Sunday, February 12, 2023

THE GOOD - HOUSTON

 Happy 95th Birthday Vivian


The party was wonderful. We had a private room and before the party started the woman who was taking care of us took some photos before we sat down to dinner. 


The dinner was delicious. Here is a photo of my plate. I had salmon. 

Mark gave a little speech about his mom and just couldn't stop the tears from coming. 

We were singing Happy Birthday to her.....

Make a wish....

Vivian and her grandchildren and great grandson. Hunter, Nicholas, Mom, Adam, James and Amber

What I am about to share happened on Friday, the day before the birthday party. I came up with two plans for the surprises. She only knew that her children were coming to Houston. Mark's brother Jeff, his wife and their boys live in Houston too.  His other brother Jimmy and his wife Caprice flew in on Thursday. We were supposed to arrive that day too, which we did, but it was late in the evening because of the car breaking down so we went right to the hotel. 

Wait! Before I share that I have a side note. Thursday was Vivian's actually birthday so her two son's from her second marriage and their wives took her out to dinner and celebrated with her which was really rather special if you ask me. 



So back to Friday when it was time to pick up Amber. We told Mom that the guys were going to go out for some wine and then get something Mark left at the hotel. Surprise....Amber arrived. She was shocked and thrilled to say the least. 

Then later it was time to pick up Adam, Gabby and James so they said they were going to get Amber checked in at the hotel. No problem. Then they arrived and she was so excited. It was really a great feeling to have it all work out as planned. 

So after the dinner we went back to Mom's house to hang out. Uncle Jeff has a dog named Snowball and James was enjoying him. 

He also had fun playing with his Uncle Jeff and Uncle Jimmy. 

So this is the cutest thing to share. When we were at dinner, across the table from James was our Nephew Nicholas with his girlfriend Faith. James whispers over to Gabby, mom, that girl is pretty. Can I meet her? So they went over to meet her. Here is a hug she gave him back and Mom's house. James was showing off his race car to her. It was so cute. 

This photo didn't come out well but we also sang Happy Birthday to Adam since it was his birthday the day we celebrated my mother in laws at the dinner. Vivian on the 19th, Adam on the 20th. 

After they left James was asking if she was going to be at their hotel. Then the next morning he was asking if she was going to be on their plane ride home. We just couldn't wrap our minds around what he was feeling. 
James with tissue in hand from his runny nose.

This beautiful huge Roadrunner metal sculpture was at a rest area we stopped at. 

I also have some photos from the road.




Michele and Pam had this sweet gift for me.....


13 comments:

Pamela M. Steiner said...

What a wonderful celebration!! Except for your car issues, it looks like everything was perfect! Your mother in law is beautiful, especially for 95! I think I told you my MIL's name was Vivian also, and she lived to be 95. The dinner looks wonderful and all of the family looks so happy! Sweet story about James. He's a cutie for sure. It all looks wonderful. Thank you for sharing the happy times with us.

Little Penpen said...

Oh I’m so happy to see all the wonderful photos! It seems as if things turned out beautifully! Vivian is a cutie and you guys made her feel so special! ❤️❤️❤️

Anne in the kitchen said...

All in all, even with the car issues it sounds like it was a great event. there is nothing better than family gathering.

photowannabe said...

Delightful celebration photos. AWWww there is nothing like family being together. The love is obvious.
Thanks for sharing.
Sue

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Such a wonderful and rewarding time spent with family, Debby! I know your MIL appreciated and enjoyed every moment of her special day. And I have to agree with Pam - Vivian is a beautiful woman!
Blessings!

Mevely317 said...

Isn't Vivian so lovely? I'm so glad (almost) everything worked out for you all. Gosh, I'm salivating over your salmon dinner. Now I need to see where I can find a 'wine' towel like yours!

MadSnapper said...

Marks Mom is beautiful and she looks so happy! there was a lot of happy to have fond memories of the trip for sure. you never know what a child is thinking, it must have been love at first sight for the pretty girl. cool road runner and beautiful scenery. wine on. lol

Chatty Crone said...

Happy birthday Vivian. 95 years old and she looked great. I am so glad all the kids and family made it out there for her even if you had car trouble - lol. James looked like he liked the cake. Like the WINE towel! ☺ So glad you went and so glad you are home.

CheerfulMonk said...

I'm so glad that part worked out,

Ann said...

It looks like the perfect birthday celebration. What a treat for her to have all of you there.
That looks like a very scenic ride.

Carla from The River said...

YAY!!! I have been waiting for this story. What a wonderful family blessing this time was for all.
Love, Carla

R's Rue said...

Wow. Amazing.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Michelle said...

How wonderful to celebrate your MIL's birthday. And Adam's also. Happy Birthday to them both. What a great bunch of surprises. Thank you for posting the pictures of your trip.😃

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