Her friend Gina and I wanted to do something over the top, but knew a party wasn't allowed. Joan hates attention. And not in one of those "i-am-going-to-tell-you-i-hate-attention-but-really-i-love-it" ways. Like, I know she won't speak to me if I try to pull a bunny out of a hat.
Anyway, the idea was to create this "50 Wishes" box, where 50 people send in a card or a letter for her to open from the box.
We got cards from work friends, family, neighbors, church friends, and even her oil change guy and dog groomer.
All of the cards were stamped in order from one to fifty and placed in the box.
Of course, you always have that one friend who gets an envelope too big for the box. Or the friends and family that you have to track down an hour before the box is due. :)
Joan thought I was coming over to help her paint last night. That was her first mistake. Instead, Gina and I show up at the same time with the "50 Wishes" box and a bag of Chinese food.
Looking at these pictures just makes me grin ear to ear. She was so happy, so moved, and felt so loved. The last card was from her oldest son, Jeffrey. He wrote her a letter titled "50 Reasons You're an Awesome Mom." A few of my favorites... "You made me and I am awesome,".... "Your ability to return anything without a receipt,"... "You spend 20 minutes setting Mouse Trap up for Aiden, even though he always quits half way through."....
Happy Birthday, Joanie. I love you. Boats n' Hoes this weekend.
Such a cute idea :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this idea!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are a good friend, Holly!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and the pictures speak a thousand words!
ReplyDeleteAww, what a sweet idea.
ReplyDeleteAm I a sap that this post made my cry? I hope I have a friend as nice as you guys when I turn 50.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and it is so thoughtful! So I haven't commented on one of your posts yet because I have spent alot of time going back and reading them all...well not all...since I have a family that needs me but I must say you are awesome and I look forward to reading your blog everyday!
ReplyDeleteOh this is SUCH a fantastic idea! I love it! You're such a good friend, pat yourself on the back (by the way I'm stealing this idea for when my Momma has her 50th)And those pictures you took are precious. So sweet!
ReplyDeleteI have seen this idea before but for anniversaries. I love it such a great idea! It's wonderful to have truly amazing friends.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome idea!! You are a wonderful friend and I know you made her day!! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteAhhh! Happy Birthday to your friend Joan! Hope you girls had a great time and be safe on your Boats N Hoses whatever that is :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and such a good friend you are. She will treasure those more than a party for years to come!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea! My sis's 40th is tomorrow and I wish I would have done this!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm just having an off day, but this post brought tears in my eyes. Such a WONDERFUl WONDERFUL friend you are!!! And so so so thoughtful- right up my alley actually. I know 50 is awhile away for me, but I need to drop hints now because it would mean everything to have something like this. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Those pictures are adorable, too, so sweet what you guys did for your friend. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! What a great idea! I think I'll do this for Hubby's birthday in a few years! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the sweetest gift ever.
ReplyDeleteI was planning to do this for my parent's 60th birthdays (which are a week apart)!! They have lived all over the world and I'm really excited for it! LOVE THIS!!
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