Mom Turns 70!

My Mom, better known as Oma  (the Dutch word for Grandma) turned 70 in May. The whole family came together to celebrate this special occasion. We celebrated the event at Mike and Judith's beautiful new home. And after some very hot and humid weather, we were blessed with perfect weather- 70 degrees!

My mom loves to cook and have people over. So it was fun to let her be on the receiving end for once. We came up with a simple make-ahead menu: mustard baked pork-tenderloin, potato salad, green bean salad with balsamic vinegar and shallots, homemade rolls, a large garden salad and watermelon. Dessert included strawberry shortcake (with freshly picked berries), key-lime tarts and chocolate mousse cups.

                                     

We decorated with miscellaneous painted jars filled with fresh flowers in a grey and yellow floral theme. The kids sat outside on the deck.

The grandchildren made special pages as a keepsake for their Oma- pictures, sayings and poems to honor her. We also sang her favorite hymns together and read Psalm 90, a Dekker family tradition recited at birthdays.

Seventy used to seem so old. But somehow when your parents reach that age it no longer seems so far away! How quickly life moves along... "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90: 12).

                                                      (group picture taken by Bill Cerynik)

"Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her: many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

Proverbs 31: 28 & 29