Events: Surprise Party for Mama

In celebration of Mama's 46th birthday, Ellyn wanted to take Mama "on a walk down memory lane". So we collaborated and while Ellyn came up with all the great ideas, I helped her to bring those ideas to life. 

Last Friday we had Mama's best friend from college come in town with her family as a surprise then Saturday morning we gave those two a gift card to go out to breakfast while everyone at home worked busier than bees to prep the house and food the luncheon that would bring together some of Mama's dearest friends. {yes, this was the other surprise!}. 

Enjoy the snapshots!

 A fruit appetizer with Strawberry Greek Yogurt dip and Passion Tea Lemonade to drink {the centerpiece is a grouping of potted pansies in mini-milk jars for the ladies to take home}

Ellyn and I were so thankful for all of the kitchen help!!

A mixture of fresh spinach and greens topped with Craisins, feta cheese and apples and served with chopped pecans and Raspberry Vinaigrette on the side.

 Surprise!!

 A marvelous group of ladies!

 Lovely daffodils provided by Mrs. Scheurich

 More Passion Iced Tea Lemonade  {we also made Wild Sweet Orange Lemonade which was delish!}

 The ladies enjoying their lunch! {Amidst everything going on "behind the scenes", I missed snapping a picture of the main course which was Chicken Salad Croissants and Creamy Broccoli Potato soup served with Gorgonzola crackers}

 Desert! Lemon Raspberry Sorbet served with Chocolate Biscotti and garnished with fresh lemon leaves

Relaxing and enjoying the chatter now that most of the clean up is finished!

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The people we couldn't have done without: 

Mrs. Malek- who let Ellyn, Kels and I crash her house on Friday to get some of the food prep out of the way
Mrs. Johnson- Mama's friend from college- who was in on the whole thing and kept Mama out long enough Saturday morning and then pushed Mama home at the right time...
The rest of the Johnson family- all those extra hands and muscles for moving furniture and prepping were a huge bonus!
Kelsey- who did so many of the small but definitely very significant jobs the whole weekend... like chopping chicken breasts, ironing tablecloths and potting small plants... not to mention  giving up what could have been a weekend of resting while she was in town!
The Johnson and Gluntz guys- for moving all the furniture and transforming the family room into a lovelier room
Mrs Scheurich- for last minute providing the daffodils!
Anna, Katy & Emily M.- for having huge servants hearts and giving time out of their very busy schedules to help Ellyn, Kelsey and I make and serve the luncheon.
Susan, Lauri, Marla, Eva, Ginny, Jacque, Margaret, Georgia, Karen and Cassie- these ladies kept it a secret and then came and blessed our Mama with their time, smiles, hugs, conversation and tokens of love.
And last but far from least- Ellyn: who had the whole idea in the first place.

{Miss Jacque featured this event on her blog *here*}

{all images are mine. please ask before using or reposting}