Kem Meyer on Less Clutter & Noise

Coming out of the dark...

I don't know where to begin to say thanks or to express how my heart has been touched by this "intervention". I am moved beyond words (you didn't think it was possible). And, so, instead of words...

... and the party continues... #7

Two events left of the party weekend. It's coming down to the wire, and Kem is thinking it's time to head home to the block party she cooked for this morning. Hee hee. She doesn't know it starts later and isn't really a whole neighborhood thing.

Her daughter Erin picked her up from the salon and took her to Bar Louie's. Surprise again! More friends, including Tim & Faith Stevens, to celebrate with. More than 20 additional card are delivered. Mark is still twittering away, working out details. Finally back to the neighborhood Hawaii-theme party , with good friends, good times and chocolate cake. The final reveal is just around the corner...

Kem's bday interview with Tim Stevens

... and the party continues... #6

Today is the actual "big" day. Kem talked everyone in to IHOP after all this morning, and her parents joined in. Kem apologized to her dad for making fun of him when he turned 40. 

Then the family headed off to church. Mark was twittering throughout the service while Kem sat with empty hands. "Totally wrong!" This is the closest she'll be allowed to a phone today...

The birthday card wishes from all over the country are starting to really roll in today: at breakfast, church and afterwards. The Meyer family surprised her at Jumpin' Juice & Java with "Kemocratic Konvention" signs and a rousing Happy Birthday song and party.

Next she got to go to the Ja Ross salon for pampering and a massage. This party just keeps on going! 

...and the party continues...#5

Hear Kem's family sing Happy Birthday to her at Jumpin Juice & Java...

... and the party continues... #4

Yesterday the adventure continued. After cleaning up a bit, the family headed over to Coldstone Creamery for some deliciousness, and SURPRISE! met some friends and family there. Kem seems to be bumping into a lot of people randomly...

Then they grabbed sushi on the run and headed for the Wonderland theater in Niles to watch The Longshots. There were some more friends there too! Kenady, who is 5, was pretty excited to sit next to the birthday girl.  Not sure how the movie was received by all, but by then Kem was either too tired to be concerned about not knowing what's next or was starting to feel more comfortable going with the flow.

I "just happened to stop by" and dropped off 40 mini-candybars - great movie food, right? And already today the party is continuing...

...and the party continues...#3

Check out these videos of Kem's awesome trip to Chicago for the Jazz Festival. The first is an interview w/ Mark. The second is an interview w/ Kem. The third, well the third is random.

Interview with Mark

Interview with Kem

Empty Hands

... and the party continues... #2

It has been a busy, bright day so far. Kem wanted IHOP for breakfast, but Mark said to ask the front desk for options. People seem to be recognizing her...weird. (-: She's still feeling a little disconnected.

"I'm not stressing about NOT having my phone. I'm just a little agitated not knowing why I can't have it..."

The Chicago jazz festival kept her busy, with fun music and yummy food. She's coming to grips with her age.

"Hold the phone! FREE chocolate samples..." Uh. We are holding your phone.

Birthday Weekend Schedule Change

In case any of you were planning on going to The Wonderland Theater in Niles to surprise Kem...we had to change the time.

Kem's family will now be at the 8:35 showing of The Longshots. Show up. Act natural...like you had no idea she'd be there...show her some love!!

... and the party continues... #1

Hi. My name is Melisa, and I am one of Kem's friends. My job during her celebration weekend is to help document the events and publish them here so she can have memories to look back on and we can share the fun with everyone. I may not get all the details just right, because I'm going off cryptic texts and quick photos from Mark, but this should be interesting.

Last night she had casual plans with girlfriends, until her adorable children started the "hijack" process with a handwritten invitation to family dinner at Applebees. From there, Mark surprised her with an unannounced road trip to Chicago. Somewhere in the process her phone and computer were confiscated. This must be distressing for our dear technophile.

"You took my fun, I mean my phone from me?!"

On the drive, Lisa DeSelm met them at a toll booth and delivered a birthday card. That's unique! Mark & Kem pulled up to a Ramada Inn, where Mark had proposed to Kem over 13 years ago. Awww! Hope they had a great night and are gearing up for more excitement today.

Keep the well-wishes coming...