When one of the older ladies at church found out I was getting ready to turn sixty she said, “Oh, you are just a spring chicken.” I thought about that for a moment and replied, “No, not a spring chicken. I’m more like an autumn chicken.”
Tomorrow, March 8, my autumn chicken-ness will be official when I turn sixty years old.
We celebrated yesterday with a little gathering for our church family. Steve, Sarah, and Gage did an amazing job planning, shopping, organizing, and decorating. They definitely made me feel loved.
Sarah even adorned me in a special Birthday Queen sash.
The cake was peanut butter and chocolate and fabulous!
And speaking of food, our drummer made pork ribs (which took a total of 24 hours), and Steve boiled shrimp. We ate exceedingly well.
Gage made a whole bunch of these little music sheet flowers which he distributed hither and yon. It was the perfect decoration for a musical autumn chicken birthday gal.
Here are a few of the 35 people who came and went.
And a video! The reason I was covering my mouth was that I am entirely incapable of not joining in when other people are singing. And I guess it’s kind of weird to sing Happy Birthday to oneself.
This was one of my favorite gifts. I am setting great store in the messages on the jar and look forward to aging backward.
And this gift? This one surprised me and touched my heart.
Steve spent a hundred bazillion hours going through the endless bags and boxes of pictures under our bed in order to find and frame this one. It was 1971 and I was nine years old. (Don’t know if you can see it, but my hair was in pin curls .) I was sitting all alone in my grandparents’ back yard, enjoying the solitude, thinking, and making music. Things haven’t changed much in 51 years!
When I got to church yesterday morning, I saw that Steve had put up a sign announcing my birthday.
If you can’t read backward it says, “Happy super 60th birthday, Becky!”
Steve and I had a good trip to Charlotte last week to visit his mom. One day we were eating lunch in the kitchen and he was in his dad’s chair and I was in Vernie’s chair. We both commented on how odd it felt to be sitting in those places where we’ve seen his parents sit for so many decades. There were Ken and Vernie reminders around every corner.
Vernie is working with four different kinds of therapists and, as always, keeping a good attitude in the midst of a hard time. She is truly an inspiration to me.
While we were together, Steve and I sang a few hymns for her, and then he served communion after reading out of his dad’s old Bible.
I just ran across a couple of old photos of Vernie I thought it would be fun to share.
My mom, JoAnn, (who is on hospice) is holding steady, going through each day with her quiet faith and steadfast serenity. My sister, Ruth, and her family continue to take such excellent care of her, with Debbie on call to help out wherever needed.
She and Vernie have always enjoyed each others’ company on the rare occasions they could be together.
From last year.
I had an appointment with my UNC pulmonologist last Monday and actually got some relatively good news. He said that while Covid has definitely had a detrimental effect on my lungs, he is 90% that in the next three months or so, I should get back to my pre-Covid lung function. My lungs were not great before Covid but they were a whole lot better than they are now. So I was relieved to hear he didn’t think the damage is permanent.
I am also having a chest CT on Thursday to follow up on the lung nodule that had grown last year.
In closing, here is something I am requesting for my birthday. One of my highest number of comments on a past post was about 80, with another 80 added with my replies. On my 60th birthday (and after nineteen years of blogging) it would make me happy to hear from a bunch of the Smithellaneous family.
So my birthday request is just to leave a comment. You can say leave a birthday wish, you can tell me what the temperature is where you are, you can tell me what city, state, or country you are in, you can tell me your favorite flavor of cake, you can tell me what your favorite post has been through the years–it’s up to you!
And for those who have been reading for years and years but have never or rarely commented? This is your big chance!
Thanks, everyone. Have a wonderful week!
Happy Birthday becky! I am so sorry I missed all the celebrations… It just so happens to be my Hubby’s and Brother’s birthday too (16th and 15th respectively). I hope your day was super amazing. I mean, I caught myself singing with the video! ha It has been in the 60s-70s here in Central California. Cake — hmmmmm.. how about just a little ol’ brownie? 🙂
Have a GREAT birthday month!!!
Beth,
Thanks for being one of the over-300 commenters that helped me break the record.
March 8 is obviously a good day for a birthday. I hope you and fun celebrating–AND singing along with the video. 🙂
Happy belated birthday from the Pacific Northwest! I’ve been enjoying your blog for many years, and plan on enjoying it for many more! 🙂
Thank you, Ronna, for the wishes and for adding another comment to this post. We are hitting over 300!
Happy birthday! March 8th was my daughter’s 40th birthday. Special people were born on that day, obviously!
Elle,
Hooray that we’re over 300 comments. Thanks for your help!
Yep. March 8th is a good day indeed. Happy birthday to your daughter!
Love you Mom. Happy Birthday! I always enjoy reading your posts.
Nathan,
Hooray! You left a comment! 🙂
Thanks for letting me know you enjoy the posts and for helping to get me over 300. Hooray!
Happy belated birthday to you Becky! I’m holding your mom and my dear sweet Vernie in my prayers. Vernie is such a blessing to me.
Debbie,
Thanks so much! Vernie truly is a blessing to so many of us. We just about 90 minutes with her and enjoyed it so much.
And thanks for helping push the post over 300!
Happy Belated, Becky! I’m sorry I missed the day!
Anne,
No worries. Thanks for helping push us past 300!
Happy belated birthday, Becky! I’m sorry to be late with my birthday wishes but we were out of the country without internet which is really odd in this day and age! I hope you had THE BEST day and were celebrated as you should have been!
Wishing God’s blessings on your next year!
Suzanne,
No internet? Oh my. I think I would have gone into internet withdrawal. But at least you got to travel somewhere interesting! 🙂
Thanks for the happy birthday wishes.
Happy Birthday!
Jessica,
Thanks for the wishes and for helping me break 300!
Belated birthday wishes for a great year! Long time reader, but this is probably my first comment. I enjoy reading about all the Smiths and your extended and church families.
First comment? Hooray!!
And how nice to say you enjoy reading about all the families–extended and church. They’re all sort of tied in there together!
Happy belated from Warner Robins, GA! I’ve been following since about 2006 or so, and your posts have been a blessing.
Cheryl,
Thank you SO much from following al these many years. I’m so thankful for long-timers like you!
Happy belated birthday! I rarely comment but have been reading since Caringbridge.
Lynn,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment today and for the birthday wishes. And it’s always good to find another reader who has been here since Caring Bridge days.
Happy Birthday from Amesbury Mass and a neuroblastoma mom to a 26 yr. old survivor !!
Catherine,
Looks like you’re a first-time commenter? Welcome!
And I would love to hear more about your survivor. Do you have a blog or FB page? Thanks so much for being in touch.
Happy Birthday from Washington State!
Dani,
I’ve always wanted to visit Washington. My brother has been there on photography trips and his photos are stunning.
Thanks for the happy wishes!
Happy Birthday from England (the one over the other side of the Atlantic!) I have read every blog for the last 19 years (goodness – is it really that long!) and couldn’t turn down a request to comment for your special birthday. So glad you had a lovely day. Cheers (we say that as a celebration toast in England – not sure if you say it in America as well!)
Kate,
Every post for 19 years? Amazing! That is a LOT of reading. I am honored that you would hang with our family that long.
And one of my bucket list wishes is to travel to England. Someday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY dearest Becky!! Love you! God Bless you!! XOX
Bea,
Thanks so much, sweet lady!
Happy Birthday dear Becky 💓
Jenna,
Catching your Canadian birthday wishes!
Happy Birthday from Potters Hill North Carolina.
Melissa,
Have never been to Potters Hill, but I love the sound of it. 🙂
Thanks for the wishes.
🎶 Happy Birthday to you! 🎶
🎶 Happy Birthday to you! 🎶
🎶 Happy Birthday Dear Becky! 🎶
🎶 Happy Birthday to you! 🎶
Wishing you a happy birthday, a wonderful and blessed year filled with many happy memories, and many more of the same. On your birth day, God gave the world a special gift … You!
I’ve been following you since Sarah was first diagnosed. I’m not sure if I first “met” you on “Make a Child Smile” or Caringbridge. I always knew God had something special planned for Sarah and He sent Gage. I know He has great plans ahead for them.
I am keeping you all in my prayers, with special prayers for the two Moms.
Prayers, hugs and blessings,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
I can hear you singing from all the way over here!
Yes, Gage coming into Sarah’s life was definitely that “something special” you are talking about. So thankful to have you following along since Sarah was SIX years old. Can you believe it? And now she’s a married woman!
Happy Birthday Becky!
I have been reading since the Caringbridge days. I live in Brookings, SD and we have a balmy 10 degrees this morning!
I love seeing your kids and grandkids and I really enjoy hearing your singing.
I am praying for your lungs to repair and for a great year for all of you, God bless your mothers!
Mona,
Thanks for staying with us for nineteen years. Wow!
So glad to know you the photos/stories about the kids and grand. I sure enjoy writing them!
Birthday blessings to you Becky!
Thanks so much, Hope!
Happy Birthday, Becky!
Laura,
Thanks for sending birthday wishes my way!
Hi Becky, First time commenter 🙂 can’t remember when I started following your blog but it’s been years and Sarah was out of treatment. Happy Birthday! I turned 60 a year ago and loving life! I live in Ohio.
Sherri,
Hooray for YOU commenting for the first time. Thank you!
Glad you’ve loved living life as a 60-year old. I’m two days in and it’s been going pretty good so far. 🙂
Happy birthday Becky! Long time reader but first time commenting 🙂 My birthday is March 9th and I had my daughter on my birthday 22 years ago, when I was 22 years old. March is a special month in our family. My daughter, Kaylah, loves that we share a birthday and tries to celebrate for at least a week! Our favorite cake is anything chocolate or cheesecake. We live in Indiana and are still cold this week, but hoping for spring soon! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Tara,
Happy birthday to you TODAY! I love that you had your daughter on your 22nd birthday; how fun that you get to share and celebrate a special day (or week!) together.
Thanks so much for commenting for the first time; means a lot!
Wow -221 responses so far -guess you broke your record! I hope you’re having the happiest of birthdays today – I loved the pics and video of your 60th celebration! Windy here in Maine today,but the temp is 47 and snow is melting,so that’s good. Bill and I are heading to my favorite city(New York) tomorrow for 5 days – me for the Big East Basketball tournament,and he will just wander the city,which he loves. Blessings to you and your family,Becky!
Patti,
Wandering through NYC for five days sounds delightful; not as big on basketball but I hope you have a wonderful time!
Happy Birthday Becky! Thanks for showing how beautiful 6-0 can be! I’m approaching the 60th birthday at the end of April — a bit of a strange feeling of “geez – that really is OLD,” but am thankful God granted me 60 years. Thanks for posting pictures of my friend Vernie — she is truly a beautiful woman.
Karen,
Yes, Vernie is a beautiful woman–lit from within.
Happy early birthday to you. Let’s show the 60’s how it’s done!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!!! I’ve been reading about your family since Sarah had her CB site, but rarely comment. May you be blessed with a healthy year ahead!
Cindy,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Happy Super 60, Becky.
I’m 2 years ahead of you, and I can testify that God is STILL opening surprising new doors to serve Him. Sometimes I think – Oh, God… SURELY You have made a mistake in calling me to THIS! And then I realize – Wait a minute.. HE doesn’t make mistakes.
Praying that He continues to surprise you every day – with His love, His grace, and His mercy.
Enjoy your special day!!!
JennyJo,
Yes, life does hold a lot of surprises, doesn’t it? Some good, some bad but grateful to know God is in charge of them all.
Thanks for the wishes.
Becky happy happy birthday from Tennessee. The weather here has been wonderful lately. I am sooo longing for a warm spring. Your birthday cake sounded amazing. Two of my favorite flavors chocolate and peanut butter. Before I retired I kept a jar of peanut butter and a spoon in my desk drawer. A quick pick me up if you will. I look forward every Monday for your update. Praying for a quick recovery for Mrs Vernie and a peaceful journey for your sweet mom. My husband and I lost our moms within two years of each other. My precious mother in law was like yours and always treated me as one of her children. I miss them both very much. Have a wonderful wonderful day and many more. BTW I loved the song and like you I sing in a praise team at my church and I ALWAYS sing when everyone else does. God bless you and your sweet family always
Gail,
I love the idea of keeping the peanut butter and a spoon handy at work. Lots of good protein and a little snack to power you through the day.
So glad to know you look forward to the Monday posts; I love writing them. Happy springtime!
Hello Becky,
Happy birthday to you and best wishes for peace and comfort for the moms.
I am originally from the U.S. but moved to Belgium in the early 2000s with my wonderful husband and daughters. I know we never get the full picture from blogs and we have a very different life and worldview but I like to read your blog to get ideas on how families can thrive, live, and love together even if they are not perfect.
My own mom passed away when I was in my early 30s; while I learned a lot from her and am grateful for many things she did for me I have come to understand that she had Narcissistic Personality Disorder and our family was structured around enabling that. When she passed, her role was taken over by my biological sister who has perpetuated the cycle of verbal and emotional abuse. I became estranged (0 contact) 8 years ago when my eldest daughter was born so as not to expose her to this type of dynamic. My children therefore do not know their extended family on my side, some of whom are under a restraining order. This decision was not made lightly and we try to expose our children to healthy families. Not having grown up in one, I enjoy reading your blog and experiencing certain things vicariously. I wish you and yours well.
Rose,
Some comments stop me in my tracks and this one certainly did.
I am overwhelmed thinking of the hard choices you’ve had to make to protect your children from unhealthy family members. Not having extended family in one’s life is painful but your decision to find healthy families for your children to grow up around shows so much wisdom and love. No family is perfect; there has been trauma in my family of origin as well. But I admire how you have not allowed the hand dealt to shape the future of your family in unhealthy ways. You have made some tough, good choices and my hat is off to you.
I’m honored that our family’s story (imperfect as we are) has made a small difference for you and I so appreciate the fact you felt comfortable sharing real and vulnerable things in your comment. So glad you are part of the Smithellaneous family and pray for the very best days ahead of you and your family.
Happy Birthday Becky. We share a birthday. I’m also a March 8th girl. Enjoy, and I wish you many more!
Suzie,
Happy, happy birthday to YOU! To US! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Becky!!
Sounds like you’ve already had some pretty splendiferous days of celebration, but I hope the day-of is special, too!
I’m in the Catskill Mountains in NY, and it is 33 degrees and W-I-N-D-Y out. It was 60 yesterday…. c’est la vie.
Kristina,
Splendiferous is such a great word; thanks for using it. 🙂
I’ve always heard how beautiful the Catskill Mountains are. Enjoy the coming of the spring there.
Happy Birthday Becky~
First time commenting. From Tiffin Ohio – Temp is 33 right now.
Amy,
Hooray. A first-timer! 🙂
Happy, happy birthday! Hope you have the best year ever! I read your blog all the time, but never commented. Here in NC, weather is as always…you know we have four seasons and that we can have all four in the same week!!
Norma,
That’s why I love NC. Those wonderful four seasons!
Happy Birthday Becky. I am a few years behind you in counting birthdays but I am catching you fast!!
Mel,
Happy 60th to you; a few years ahead of time! 🙂
BLESSED BIRTHDAY BECKY!! God has truly blessed you over these 60 years, with a great family and many friends who love you! I love your family and so enjoy seeing your posts. Praying for Verna and your mom. They are precious. Praying for you for good health and another happy, healthy year ahead… if Jesus doesn’t come back. Love and hugs to you my friend.
Kaye,
Thanks for your encouragement and your prayers for The Moms!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BECKY!! I’m still working to settle into my little condo studio apartment. It’s in a retired rock quarry on a rock mountain in New Jersey. (Living on the west coast in the Cascade Mountains makes me want to scoff at the idea of calling anything you can crest by car a mountain, but it’s such a cool place I let myself do so.) At 78, my life is good. Very good.
Jan,
A condo in a retired rock quarry sounds delightful. So glad to hear you’re enjoying your 78th year.
Happy and blessed birthday! Have been reading prior to the transplant. Y’all are richly blessed with a precious family .
I am exhausted lol. Not a wink of sleep …last I knew it was DEE not See !😂 I need sleep ! Regardless, Happy Birthday!
Dee/See, 🙂
Thanks so much for being a long-timer!
Hi Becky, Happy 60th Birthday and Wishes for Many More! Long time follower (since Sarah’s CB). Still follow your site but things are hectic so I don’t usually take time to comment. So glad to hear you should get more lung function back! Prayers for your Mom and Vernie, I know how difficult it is (Mother in law is on hospice now), lost my favorite aunt and a very good friend in November, both unexpectedly. Cold and rain/flurry mix in Michigan today but did see a robin, so that’s progress!
Kari,
So sorry you’ve been dealing with so much tough stuff in recent months. Seeing the first robin is always a ray of hope that spring and better days are coming.
happiness on your 60th
Mrs. Pam,
Happiness is always a great wish!
Happy Birthday Becky! I hope you had a great day! I have been following you for a few years and love hearing all about your family. I have said many prayers for your family, especially this past year! I am 62 and live in Illinois. I still can’t believe I’m in my 60’s, how did that happen so fast! I hope you have a wonderful 60th year!
Linda,
Yes, we have definitely needed extra prayers this past year. Thanks for the birthday wishes.
From Iowa wishing you a blessed birthday!
Mary,
I was born in Cedar Rapids so Iowa is pretty important in my life!
Happy 60th birthday from the suburbs of Chicago 🎂🌻
Mary,
A friend took us on an outing through downtown Chicago many years ago. It was so much fun!
Long time reader, first time commenter. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Hooray!
Another first-timer. That always makes my day to see a new name pop up!
Happy 60th Birthday Becky, I hope you have an amazing day😘
Thanks so much, Nancy!
Happy Birthday Becky! We share birthdays and tomorrow I’ll be joining the 50’s club. Hope you have a great day. Celebrate well 🎂
Angela,
How fun to share a birthday. I’ll check out the sixties for you. 🙂
How exciting – it looks like I may be commenter 100 on todays post! I’m so glad to hear your lung function will probably return to your pre-Covid baseline. That must be such a relief for you. The pictures you shared of “The Moms” were wonderful; I’m glad they are doing relatively well. Your cake looks SO yummy. My favorite is Nothing Bundt Cake’s Red Velvet – because of the chocolate chips! Wishing you a Super Sixty Happy Happy Birthday tomorrow!!
Sue Ellen,
Since you’re the hundredth commenter you win the washer/dryer combination! Or not. 🙂
Red velvet cake with chocolate chips sounds amazing.
Happy birthday!!! Welcome to the 60s!
Lesley,
Thanks for the warm welcome to the next decade of my life!
Being competitive by nature, I couldn’t pass up my big chance. Happy birthday from San Diego. I enjoy reading your blog each week.
Helen,
Well, I’m thankful you’re competitive if it means you commenting for the first time. 🙂 So glad to know you enjoy the blog.
It’s your 60th!!! Celebrate early and as often as you can :-). Sending love and birthday hugs across the miles ❤️🎉❤️
Lorrie,
Thanks, friend, for being in my life for almost five decades. Love you!
A birthday cake story. My grandpa was famous for his amazing homemade carrot cake. He made it for hundreds of birthdays and events over the years. But us grandkids? We thought a vegetable cake was yucky and would scrape off and consume only the frosting. So when we visited, my grampa would get his mixer out and whip up a big batch of his cream cheese frosting. Just the frosting. Which he’d serve you us kids by the bowlful. Sounds disgusting now but at the time we sure thought we had the best grandpa around! 🙂 Happy birthday Becky!
Ellen,
Now THAT is a funny story! Although eating just frosting makes me a bit queasy I love that you have a special grandpa memory.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY! Hope you had a wonderful day. Snow & ice missed north central Iowa but still cold – 20’s. Karen
Karen,
Hold on. Spring’s coming!
Happy Birthday Aunt Becky!! So glad to hear you’ve had so many fantastic goings-on, brings back memories of Bilbo Baggins celebrating his eleventh-twoth birthday in Tolkien’s series.
Some of my fondest memories growing up involved seeing you and the assorted clan, whether it be at Aunt Ruth’s, or waaay out on Roanoke island. Amanda and I both love you dearly, and look forward to making many more dang memories with you!!
Nephew Caleb
Caleb!
My nephew! How nice of you to take a moment to leave a comment.
I’ve never heard of an eleventh-twoth birthday. That’s pretty funny!
Happy birthday from beautiful Hickory where we just recently settled. 70 degrees and beautiful although windy today.
Kristy,
Yes, it was really windy here yesterday. Hickory is a beautiful spot!
Happy Birthday! Sounds like it was a perfectly perfect day!!!
I live in Westerville, OH, the weather was 76 degrees and 40 degrees today.
Judy,
Sounds like you are getting ready to head into spring. Enjoy!
Happy, happy Birthday!
Thank you, Reagan! 🙂
So happy 60th dear Becky. Way to go Steve and Sage.
Deb,
Yep, they did it up right!
That comment was from Randy. Just so you know he was here. 🙂
Well, how nice is it that Randy dropped in here? Thanks, wonderful brother-in-law! Lovely to have so many Mantiks popping up here.
Happy Birthday, Becky! I have been reading your blog for about 15 years!! Have a blessed day!
Vicky,
Thanks so much for hanging around here for so long. Such an honor to have long-timers.
Happy Birthday 🎂 from Indianapolis, Indiana
Rebecca,
Thanks for the Indiana wishes!
Happy Birthday Becky! Best wishes from NJ.
I have been following you from the Caringbridge days and praying for Sarah all those years.
Wishing you a year filled with health, happiness and family times.
Marina
Marina,
Wow. Caringbridge days were a long time ago. Thank you for still being here!
Happy Birthday! I’ve enjoyed making some dang memories with you and I hope to make more soon!
Amanda,
So nice to see my lovely niece’s name pop up here. I’m so grateful Caleb found such a lovely woman to marry. Happy to hear you’ve got a new puppy–dogs are so great!
You and your “dang memories.” Love it! 🙂
Happy Birthday from chilly Ottawa, Ontario!
Laura,
I love hearing from Canadians. I would love to take a tour through your gorgeous country.
You are definitely loved and well thought of! That cake would be loved by me since I love Reese’s candy, especially the one with pretzels in it. Happy and blessed birthday. May the Lord continue to minister healing to your body. It was good to hear that little bit of good news regarding your lungs.
Loved the picture of Steve’s family and looking at the haircuts for that time made me chuckle. Your mom is an inspiration to many I am sure. Great picture of Steve reading from his dad’s Bible and having communion with his mom.
You too are an inspiration to us on your blog. Not just because you are a preacher’s wife (I am a PK), but because you are honest with us when you are having a trying day/week, but the love of the Lord continues to shine through you and you bring a smile to our faces. I use to think that music groups (quartets, trios, couples, etc.) just had it made in the shade when they travel around different places, but that is not the case. You all bleed like we do and have troubles and woes like we do. You were servants of the Lord in your travels and now as a pastor and wife. Thank you for your ministry and for your blog!
Sharyn,
What an insightful comment about music groups/traveling ministries. I think a lot of people think like you used to but it’s so true. Back when we traveled we had up days and down days and certainly had our share of troubles and woes.
You are always such an encouragement. Thank you!
Happy 60th birthday from Overland Park, KS where it is a balmy 28 degrees. Yesterday afternoon/evening we had rain, sleet, grauple, freezing rain and snow. Fortunately it was sunny part of today so most of it melted.
My favorite cake is probably carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
My favorite blog post has probably been posts about Sarah’s wedding.
Phyllis,
Had to look up grauple. That was a new word for me.
The wedding posts were a lot of fun!
Hi Phyllis, I am up in Lawrence visiting my son, it is COLD here, my husband said it’s 84 home in NC!!!
Hi Dale,
You’re just down the road from me then.. Today isn’t quite as bad but look out Thursday, more snow. We have had snow almost every Thursday since the first of February.
Happy Birthday!
Thanks so much, Amy!
Happy Birthday Becky!!! This post was so very nice. Loved Steve’s family photo from the 60’s. Vernie was so beautiful in this photo!! Also appreciated Pastor Steve serving Holy Communion to his Mom, that was precious. Gage’s ‘little music sheet flowers’ are very cool. Gage is quite the talented young man. Happy Happy Happy
Gloria,
Yes, that 60’s photo is a lot of fun to look at. Hair and clothes have sure changed, haven’t they?
Wishing you a very happy birthday from Brandon, SD. I’ve sure been following you (and Sarah) for probably 20 years! Just have commented a few times though. Thank you for being transparent and sharing your lives with us. Wishing you nothing but the best on your 60th birthday!
Amanda,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Seeing an infrequent commenter is almost as great as seeing a first-timer.
I am so glad that the transparent sharing of our lives has been meaningful to you through the years. Thanks for mentioning that.
Welcome to the 60s, dear sister-in-love! ❤️ It looks good on you! Personally, I stay in denial and believe I’m only 50. 😊 Enjoy your special day!
Berit,
Is there room in your Denial Tent for me? 🙂
Nice to be your “dear sister-in-love.” So sweet. Love you!
Happy Birthday from Terri in Concord, Ma
Terri,
I have only been to MA a couple of times but loved it. Thanks for the wishes!
Happy Birthday Becky!!! From Princeton,NC. Our connection: y’all served as my pastors at First Assembly Smithfield. I follow your blog but seldom comment.😬. Currently 82 degrees and windy. Dropping down to 50,s next few days😳 I’m ready for some warm weather. (Not hot, just warm!) Happy Spring to you all!! Judy Pate
Judy,
Of course, I remember you! So good to see your name here.
Happy Birthday Becky from North Florida. Where it will be 81 tomorrow and 27 Sat night!
Hope you have a wonderful Birthday!
Jill,
Wow. A 53 degree drop? Pull out your boots, shorts, sweaters, t-shirts and scarves! You’ll be good. 🙂
Happy Birthday Becky. Many prayers for your mothers and for healing in your lungs.
Cathie,
Thanks for birthday wishes and the sweet prayers.
Hope you have a great birthday Becky! I enjoy your blog and hearing about your families. Your mothers are in my prayers. Take care,Debbie
Debbie,
Thanks for reading through the years and taking the time to comment today.
Happy Birthday! Carrot cake is my favourite, with walnuts for preference but I can’t often have it as my mum is allergic to nuts. Hope you had a fabulous day.
Lucy,
Steve is a big carrot cake fan, as well. Goo stuff!
Happy 60th Becky! Wishing you loads of good health and much happiness. I love reading your blog, and I learn so much from you and your family about life, living graciously, generosity, faith and fortitude! Thank you so much for taking the time to write these posts and for sharing your family with all of us. Sending you and Sarah and big hug.
Sumathi,
What a dear and humbling comment! I am thrilled if even one small story or thought impacts someone and your words mean the world.
Sending hugs right back!
Happy Birthday! I’ve followed you for years. May God bless you with many more. I so enjoy following your family. Love and hugs from a fellow cancer times 2 sister. Peggy
Peggy,
It’s always special hearing from a fellow survivor. Life’s always a little sweeter after a serious health challenge.
Thanks for following through the years.
Happpppppy Birthday! Here is to 2022 bringing more health, more happiness, more joy, more love.
Michigan
Kim,
I will gladly take all four. Thank you!
Happy Birthday from Rosemount, MN
Jennifer,
I have family in Minnesota–Roseville. Such a pretty state!
Thanks for your comment.
Happy Birthday Becky. You and your families always inspire me.
Sherri
Vancouver, WA
Sherri,
Thanks for such an encouraging comment. I appreciate it!
Happy Birthday, Autumn Chickie! I’m a fan of you and your family since following your blog years ago, sometime before you moved to your current location. I’ve loved watching your family mature, grow, and expand.
Jackietex,
Autumn Chickie. I love my new name! Especially since Sarah used to be Princess Groovy Chick.
I moved to WordPress about ten years ago so you’ve been following at least that long. Thank you!
You’ve touched my life more than you know.🙂
Happy Birthday, Becky🥳
Kim,
What very sweet words. They made my day.
Happy 60th Birthday! Wish you all the best! I am not a cake girl and only like one kind of pie, apple.
Angie,
I LOVE apple pie when it is hot and topped with vanilla ice cream. One of the best desserts ever.
Happy Birthday, Becky! I will be 65 this month so you definitely are just a spring chicken to me! I’m from a little village in the Cotswolds in England . Today has been chilly, about 8 centigrade. My favourite cake…tricky one! I love cake – not keen on chocolate cake really – almond cake perhaps? Or a sugared Victoria sponge with whipped fresh cream and raspberry jam. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY! much love, your English friends, Teresa and Juliet xx
Teresa,
Little village. Cotswolds. England. You sure know how to make a gal jealous, don’t you? 🙂
And then all your descriptions of cake? Oh my. The Victoria sponge sounds amazing.
Happy 60th Birthday. It’s just a number, nothing to worry about. I just turned 63 last Sunday. I am thankful I am alive to celebrate another birthday 😉
It looks like you had a wonderful celebration too. How nice to have your congregation members and friends stop by to give you Birthday blessings too.
So happy your mom’s are holding their own and doing ok.
It;s warm temp wise here. We have 26 degrees but the wind is chilly so it’s a feel like 13 degrees with the wind chill. Ugh! Can’t wait for our 3-4 feet of snow melts and we can see green grass and leaves again.
Again, Happy Birthday. Oh, yes. Glad to read the Dr thinks your lungs will come back to what they were before Covid
Wendy,
Happy late birthday to you. I am right there with you on being thankful for the privilege of celebrating another birthday.
Yes very thankful that the covid damage to my lungs doesn’t seem to be permanent. Rejoicing!
Hi Becky,
Happy Birthday! I don’t think I’ve posted before, but I’ve follow you and Sarah and your whole family for years. Love hearing about your family and have watched the grandkids grow up! Look forward to your Monday posts. Very happy to hear the lung damage is likely not permanent.
I’m in Maryland, and have a brother in Asheville, NC.
Sarah
Sarah,
Welcome to the Smithellaneous Commenting World. We’re glad you’re here!
Thanks for following for so long. It’s crazy to think that when you started with us Sarah and Nate were so young and now there are grandchildren the scene!
Happy birthday! I’ve been reading your blogs for a long time – back to the Caringbridge days. Around Thanksgiving I had a good friend whose daughter passed from neuroblastoma, had it not been for me following Sarah all those years ago I wouldn’t have known what anything about Neuroblastoma. I’m in Georgia, about an hour south of Atlanta.
Heidi,
A CB reader. Wow!
So sorry about the death of your friend’s daughter. I know you, and she, and I–all of us–wish we didn’t know anything about neuroblastoma. But as you said, your reading here for so many years gave you more of an understanding than you would have otherwise had.
Happy happy Birthday, dear Becky and all the best from my neck of the woods here in Germany!
Babette,
Love that I have a reader from Germany. Thanks for taking the time to comment today!
Happy birthday blessings, Becky, from chilly, rainy and gloomy Youngstown, Ohio! I’ve been following Smithellaneous since before it was Smithellaneous……..which is quite a few years ago! I remember you turning 50 ! Where did that last decade go? Enjoy this milestone trip around the sun. Love and all my best to the enitre Smith clan!
Linda,
Smithellaneous before it was Smithellaneous. That’s a long time!
Happy Birthday Becky! When I turned 60, my sister told me that she loved the 60’s, and that made me decide that I would love them too! And I have for almost 5 years already!
I love the Autumn Chicken phrase!
Watching that video, I couldn’t help but tear up a little that Sarah was next to you to help you blow out the candles on your 60th birthday, what a blessing! I pray your lungs will return to pre covid and even better. Since having covid myself, I am in my 10th week of no or very little taste. But I thank God it’s nothing worse.
Enjoy your 60’s Becky, they are great!
Carol,
I loved that JoAnn gave you a good report on the 60’s before you got there.
It was insightful of you to notice me asking Sarah for help with the candles. She and I have always been a good team.
Happy 60th Becky! I just turned 68 in February. Can’t even believe it! Lol
We are actually in Kingston Ontario Canada visiting our daughter, son in law and three grands. We flew from Knoxville to Syracuse last Tuesday. Then rented a car for the 2.5 hr. drive. We do that in reverse tomorrow. It’s been quite cold and snowy here and 80s back in Knoxville. Oh well! It was worth it!
Glad to hear the lung news. Will be praying about the nodule.
Have a great week!
Buff
Buff,
How fun to take a big trip to see all those people you love. Except the cold and snow, sounds like a fabulous trip!
Happy 60th Birthday! May your next year be a treasure of blessings beyond measure! I have loved 60 and am embracing 61 just 3 days ago. Time to shine brighter. That’s my motto for this year. Shawano, Wisconsin; a little bit of snow and 32 deg. Love your blog. I ran across a photo a while back of my son and some other boys with Nathan for one of Nathan’s birthday celebrations in Escanaba. So much fun.
Karen,
Oh, yes, I remember those birthday parties. It was so much fun for Nathan that we got to be back in your area several years so he got to party with the same group of guys, which was really unusual for him. Those were special days.
Happy birthday to YOU!
Happy Birthday!! I hope your day is fabulous!
Thank you so much, Avery! And I love your first and last names; how unique!
Happy Birthday!! It is a blustery, beautiful 82 degrees here in Raleigh NC!
Elizabeth,
Yes, NC definitely had a blustery day yesterday. My hairspray did absolutely nothing! 🙂
Happy 60th!
Kim,
Still can’t quite get used to seeing that number. 🙂 Thank you!
Happy Birthday! I’ve followed your blog for years and never posted so I decided today is the day! Just turned 60 myself last October. I enjoy reading about your family and medical trials as i have had a lot of them as well. You are an amazing writer! And yes 60 is the new 50!
Sarah,
Hooray! You’re leaving a first-time comment!
AND you are reminding me that 60 is the new 50. That’s just what I needed to hear. Thanks for taking the time to brighten my day.
Happy Happy 60th Birthday to you! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank you, Becky. And I LOVE your name!
Happy Birthday from Bluffton, SC. It is sunny and 80 degrees.
Suzanne,
The Carolinas have been such beautiful spring weather recently. My favorite season.
Thanks for the comment!
Happy Birthday Becky from sunny (today anyway) NJ!
Colleen,
Thanks for the birthday wishes from temporarily sunny NJ! 🙂
Happy Birthday, I’m not sure yet if 70 is when you officialy feel old when your not looking in the mirror or if that feeling ever catches up with us. Beating you to 65 I havent really felt old yet except when I get a rude reminder lol. I feel like I’ve reached the slowed down rooster stage with a crooked comb and a little shorter day pecking around in the yard looking for goodies.
Your probly entering into the scrawny chicken leg stage, looking for a litlle more roost time lol.
All in all we are doing quite well in this wonderful, mysterious, exciting full life we have lived.So glad you have been my sister through all of this. Many happy years ahead!
Love Tim ( Biggest brother)
Tim,
Wow. A long comment from my brother. Happy birthday to me! 🙂
I think officially old happens at 100. We’re still good for a little while.
Wonderful, mysterious, exciting, full life is a good way to describe it. You were starting to sound like Ruth there for a minute.
Love you!
Happy Happy Birthday To You!
Prayers for the moms.❤
EB,
Thanks so much for the birthday wishes and the prayers.
Mom says- –
i am privileged to be your mother.
Happy, happy birthday!
(Ruth typed it)
Ruth,
Awwww. How fun to see a Mom Message. Tell her I love her a hundred times eternity!
Happy 60th! May this be the best year yet.
Nena,
Thanks so much for popping in here to send your wishes!
Happy Birthday Becky! Miss you and hope to see you the end of the month (maybe we can find time to go thrift store shopping)
Barbara-Jo,
Great to hear that you’re coming back this direction. Can’t wait to see you!
That cake sounds very yummy! Unusual!
Having friends and family around makes for a wonderful time!
You will do fine this year with a new number under your belt. Maturity has many benefits… Wisdom and experience make life rich.
Hap b -day to you.
Ruth,
The cake was fabulous!
You’re right. Maturity is a great reward for getting older.
Happy birthday Becky!! May your year be as great as you are. I’ll be 55 on the 10th of April!!! I’m happy to have known you for so long. Have a great year!!!
Catherine,
Hard to believe you’re going to be 55. I remember you as a teen!
Happy 60th Birthday Becky! I have been a very long time reader back to the days of Sarah’s journey with cancer. You are inspiring and a joy to follow! God’s blessings to you through another year! From Ontario, Canada 🙂
Monique,
Wow. Sarah’s days with cancer were 19 years ago. It amazes me that you wonderful long-timers have stayed around this long. Thank you for your sweet words.
Happy birthday!!!
Angie–thanks so much for taking the time to leave comment and send me wishes!
Happy Birthday! Glad you had such a wonderful day with family & friends!
Denise,
Thanks for the wishes. I don’t always love biggish parties but I figured since 60 is a biggish birthday we should do something a little special. It was so much fun.
Happy 60th Birthday from Birmingham, AL. I once had a dear friend say she was no longer a Spring Chicken but a “Seasoned Hen”. We had a great laugh. Enjoy your day.
Heather,
A seasoned hen.
Perfect!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
It is currently 6 degrees in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
I love the chocolate cake recipe by The Pioneer Woman. I may make it on days that are not birthday’s a little too much =)
My favorite posts are the 2 weddings of your children. I loved looking at all of the photos and the storeies that went along with them.
I hope you have a great day!
Continuing to pray for you all! <3
Krista,
Yes, the PW has some really tasty recipes. And thankfully, you are ALLOWED to make your cake on days that aren’t your birthday! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the wedding posts. Definitely highlights of my life and my blogging history.
Happy Birthday from chilly Minnesota. I have been reading your blog for years and never commented. Sixty is young – I am 74 and still working parttime. I feel 50. Have a great day! Enjoy Judy Shank
Judy,
Reading for years and never commented? Welcome to Commenting World; so glad you are here.
I love hearing that you are 74 but feel 50. That’s the way to live life.
Happy 60th Birthday Becky from Spencer, WI. I hope you have a wonderful day!!
Ann,
Love seeing Spencer pop up here since it reminds me of my sister, Debbie, who lives there, too.
Thanks for the wishes!
Happy birthday Becky from Texas!
Janice,
Always good to hear from a Texan; such an interesting, variety-filled state.
Happy Birthday Becky.
Thanks, Chase!
Happy 60th Birthday Becky from Clermont, Florida! We hope you have a great day!
Ken and Ginny,
How great to see the Yellands pop up here. Thanks for taking the time to comment and happy trails!
Happy BIrthday from South Dakota,Becky! We are currently at a balmy 11 degrees. Hoping to see the 30’s later today.
Have a great day.
Kari,
I imagine 30 is a heat wave for you guys. Spring is coming!
Happy Birthday, Becky, from central Ohio! I’m just two years behind you, about to turn 60, later this month. I’ve been reading for a very long time. You have written so much that has stayed with me. One post especially, Cry Love, was especially special! I’ve always considered you a minister in blog form! Many blessings on your birthday, and beyond!
Ann,
I had to go back and re-read Cry Love since I didn’t remember all of it. So thankful to know it has stayed with you. And I love the idea of being a minister in blog form.
Happy Happy Birthday, Becky!!!! What a lovely birthday you had and I am glad to hear that Vernie and your Mom are so well loved and cared for. I loved all the vintage pictures, especially Steve’s brothers’ haircuts! You know I live in Raleigh where my husband just told me it is going to be 84 today but I am out visiting my son in Kansas City and it is a frigid 29 degrees, we had an ice/snow storm last night and I can hear people scraping their windshields, not looking forward to that, as I get older, I crave the warm weather!! I am also glad to hear your health is improving….and let’s all hold the Ukrainian people in our hearts and send prayers.
Dale,
Yes, indeed, we all continue to pray for the Ukranian people. They are dealing with so much we can’t even imagine.
Glad you’ve had a chance to visit your son–in spite of the cold, I know it’s been great to be together.
Happy, happy birthday Becky! You are still a spring chicken! We had snow again the night before last, I hope for the last time this year. When I woke up my good friend had already shoveled me out, so I can’t complain to much. The sun is out today and that makes me very happy. It was so good to hear your voice! Enjoy your special day tomorrow.
Cindy,
Well, that’s a good kind of friend to have who shovels you out before you even ask.
You are blessed!
Happy Super 60yh to you dear!
Steve,
It took me a sec to figure out who Stevarino was. 🙂
Loved your birthday video! Kudos to Steve, Sarah and Gage for putting it together and to your sweet church family for helping to celebrate you and your 60th. We were certainly there in spirit! 🥰
That picture Steve so thoughtfully searched for and framed is one of my favorites. What a great idea!
I enjoyed seeing the pics of Vernie. She is so dear to us. So glad both she and our mom are well cared for. Lovely ladies indeed.
Thankful the Dr thinks your lungs didn’t have permanent damage from covid. And I’m sure if you faithfully take the “medicine” you got for your birthday, things will improve for sure! 🙂
Got some snow falling here in WI this morning. Pretty sure somebody absconded with Spring. Sigh.
Happy, happy birthday tomorrow! Love you!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Everybody, be on the lookout for the Spring Absconders! (Abscond is such a great word.)
Yes, I’ve been so blessed by family people and my church people and my blog people–feeling very loved. And also very 60ish.
Thanks for always encouraging comments and affirming heart.
Happy Birthday Becky! Have a blessed day and year ahead!
Karen, thank you.
Looking forward to what’s ahead.
Happy Birthday!
Judy–thanks!
HaPpY bIrThDaY bEcKy!! I hope your day is amazing and wish & pray for many, MANY more years filled with happiness, laughter and love! 💜🎉🥳🎈🎊🎁
After a gorgeous weekend, it’s way too cold for me here in Texas. It’s 46* right now, eek!! I know all the Northerners are laughing at me but I do not like cold! 🥶 I’m sure I’ll be complaining about the heat soon enough though. There is always plenty of that down here.
I don’t eat cake often but I do love a good chocolate cheesecake! Yum!!!
Also, do you have a personal Facebook? I know we used to be friends on there but we’re not anymore. I tried to find you again and only found a page I could “like”.
Lizz,
I’m with you on the cold; I’d take heat any day!
My personal FB page is facebook.com/beckycampbellsmith
Happy 60th Birthday, Becky!🎂🎈🎁🎉❤️
Debbie–thank you!
Happy Happy Birthday! I’ll be the big 6-0 later this year as well! Enjoy your day!
Gayle,
Happy to have you join me in the 60 Circle!
Happy 60th Birthday, Becky!!!! My twin sister and I will turn 59 next Monday 3/14! Great month to have birthdays!!! Enjoy your day!!! I have commented before. I work at Wake Forest University and kept up with Sarah many years ago!
Lynne,
How fun is that to have a twin to celebrate all your birthdays with. Happy early birthday to you both.
We, of course, have a great love for Wake Forest since it’s connected with Sarah’s earlier hospital. What a great place!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS!!! I live in Martinsville, VA and have been reading/following for years. I enjoy you and your readers!
Elizabeth,
I love the thought of enjoying me AND my readers. You are so right about that. I love seeing what my readers have to say; you are all such interesting people.
Happy Birthday Becky!!
Thanks so much, Carie. I am enjoying 60 so far!
Happy birthday Becky😁
Katrina–thanks so much!
Happy Happy 60th Becky! Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Here’s to many more years of health and happiness. ~Paige from Massachusetts
Paige,
It is a joy to write my life; I am so honored to have wonderful people like you to read.
Happy Birthday, Becky! It looks like a fantastic day!
Michelle,
Thank you! The party was so fun and I am enjoying my actual birthday just staying at home and vegging.
Happy Birthday from Utah! I’ve been following you for many years now! I’m pretty sure I was here when you turned 50. 😊
Kathie,
Well, here’s hoping you’ll be around for the 70th! Thanks for the wishes!
Happy Birthday! from Binghamton, New York the carousel capital of the world
Desera,
Carousel capital? That’s an interesting bit of info I didn’t know before.:-)
Happy 60th Birthday!!!!! So glad to hear that your lungs are improving. It is a very windy 70 degrees in Midlothian, VA this morning.
Jennifer,
First of all, I LOVE your last name.
And I am very grateful, indeed, to know I should get some lung function back. Good news!
Seems like there was wind everywhere yesterday!
Happy Birthday! May your day be filled with lots of love, laughter and chocolate!
Sandra,
Sounds like a good plan to me!
Happy birthday Becky!! I hope your day is awesome! I just turned 63 last Tuesday. 🙂 And we FINALLY got some snow last night!! Only about 1/2″ but it’s a start with possibly more on the way later this week. Yay!!
My favorite ‘cake’ (more like dessert) is homemade shortcake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream!
LeeAnne,
Happy 63rd. These birthdays seem to be coming sooner and sooner, don’t they?
Yes, a strawberry shortcake is a rare treat because it HAS to be homemade like you said, and not pre-packaged. Yum!
Happy birthday! Have a wonder full day
Shannon–thank you!
I’ve had a wonderful day so far, just being lazy.
Happy Super 60 Becky Smith! You wear it well!
Thank you, Greta. You broke the ice on the 60’s and seem to be enjoying it, so that’s encouraging.
Happy Birthday Becky 🥳 It’s 54 in W. MD this morning….come on spring 🌺🌸🌷🌼
Sharon,
Well, 54 is moving in the right direction!
Happy birthday!! I love your blog, so please keep it coming! Enjoy your day, and as my mom always says, “keep celebrating!”
Bridgette,
Still celebrating. And will keep right on!
So glad to know you enjoy the blog.
Happy Birthday Becky!!
Cindy–thanks!
Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday!!!
Thanks so much, Lisa!
Happy Birthday tomorrow Becky! I started reading long ago because of Sarah but I’ve stayed because I like the Smiths.
Jennifer,
Started with Sarah. Stayed because you like the Smiths.
What a sweet comment. Thank you!
happy 60th, Becky. hope you got my card. When I was a youngster, my favorite birthday cake was homemade by my Grandmother: spice cake with 7 minute icing. Peanut butter and chocolate would be delicious!
Mrs. Pam,
Yes, your card was displayed during my birthday party. Thank you!
Seven-minute icing? Wow! Sounds like a lot of work but quite a treat.
A very happy 60th Birthday to you. I love “milestone” birthdays. I had my 65th this fall, but had no party, just a dinner out with my husband. 65 was great as it means I finally get on medicare and our insurance cost went way down. My husband turns 75 next year and I hope to have a party for him. I am near Grand Rapids MI and it is snowing lightly today, and about 30 degrees. I love the snow and this may be one of our last snowy days this season. I plan to sit home and quilt. My favorite cake is anything chocolate. Your chocolate peanut butter cake sounds divine. My family got to where the standard birthday cake was an easy Cherry Chocolate cake with fudge icing. Haven’t made that in awhile though as my husband is now diabetic and I am on the border. Enjoy your 60th year and make many new memories.
Patti,
Sitting home and quilting while the snow falls sounds like a perfect kind of day.
Yes, Steve will be 65 in May and we’re looking forward to getting a little extra medical help.
Enjoy the snow!
Happy Birthday Becky! Have a wonderful day!!
Happy Birthday Becky! I first met you when you were traveling as Heartsong and came to Oakland Assembly in Ft Walton Beach FL. Jack Webster was the pastor and his wife was Joanne. My oldest daughter is married to one of their sons. They have 3 grown kids. Time sure has gone by fast. I hope your lungs continue to improve!
Debbie,
Oh yes, I remember the Websters. Great folks! And how nice that your daughter married into the family.
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a fabulous day 🙂
Michelle,
Thanks. I’ve done a lot of relaxing which is pretty fabulous!
Happy Birthday, Becky! I’ve been following you since your early days of blogging!
Donna,
Thanks so much for following all these years. Such an honor!
Becky, I hope you have the most fabulous birthday ever!! 60 is the new 50… at least that is what my mom told me 10 years ago when she was turning 60! 🙂 I am happy to hear that your lungs will hopefully be back to pre Covid soon, and pray that they even improve further!! Have the best day tomorrow.. and know that here in Durham that you will be thought of and loved greatly! Special hello to Sarah, I still have her graduation announcement on the bulletin board at work so that everyone knows exactly why we do our jobs every day, and so that I can pray for her and you guys!! Lots of love and birthday hugs coming to you!!
Tiffany,
How wonderful to know Sarah’s announcement is on your bulletin board. It IS a great reminder that what you do every day makes a difference. Our family is so grateful for you.
Happy birthday! Hope you have a blessed day. I’m from Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. I live 45 miles southwest of Charleston in Switzer, WV. My favorite cake is vanilla with vanilla icing! It is drizzling rain and windy today with highs in the ‘60s!
Alisa,
I love that your favorite dessert combo is two vanilla flavors. Nothing like having simple but impeccable taste!
Happy birthday! I hope you have an amazing day!
Thank you, Kristi,
And congrats on leaving the first of many, many comments that came in on this post.
I am so glad you had a nice birthday!”
Looks like a great time was had by all. I turned 60 last Saturday. My husband and daughters t threw me a surprise party!u was told I was going out for lunch. /and when I entered there were about 50 people! I had no clue. Saw people from my old job, many from my current job, friends, and family . The biggest surprise was my daughter, who lives in Florida, flew home to Central NY to attend the party. She was here 24 hours and then had to fly back! Crazy kids! It was a great day!
Michele,
How fun was that? Your family must be very good at keeping secrets because a surprise birthday is very hard to keep from the guest of honor. Kudos to everyone who had a part in it; sounds like a day you will treasure for a very long time.
Happy late birthday!