Exactly one year ago today my mom went into surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer. We were very fortunate that it was found early and once she was out of surgery we were told she had stage 2 and her prognosis was very good. Fast forward one year and six weeks worth of radiation and we are so grateful that my mom is in great health and is currently cancer free.
The day before Thanksgiving almost 14 years ago, we unexpectedly and tragically lost my dad way too early at the age of 56 so when we got the news about my mom being sick, needless to say it shook us to the core. I for one could not imagine having to go through that kind of loss again, not now when I feel my mom still has so much life to live and not while she plays such an active role in our lives and my son relies on her to be his grandma that always comes to visit and play with him. So needless to say when we heard the awesome news shortly after my mom finished radiation last November that she was cancer free we knew exactly what to do this past March when her birthday rolled around. We decided to secretly plan a surprise "Celebration of Life Birthday Party" for her so that we could not only celebrate having her in our lives for another year and many more to come, but also celebrate all that she had endured while battling cancer and then triumphed through.
My mom loves birds and bird houses-in fact she has both as decor all throughout her home so the bird/birdhouse theme felt like a perfect match. I haven't shared photos from her party yet even though her party was over 7 months ago, but today seemed like a perfect day since it marks a year from her surgery and because it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
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| These macaroons were just as delicious as they were gorgeous and I custom ordered them from Sparkles Kitchen. She was wonderful to work with and seriously these were to die for! You can find her etsy shop here. |
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| One of my mom's favorite candies are marshmallow Peeps-thank goodness her party was held near Easter time and blue Peeps were everywhere! I thought these were too cute not to add to her dessert table. |
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| Another delicious dessert were these mouth watering red velvet cake truffles custom made by my friend Heather of Cake Bites. We have had her truffles and cupcakes at a couple of events now and she never disappoints. So, so divine!! You can find her here. |
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| The banner appropriately spelled out CELEBRATE |
The party was at my younger brother's house and he unfortunately had just had a water leak that wasn't fully repaired yet so he asked me to come up with a way to cover the water damage.
These seemed to do the trick!
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| I was so happy with how these adorable bird nest cupcakes turned out. These too were made by Heather of Cake Bites . She recently moved to Las Vegas...and I can tell you my parties just won't be the same without her little bites of heaven! |
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| Oh and the cake! I LOVED this ruffle cake that another one of my talented friends Carisia made. It of course had to pink to not only represent the battle my mom fought and won, but also because it was so pretty!! My cousin Terri spray painted the bird cage for me and we topped the cake off with a white bird to represent my mom. If you are in the East Bay Area out here in California and are ever in need of a cake, send me a note and I will give you Carisia's info-her cakes are awesome! |
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| The very surprised and happy birthday girl! |
The event was a beautiful night and I couldn't think of any better reason to throw a party! We were able to completely surprise my mom as she walked in to her all-time favorite song "Celebration" playing in the background, surrounded by some of her closest family and friends.
Dedicated to my mom who has proven once again that during the toughest of times she is a fighter!
Love you!
PS-The printables created for her party will be revised and available soon in my shop!
POSTED BY AILEEN - LIL' BUCKAROO DESIGNS
