Sunday Funday Birthday Surprise

For 10 days I lied, sneaked, planned, stressed, whispered, lied some more, secretly spent money, and devised a detailed/organized/daily list that kept my lies in check.  I changed banking passwords to prevent my wonderful husband from seeing our finances.  I stored cold food in our neighbor's fridge (Thank you Charlotte and Turkey!).  I hid food and party decor in the guest room and locked the door.  I took a day off to shop and clean when I said I was working at the work Sales Office.  I talked Ryan into chili for his birthday when he prefered to grill his own football food.  I cooked enough chili for an army while I had 7 kids running thru my house*.  I told Ryan I wanted to freeze chili for dinners.  I invited our friends.  I didnt' tell my kids to help keep this a secret.  I recruited our neighbors to occupy Ryan's birthday morning and keep him away from the house.  I asked our friends to deny any request from Ryan to hang out on his birthday and watch football.  I pretended I didn't have a care in the world about Ryan's birthday.  AND IT WORKED.

SURPRISE!  HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY RYAN!

Sunday morning I awoke at 5:30 am.  Mostly from excitement and a little from anxiety from what the day would bring.  The kids started moving around 6:30'ish, and I made breakfast.  I began cleaning up from the sleepover while cleaning breakfast.  Ryan would think nothing of me cleaning up pillows and sleeping bags at 7 am, this is normal for me.  At about 8:15 am, Benny shows up, unanounced with bells on ready to get Ryan out of the house.  He tells him they need to cut wood and help build Jake a chicken coup.  Even though Ryan told Benny it was his birthday, he conceded and went to work...with the promise from Benny that they would be back to watch kickoff for the 1 pm game.  PERFECT.

Benny and I both were concerned he wouldn't be able to keep Ryan away until 12:30; all we could do was try.  I prepped the house with decor, food, welcomed our friends, and at 12:45 pm Benny and Ryan drove up to a deck full of people sceaming and yelling "SURPRISE!".  I could see Ryan's huge smile thru the windshield. He jumped out and jokingly yells up, 'It's about time!  All the stuff I've done for all ya'll!'  He was completely surprised and happy.  He hugged each person and thanked them for coming.  He couldn't believe I pulled a fast one on him (as Ryan said...I'm horrible at lying!).  He was so very happy and extremely appreciative.  The smile didn't leave his face all day.  I received many hugs and kisses.  He was happy.

I'd do it all over again to see his surprise and happiness again!  Ryan deserved the best Sunday Funday for his birthday.  He's a fantastic father, loving husband, and hard worker.  I hope he knows how much he is loved and appreciated!

We laughed, played, and chatted until 8 pm.  Then we called it a night.  This party planner was plum wore out.  Thank you to Benny and all our friends who helped make this Surprise Party a success.  I have been basking in the after-glow all week!  I have also asked God to forgive me for lying.  :)

Note:  Again, I did poorly on pictures because I was running around like a headless chicken.  The one above was the only one I got.  Boo.

*All the chili made for an army was gone by 7:30 pm.  Ryan and I didn't even have a bowl!  I had sandwiches, chili, rice, cornbread, cake, and all the dips/chips/crackers/veggies Costco sells.  I filled up the crockpot 4 times to the rim and there wasn't even a spoonful left!  Wahoo!