Surprise Party

Yesterday, Friday, September 17 was Collin's mother's birthday and she was 80. Last week was his dad's birthday and he turned 80 as well. About a week ago, Marty, mammaw's brother called Collin and said, "I need help." The mission was to have a surprise birthday party for Mammaw who had never had a party in her life and to invite as many of her family members as could come. Collin said no problem and the plan began to fall in place. Collin called his mom on Thursday and invited her and dad out to dinner to celebrate their birthdays at Guy's in Paragould. She thought that was great and we were set. We went over last night and picked them up and headed to Paragould. We arrived and everyone was there. It went off like clockwork. Was she ever surprised and so happy.The look on her face upon the arrival was priceless. She was totally "flabbergasted" to put it into her own words.

Of course, in any southern family there is a lot of huggin' at such affairs. This is Murlene her aunt who is 98 but you'd never know it.

She didn't have a clue--totally surprised. She was so excited that Collin was coming to take her and Papaw out to dinner for their birthdays.

Even though you can't see Mammaw, the servers came in and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Thank goodness, they didn't bang pots and pans like some places. She was really tickled.

We ate off the buffet and it was great. They had fried chicken with vegetables, salads, and desserts, but I think the most of us ate fish, shrimp, fries, onion rings, and hush puppies. Was it ever good!

No party is complete without a cake, and I'm not sure Mammaw had ever had a birthday cake.

After a great dinner, Mammaw cut and served the chocolate birthday cake.

This is Carol and Murlene, Mammaw's aunts, her mother's sisters.

Meet Mammaw's brothers, Sonny and Marty. The party was Marty's idea and he pulled it together. Collin's mission was to get Mom and Dad to the restaurant. Marty made the cake.

Mammaw has another brother, Buddy, and two sisters, Marilyn and Nina. She is the oldest. She says she practically raised the younger ones and sometimes feels like she is their momma instead of their older sister. Mammaw loves her family.

Here are the sister's in law, Nancy and Donna. Other nieces and nephews were there, but we failed to get their pictures.

And here is the immediate family--Collin, Mom, and Dad. If you examine this last series of pictures, you can tell that she never stopped laughing and smiling. I've no doubt the only thing that would have made her day any better is if Craig and Chris could have been there too along with Arista, Jen, and all the grandchildren.

It was a fantastic evening and one she'll never forget. For our family that couldn't be with us due to distance, I hope you can enjoy the evening with us through pictures.

Marcia