A Lovely Surprise

Waaaaay back on Sunday, May 3rd, we threw a surprise ??????th birthday party for my mother-in-law. Robert's sister and I had a lot of fun planning and preparing and not so much fun sweating it out hoping no one would spill the beans (especially Lily who was very much in on it). Lily didn't talk to Nai Nai very much before her party! After throwing something like this, I've grown a whole new respect for wedding and party planners. Anyway, she was surprised and I think she had a great time.:o)

One of the tables set up in our backyard.

A beautiful shot taken by a very special photographer we hired for the day.
(I hope he wasn't expecting to get paid though!)

It was a tea party theme so we had lots of sandwiches, salads, cheese trays and yummy snacks.

The coffee, tea and water table.

We did mini cupcakes for dessert and made a special cupcake holder for Jewell's.

Jewell's niece, Cheryl, flew in from Arizona. I think that surprised her more than anything!

After the initial surprise, we hit her again with another one...

...all of her friends surprising her as she walked into the kitchen.

Aunt Paula and Lily...I just love this picture.

Lily with my mom, Lao Lao. I think Lily was having a good time!

Jewell's good friend Edy reading a special poem she had written just for the occasion.

Robert's sister Ellen and her friend Jon-Marc who we hired to help for the party. Not only was he a great help, but he was also a very popular guest.;o)

Lily helping herself to some food.

Cheryl made Jewell a very special scrapbook for her birthday. They actually share the same birthday, although there are a few years between them.:o)

Jewell with her friend Dori...the Cuban firecracker!

The whole gang.

What better gift to give a grandma than pictures of her granddaughter? Gift giving sure has gotten easier since Lily came along.:o)

The Sweetest Thing

Ain't she just?

I Wish...

I wish I didn't feel so helpless
I wish I didn't act so selfish
I wish I didn't wring my hands night and day
My hair was a little bit smoother
My jeans fit a little bit looser
And I always knew the right things to say
And I wish I wouldn't hide what's been going on inside
And I wish you wouldn't get scared and run away

Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I'm always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true

I was there was a cure for cancer
I wish somebody had an answer
And all God's children, never got hurt
I wish Eve never bit that apple
You men never went to battle
And I didn't get so mad at the world
I wish I was more like Jesus
And could pick up all the pieces
And make a better life for my baby girl

Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I'm always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true

For everything I am wishing
I know someone up there is listening
So, I say my prayers when I go to bed
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Oh pray my wishes come true
Oh

Chorus
I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I'm always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true

I know wishes come true
I wish, I wish



More pictures coming soon!