I can't remember a time in my life being this surprised. This was the "big" year. The anticipation of "40" has been on my mind for awhile. So many things I wanted to master before 40. I was a bit frustrated the whole month of February that I could not and had not accomplished some of my goals.
Life had been crazy as normal with the added bathroom remodeling...always something. My birthday finally arrived and setting out on the kitchen table I had the cutest cards from all the boys as well as a special one from Brandon. Went for a run with Jill, picked up fruit and veggie co-op, got a few phone calls from friends and family. Jeff had a quick errand (made up stop at Burgys to get a gift he told me Connie was helping him with), and he came home with a book that had notes from old friends and family as well as his account of how we met. Lots of wonderful memories and pictures. We read and cried, what a great morning! Jeff gave me a Cuisinart to make my almond butter and we ran to Sams to get almonds for me to blend (he'd already been there 30 minutes before to get my cake which I had no idea). We were trying to think of something fun to do with the boys after school. Line Creek was the plan, but it was a little chilly and Jeff suggested playing basketball at the church - great suggestion for 5 boys (well 6, we had an extra one staying with us for the week).
Jeff mentioned we needed to be home by 6:15 because Larry Burgy wanted to stop by. Made total sense to me and I wanted to be prompt. Larry is never late nor does he appreciate lateness;) So we left the church a little after 6:00 and Brandon drove us home. Pulling into the driveway I saw a few cars around the house and my heart sank. The boys just smiled and told me to go in first. Truly the surprise of my life as I walked in the door to see so many beautiful faces of dear friends - wow!
Can't believe Jeff pulled that off (with the help of Kimber, Louise, Donnalynn and many others - thank you so much!)
So many things happened the weeks before making it harder and harder for Jeff, but he never let on about the surprise. Had roles been reversed, I would have told him "I'm doing a surprise party for you, quit changing your schedule/mind about everything, stop the home improvement projects already, and act surprised!" But thankfully, he has much more patience than I and made it a birthday I'll never forget.
Countless things I would have done had I known that many friends would be in my home...clean the house (told Jeff not to worry about it as he tried to clean, but because our kitchen ceiling was torn apart from the bathroom experience, I figured why clean until all the sanding, painting, etc was done), put some mascara on, not wear black (trying to hide my extra 10 pounds from the stress of the previous couple months), fix my hair (well maybe), clean out my drawers and pantry, not made a cake for the boys (yes I cooked a cake that morning too so they'd have something to eat because I told Jeff I didn't need a birthday treat), cleaned off the kitchen island (which is my office where everyone has a pile of papers and things they need to do), and so many other things. However, all were superficial and of no importance.
Loved every minute of the evening and being with so many dear friends. Relationships matter and stuff doesn't. I truly am the most blessed 40 year old ever!
Thank you dear Jeffrey for making this birthday the best ever, for the past 17+ years, for 4 incredible boys, for your constant patience and love...here's to eternity babe!
