Mama Rosa turned 75!!

Seriously!! Can I have her genes!...oh wait, I do....Hooray! Hope I look and FEEL as great as my beautiful Mama at 75!! Her birthday is actually on Feb. 21st but last Saturday we had a wonderful celebration with her family and closest friends. There was about 30 of us.

We (My brother, sister, JM and I) planned a Rustic Tuscan Feast and did not let Mom do a thing!! I think this was a first! She was so grateful and felt so celebrated. She told me that her cup was full and she was so thankful to the Lord for one of the best days of her life!! It really was a special evening.

I hung pictures of Mom around the room starting from her infancy to her life as a Grandma. She loved it and everyone enjoyed looking at all the pictures of Rosa.

Her sweet friend Ruth. Ok, can you believe this lovely gal is 82! What!? 

She and my Mom seriously need to start an  "80 is the new 50" club!!

The Food

It was so fun to plan the menu. We decide on a Rustic Tuscan meal. We had lots of different types of cheeses, meats, olives, marinated mushrooms, hummus, sauces and spreads, breads and crackers etc. We also had a beautiful green salad with roasted pears and toasted hazelnuts and made a vegan Tuscan Soup with Kale,White and Red Kidney Beans, and Butternut Squash. (drat, no picture) 

The olive branches are from our front yard. With veggies and fruits, the olive branched make for a nice table decor.

 My sissy made cute little signs for all the cheeses!

 Little Italian cookies, vegan cookies from Avanti Cafe as well as a pear cranberry tart. We added  candles that said "21".

Birthday Girl

Gabriella made Grandma a Birthday crown...halo sort of.

This is my mom's baby sister Betsy. They are 9 years apart but so close and love each other dearly. I forgot to take a picture of my other Auntie, Nena. :(

Little Grandma had a great time....

She loves being with her family......

   

 Two of my lovely cousins Stefanie and Mary.....

  

And My Uncle Henry and Maria from Seattle surprised Mom for her Birthday! Mom was over the moon! Henry is the youngest of the 7 children and is 10 years younger than my mom. We love when he comes to visit. 

I was so incredibly busy with the party and the food that I didn't take as many photos as I wanted to. 3 of my mom's sibling were able to come...missed a photo opportunity. All of my mom's closest friends were able to come...missed that photo too.  Forgot to take a picture with my Mom and her kids!! Forgot to take a picture of my Mom and Dad!!...or Mom with the Grand kids. Augh. I'm fired. Ah well....we were so in the moment and enjoying every bit of the evening.

Here's my little Ansel eating his din. 

And Silly Jude

  Totally missed getting a picture of Gabriella!!

Sitting on Auntie Lorie's lap so nicely!:) Hee!

 Dessert time and his fav Strawberries

The next day we went over to clean up and spend more time with my uncle Henry and his gal Maria

 We just love them and it was such a gift that they made it down. I brought my camera and JM made  it a point to get a shot or two.

What a fantastic celebration. So thankful for this lady. She is a kind and faithful servant of Jesus, is so positive, never has a bad word to say about anyone, is selfless and a prayer warrior. We love you so much Mom. Happy Birthday...She will never read this because she doesn't have an iPhone, Internet or a computer for that matter. She's old school and I love her for it.:)

Note to Uncle Oscar and Auntie Laurie in Kentucky...We missed you both so much! We thought of both of you and wished you were with us. I know you would have been here if you lived closer. Mom was so blessed! Can't wait to see you for our annual trip in the summer. We love you.