NaNa's Tea Party

My mom's birthday follows the day after Dave's, so we had a busy schedule that last weekend in February. While bowling on Saturday as a family was a lot of fun, our celebrating wasn't finished.

This year I wanted to do something special for my mom because she truly drains herself putting everyone else first and deserves some pampering and recognition herself once in awhile. I remember her telling me that she had very few actual birthday parties growing up and I thought it would be nice to give her one. She loves tea parties and pretty dishes so I decided that would be the route I'd take.

Coming up with a good excuse to get her there and trying to keep it a surprise was too difficult.  I ended up just mailing her an invitation to her own party and letting her be surprised that way. At least I knew that she wouldn't plan anything else on that day, plus once the invites were out, she couldn't tell me not to go through the trouble to do it. (I also had to let her know in advance because I didn't have enough teacups and knew she had a small collection I could borrow for the occasion.)

After all the preparations, finally the day of the party arrived! Aside from Caleb sticking his finger in the cake a few hours before everyone arrived, everything went pretty smoothly and I was excited for everyone to arrive!

These are the teacups I got on our honeymoon. I was glad to have a reason to pull them out!

Finally, everyone started pouring in! I was so happy with the turn out; we definitely had a great bunch of ladies.

Mom's cousin Angie brought this adorable teacup flower arrangement.

Mom with her Aunt Cissy

Dig in!

Aunt Carolyn and Aunt Pat

Several of my mom's aunts and cousins came as well as one of her closest friends, Connie. My Grandma, Aunt Susie (Mom's sister), and Courtney were there too.

What a wonderful group of gals.

We laughed so much and had a great time!

 
A special little lady even joined us with her toy teacups and treats. She provided the entertainment by holding her tiny pointer finger up to show everyone how do do the motions to "This Little Light of Mine."

My grandma brought a few special items to make the party even more memorable - her mother's teapot and a tea set of mine from when I was little.

Not only did my mom love having her grandma's teapot on our table,
the cousins and aunts also appreciated having a keepsake from Grandma Alger there.

Hadley wanted to check out her Momma's childhood tea set.

After the tea, we went into the living room for mom to open her gifts. In lieu of presents, I asked everyone to write a note or letter to her explaining why they were glad that God made her. While a few still brought packages, I was thrilled to see all the cards and letters she received. She looked at a couple during the party but took the rest home to enjoy that evening.

Despite all the cake mishaps and the rushed week to get it all together, I am so glad I was able to throw her this party. She does so much for everyone and deserves to have some time to shine and hear some encouragement about the blessing she is to so many of us. I love you, Mom. :)