The SURPRISE PARTY In Pictures (with captions)

Kelli worked on a surprise party for me for months.  She hid all her purchases, her work, the invitations and all the other supplies for all that time.  At the same time, she was taking care of me and the boys and PAINTING THE INSIDE OF THE HOUSE.  Why would someone work so hard for so long for just one evening?

When we first found out that my cancer was high grade, we were also told that I had a 50% chance to survive for five years.  Two days later, I had a CT scan and the report suggested a possible second tumor.  We did not know whether the tumor was inside the bladder or outside.  We spent most of the day fearing that if it were outside the bladder that my chances would be considerably less than 50%.  When we got to the specialists and found out that there was a 90% chance of a cure, there was a real reason for celebration.  That is the reason for the wonderful party that Kelli worked so hard to orchestrate.

I told Kelli tonight that I love her.  She asked me, "Why?"  I told her it is because she is simply and purely good.  She puts up with me and is always sweet to me no matter how grumpy I am.  She has a pure love and loyalty for Jesus Christ.  We have been through quite a bit of challenge in our three and a half years of marriage, and she has been a great partner through those challenges.  She is creative and imaginative in working toward new ways to serve God and her family.  I look forward to the rest of my life with this woman who is the light of this family.  I would also like to thank her family for their influence in who Kelli is.  It is clear from watching the Edmonds how Kelli became the remarkable person she is.  

People said I throw a good party; the truth is, I have great friends.

Dearest Tricia made this garland.  Beautiful isn't it?

I always wanted to have one of those fancy cakes like on TV.  So I got one.  And it tasted lovely!

Tricia has a friend who made the poms form the ceiling.  Isn't she brilliant?  And my best-est Emily went with me to get all of these fun balloons!

Emily also helped me apply this beautiful sticker that Ray just loved.  We might just keep it forever.

Tress, my sister-in-law's sister, made all of these decadent, lovely, yummy food.  Amazing isn't it?

Ray had no idea.

Really.

Can you believe it?

He loved every moment of the party.

It doesn't seem crowded, but we had friends from everywhere come.

Something about that just makes you feel loved; doesn't it?

I love friends.

I love family.

Ray's two sisters who came in from Northern VA to love on my cutie.

(Left, Joan; Right, Gayle)

This is Tress, who made the food, and made the party delicious!

This is my sweetest Sis-in-law Brittiny, who is spectacular.

This is my mama, who pitched in like a big dawg.  She is incredible.  I'm so glad to have her.


Not in photo -- my sweetest sister who picked up all the pizza for the kids and took all these photos!
-- Ben, Tammy, and Moriah who I adore and who all came to the party
-- My sweetest friend Emily who helped me  put up the decorations
-- My sweetest friend Tricia who MADE all of the decorations!

What a wonderful party.
What a wonderful time with friends and family.
What a wonderful hubby to celebrate.


Photos from breakfast this morning.  :) . . .