. Bob and I were planning to help at it, or so I thought. He told me to be ready when he got home so we could head out as soon as he got ready.
We left, but then drove right past our church. at that point, Bob told me he wanted to surprise me and take me out for supper. He just let me go along thinking we were working, and he was successful in pulling one over on me!
We had a nice supper, and when we were done, he gave me this:

Aren't they beautiful?

Several of our friends had surprise 50th parties and I told my family "no surprise parties for me!"
Instead, they planned out a really nice family day on Saturday.

The first surprise happened on Thursday when Andy came home. It was so nice to have the whole family together for the day.

We started the day on Saturday when Laura picked Heather and I up in the morning. We then went and had a manicure. After that we did some shopping in the cute shops in Holland and had lunch.
Here are Heather and Laura at the restaurant.

We then went back to Laura and Aaron's house, where Aaron, Bob and Andy were waiting. None of them would tell me what else they had planned, so each stop was a surprise.

Our next stop was the Grand Rapids Public Museum. I hadn't been there for several years and it was fun to go through all the exhibits.

Laura and Aaron tried out this little car.

The museum looked beautiful with all the Christmas decorations up. Throughout the different exhibits there were Santa's in different costumes. Bob thought he saw a problem with Santa's list.


One of our favorite exhibits is called Gaslight Village. It's set up like an old town, lit at night. Whenever I go into it, I feel like I'm stepping back in time.


Andy looks like a natural on this bike!


Here is a view on the third floor. There is a clock from a clock tower that used to be in Grand Rapids. There is also a plane hanging behind it that is the only one left of it's kind. It's pretty to look down on the main hall, and see the exhibits and the lights.

The museum has an old carousel that they have restored and have in good working condition.
We had a great time riding it!
Bob


Laura


Aaron and Heather



Andy and me.

The museum has a special exhibit going on called bodies revealed. It was the last thing we looked at and no pictures were allowed. It's been making it's way around the country and will be here until Spring. Seeing the intricate way our bodies are formed and work, again reminded me of how amazing our Creator is!

When we left the museum, we went for supper to a place Laura and Aaron like. It's called Monelli's and if you live in the area you really have to go. (It's near the new Metro health hospital) It's an Italian restaurant, but they do serve some American foods too. It's a beautiful place and the food was fantastic!

Then...as if we hadn't had enough to eat, we went to Laura and Aaron's for dessert.
Laura made me a fabulous birthday cake!

Here is the Triple layer torte she made. Even though I was full from supper, I fit some in. It tasted even better than it looked!
As you can see, I was spoiled on my birthday. The best way to celebrate is by spending it with those you love, and I was blessed by doing just that!

31 comments:

mariel said...

fun fun!! Glad your birthday was blessed!! I pray your year is full of His grace and much blessing!

Cherdecor said...

You really DID have a memorable birthday! Now you have the wonderful pictures to look back on that special day.

Pat said...

Blessed beyond measure!
I loved seeing the pictures, and that cake...OH MY!!!

The Sullivan Sitcom said...

What an awesome day! Definitely one to remember for a long time!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Mari,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! That is awesome! 50 wonderful years! What a nice celebration!!!! And a yummy looking dessert. Hey send me your address again, i would like to send you a card.

The picture of you is adorable. You sure dont look 50! I love you on the carosel, Jimmy Buffett says, "Growing older but not up". I like that.
Stay young!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Mari Sweetie...
What a wonderful time. I love the museum most of all. So many wonderful things to see and do. I loved the little village and Andy looked like he was having such a great time on that bike. I would have been afraid that I would have fallen off for sure.

I love, love, love the photo of you and Andy. Your smile is contagious sweet friend. So beautiful.

Would you let Laura know that my birthday is in April, and she could certainly bake me one of those fabulous triple layer chocolate tortes. Yummy. I gained pounds just looking at it.

Happy Belated Birthday Sweet Friend. Many hugs and so much love Mari, Sherry

Karin said...

Wow! What a fun-filled day you've had. Your photos are very special and such a fabulous memory for you! Have an awesome year ahead - full of God's richest blessings!

Andrea said...

Happy 50th Birthday! What a blessing you are to all of us! I am glad you had a very special day!
Hugs,
andrea

Jean said...

What a wonderful, memorable, love-filled birthday!! Your family done good, haha!!

Unknown said...

Wow that was one birthday you will remember for ever!!!

Justabeachkat said...

Wow Mari, what a wonderful birthday! I'm so glad you were able to spend time with your family. Lots of memories were made.

Hugs,
Kat

Unknown said...

That was wonderful! I recently turned 50 myself! (Nov.8) My friends surprised me by flying in my sis. You can find the video on my blog. I was so shocked seeing my sister here on Florida soil when she was supposed to be in Paraguay, S.A. She had been misleading me on facebook the entire week before the birthdate!

That cake is beautiful and looks super delish!

Sue O said...

I think I might need that torte recipe.

Unknown said...

That's the kind of birthday that I'd love to have! You are truly loved, Mari! Happy 50th birthday! You sure don't look 50. It must be the love from family and friends.

;) said...

Jewels, but not only jewels. All beauty and joy ;)

Jane said...

So glad you had such an awesome 50th birthday! Sounds like a wonderful time with family and friends.
Jane

Sadie said...

Looks like an AMAZING time! The museum looks like tons of fun! Happy Birthday!

Brooke said...

what a great way to celebrate - the flowers, the jewelry, the cake! :) glad you had the wonderful day you deserve.

Nancy said...

Wow what more can I say......what a wonderful Bday celebration......
Happy birthday to a very special gal.......
Love the hubbies gift.......diamonds galore.....
Big hugs

Shelly said...

What an AWESOME day you had! Thanks for sharing the pictures and the details. It is great spending a special day with the ones you love. I am so glad that Andy was able to come and see ya. Also, that was nice for all of them to plan out your day!

Raise Them Up said...

It sounds like a wonderful time! And that cake looks SO good!

Jenny said...

I'm glad your sweet family regaled their beloved mama in grand style ... as it should be! And Bob's gift to you is simply stunning. How romantic! I got a tingle when I saw it. You can't go wrong with diamonds. I would LOVE to visit that museum! Looks marvelous!

Happy Birthday, dear Mari!

Anonymous said...

...and a good time was had by all.

Beth Cotell said...

Sounds like a wonderful time - You guys packed a lot in!! And that cake - YUM!

Susan said...

Looks wonderful and fun and I know it was!!!!!

Betty W said...

I´m glad 50 was such a good start. I´ll be turning it next year and hopefully it will be as good as your birthday.

Crown of Beauty said...

Love pictures of a lovely day. The love of family makes everything beautiful. I am so glad that Andy surprised you by being home for the occasion.

The cake looks fantastic, and I'm not even a cake lover!

Thanks for sharing about your day. May your 5oth year be a truly special one for you.

Love
Lidj

septembermom said...

Wish you could send me a piece of that delicious torte!!! I'm so glad that you had a great birthday Mari! All of the pictures look terrific. I love all the smiling faces, especially yours.

Anonymous said...

Glad you had a great day! What a wonderful gift from Bob for you to treasure. The cake looks amazing!

Happy 50th my friend!

Haven't been to the museum in years. I always loved gas light village. I love the fun photos of your gang.

Megan Cobb said...

That looked like such a fun day! Clearly your family recognizes how lucky they are to have wonderful you and they did a great job planning a perfect celebration! I still want to see you wearing your new jewelry! xo

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had a wonderful birthday! I love the necklace and the cake just looked delicious! Happy Birthday Mari!!