SURPRISE!

Now I can finally blog what I've been wanting to tell the world about for so long! Yesterday was Jack's birthday and Saturday night we had a surprise party for him! Operation Birthday was a total success!

On Saturday afternoon, he and his friend Aaron got home from a road trip to Indiana. Aaron had strict instructions from me (I had stolen his phone number out of Jack's phone a couple weeks ago) to be back in time for dinner at 6. Jack was clueless about everything, which I was really excited about because usually I'm the one that's cluelss about surprises. So I drove to PF Chang's where Jack could eat Chinese food til his heart's content. He loves Chinese food but I don't, so he pretty much hasn't eaten it for seven months. He was so excited that we were eating there. Yay!

While we were eating, I kept watching the time so we could leave at about 7:40. Well, we left about 7:20, so I had several minutes to kill. We went to Borders to look for a magazine. Borders is a great time-killing-place. I had told Jack that we were on a schedule, and he was great and just went along with it. He still had no idea. (I had invited everyone for 7:30 and we were going to arrive at 7:45ish).

Well, the day before, I had told him that our friend Renda was having an open house (wink wink) and she wanted us to stop by for that and because she had a birthday card for Jack. That's totally believeable and he went right along with it. I thought we could leave it at that, but of course being the inquisitive one that he is, asked what KIND of open house it was. Dang it. But thankfully Renda had said, "Tell him I'm having a Christian benefit open house and I want you all to stop by." So I went with that. I told him we'd just stay for 15 or 20 minutes because she knew the next birthday event. He believed it. Later, he was surprised at what a good liar I am.

So I called Renda to let her know we were stopping by. She was great on the phone. And Jack was still going along with my plan. Mwahaha. We were driving through her neighborhood and he asked who all would be there. I said, "Oh I don't know. Probably people like John Wood (pastor of Cedar Springs) and Mayor Ragsdale." Jack was intrigued. Until we got to her house and he saw Aaron's car! He said, "What is this? What is going on?" And then of course we parked right behind Patrick's car. He was so excited, but still ready for a good "SURPRISE!" We went to the front door and I could see through the side window that Renda was getting everyone over to one side in the sunroom. She came to the door and was great, telling us that they had eaten, etc. So we went in and everyone yelled "SURPRISE!" It was great. He was surprised for sure, but I think most of all how well I lied!

We had about 23 people there, mostly family and some good friends. We had chocolate cake, thanks to Caroline, and vanilla ice cream, and angel food cake (Jack's fav) with strawberries, blueberries and cool whip. We all ate dessert then he opened some lovely gifts and cards. Thanks to Jordan and Allie for the "new" dishes! (They got married a few weeks ago and gave us their old dishes b/c they're really cool and Jack needs them.) Then Patrick got on "stage" and told Jack stories. It was a great time and he had a Happy Birthday.

And that was only Saturday! Sunday night Linda had us over and my parents for a birthday dinner. It was great, as usual. I love when Linda cooks! Jack got some more great gifts, including a new pan/skillet for all the lovely things he cooks and a food processor! The man loves to be in the kitchen.

So the Good Reverend had a Good Birthday. But now I am sick and debating on if I should go home or not. My School Law class starts today! It's going to be good, I'm sure. If I can breathe. Ugh.