"50 Days to Fifty", a Birthday Countdown!

My beloved turned the BIG 5-0 on November 9!!

He did not want a big party, so I decided to celebrate his life every day for 50 days.  Crazy!  I know.  He loved it!

I had a wrapped box on the table and each morning there was something to open.  As Stan the Man said, "It was like a big Advent calendar!"

I counted back and started the celebration 50 days out.

Here it is::

Week 1

Day 1: Fun facts from 1968
Day 2: Vintage beer mug (glass, in the shape of a can)
Day 3: A favorite snack (dark chocolate bar)
Day 4: Movie night - The Green Berets (1968 w/ John Wayne)
Day 5: What I Love About Dad (from Stan the man)
Day 6: New Tackle Shirt (for fishing)
Day 7: Favorite dessert (Suzi Q cakes)


Week 2

Day 8: Photo collage (grade school)
Day 9: Top songs from 1968
Day 10: What I Love About Dad (from Ester)
Day 11: Movie night, Where Eagles Soar (1968 w/ Richard Burton & Clint Eastwood)
Day 12: Card from a friend
Day 13: King David shirt (a fishing nickname)
Day 14: Memory from a former neighbor


Week 3

Day 15: Something needed (gift card for new shoes)
Day 16: What I Love About Dad (from Sarah)
Day 17: Something You Want (Scavenger hunt day!!  Found a new rod & reel hidden away)
Day 18: Move night, Planet of the Apes (1968 w/ Charlton Heston)
Day 19: Card from a friend
Day 20: Favorite snack (licorice)
Day 21: Birth day facts

Week 4

Day 22: Photo collage (each time you became a new daddy)
Day 23: What I Love About Dad (from Clementine)
Day 24: Something funny (manly soap)
Day 25: Movie night, Once Upon a Time in the West (1968, Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda)
Day 26: Something you need (new dress shirts)
Day 27: Card and gift card from a friend
Day 28: Gift from a friend

Week 5

Day 29: Card from a brother (with old family photos)
Day 30: Something for aging eye sight (magnified bathroom mirror)
Day 31: Things I Love About Dad (from Mabel)
Day 32: Movie night, Yours, Mine, & Ours (1968 w/ Lucille Ball & Henry Fonda)
Day 33: Gag gift from a sister
Day 34: Facts from birth year (1968 was a terribly depressing year!!)
Day 35: Gag gift from a sister-in-law

Week 6

Day 36: A card and homemade word find (from his 87 year old mother)
Day 37: Fun shirt
Day 38: Something you like to drink
Day 39: Gift from a friend (50 caliber shell, engraved, bottle opener)
Day 40: Gag gift from a sister
Day 41: Ensure you smell good as you age (cologne)
Day 42: Favorite camping snack

Week 7

Days 43 - 48: Cards from his children and one last fishing gift
Day 49: Card and gift card from his mother-in-law
Day 50: Birthday gifts from his children and more cards arrived in the mail!

I had put a few messages out to family and friends to let them know what I was up to and if they wanted to contribute to the countdown.  I'm so glad so many decided to join in on the fun because it really made this that much easier and David sure appreciated all of those folks who helped him celebrate.

On day 50, we spent the night at home quietly admiring the man :)  Sarah came home from college for the weekend.  Saturday had us celebrating with close friends at an amazing steak house.

More photos to come!

Patty

The Feast of St. Martin de Tours

St. Martin was known for ripping his cloak in two and giving a piece to a freezing beggar on the street. Later, in a vision, Martin realized the beggar was Jesus. 

My kids work on many service projects throughout the year, always helping those less fortunate. I like to gift them each year on this feast day with something little THEY need to keep them warm or dry. 

This year, Emma received an umbrella for her new used car, MiMi received a needed hat, Sarah received some new mittens, Cecelia needed a new jacket, and Sam needed new flip flops (we wear them year round in TX). They don’t expect it or ask for any of it, it’s just done out of love. ❤️ 

St. Martin, pray for us 🙏🏻🗡

Maria's Baptism Birthday

On November 16, we celebrate the day that Miss Maria was baptized.  :)

I like to tell her the story about her name...

When your mommy and daddy both come from large, Catholic families, the name Mary is usually used a few times (Catholic family problems) 😊 Since my first choice was taken, I didn’t know what to name you. Your daddy was at a daily Mass during the month of May that year and heard the name “Maria” in a song. He came home and excitedly announced he found the right name 💙 My dear Maria, may you always know how much Our Lady loves you as she wraps you in her mantle, and may you continue to know, love, and serve God in this world 🙏🏻👼🏻 Happy Baptism day! (11/16/03)

We gifted her with a Scriptural devotion this year ::

God bless you always, Maria!

Love,
Dad and Mom

Feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Remembering St. Frances Xavier Cabrini on her feast day because she is Sarah's Confirmation saint. 

It's so easy to do this at home with your own kiddos.  Remembering is the key! Ha ha!  I found this at Tuesday Morning while Christmas shopping. ;)

Mother Cabrini, pray for us!

Patty

Sarah's Baptism Birthday

Nineteen years ago, on a beautiful sunny afternoon, our baby Sarah was baptized into the Catholic faith.  She was our firstborn, and I remember so many details.  What a blessing she continues to be to our family!

We try our hardest to remember our children's Baptism days by relighting their Baptismal candle, looking at old photos from their special day, perhaps reading over the cards they received, and by gifting them with some small, faith-based gift.

Since Sarah is away at college, I sent her this special miniseries on St. Theresa of the Andes.

I want her to bring it home over Thanksgiving break so I can watch it, too!  I heard it is an excellent miniseries.

God bless you, Sarah!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Adoption Anniversary

Adoption is not always easy on the adoptee, but hanging out with friends on your special day makes it a memorable one :)

After some fun at the bowling alley, Stan the man had his traditional chocolate cake for dessert.

We love you, Stan the Man!

Patty