So what do you give the man who has everything?
A BIG FAT LIE... which ended in a surprise birthday party.
I've been planning the shin-dig for a few weeks. I had enlisted the help of some pretty spiffy people, all of whom did not include my children. Have you ever know a kid to keep a juicy secret? Point proven. So on the morning of the big day, after hubby left for work, I spilled the beans to my little ones and hit the kitchen.
What you don't see is the bags of stuff on the floor. Or the potatoes. Or the large cup of coffee fueling my cooking marathon.
About half way through the morning my kitchen started hitting me back. I think the dishwasher is on it's 2nd running of the day already. My mom would be so proud... I was cleaning as I went.
This tree... is basil, and the tomatoes smelled like heaven. I turned them into this.
My only real break in the day was when we had to run to the farmers market for a few missing ingredients. And the lightest, fluffiest blueberry scone I have ever tasted. And homemade mozzarella cheese which melted in your mouth.
To add an extra element of fun - a new favorite toy decided to break. I hear bad things happen in 3's. My coffee maker fizzled on Monday and this guys broke after slicing the potatoes and before the crust for the tarts. I wonder what kitchen gadget will be the next to go...?
(Mom, aren't you so proud for me? I was actually using my food processor! But now he's broken. Sorry.)
In the words of my Marine father "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome."
Mr. Blender wasn't up for the tart making task until I got on my knees and wept. Then he agreed to help. Just like a man, add a few tears and they are putty in your hands.
My only (other) snafu of the day... I was going to make both a fruit tart and a strawberry shortcake cake from here. I forgot to get the powdered sugar for the icing. So I just make 2 tarts instead. That was a good choice. I had 1 for dessert at the party and 1 for breakfast. It was a win-win situation.
By 4 p.m my brain was fried, the tarts were baked, and the brisket was falling apart. I took a quick shower, made 50 trips to load the car and headed off to the party location.
Miss Sandy's house.
It's really odd then her husband calls her Sandra. Because I've been programmed to answer to any form of my name or close pronunciations. I kept trying to answer him and then would realize he wasn't talking to me. It made me dizzy.
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It was now time to make "The Call". I was nervous calling hubby with my cover story. I was SURE he would know something was up given the dishes in the sink and the yummy smell in the house. I actually had butterflies. Plus I didn't want to upset him on his birthday.
"Honey, don't be mad. My car won't start."
"What?!? Where are you?"
"I had to go to Gernardi's for some special cheese. When I got back out to the car it would start, then stall. I don't know what's wrong with it."
"Oh geeze. Don't try to drive it. Do you know how much a tow truck is going to cost us? At least it should still be under warranty. Are you sure you're not out of gas?"
" I got gas 2 days ago. It's hot and humid out here. If I can get it started I'm going to drove to Sandy's. She is only around the corner, that way I can get the kids out of the car."
Fast forward to me not answering the phone while I was "driving" to Sandy's house.
"Why are you not answering your phone?!?"
"Babe, I got the car started and drove to Sandy's. Just come get us here."
It was his first surprise party ever. Thank you to all of our friends who helped us celebrate!
Happy Birthday babe, I love you.