In Which 50 is Fabulous Beyond Belief

I really, really was content with a quiet birthday celebration for my fiftieth. Lots of time with friends the day before my birthday, texts and phone calls from my kids, and a delicious dinner in a stunning setting with Mr. Fix-it had me feeling very blessed.

Nothing to complain about here. It was going to be a selfie, but a dog-walking teen kindly offered to take the picture; kids today!

I would have stayed at the beach a little longer, but Mr. Fix-it was chilly (in retrospect, possibly a smidge suspicious). 

It turns out that Grownup Girl--with help from The Pinup Girl who is a party thrower extraordinaire--and Social Butterfly were behind all of this (with a generous budget from Mr. Fix-it) and they rocked it completely. MVP and Mandy flew in from Chicago Thursday night, SB and her friends got up early Friday to drive home and they all chipped in on party prep and the transformation of the house once we were out to dinner. Danger Boy couldn't make it--the East Coast makes a turnaround trip like this a bit of a nightmare; he made up for it by texting me photos of himself and his date at a dance--so I did get to see both my handsome sons looking spiffy. 

  

This video shows my shock and joy when I hit the light and saw 40 or so friends leap up from behind the bar, yelling "SURPRISE!" I believe the phrase "Oh, my god!" was on loop for about five minutes. I don't need a photo to remember in striking detail their faces looking at my face and them looking thrilled at my happiness. Seeing MVP and Mandy and Social Butterfly and her roommates and SB's good friend Nicole from UCSB was like icing upon icing on my birthday cake. 

I am a Girl Scout at heart:

Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold. A circle is round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend.

(That photo on the bottom right? We are having "orgasms'--you hollow out a chocolate covered strawberry, fill it with amaretto and add whipped cream. You'll understand why we had multiples!)

The Pinup Girl and her fiance bought a program that they will use at their wedding and set up a photo booth on a laptop; what you can do with creativity, PVC pipe, spray paint and fabric is stunning. The invitation will give you an idea of what went into this party. They had a dress and jewelry for me! The Mod, Mod world theme was incredibly fun. 

Mandy took setup photos. Is this not fab? In the kitchen are Grownup Guys parents, in from Chicago.

 

I always love my house, but I really love it full of people. To be able to have a houseful of guests with beds and bathrooms enough to go around makes me very happy.

It wouldn't be a mod, mod world without a mod, mod bar--featuring all your favorite Mad Men drinks! This is Pinup Girl's fiance and he mixes a strong and tasty drink!

Some things seem like a good idea at the time--I blame this on the fact that a dare was involved. Maybe I am just a college kid at heart :)

The Pinup Girl, Grownup Girl and Julie:

Partners-in-crime for so many years and now they are reunited in San Diego and busy launching their lives. It's so much fun to watch!

I definitely partied like a rock star and went strong until about 1 a.m. The next day was brunch with Grownup Girl and Guy and his parents, an extended time doing nothing but watch from the couch as The Pinup Girl and her man and Mr. Fix-it put the house back together and then a burst of energy in which I got some of the laundry done and cleaned my bedroom and bathroom. All the young people spent the day at the beach-a wise choice since it was stunning weather--and then MVP made a pasta feast for us all and we ate and talked and laughed and ate leftover cake (it is deadly delicious). 

Sunday was largely spent saying goodbyes, writing thank you cards and doing the happiest laundry ever--the sheets and towels generated by houseguests.

My house is full of flowers and memories.

I really don't have the words to express what an amazing gift this was, but I think this text from a friend--the one that shot the video-- says it well.

I FELT adored and I also feel so proud that I had a part in forming these incredible adults who are my children. I am honored and blessed to have amazing, warm, fun, interesting friends who were made happy by making me happy. And this guy . . .

I am sure glad I trusted my 16-year old self to know what she was doing when she told me--upon first meeting him (at the mall, natch)--that he would be the man I married. It's working out. What a life--I am loving every minute of it. My birthday wish is this kind of joy and contentment for everyone.

 

Comments

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

I'm so impressed that they were able to pull it off and surprise you! :)

[Jocelyn]

Goosebumps, tears, joy--and these from me, just reading the rundown.

Yes, to be so loved by so many is the richest gift of all.

[debK]

oh!! i'm sitting here ( after watching the "oh my God!" video and reading all about the party) smiling like a crazy woman with tears running down my cheeks! what an absolutely FABulous party.....your family and friends rock it pretty hard.
you, my love, are a very lucky girl!!

[Julie]

Awesome family . . happy 50th

[Smalltown Me]

Utterly fantastic in every way!

[Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen]

Wonderful! You deserve it!

[busy bee suz]

You won't be shocked to know that I cried while reading all of this.
I am however shocked that the first things out of your mouth were not cuss words! HA.
What a sweet, loving and fun idea. You raised good people who enjoy making you happy....that is the best gift ever. Oh, and Mr. Fix it is a GEM...but you knew that.
Love this so much for you.
XOXOXO

[lanes]

So wonderful!! I love how happy and excited everyone is for you! xoxoxo

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

What a total blast!
Looks to me like you were feted in GREAT style and loved perfectly. Happy birthday again, friend!

[falnfenix]

happiest of birthdays to you!

[Brightside-Susan]

What an amazing day you had! Wonderful friends and family!

Now just enjoy this fabulous new decade!

[Jessie Hartman]

Great day and great family and friends. Looks like a wonderful time. Happy Belated Birthday!

[She Curmudgeon]

I am so glad you had a great celebration. You deserve it.

[Aunt Snow]

Happy Birthday!!

[John Candy]

Looks so beautiful. Its so nice looking at people who are so much happy and enjoy life. Happy Birthday.