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!
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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!