Mom's 80th Birthday Celebration

Since I haven't posted for so long, I have decided to put some pictures up of a highlight from each month. The first one was a wonderful party for Steve's mom's 80th birthday. The theme included wearing hats and bringing a purse. We played a game where we looked for things that were named in our purses, as Marcia explained the importance of some of these items from her childhood. She also made a booklet called "Proverbs from a Purse". Here is an example of one: Lip balm - Our lips act as a gatepost to our words. I remember Mom's simple, but healthy advice: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." She was echoing the wisdom of the Proverbs: "He that refraineth his lips is wise." (Prov. 10:19) Lord, as I put on my lip balm, please put a watch on my words today. I recognize that they can be used for either good or ill, encouraging someone or injuring their spirit. "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word (or encouraging word) maketh it glad." (Prov. 12:25) We were to bring gifts for Mom's purse. I believe she is supplied for life with lotion, candy, etc. There were neighbors, friends from both Leo and Latty churches and family. I believe Mom was honored and it was just the kind of celebration that she could appreciate. Aunt Joan and Mom Mom's "cake" was Lemon pie. My sister in law, Amber, Jerry's wife with Mom. Mom and Dad with their girls, Sue and Marcia. Grandma with Laura, my daughter in law, and Kiera, my granddaughter. This is Mom with her two sisters: Mil Clauss and Eleanor Bogart. This is my sister-in-law Lisa, from Indianapolis. My girls, Whitney and Cecily (who came straight from clinicals), Grandma and me. The table decorations created by Marcia.