Everyone Should Get A Wrist Shield for Their Birthday

Every birthday deserves a celebration, especially Tom's 36th. My plan was the usual breakfast presented in bed while singing the Happy Birthday Song followed by gifts, cards, dinner out together, and of course his Honor Board.

Matthew had other plans and even made his own invitations. I was doubtful about pulling off a Surprise Party, but my friend Karalea offered her home and talents for Friday, December 4th. She not only cleaned and decorated her house, supplied snacks and hummus for dipping, and made the Rice Krispie cake (a new favorite in our home), but she also made 14 dozen peanut butter cookies just in case...

Matthew used careful thought in choosing the guest list, consisting of the Goldsteins, the Richards, Tom's whole family, and even the Bishop. The Bishop, mostly because Matt noticed Tom talking with him more during our daughters' soccer games and probably not because of anything else.

From the time the invitations went out, I noticed the printer paper tray getting smaller and smaller and Matthew tucked secretly in his room. His best imaginative creation was a birthday hat and matching wrist shield, which everyone should have for their special day.

Mandy helped keep the secret by taxiing our kids to the Richards' house just in time for the SURPRISE. And we almost made it without Tom suspecting a thing, which is a miracle after the clever maneuvering, lying, and cheating I did all day.

The party was a success, the food excellent, the company perfect, the host gracious, the planner satisfied, and the guest honored. Happy Birthday, Tom.