Adventures In Surprises

I am still replaying the entire weekend over & over in my head. As exhausted as I was, it was so hard falling asleep last night. And I definitely fell asleep with a huge wide-open grin.

What started off as an awesome local Mama Speaks getaway to the spa and then slumber party back at Ashlee's turned into this huge event, of which I had absolutely NO CLUE, when we got back from breakfast yesterday morning. (I am so thankful I brought a cute dress and earrings to wear.)


We walk back into Ashlee's house (and past many cars parked on the street- I even said someone parked in your driveway... rude!) and soon I see faces of friends from all over- from here and there and the blogosphere. I was so confused.

And then I started to cry and ran upstairs.

I came right back down. (I saw presents! And cookies!) But I was so in shock. I think I still am.

First of all, I can read people very well. I think this is one of my gifts. Now I am thinking I am so way off. I had no idea. I even spent the day and night with Ashlee & Arianne... the masterminds responsible for this amazing surprise baby shower. And they never gave it away. Ever. I just thought all their quirkiness was normal. I did learn that they were near heart failure from being so nervous and hoping it all worked out.

Well, girls. You worked it out. Big time.

Regardless of the beautiful girlie gifts and blessings I received yesterday (and the lemon bars), I had one of those defining moments in life. A moment where I realized that for the first time ever, I am surrounded by the best friends possible. People that love and encourage me and would pretty much do anything for me. And I know some weren't able to make it and I know if they could, they would have been there, too. It's just a feeling so hard to explain- knowing you have such contentment with these people that only want to see you happy, build you up, and show you love. Unselfishly. I didn't want the day to ever end.

I've seriously hit the friend lottery.

I keep thinking about everyone that showed up to surprise me- those that had long drives and those that skipped church just for me. Friends that sent cookies and more in my honor. And the gifts- oh my goodness- so much thought put into those gifts by my sweet, generous friends. My baby girl is going to have the best wardrobe and toys and bath bubbles and I promise to plaster this blog with her sweet pictures in every outfit. And of course I got a one-of-a-kind Nest sling from Ashlee that is just me. Everyone deserves to have friends that just "get you."

I promise to send a proper thank you, but right now I wanted to thank you all here, from the very deep corners bursting in my heart.


Back row: MJ- one of the sweetest people ever (no wonder- she is the sugarmama!), Jen- my best friend since birth- practically- and she brought presents from Paris! Deb (Arianne & Carrington's Mama)- but I also think she's part my Mama, too. Carrington- one of the most stunning and beautiful people I know inside and out. Sarah- my due date mate (let's see who has their baby first and then I think they are going to be betrothed). This girl just makes me smile. And gives really good gifts. And I'm so glad to have her in my life.

Middle row: Arianne- what can I say? There are no words. She is the best. Watch out Bloghers... here we come. We are a force to be reckoned with. Robin- we go way back and she is the real deal. And she makes the best beer bread and spinach dip. Ever. Me- just happy and thrilled to be among this group of amaze-za-zing women. How did I get here? Doesn't matter. I'm never leaving. My Mom (in law)- God used her for the mold when he had mother in laws in mind. She loves me like her own daughter. Trust me. It's the best. My Mom aka Mimi- she appreciates my friends almost as much as I do. It blesses her, I know, to see me in such a circle. And she knows me. One of her gifts was a pedicure... thank you thank you thank you, Mom!

Front row: Crooked Eyebrow- photographer and beautiful friend- you want this girl on your side. Sheryl & Aisling- even seeing Sheryl's van in the driveway with Florida plates didn't give the surprise away (again- I was clueless!). I am so glad this Mama is back here in my end of the world. Ashlee & Xavier- another one that I don't have the right words for, they just wouldn't be perfect enough. She has super powers and doesn't know it and someday when she does realize it, she'd never admit it. This is very true. Jaymi & Jonathan- um, hello supermodel. She's crafty and sweet and has the best laugh. You just want to see her smile.

Lori came, too, but didn't make it into the group shot. We'll have to stick her head in there somewhere! She and I go way back as Moms of all boys and we still laugh that I'll be shining some pink light into her world soon- we still can't believe it! I was so touched to see her there.

Maria & Natalie from BSM Media even sent a gift - Maria has already generously blessed me in so many other ways, I think I'll start calling her my fairy blog friender.

You can see photos from the whole day here (most all of them with my mouth hanging open), thanks to Crooked Eyebrow.