Happy Birthday Mom!

My mother celebrated her 60th 45th birthday on December 31st. She requested I make brunch for the celebration, and stipulated I use my fine china, crystal and flatware......When I asked what she'd like to be eating on the china plates, she replied she didn't care as long as I served the meal on the china. I was tempted to order a pizza. Just kidding! I was thrilled to be able to use my wedding gifts and the china my grandmother passed down to me. My grandmother passed away in February, and I really felt using the china to celebrate her first born child's birthday was a lovely way for her presence to be there. When I set the table, and lit the candles, I really felt her there, as she was an amazing hostess and cook. I think she would have loved to see me taking my turn as hostess!                                                 
I made a challah strata, melon wrapped with prosciutto, and crab stuffed mushrooms. My grandmother always made stuffed mushrooms on holidays. I kinda just made the recipe up for mine, and I think she used sausage for hers. I want to make them with sausage next time for a change.

My sister and I made a book for our mom's birthday gift. All her friends submitted stories and memories. Some made poems and gave us old photos. My sister designed the whole thing on shutterfly. My mom was really touched, and I'm so glad.

My sister leaves to head back to China this afternoon. I cried the whole way home from her goodbye dinner last night. I miss her terribly, but I know she is so happy and having the adventure of a lifetime there! I can't expect her to stay here when the world is calling her name! It was great having three weeks together. Now I'll have to start saving so I can visit her in Shanghai!