Sunday, February 21, 2010

SURPRISE!!!

One of the hardest things to do is pull off a surprise party for anyone. Tom just turned fifty. It’s a milestone birth date for certain. I thought about a surprise party, but he’s hard to get so I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. For months I asked this question. The problem was that every time it came up, he would say no. He didn’t want a fuss made over him. He doesn’t like to be the center of attention. I decided it’s his birthday and I’ll respect his wishes.

About two weeks ago, one of the ladies approached me and asked if we could do a party for Tom. I talked it over with a couple of people and we decided we would do a surprise party on Saturday, February 20th. Everyone would bring something. The people at the church know how to throw a party and how to cook. I thought it would be fun. That day, I contacted his family and the people in our church to let them know the plans.

So, what does my loving husband say to me that very night?

Tom: “Honey, maybe we should do something for my birthday. I was thinking about it and thought maybe we could do a church potluck and invite my family. I was looking on the calendar and because of Valentine’s Day, we could do it the Sunday after my birthday, the 21st. What do you think?”

Me: Hmmmm. Did he just say that to me? Is he trying to plan his own party when I’m planning a surprise party the night before? “Whatever you want Tom. It sounds like a good idea.”

What else was I suppose to say? I decided I would fix him for trying to plan his own party. I decided to keep the party the night before. Now I can plan and buy things for the party without having to hide what I’m doing. We had a sign up sheet for people and made announcements about it being on Sunday the 21st.

The only thing left was “how to get Tom there and have an excuse for me to do my hair and make-up?”

I had a friend from church ask Tom and I to dinner for this birthday. He and his wife would pick us up. I had another lady (who leads worship on Sundays) call Tom and tell him she was at church for rehearsals and there was something wrong with the heat. The following video (made by our nephew, Johnny) shows what happened when we got to the church.


I love you babe. I’m glad you enjoyed your party and were surprised. Thank you, thank you, thank you EVERYONE who helped make the evening possible. For those who helped before the party, during the party and after the party. I love you guys.

© Nadine Zawacki 2010

14 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh, wow, Nadine! What a special surprise! I loved watching the video and seeing the joy as everyone celebrated Tom! Precious pictures!

Susan said...

How special!!

Dawn said...

What fun! So glad you "got him." I did this for DC for his 65th (hard to believe!) with our SS class - at church on Sunday afternoon. Such fun!

Kate said...

That is sooooo cool!

chelle said...

aww that is so sweet!
Many birthday wishes to Tom!

Deb said...

Awww, sweet video. I love suprise party stories!

Happy Birthday Tom.

Shionge said...

This is beautiful and wonderful surprise indeed. Happy Birthday Tom :D

palmtreefanatic said...

Wow! Nadine! Happy 50th to him! what an awesome "surprise" party! loved the video!
You guys are so awesome!

Ginnie said...

I was there, but watching the video still made me laugh. I love the picture of you and Tom on your wedding day, where you are looking at your flowers, and he is looking at you. He still looks at you the same way.

Lala's world said...

awe that was great! great video to!!
Happy belated Birthday to Tom!

j said...

Way to go! Looks like so much fun.

Anonymous said...

it IS hard to surprise Tom, good job. And I love the video, your nephew did great. Nice to see you live, miss you! Helen

Italian Bird said...

What a great time :)

Cheri said...

What a neat video.
I don't think I could pull a surprise off.