In the beginning....

Several people have commented that the idea to celebrate Kevin's 50th birthday for 50 days is so creative, clever, fun, or unique. I wish that I could take credit for the idea but it all started over 20 years ago with my mom's boss, Larry.  Larry apparently loved playing practical jokes on his friends and family. So when he turned 50 his wife decided to play an epic practical joke on him. She scheduled 50 friends and family to prank him for 50 days. At the time my mom was Larry's admin and she helped arrange and coordinate the pranks. Someone Saran-wrapped his car, there were 50 black balloons with long streamers placed in his office, and someone placed a fish in his desk drawer. Phew!

Although I don't enjoy practical jokes I thought the idea of celebrating a birthday for 50 days was amazing. I couldn't wait until my mom turned 50. So in 2006, I planned and organized my mom's 50 days of celebrating. I decided to do her 50 days prior to her November birthday. Who wouldn't be excited to turn 50 after already celebrating for 50 days prior to your birthday? For ease of scheduling, I made it 10 weeks, Monday - Friday only. 

With the help of my IT husband, I was able to get the contacts out of her phone. I was also able to work with my mom's admin, Pat, who helped coordinate gifts, deliveries, and events. More importantly, she took pictures each day so that I could document the celebration. 

On Day 1, after making sure my mom went off to lunch with a conspiring friend, I snuck into the office with my 1-year-old daughter and decorated her office and office door. When she arrived back at work I surprised her with the news that for the next 10 weeks, 50 days, she was going to receive a gift or surprise. 

What a fun 10 weeks it was!!  Some of my favorite gifts were these:

-A singing Telegram from the Grim Reaper from her ex-step-mother-in-law (They are still friends!)

-A large coffin was built in the front yard by her barber

-My aunts surprised her at work in these crazy costumes

-50 rolls of toilet paper

-Weekend visits from my mom's sister, ex-sister-in-laws, and best friend Pam

On the last day, I presented her with a scrapbook to remember all the fun we had. For your viewing pleasure here are a few pictures from her scrapbook.