Happy Birthday Mom....a year of "new"

Saturday was my Mom's Birthday and we are very thankful to have her in our lives and to be able to celebrate another year with her!!! We typically have a "special" weekend planned but this year was different as my grandma just passed away. She was not only VERY sad but had to move out of her apartment and into my grandparents house this weekend. Friday was spent moving things into the attic and rearranging furniture. We went to church together on Sabbath as a family and had a very nice lunch together. But as soon as the sun went down, preparation for the move then next day needed to begin.....not so party fun but had to be done!! My youngest sister came into town and surprised her.....needless to say a few tears shed but happy tears!!! We also want my grandparents house to become "her own" house and started this process for her by "redecorating" her guest bathroom. Silly me didn't take one picture but she loved it and it looks completely different!!! We moved Sunday and due to being completely blessed to be part of a wonderful church family it was a smooth/quick process. Because when mom called the church to put in a "thank you" request for the bulliten for everyone's prayers (during the loss of gram) the church secretary and mom began talking....by the end of the conversation she told mom that she would have some men over to her house by 8 am Sunday morning to help with the move. Meaning mom had to only pay for the U-haul (which is a whole other story as they bumped the price per mile down for mom)!!! God is sooooo very good and we are soooo very thankful to the people who came out to help us.  Monday we were able to spend the day together.....just the girls....starting out at the YMCA for a workout then to lunch for good food and lots of visiting! So not a typical Birthday weekend but none the less blessed by good family, love,  good food, a wonderful church family, and above all a GOD who is constantly present!!! 

Singing Happy Birthday

Blowing out candles....which is never a one person job if you have kids in the house!

Opening hand-made cards....from Emery

...and Kayden

Right after graduating from nursing my friend Erika found these great little apartments in North Chattanooga (built in the early 1900's) called Dallas Manor Apartments. She lived here for a little while, then I moved into her place when she moved out west. Then when mom moved here about 4 1/2 years ago we knew this was the perfect place for her as she loves old buildings/homes. This has become her "home". If you don't know exactly where to turn you'll miss the driveway which is completely enclosed with shrubs/trees on either side. So you feel like your living in your own little world....very private and safe.

Her bedroom, probably a favorite room as it's completely windows and mom LOVES sunlight!!

Old chandelier 

Dining room

Stain glass window in the hall staircase outside her door

They have very old...very cool elevators

There is a back staircase...leading off the Kitchen door, they were once used for servants and delivery's. So this is where milk and other items where delivered. 

Front door leading into the apartments

Small sitting area outside

Mom's door.....we sadly say good bye as this was a perfect starting place for her to live in Chattanooga but we are hoping for this to be a GREAT year for new beginings for her!!!

All our wonderful help from church.....Jon of course being completely silly and uncooperative!!! 

Saying good-bye to Auntie Karlie before she went back to Knoxville!