Memoirs of a (not so) Desperate Housewife: 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.