40th Birthday Surprise Party

My family (including the Knight) were partners in crime; they planned a surprise party for my 40th Birthday - and it worked. I HAD NO IDEA what had been transpiring inside my own home for a month!

There are far too many details to list here, but I really should have seen it coming. I guess I was so busy and this household is so full of life that I missed MANY clues. God's hand was in this secret, too! He helped them keep it well hidden.

Yesterday evening began with dinner with a couple of friends, Bob & Sally (they were keeping us away from our home while the kiddos got things ready for the big suprise.) Toward the end of dinner Bishop Ricken approached our table (he knew the couple that was with us.) John and I acted like complete idiots and did not greet him properly - just a handshake and brief hello while we remained SEATED. Can you believe the stupidity? I have a scrupulous conscience. I wanted to do this right.

We walked over to where he was dining with two other priests and apologetically pressed rewind and started over. He blessed the baby on the forehead.

After dinner John took me home to be greeted by A LOT of great people - friends - lots of them!!!

I thought the kids were having a poker party (with alcohol) while we were gone and had invited over college buddies I was going to meet for the first time. But friends that drive Volvos? My imagination started going. Why was there a Volvo in our driveway. John said, "You better go in first and get to the bottom of this. Just leave the baby here." That's odd. He never talks like that. I was prepared for the worst; grinding and gnashing of teeth. I tried the door and it was locked. I heard a lot of people on the other side of the door. WHAT? I began banging. LOUDLY! I used my Mama Bear voice and I yelled, "OPEN THE DOOR!" The door opened. "SURPRISE!!!!" The first words that came out with my hands cupped around the outside of my face were, "OH NOOOOOOOO!" (I was still getting over the excitement of dinner with great people and meeting the Bishop.)

The night proceeded and I felt like I was dreaming. Somebody pinch me. It was a lot of fun after I got over the entire shock.

My chubby cherub. I didn't know this photo was taken. I was oblivious to most everything the entire night.

I blew out the candle in between each stanza while they sang Happy Birthday. I knew it was a trick candle; they spark and make noise;-)

This is my dear friend Bonni. She lent me her husband's wheelchair while she sang her own version of El Shaddai that went like this:

El Shaddai El Shaddai

Mary's 40 my-oh-my

Age to age we're NOT the same

Growing deaf and blind and lame

We will die - SHE will die

John and all their kids will cry

Then to heaven she will fly

to El Shaddai

Through the love for her John dear

Her great fertility was clear

Though her children number nine

She still is lookin' mighty fine.

But it's all downhill from here

The wrinkles show up in the mirror

Now we know the end is near

(Oh) El Shaddai

Through the years we start to see

Our bodies fail us rapidly

So we're praying more and more

And need help getting off the floor

The mind goes - things stop making sense

What's worse is that incontinence

Then you'll have to buy Depends

Just like some of your old friends

Mary's 40

My-o-my

She got old like you and I

But we can't lay down and die

Until it's time

I loved the gag gifts, like the Butt/Face Soap - cheek to cheek cleaning! I also got some denture paste, prune juice, and a button pin that reads, "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly. Leviticus 19:32"

Sporting my new Leviticus pin while seriously reading a card from our dear priest (who publicly spiked the punch right before leaving- ahem.)

My mom scoping out my microwavable foot warmers. I think she wants a pair, too=)

Reflections: I have an awesome husband and absolutely wonderful children. Even though I truly hate surprises, I could not have been happier with the outcome. They all did so much work as a family to put this party together and managed to keep it a secret for a month. I will never forget it. I am also thankful for so many supportive Catholic friends and our priest that came to celebrate the fun (and aging process) with me. I was overwhelmed with joy at just how many dear friends I have that are all so unique in so many ways. I know many of them gave up time with their own family and little ones and duties and I was very touched. It meant a lot to me. Thank you!

A faithful friend (friends - plural in this case!) is a strong defense: and he that hath found him, hath found a treasure. ~Ecclesiasticus 6:14