For the past six weeks I've been bottling secret after secret for my Mom's 60th birthday and it's been killing me. I've wanted to share what I've been up to and show my mom the gift my Dad asked me to make for her, but of course I've had to sit back and wait patiently. Well, let me paint a more accurate picture, I shouldn't say sit back and wait because every moment I had went into making her gift. Seriously hundreds of hours sifting through box after box of photos, scanning, and putting the gift together on my computer was all I did since the moment I was asked to do it.
But before I get into all of that...my sister is back in town. Yes that would be twice in the last 3 weeks. The first time was to take a family photo to go with the gift and this time to surprise my mom for her birthday. I'm actually shocked it ended up being a surprise at all with my multiple almost slip ups that could have given it away.
So today while trying to keep the charade going we headed to boondocks, a family fun center, and had a day of it.
After the all day event, we were so exhausted, we headed for the party. It was fun to see my mom completely surprised to see my sister and then equally surprised that my dad had invited all her family and friends to join us in celebrating her 60 years or what she likes to say, 15 years (leap year baby).
I must admit I was a bit nervous and on edge the entire time. It's so hard to give someone something you've worked so hard on and that everyone is counting on to be the big thing, but I knew she would love it so I don't know why I was so nervous. How could she not right? I mean it is a treasure to me how could it not be a treasure to her.
I made her a blurb book of her life thus far. Like I said it was quite an undertaking, but I'm so so glad I did it. I learned so much about my mother and came to understand her in a whole new way. I cried on may occasions as I remembered times and experiences with my family and almost wished I could go back to those moments when all seemed right and less complicated.
a few of the 166 page book
You know with everyone there she really didn't have that much time to sit down and read it all and soak in the photos, but I'm certain when she does she will feel loved and see that she has had a full life, and really that is all we wanted to give her...to know she is loved.
Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.
26 comments:
That present looks beautiful! I have been thinking about getting a photo book made and I haven't decided between blurb and shutterfly? How was your experience and how would you rate the quality? Did you design all the pages yourself? It is no wonder you have been so busy. I am sure you mother loved it.
That is a gift she (and everyone else in the family) is going to treasure forever. I'm so glad it turned out so well.
Amazing! I just know it turned out beautifully- how could it not? What a fantastic idea and it is so generous that you would spend so much time putting it together. I can imagine going through all those pictures and the questions you would have but not be able to ask for fear of the secret being revealed!
yay amy!!! so glad it all turned out! i've been wondering about it! it looks as though it was so meaningful for her.
Wow! What a fabulous undertaking for you mom! It looks beautiful. I am sure she will really treasure this!
AMAZING gift! She will love it! We did a surprise 60th for my mom last November and we had everyone do a page and made a album for her and she LOVES it. I would love to have done something like that for her though!
amy, that is an amazing gift, it is obvious how much time you put into it, I'm sure it will be evident once she has a moment alone with your masterpiece.
The book looks so amazing! I knew it would turn out awesome, you have such a talent for projects like that. I think it's the perfect gift for a 60th birthday (or any birthday really). Congrats on keeping the secret and doing such a great job!
Sounds like such a fun day. What beautiful photos, I only wish you could have posted the whole thing. It looks amazing, what a great gift for your mother, and she's so lucky to have such a talented daughter to put it all together.
Amy, I don't even know how I came across this blog...maybe from Kara Kelly's?? (I just saw a comment on here from her...she's my husband's cousin) Anyway, I'm not sure, but I wanted say hi and I think you are amazing. I can't believe how creative you are. This is such a huge project and I'm sure it took so much work! I'm sure your mom will treasure it forever. I love your photography! Anyway, just wanted to say hi and thanks for the inspiration.
Congratulations on having your hard work pay off so beautifully. It really looks stunning and I'm sure your mother will treasure it forever. I hope she had a happy birthday and that now, you can focus on some of your other projects.
what a wonderful tribute for your mother. i am so amazed of all the work and love you put into it. it looks beautiful and i am sure she will treasure it as well as become an heirloom for the family. happy birthday to your beautiful mum.
Wow wow wow. What an amazing gift.
hey you--just found your blog. hope you're doing well. sounds like you are. i'll definitely be keeping up with you.
and what an incredible gift, one which will be forever cherished!
hugs,
deb
I have been excited to do this for my parents 50th anniversary in a few years. Maybe I should get started now, knowing my pace. Yours turned out wonderfully!
Amy, that looks amazing. Truly the best gift you can give someone is a gift of time and talent and that certainly looks like it is!
That is a big project, Amy! It looks wonderful, and I'm sure well worth all the time and effort for how loved your mom will feel every time she looks at it. Congratulations on a job well done.
Aren't those blurb books fun? I just made my first one about the first year I blogged.
I am planning on doing one for my grandma, too.
You did a wonderful, fabulous job. I love it! And I am sure your mom was thrilled : )
One word. Wow! Amy what an amazing gift. Happy Birthday to your mom.
How sweet! I'm sure your mom just loves it!
amazing amazing. what a talent you have and how terrific that you could share it with your mother. it looks like all of your hard work and secret keeping paid off!
Amazing, Amy! That is the most incredible gift. I'm sure she will treasure it.
I love your book idea. I can't even imagine the time involved. You've inspired me, and I'vd downloaded Blurb...although at first glance, I'm a little overwhelmed. Does Blurb have a place to turn off auto enhance, that has been a real struggle for me with past book making. Twice enhanced photos just bug me, so I'm been looking for a bookmaker that won't do that.
shonda as far as I know blurb does not enhance your photos. What you upload is what you're going to get. It's really good quality.
What a wonderful gift!
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