Surprise Birthday!

For close to two months, I have been planning a surprise party for one of my dearest friends at the behest of her loving husband. This particular friend is very difficult to surprise, so it has been a huge undertaking with a lot of collaboration between other mutual friends. It involved a lot of secret text messages and emails, a fake "decoy" party, and a very elaborate plan to keep her away from the house but get her back at the right time. It's pretty much a miracle we pulled it off, but I'm so glad we did!

As part of the plan to bless her, a friend and I worked on a memory scrapbook with some photos and letters written by close friends and family. What a fun and rewarding project! It was such a joy to put it all together and see the lovely things people had to say about my sweet friend who has been so generous and thoughtful to everyone around her.

I didn't tell four-year-old Maddie about it until today (not trusting her abilities at discretion!) but then we each made a birthday card for the birthday girl and I thought I'd share them with you all! I'm really starting to dig this mommy/daughter crafting deal, but it only works when I'm not feeling pressed for time and when the littlest one isn't lurking about, trying to abscond with markers and glitter jars.

Here is what we made. Maddie made hers with very little help. I'll let you guess who made which card ;-).

Ok, for those of you who couldn't guess, the first one is mine ;-). But Maddie did pretty good, right? All I did for her was stamp the Birthday Wishes Circle and tie the bow (She's a girl after my own heart... the card just isn't complete without ribbon and button).

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend and remember why we celebrate... for those who have sacrificed to keep us safe and free!






Beka's Birthday Card Supplies
DeNami Design stamps: Mini Solid Flower, Teeny Swiss Dot, Birthday Wishes Circle, Flower Vine Swirl, Large Dot Swirls, Rosevine Flowers stamp set
Cardstocks: White, Black, Magenta, Sky Blue, Iridescent Emerald Green
Hot Pink grosgrain ribbon (3/8-in width)
Clear rhinestones
Ink pads: Cherry Pink Impress, Pearlescent Sky Blue Brilliance, Fresh Green Versacolor, Sea Breeze Versamagic
Markers: Magenta