~A Surprise Party!~

My over dramatic pregnant self had been in kind of a funk much of the month when I would think about my impending birthday.  Because I was turning 26 and therefore would be closer to 30 than 20?   Heavens no!  I was down because I knew the arrival of my birthday meant that some of my closest friends were moving.  Who was I to pull friends away to celebrate my day when they were so busy with preparations for big trips/moves in their own exciting lives?  Nick, my dearest best friend of all, really saw how bumbed I was feeling and did something amazing.  In 24 hours he made plans and threw together a surprise birthday party for little ole' me (a week early).

 I went to work that Saturday and got off an hour early.  I resisted the urge to go shop around the mall and headed home.  When I got there Nick seemed surprised to see me and asked if I could go pick up some strawberries for dinner because he forgot to get them... and we all know how much I love strawberries.  I ran upstairs to change, but noticed the house was extra clean, and when I asked if Alec wanted to come with me Nick said I couldn't take him.  (He was afraid Alec would spill the beans.  That cute boy couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it.) Lyssa and I headed to the local grocery store, taking our time.  When we got home I noticed extra cars on the street, but the house seemed quiet enough.  Then I came in and found kids and parents galore scrunched up on my living room floor shouting SURPRISE!  It was awesome.  The rest of the evening was spent out in my shaded backyard.  The kiddos ran around and played while adults chatted and sipped on limeade and Nick grilled up some brats and hotdogs.  It was a wonderful, relaxing evening with close friends, their cute kids, and strawberry shortcake.  Yummmm.

I didn't take any pictures (except the one above with Lyssa and her very best BFF, Maddie) because I was too busy relaxing, watching our children laugh and play, and enjoying the company of friends that are practically family.  It made me so happy and filled my cup so full that I was in the most fabulous mood for the rest of the week!  I not only felt so loved by my friends, but by my dear Nick.  I know planning events (no matter how casual) is not his forte, and I usually take on that role in our family.  A party like this is a huge stretch, but he was willing to do this for me and give me the opportunity to see everyone together, feel loved, and (as corny as it may sound) find some closure in being left behind.  I'll bet he had no clue how much good that little party was going to do for me.

(Doesn't Lyssa's body language say it all?  She adores Maddie.  Can you blame me for being so sad about saying goodbye to one of my Iowa sisters, not to mention Lyssa's best and only girl friend????)

Thank you, friends, for coming to celebrate with me.  I was amazed that with such short notice so many of you were able to be there and I felt so loved.  I love all your children dearly, and feel blessed to call you friends like family.

Thank you, Nick, for going way beyond your comfort zone to do something so special for me! It means the world to me that you would even think of it, much less pull it off with flying colors, happy kiddos, and strawberry shortcake.  
I love you dearly.