SURPRISE!!!

My amazing husband did it again! Just when I thought he had run out of big surprises, MFS still delivers. I was expecting a dinner at Prospect Hill for my birthday last night not a huge surprise party! (Caution: this a long entry...I will try to streamline the sequence of events.)

On our way to the B&B, Mike gets a call and he gives me some story about having to stop by the church and put the script (gift cards the youth ministry program sells) cards in a more secure location. I was mad for about a minute, but being married to a youth minister (or Mike) has taught me to roll with the punches because believe me, crazier things have happened. We get to the church and he "can't get through one door" so we have to park elsewhere and he tells me that he needs help moving a table. I just look at him like he has three heads--I am doing pretty good with my pregnancy, but come on! He quickly says "it's not heavy, just bulky." I still at this point am clueless and getting hungry so I just want to get the table moving over with. As we walk through the door he was babbling on about decorations or something while guiding me to St. Thomas Hall. (A little note...I have my contacts on which are not as strong as my glasses so things are slightly blurry.) The room is dimly lit and I just see this big gaggle of people in one corner who all yell "SURPRISE!" as I walk through the door. Again blurriness. My children come running to me and I'm thinking "What the h?@*! I just left them eating chicken adobo 25 minutes ago and now they are all dressed up". Then I start to make out faces...friends from church, Mary Rogers from high school, Tim my brother-in-law, Uncle Frank from back home, Julie Boucek who I saw just this week, Kate & Pat from college! As I sit here typing, I still can't believe it all happened last night. I am still excited! Mike even arranged to have babysitters at the church, packed up snacks and pj's for the kids.

St. Thomas Hall looked beautiful with all of the decorations furnished by my family. Little did I know that they were there all day. We had a great dinner, some dancing and slide show filled with embarrassing photos from the past. Thankfully the video of me singing Whitney Houston didn't make it into the mix due to technical difficulties! Mike and I danced to our song "True Companions" and we kind of remembered the steps. It was just the best night catching up with friends and seeing everyone from all areas of my life who have been such a blessing to me and my family! I really continue to feel so loved.

The "first dance"

Jujube helping mommy blow out the candles.
The cake was made by my mom, Estela.

So a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who made the party so special especially Mike's partners in crime!!! Thanks to those who traveled far! Thanks for all of the kind words and gifts! Thanks for keeping MFS's secret because I love surprises! Thanks to mom for buying me lots of dressy maternity clothes and not giving away the surprise! The biggest thank you goes to my husband who is the most loving, life-giving, thoughtful, faith-filled and amazing man! I am so blessed to have MFS as my husband as well as to be called to a vocation of being his wife. His light and love inspires me and he makes life exciting to live. I love you sooooooooooooo much!

Tearing up the dance floor with daddy. Cazin was bouncing around the dance floor too!
I'm glad our kids like to party! A few more photos below of friends and family.

Two hot mamas

Mary Rogers, my best friend from High School

I didn't go into labor with all of the excitement,
but don't worry my OB (L) and Pediatrician (R) were present

Some family and friends from WV

The Cazin family

I tried to take more photos, but my camera passed hands most of the night. I know there were many cameras present so I will post them when received. Thanks again for a fabulous night! Love you all!