Surprise Birthday Celebration

So many of you already know it was my birthday last week (Thanks for the love!) and it was great! My husband and daughters spoiled me with some special little gifts and some sweet little acts of love. My father-in-law gave me a generous monetary gift, which I'm contemplating spending completely on books, coffee and gas. The doorbell rang a few times, too, when the UPS guy, my mailman and the local florist delivered some very thoughtful and heartwarming gifts from some special friends. Later in the evening, my dear friend and neighbor surprised me with a gorgeous bracelet and a nice bottle of wine. And I can't forget all the warm birthday wishes I received from so many friends here on my blog and on myspace. I had a really wonderful birthday, and I thank everyone for making my birthday so special!

Since my birthday fell midweek this year, both girls had homework to do and my teen even dance class on Wednesday night, so we decided to go out for my birthday dinner on Saturday night instead.  I made plans to spend all day Saturday making progress in some of my selections for the new construction we're doing. I spent a couple of hours with my kitchen guy and finalized the kitchen layout and cabinet selection. With a cabinet sample in hand, I headed home for a quick lunch break only to find my best friend from childhood (see PITSTOP! post) at my house, gift in hand (Another gorgeous sterling silver bracelet. Do my friends know me, or what?), ready to take me out for lunch and help me shop for tiles and fixtures. What a fantastic surprise! She lives over two hours away and left her husband home alone with the 4 year old and twin 2 year olds all day and evening, so I think I ought to send him a thank you card as much as I need to send my girlfriend one, don't you think? Anyway, we spent the rest of the day shopping for tile for my new bathrooms and kitchen, then headed home to go out to dinner with my husband and kids.

I had been telling my husband all week long that I wanted Thai or Mexican, but my husband kept suggesting we go to the local Bar & Grill because it had more variety and he had a discount promise from the manager in compensation for poor service the last time we were there and he didn't want the dude to forget about it. I'm thinking, "But it's my birthday and I want Thai or Mexican." He pleads with me because he doesn't want to waste his discount, and my girlfriend suggests I relent and just go to the other restaurant next time when maybe he and I can get out alone. So I concede. Well, it's a good thing, because there was a surprise party waiting for me at the Bar & Grill! No kidding! I never suspected a thing and was completely surprised to see almost a dozen of my friends (and their kids) waiting to celebrate my birthday.

The surprise:

You just can't fake this look. I think it is complete and utter surprise mixed with joy. :) 

I think the little guests felt very important being on the secret keeping side of the surprise. 

Wow. I still can't believe my husband threw me this party! 

He even sneaked onto my laptop one night to get Kate's email address so he could invite her. Isn't that sweet? What's even sweeter is that she came! And so brave to hang out with all these old married folks with kids. Thanks Kate! You're a great friend and awesome sport! xoxo

Kate and me. 

My girlfriend's two month old baby boy, Aiden. I think he loves me. 

After dinner, we came back to our house for cake and coffee and a slideshow of some family pictures. I have to say it was a wonderful way to kick off this new decade. :)