I've never experienced a surprise party before - but my wife pulled one off for me and I'm so excited. I was completely fooled. It was just SO cool. No one's ever done something like that for me and I can tolerate turning 40 all over again for the experience.

It happened on Sunday night. I had been out late with my buddy Loway to a drum corps show on Saturday night (more on that later) so we didn't get in till 1 a.m. I was up, at the church, gave the message and came home shredded. I was really propping my eyes open trying to engage in conversation with my in-laws when Melissa reminded me we were supposed to go to Jeremy and Katrina's for dinner to talk about Youth Venture. I took a quick nap (about 40 minutes) and she offered at least twice for us to cancel. "You're awful tired honey" etc. I was like "no, Jeremy just got back from Texas and he's tired too - besides, Youth Venture is really important and it'll get my blood kicking again." so we went.

Door opens "Surprise"....so cool. They had black baloons, black frosting on the cake, my friends were all there. It was just a lot of fun. Then my wife's gift - let me tell you, I was totally okay with not having gotten anything cuz I know the bank account balance and everything - but she had purchased not one but THREE DCI videos including the mid-season DVD. I am so thrilled.

Anyway - just thought you'all might want to know my wife is very special and a really good surprise party planner. I can't say thank you to her enough.

More later.....

Pat