Mom's Surprise Birthday Party

 Mom is going to turn 89 years old March 30th but she is going to be in Gulf Shores on the 30th and there are quite a few of her family that will NOT be in Gulf Shores for her birthday so Diane planned the surprise party for today and was she EVER surprised. Rachel took her to the Hobbit House at 2:30 pm and planned to keep her out until 4:00 pm. This was to get her out of the house so we could decorate and give people time to arrive, hide their cars and then hide in the house. By 4:00 pm the house was full. Rachel was a little late getting mom back. Below is a video from Rachel's perspective.

Nancy was so excited that when mom entered and even before she walked in Nancy yelled, "Hi mom!"

Below are a few pictures from the party.

The volley ball court was up and running strong today with a brand new net.

We had such a good time surprising her. The birthday party was supposed to be an open house from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm but most of us just stayed. Below are my girls taking a walk while the children play on the playground.  There are actually 6 girls in this picture as baby River isn't due until the end of April.

Below are just a few of the cars that arrived.

, Joan made a wonderful campfire and brought over s'mores. 

We visited around the fire until quite late. It really was a wonderful day.  The day started pretty early as we had to set our clocks forward last night. Mark woke me at 5:30 am which felt like 4:30 am but that gave me enough time to get the chicken cut up and stir fried and all the vegies cut up for the Sceggel family dinner tonight. Diane was serving lunch at church. Ruth showed up early to help but it is so well organized that we didn't have to really help out until just before the last prayer.  Lunch went well and the hour we had for fellowship and feasting flew by. The lunchroom lights were turned off at 11:45 to warn people it was time to head into the sanctuary for singing and most people were still sitting around the tables visiting. Oh how we have missed the fellowship hour. Actual church was also wonderful David had the first message which is posted below: 

The afternoon service was Craig Stickling's ordination service and that was so very touching. At the end of the service the 3 elders came down off the pulpit, Craig kneeled and they laid their hands on him and prayed over him with the congregation praying too. The room filled with the Holy Spirit. Truly wonderful. I didn't take the picture below but it was shared so I'm posting it.

Another very nice review came in from the people that left this morning: “Judith’s place was perfect for our family and dog. We have visited family for years in the area and wish I’d found this spot sooner! A seriously clean apartment in an amazing setting. We so loved visiting with the horses! The apartment had everything we needed and I appreciated Judith’s communications leading up to the trip and help while we were there.” “Thanks so much for a great stay and thank you for the cookies! they were fabulous. We will definitely be back next time we’re visiting family in the area.”

Their dog was a beautiful Golden Retriever.