Eileen's belated wish

Dear Eileen,

You are a wonderful person and I like you just the way you are. I enjoy your honesty and great values. Your moral character and Jesus shines through your heart. You have been given a gift and you are so worthy. You and Mark are the perfect parents for Grayson and Julia. God put you all together and I'm sure he said, "This is good". I am happy for you and to think of what will become of your future- it is so exciting. Grayson sounds committed to working hard and Julia's drawing... you are so lucky to have a girl who is so insightful. She will look out after you- and thankfully for all of us- maybe she will look out for us, too.

Cherish this 50th year.

Love,

Kathy Straub

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Eileen-

Wow, happy belated Birthday! You are such a sweet and beautiful lady! I admire so many of your wonderful qualities. I hope that the next 50 years are as great as the first 50. Hope to see you more this year!

With love,

Stacey Perry

birthday wish!

Happy birthday Eileen! You are a wonderful person and I am impressed with how much you do for your family and yourself! This tribute to you should show how much you have touched the lives of others and what outstanding friends you have. As a member of the family, thanks for making such a wonderful and devoted wife  for  my brother. I hope you have enjoyed all life's wonders the 1st 50 and you will continue to for the next! Happy Birthday Eileen!
Annie

To our lovely daughter, Eileen

Hi Eileen, First of all, Happy Birthday. It doesn't seem possible that you are 50 years old today. I can still see a beautiful little baby laying in my arms. She didn't have much hair, as were her brothers and sisters also, but when it came in it was blonde and she had lovely blue eyes.That sweet little baby grew into the wonderful woman that we know today. Dad and I are so proud of you and we are so thankful to our LORD for watching over you and protecting you as you grew up.
As we have read over all the letters that your friends and other family members have written, we want to say, ditto!!!!!!! You know that we love you very much and we pray that this will be a memorable day for you, cause, after all, 50 is young and you are young in heart and that's what really matters.
Have a wonderful weekend and we will see you tomorrow.
We love ya lots. Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday!

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Just wanted to wish you a VERY happy 50th birthday Eileen!

You make 50 look GREAT!!!  Enjoy this special day!

Mari and Alan

Continuing to Impress

I remember meeting Eileen for the first time at the Weber Christmas at my grandma's house in Sigourney, Iowa. Mark brought her home to meet the folks, and we had traveled to Iowa from Texas that year. (Don't ask me what year - they all run together.) However, I recall she had this awesome leather pant suit on and she looked terrific. Mark always seemed to go for smart blondes, and Eileen seemed to be the smartest one yet!

Probably more than anything else, I have always been impressed by Eileen's determination and her willingness to work hard at anything she does. I have occasionally teased her about her need to make everything 'perfect', but be assured that there is a degree of envy in any comment I might make about that!

Jerry and I will be joining the 50+ ranks this summer, and that means that Eileen--because she turns 50 first--sets the standard. You're awesome, Eileen, and we wish you another really wonderful, adventurous and 'perfect' 50 years.

Susan and Jerry Hurst

To my gorgeous wife

Eileen, the day has finally arrived, you are now 50. It seems such a short time ago we met at your then young age of 33. Since that time, so much of what I have become is because of you. Your grounding principles of love, respect, family, health, and spirituality resonate in our children and in my soul. Before you came into my life it was incomplete and occasionally empty, however, your presence & values continue rounded out my own identity.

Standing next to you has always been with a sense of pride. The pleasure of knowing who you are, what you represent, your lioness strength and of course the beauty that you exude has always attracted me. I can’t imagine not feeling this way as time passes, the kids leave, retirement approaches and we continue down the path of our lives together. I will always love you regardless of the storms. The marvel of life with you resides in your strength, values, love and the sunshine you bring, and continue to shine on my life and our family.

Happy 50th Birthday! Love, Mark

Hi Eileen,
What fun it is to have this blog for your birthday...you have such a great husband! It is also great to read all of the amazing things that people have said about you...all of which are true. Except the one from our dear brother, that is, who feared you might get a big head...(I know you're reading this Butch)...where did he find that song...it was hilarious. Anyway, I really can't believe that you are going to be 50!! How can that be?? You don't look or act anywhere near that. You know I started wondering how Mom and Dad must feel having 6 children 50 or above and only one (that would be me) still in their fourties...not to rub it in or anything. In fact, I know that when I see you this weekend people will have to ask which one is 50 (unless they look at my skunk roots that is then they'll think its me for sure!!). Seriously though, it is such a blessing to have you as my sister...you have been my best friend, my confidant, my encourager through so many things. And the best part is that our lives have taken a similar course in that we both have small children that will get to grow up together, have husbands who get along great and the opportunity to experience many things together as families. It is what we always dreamed of and now it is here...I pray that we will always nuture our relationship and grow old with a lifetime of memories to look back on and be thankful for. And like so many people have already said ( which you will have to scream at me in a few years), 50 is only a number and be thankful that you have another birthday because we all know what the alternative is. So thank God and rejoice for another year, family, good health, good friends and a great lil sis! I love you and Happy Birthday! Can't wait for this weekend.
Darlene

Thank you, Lord, for Eileen!

Dear Heavenly Father,Remember, Lord, when I packed up my house and kids in frigid Minnesota exactly 10 years ago and moved to a house on Alta Visa Way in Danville, California? I didn’t realize that You were intentionally plopping me right across the street from Eileen! I didn’t know that the yummy treats she brought me to welcome me to the neighborhood were just the beginning of a special friendship (and many more yummy treats! :) ) I didn’t realize that she was Your daughter. I didn’t realize the special person You had made in her. I didn’t realize the future we would share. I didn’t realize at that time You were giving me the sister I never had! Thank you, Lord, for Eileen! Thank you for all that we’ve shared and for all that she means to me. Thank you for our uncanny similarities which have brought us together and for our distinct differences with which You have sharpened me. Thank you for the happiness you’ve brought her with her loving husband, Mark, her special son, Grayson, and the baby we all waited for for so long, Julia. I pray this day that you will grant Eileen inner peace and joy as you reveal in a new way Your love for her and Your divine purpose for her life. I pray that You will bless her this day and fill her cup to overflowing with blessing far beyond her wildest imagination! In Christ’s name I pray, Amen. Happy Birthday, Eileen!! Thank you for your love, your support, your humor, your common sense, your example, your depth, your dependable presence in my life. I love you!!!! Brenda

Eileen's 50th

Wishing you a very happy birthday.  Just remember 50 is only a number and doesn't affect how one feels, looks or thinks.  You live your life in a way that is governed by higher things and that makes you who you are, a person who loves and is loved which is felt by all who know you. Having you as part of our family is a blessing indeed!

 

Lots of Love,

Clarence and Rosemary

The BIG FIVE-O

Eileen,

I have been watching this blog for the last several days, and noticed all the nice things that family and friends are saying about you. And, although I am sure they are all true, I, as your big brother am concerned.

Each day, more nice things are said, and, I believe that the "Birthday Girl" picture seems to be getting bigger and bigger, making room for a bigger and bigger head. Now, if this continues, it may eventually get so big, that there may not be enough room for all the nice comments.

So, big brother to the rescue (remember I used to kill the spiders in your room?). I have included a link to a song that puts "turning 50" into perspective. Please don't be offended, 'cause many of us have "been there, done that, and take Zantac." So we know how it really is.

Click on this link for a reality check: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoZGKV1cfvI

And by the way, Happy Birthday.

Love,
Butch

Happy Birthday Eileen,

Congratulations on your big day.

We wish you the very best,

Warmly,

Mark and Andrea O'Brien

Happy Birthday!!

Hi! Just wanted to wish you a Happy 50 th!! I can't believe you are 50 - it nice to know there is someone else in that age range at school. I'm so glad I've gotten to know you over the years. I admire you so much. Not only as a Mom - you are creative, athletic, a worker, and you can sing!! Most of all you are a great and caring person who is a blessing to me and all those around you.

Have a Great Birthday!
Love, Cheryl

Happy 50th birthday Eileen. I guess I didn't really realize that this was going to be your 50th birthday this year. I remember when I turned 50 so just be thankful your only turning 50 and not 54. Ha. Ha. Really Eileen there are thousands of women who only wish they could look as good as you do at 50. You are beautiful inside and out. You are a wonderful wife and mom, and sister. I pray you have a wonderful day. Don't focus on the 50 part just be thankful you have another day. I love you lots.

Your sister,
Kathy

50 WOW!

Wow 50! Looking awful good for reaching that ½ century mark. Wish we could be there to help you celebrate, but we will certainly toast a glass of wine (or two) back here in Iowa to your aging gracefully. Might even have a beer (or two).
Happy Birthday!!
Mike and Cheryl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EILEEN

Dear Eileen,
First of all, since I know you pretty well, I can guess that you are dreading the BIG 5-0. Let me tell you, as one of your much "older" sisters, that 50 is not that bad. I know you will knock people's socks off when you tell them that you are 50. How can someone that looks as good as you be 50? You truly are a beautiful person, inside and out. I am so proud to have you as my sister. I know without hesitation that if I called you and needed something you would do anything in your power to help. I have always admired your energy and ability to set a goal for yourself, then follow through with it, and do a darn good job along the way. I wish I had your motivation. Michael and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday and let you know how much we love you. Remember 50 is the new 40, especially in your case, so don't worry, just sit back and enjoy your life. Life is so precious and we have to appreciate every day, even if it does bring a wrinkle or two. We earn those wrinkles, they are love lines! And I know you are truly loved by all who know you. All our love, Jeanine and Michael

Eileen,

Happy Birthday to you. We hope you enjoy your very special day. You deserve it. Do all of the things that make you happy for the day. Many, many birthday blessings and here's to the next 50!

Love, Carrie, Tony, C.J., Cate, and Robbie

Say it ain't so!

Don't worry about this, Eileen. It gets easier after 50. Birthdays 51, 52 are much easier. You deserve a party.

Love, Martha

Eileen's big 50

Eileen,

How do I begin to express the memories you and I have shared and what you mean to me?
I'll try to summerize a few highlights........
Choir,Eden's Door,Focused Living Facilitators,getting Julia,long talks,fun times,kid stuff,family get togethers,girl time,hormones,many,many,workouts,Bootcamp,some great laughs,some sad and tough times,Birthdays,Smallgroup,cooking,good advice........
We've shared so many things that only good friends can share. I love how we can be so honest with each other:) Thank you for being such a great example of how a Mom and wife should be with her family. I've learned a lot from you. You have a certain wisdom that has helped me many times. It helps me to know you are just a call away. You are pretty on the outside and have such a big heart on the inside. I love you my Forever Friend and am looking forward to many more memories together in the future!

Happy Birthday and thanks for making 50 look so easy,

Lana

Eileen's Birthday

To My Dear Friend Eileen,

Can you believe that we have known each other for over 30 years now? We worked together in Mary Kay Cosmetics when you were right out of high school and also at the Grupe Company in Stockton, CA. You were a "star" in Mary Kay, a model employee at Grupe, and you put your heart and soul into everything you attempt. You are a beautiful woman inside and out. I consider it an honor to know the sweet, caring, wonderful person that you are.

You've always put your family first and have had your priorities in place. It makes me so happy to know that you have found your soul mate in Mark and are raising two beautiful children together. This is the life style that you always dreamed of having.

We don't get together as often as we once did because of the distance between us. When we do have the chance to talk, it's as though we live next door. I'd like you to know that I will always consider you one of my best friends ever. I wish you continued blessings and a happy birthday. 50 looks terrific on you, Girlfriend! Love and Hugs, Joni Morris www.jonimorris.com

50 is Great!

Eileen:

I think of you and always smile. You are one of God's bright lights and always you are shining and trying hard to do the best you can. I love you as a sister, really. I know you are always there for me and knowing you are there is a comfort in my life. Of course you probably feel even more like family since we seem to spend our Holidays at your house! God Bless you always and rejoice in this new milestone. You are the best looking 50 I know, inside and out.

Happy Birthday,

Susan

RE: Hello from the Twin Cities

Hey Eileen!

 

I think there must be some mistake! You don't LOOK 50! (I just saw your Christmas card, so I know what I'm talking about).

 

Congratulations! One of God's greatest gifts to us is time on the earth to enjoy those he has given us to love. You have been blessed with a beautiful family and good health so you can nurture them.

 

Here's to your next 50!

 

(Just one thing -- promise me you'll stay fashionable and trendy!)

 

Love;

 

Lisa Holt

P.S. I'm counting on the cold weather to stave off wrinkles. I'll let you know that works in a few years.

 

 

Happy Birthday Mommy

Dear Mom, I hope you like this note to you. It’s been quite awhile since I typed to you. Violets are blue, the sun is hot I hope you have a fun walking around the city and through this adventure. I hope you like this card.

I love Mom because she is nice to me. She likes flowers, she loves me.


From Julia Appleget

Happy Birthday!!!

Eileen, You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. You always have such
a positive attitude and a gorgeous smile on your face. Your energy and
enthusiasm seem endless and it always perks me up to see you. You are a
loving and dedicated mother. Truly you are beautiful inside and out.
Thanks for making 50 look beautiful, fun and full of life.

May God continue to pour His blessings on you and your family.

Susan Bianchi

NO ---THIS CANNOT BE!!!!IT CAN'T BE HAPPENING!!! EILEEN YOU'RE 50. I REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE BORN AND HOW DARLING YOU WERE WITH THE BIG BLUE EYES AND THE WHITE BLOND HAIR. HARD TO BELIEVE 50 YEARS HAVE GONE BY SINCE THAT DAY. I DO WISH YOU A WONDERFUL 50TH YEAR, EILEEN. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL SISTER, TRUELY ONE TO BE PROUD OF. OF COURSE I LOVE YOU DEARLY AND WILL ALWAYS ADMIRE YOUR BEAUTIY, TALENT AND YOUR TIRELESS EFFORTS TO KEEP OUR HUGE FAMILY TOGETHER. AS YOUR BIG SISTER I HAVE ONLY ONE LITTLE BIT OF ADVISE---ENJOY YOUR LIFE---AND KEEP LOTS AF ALEVE IN YOUR MEDICINE CABNET!!!!TEE HEE!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

LOVE,
MAXINE

A very Happy 50th birthday to a gal who is always smiling! When I think of Eileen, I think of someone who is happy and "together"! She is always looking her best, with that beautiful smile! Her heart for the Lord is evident in everything she does and I am honored to call her "friend"! May you find that the next 50 years to be as fullfilling and memorable as the last 50....may the Lord continue to bless you and celebrate "50"!
Blessings,
Barb Gotz

Best Mom

Mom you are the best mom. You help me with my homework and even when I don't want to do it you still keep on my case until I finish it so I can have fun. By turning 50 your only becoming not just older but wiser and also a better mom. I love you!

Sincerely,

Grayson

Experts say that true outer beauty comes from within!!

Thanks, so much for sharing all the wonderful pics of Eileen and company!!!  So Photogenic!!

All that inner beauty is radiating in every picture.  I am so enriched by a friend and sister in Christ.  There are people you meet in life that there is an instant, "I get it" connection.

Eileen is one of those.  I've enjoyed the serious conversation just as much as the belly laughs.

Eileen has so many God given gifts and she is so willing to share them.  How wonderful it is

to be someone who touches her circle of family and friends in such a positive way.

I don't mean to paint a picture of Perfect, but what is Perfect is Eileen striving to be better

a better person, a better mother, a better wife and a better friend.  God bless, her, as she

continues her journey.

Christina

Eileen 50?

Hey Mark,

 

Wow! 50, really?  Eileen has always been an inspiration to me.  She looks fabulous, stays so active with things she loves (like singing & excersize) and has a wonderful family!  Rick and I wish her a very Happy 50th Birthday, and know that she will continue to be the vibrant, beautiful woman that she is now into her next 50.  All the best to you all in the next year!

 

Fondly,

Patti Jeffery