Timo's 60th Birthday Party

Bavarian Cream Fruit Cake: $35.00

Drinks & other refreshments: $80.00
Shrimp Cocktail: $12.50

Couple of Airplane tickets to see dad in Montreal: $1600.00

The Look on Timo's face at his 60th Surprise Birthday party: PRICELESS

“That sucks!” my sister both exclaimed a year ago when our Mom told us that growing up, they were so poor that Ma and Pa couldn’t afford to buy any of the 7 kids a gift on their birthdays. Not so much as even a cake was baked to acknowledge the day since Ma was so occupied trying to run a busy household, pacify her sometimes cranky husband and feed 7 hungry (not to mention greedy) mouths.
“Ma would just tell us Happy Birthday.” Doody said wistfully.

Well, when my mom told us that her big brother Timo was turning 60 next year, we thought it the perfect opportunity to have a party to celebrate it. And so, one year ago the idea was born and finally came to fruition this past Saturday, March 25, 2006.

It was decided to keep the celebration small, informal and limited to only close family and a few friends. Big son Maurice flew out from Winnipeg and younger brother Jasen flew all the way out from Kelowna, British Columbia to attend the event. Alas, his wife Suzie was unable to attend.

It was really great to have all the Canadian cousins reunited for the first time since my wedding. Just like the good ole days.

The day of the party, we all headed over to dahlia's house to help set up for the party. From all the pictures we took, it was clear to see that it was a night filled with friends, family, laughs, and never far from a Laborde...plenty of Food.

At about 6:45pm, Louise called to say they would be there in about 30 minutes. They would be slightly delayed because she was trying to get Timo into a decent pair of pants instead of the ratty old ones he was planning to wear. But she was trying to do it without arousing suspicion.

Finally at 7:15 pm, Steven staking out the front window yelled "HE"S HERE!!" About 20 family and friends scrambled into the basement.

We stood up in the dark and trying to contain our giddy excitement, poised to jump out of the shadows when he hit the last step. We heard them walking upstairs and there were the usual jokes as we waited. "I hope he doh have ah heart attack"....."What if he gets mad?"...and evryone telling the other to shut up.

We all braced ourselves when we saw his silhouette at the top of the stairs..okay..here he comes..get ready guys!!...and he finally reached the bottom stairs. 20 or so strangers leaped out of the darkness at him and yelled "SAAAPRIISE!!!"

Needless to say,he was completely surprised and after the initial shock wore off, it was the first time i have ever seen my uncle at a loss for words.

The rest of the evening was more hugs, food, jokes and good memories that we'll remember for years to come. Here are some pics from the night.

Louise and Tim
Tim still shocked. Moti feeling very pleased with himself that he was able to keep this a secret.

The gang
The hostess with the Mostess.

"What do you mean put back on my shoes , it stinks???"

"Oh Mon Dieu...this is da good sheet"

Des and Myriam hanging

Desmond's brother Neil- Professional Billiard Player

The other 2 organizers

"Brandon, my head has more air than that balloon"

Group Hug!

Dahlia with newlyweds Patricia and Louise's son- Nico

Do the chicken dance with grandpa, Brandon!

The 3 Bourdage sisters

Birthday parties..They're a Good Thing.

Ever wish you could relive your childhood?..okay, maybe not all of it but just the good parts. The hide and seek games at dusk, the great birthday parties that you didn't have to organize- just show up looking cute, swinging on the swings in the park without a care in the world, the saturday in June where your dad would just make your whole year by telling you he was taking the family to LaRonde (or Belmont park if you lived in Mtl.)
I've found that being the mom of a toddler sometimes allows me to become a kid again without making a fool out of myself..most of the time. Not that I'm living vicariously through Brandon. I'm just helping him discover the world we live in and how much fun it can be.
I mean you really can get away with a lot of things being a parent. For example, you can swing as high as you can on the park swings, dig big holes on the beach, have fun feeding the goats in the Mall's easter farms, ride the carousel in the neighbourhood fun fair. As long as you operate under the guise of being a devoted parent and the trick is to make sure your toddler is nearby. people pretty much ignore you and the fact that you might be having a lot more fun than the kid

This weekend we went to a birthday party thrown by a friend of mine for her daughter's 1st birthday. I have to admit, when they announced it was time for games, I felt a rush of excitement come over me. When I saw them arranging the chairs in that familiar lined up position, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm and jumped up. "We're gonna play Musical Chairs, Brandon..isn't this FUUUNN?!" He just gave me a strange look.
Since he was too small to really play any of the games by himself. I "graciously" offered my assistance to make sure he won at least one of the coveted prizes from the prize bag. From a gang of 30 kids, we were whittled down to the last 5,4 and then 2 people vying for a seat in that one single chair. When everybody heard the announcement that only Ryan and Stacy were left to play, i think people then start scratching their heads wondering what happened to Brandon. I simply told everyone that his little legs were too small to run and i would complete the game for him. Round and round we went and when the music stopped , one small push to Ryan's shoulders and I landed on the coveted seat. Cheers and applause as i ran to get brandon to "congratulate " him and we went to collect my , I mean, his prize

Brandon with his 8 helium balloons and Kimberley.

What would a party be without a Pinata?

Here are the kids making sure every single candy and toy have been picked up from the floor. and Brandon checking his loot.

I loved this idea. A juice fountain!...although not very toddler friendly. Brandon has already filled up 3 glasses of punch and is working on his 4th.

I really have to hand it to Alana who really knows how to throw an absolutely great party. Everything was excellent ,well-planned and executed. The themed decor of Strawberry shortcake and pink and purple were oh-so girly, the face painting clown, the games and then the seamless move from Kiddies party to adult party at night

If there is anybody wanting to organize a birthday party, anniversary or whatever- I highly recommend Caribbean Paradise on Newman Blvd in LaSalle for your catering and even hosting the event for you. Their food is mouth-wateringly good. They specialize in Chinese "Guyanese style" food. On the menu that night was Fried rice, their house specialty of yellow chow mein noodles and fried chicken, goat meat, dhalphorie rotis and salad. Even desserts were great- thanks I'm sure to Alana's baking. Currants rolls, a delectable and moist coconut/fruit bread and various other desserts were laid out after dinner

And of course, here is the birthday girl who i saw later in the night jamming away to the melodious tunes of Rupee. happy 1st Birthday Cintra and many more to come!!

Stay Tuned for my next blog: East vs. West ..Indians.