Monday, March 16, 2009

THE SURPRISE PARTY

A few weeks ago the daughter of one of my best friends, Amy, called and asked if I would help her with her Mom's 60th birthday party. I said that I would love to and the next question was if I could have it at the Creek House. A wonderful excuse to have our first party in our new home. So, we have been working on plans, and meeting secretly to get everything ready And, yesterday was the day! And what a day it was!
This screen was beside my front door. We cut out her initials and hung them there.

This is a view coming up my front walkway.

Myself and Tina. She was very surprised!

And this is her beautiful daughter Amy. How sweet of her to want to make her Mom's day special.

This is the 'Oh so elegant' cake. Bottom layer-buttercream...middle layer-strawberry...top layer-key lime. All-yummy!!!

Mantle decorations...I covered the letters of her name with moss. I used some of my mercury glass, red roses in black vases, and white candles.

One of the table floral arrangements...I think they turned out very well...I'm not the best at flower arrangements.

These are 2 more of our friends. Jan on left, and Shirley, our bestest Moultrie buddy, on the right. Shirley drove over from Moultrie, GA. yesterday morning, and spent the night with me. Jan lives here and came over, too, to help us get ready. Jan coordinated all the food. Thank goodness that was not my job! Amy wanted balloons...lots of balloons...150 to be exact. Several of us took turns blowing them up with a helium tank. They were everywhere...but surely added to the festivities! Don and Buddy had to pop them all when the party was over! Jan and Shirley did some potting and decorating outside. They pulled together a great outside mantle display. And, Shirley helped me put some finishing touches on the house. She can do the most in the least amount of time! Thanks, Shirl and Jan!

Yes! Don't pass out! It's ME---COOKING! See, I can do it if I need to! :) Actually, I am preparing the chocolate for the fruit fondue! Kiwi, strawberries, and marshmallows...and wonderful, rich, dark chocolate to dip them in! To die for!

Don got in on the preparations, too. There are LOTS of leaves falling around this yard! And, into the pool!!!

And, this is our lovely table! Isn't it festive looking? Chicken salad, congealed salad, grape salad, Texas Caviar, 3 kinds of sandwiches, 7 layer salad, chips and dip, cheese and crackers, fruit, and cake...all delicious!

Fun around the outside table in the covered porch. Very cozy, even though it was raining!

And this is the Davis family...Amy, Tina, and Buddy. Wonderful people...terrific friends...a joy to know and call 'friends'.

Buddy took Tina home after church today, and then blindfolded her, and put her in the car...telling her to ask no questions. The rest of the guests came over immediately after church.We were all gathered at the front door when Buddy brought her up the steps...still blindfolded. We all burst into a rousing version of "Happy Birthday"...and she yanked off the blindfold. Many of her dearest friends were here, and her brother, Tim, and his wife, Becky drove over from Fitzgerald, Ga. That was an extra special treat for her. Total we had 28 friends here. There were
4 other couples who were invited that could not attend due to sickness. We missed having them with us, but we partied on anyway.

Tina, Happy Birthday to you, my sweet friend! I am a better person because you are in my life. You are an inspiration to the many people who know you and call you friend. We can count on you to give sage advice, to uplift us with your kindness, and to always be there with a helping hand when needed.

Amy, your gift to your Mom is much more than this party. You have shown her the respect and devotion she deserves. You have given her the gift that counts most of all...your understanding of the role she has played in your life. You have filled her heart with joy. I'm proud of you...and I know she is as well. Way to go, girl!
______________________________________________________________________
Adam was there to make photos of the event. He just added a link to all the pics at the top of my side bar. Just click on the pic and it will take you to the reswt of the pictures. Thanks Adam!

14 comments:

nancygrayce said...

Oh, what a nice party! I love that cake....and I'm so glad to get to see more of your house!!! Don't you hate it when the leaves fall in the pool?

Paula V said...

What a wonderful gift to your friend. I hate to say this but I couldn't tell which was you in the picture with Tina. I kept comparing it to the picture on your side bar. Not sure why my recognition skills were not kicking in.

Your decorations were wonderful; your house is beautiful.

Keetha Broyles said...

Wow, you really know how to throw a birthday party!!!!!

Jean said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate your friend's 60 years. You're a good friend, Tonja Owens!

much2ponder said...

Hello, just popped over from Paula's blog. Hope you don't mind. Looks like you guys put on one heck of a party!

andi said...

How GREAT and FESTIVE!!!!!
Great pictures Adam!!!!!

Southern Lady said...

Oh, my goodness, Tonja! ... What a wonderful party. It looks like everything was just perfect and I know Tina appreciated all the trouble you went to for her.

That cake looks -- and sounds -- scrumptious!

You outdid yourself, my friend.

LivingTheLife said...

WOW! Everything looks so beautiful...and I DID enjoy peeking all around your new house. Tina...certainly did look surprised in the pictures Adam took (GREAT JOB BTW, Adam) and I loved how her shirt matched so well w/the decorations...something I noticed...cos I love THAT color she's wearing!

What a great gift and what an awesome friend I know you are to her and her family...friends like you and Tina...are certainly a blessing to one another! Thanks for sharing the day w/us...oh! and thanks for leaving us "dangling" all weekend...lol :)...you know I don't do well w/waiting...I'm sure that is the ONLY fault I have...right???;)

Blessings...
Teresa

YaYa's Funhouse said...

What a lovely party. Beautiful home you have.

Justabeachkat said...

What fun! You are a good friend! Everything looks wonderful and the food looks and sounds delish!

Hugs!
Kat

FYI... my birthday is in September...I'm just saying.

RachelD said...

Lovely. Just Lovely. What a wonderful party, and what a good friend you are!!

windycorner said...

Everything looks beautiful....such a great color combination. Tina is a lucky, lucky lady to have such wonderful family and friends. Just lovely!

Zaankali said...

What a fun time and since Kat reminded you when her birthday was I thought you would like to know that this June I will be celebrating a BIG one.
Smiles!

Jill said...

Everything looks so lovely and what a wonderful gift to host such a special event.