Jeff Turns 40

Today my wonderful, "young looking" husband turns 40 years old! I wanted to do something extra special this year since 40 is a momentous age. I had been thinking about what I wanted to do for a while, when his brother Joe, who lives in Ohio called me one day and asked me what I thought about Jeff's sister, nephew, dad and him flying down for the weekend to surprise Jeff. Of course I thought it was a wonderful idea so for about 3 months we have been keeping this a secret from Jeff and our boys. The closer it got, the more excited I was and the harder it was to keep a secret. Jeff knew something was up but he was thinking more along the lines of a party with our friends from church. Friday his family flew in around lunch time and rented a car and got a hotel room close to our house. I had set up a dinner out at one of Jeff's favorite restaurants here in the Alabama called "Jim & Nicks" and had invited my parents. Jeff knew we were doing that, but suspected I had invited other friends to join us. When we got to the restaurant, his family had arrived early and reserved us a table for 11 people. My dad also met us there (we picked up my mom on the way). My dad had us all go in the waiting area, and said he would go check to see if our table was ready. Then he came back and got us and we walked in this side room and Jeff saw the table was long and set for a lot more people than our little group of seven. He failed to notice his dad standing with his back to us looking out the window. I looked at Jeff and he is grinning at me looking at the table. Then in a loud voice his dad said "well, look what we have here" and Jeff turned around with a shocked look on his face. While he was hugging his dad, Joe came in and tapped him on his shoulder. Again the shocked look. While he was hugging Joe, Joan came in and tapped him. About this time Jeff turns to me and said, "how many more are coming?". Chris, Joan's son came next. It was so fun surprising him like that. The boys were equally surprised of course and over joyed to see their Pop-Pop, Uncle Joe, Aunt Joan, and cousin Christopher. We had a great weekend together. They were only able to stay till Sunday morning when they had to fly back to Ohio. But our time together was so special. We had a very busy day Saturday enjoying our time with them. We hadn't seen Joe since March, Joan and Chris since Christmas last year and of course we saw Pop-Pop in June. Today is actually his birthday and we will celebrate it tonight. I have continued the tradition his mom started when he was a little boy of making his favorite meal-Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad, Garlic Bread and for dessert-Frozen Strawberry Dessert. It has been raining for 4 days now thanks to "Faye" but we are safe and dry and God is good!

Happy Birthday Baby! I love you very much! I hope this birthday will bring you wonderful memories for years to come! The whole group of us. (I accidentally cut my dad off)
Jeff received new Ohio State stuff from his brother and sister-flip flops

and a new t-shirt. Go Bucks!
Uncle Joe always brings the boys something too! Jorden got a new t-shirt and candy.
Taylor got a new Cleveland Indians hat and candy.

Jacob got a new stuffed animal (beaver) which he named "Chucky" and candy.
This is our nephew Chris who is 12 years old (13 next month) His dad and brother Tim wasn't able to come with them.
Pop-Pop and my mom in deep discussion
Jeff and his dad!