The list of lies I’ve told my child in the last few days would surely get me in trouble with Santa. But, it was for a good cause… and I have to say, worth the expression on his face when he walked through the door. My photos of the event are all wonky, much like the candles on the cake—someone played with my camera settings and I didn’t catch it until too late! Somehow, I don’t think we’ll need photos to remember this birthday.
Beyond all the turmoil in my life this week (and boy did that NOT help!) it’s been really difficult to watch Boy Wonder mourn. We told him that we would do things as a family on his birthday, but that parties with friends and gifts just couldn’t happen this year. He understood, but it didn’t make it any easier. Listening to him on the phone with his uncle, (thank you for calling, Mark!!) this morning would have broken my heart, except I was laughing so hard. Is it evil to torture your child so? He simply had no clue what was in store for him.
To his credit, he tried really hard not to mope. He didn’t succeed. This morning I found him curled up in front of his Birthday Tree in a quasi-fetal position. “Why so glum, chum?”
“Oh, no reason,” he said with tears in his eyes. And I felt like the worst mother on the planet. And so he sighed the afternoon away.
I won’t forget the look on his face—simple glee. He spent the entire time thanking everyone over and over. I’ve lost count how many times he’s told me, “I just need to say thank you!” He’s over the moon… a bit teary-eyed for all the right reasons. When his grandparents called to sing Happy Birthday to him they asked if the party was worth all the suffering.
“It was worth it, five times over!”
He never saw it coming. And sometimes, that’s a good thing!
I am sure Santa won’t mind this lie. It looks like he had a wonderful time. What great manners your boy has!! Happy Borhtday to him!
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I’m sure he won’t either. 😀 And thank you! I’ll tell him you said so! 😀 ~W
Congratulations for a lie well told. Giving joy is always always worth it!
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Thank you! We were very sneaky and had a few close calls… but I tell you, he was shocked out of his runners! 😀 ~W
Into every life a little light deserves to shine. Even more so on a birthday. This was no doubt a “December to Remember” and *not* for what the season promises. But it seems to be ending right. At least as I sit writing this on the end of 12/22 – one of the most significant days of my life. More days will come but this one will be treasured for a lifetime. Who could ask for anything more?
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This has been a rough December and it continues to be so. I’m looking forward to January. I’m hoping both of you feel better soon. 😀 ~W
How you kept that a secret is amazing…I know I would have crumbled! I always read your blog…I tried to find your email address to respond but failed. I wanted to send you a virtual hug! Beautiful photos as always!
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Oh! Thank you for telling me. It means a lot to have all this support. It’s made such a world a difference on my outlook. Thank you!! ~W
Sweeeeet! 🙂
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Heh… we have our moments! ~W
Oh Happy Birthday! I had a surprise party when I was 16 and my mother did the same thing…as I was walking around moping for a week (it was the weekend after my my actual birthday, so I was convinced all my friends forgot) She almost cracked…but it was SOOO worth it!!! I’m glad you didn’t crack…he’ll remember it as the best always!!
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Heh… it was so great. He had the best time and was so happy all his friends turned out. It was a great day and he really was surrounded by lovely kids–to the one! 😀 ~W
You are the meanest mother ever.
Kidding.
I’m glad it went well.
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I am, I am! It went very well. Of course, he spiked a 102 fever today and woke up vomiting… which leaves me with the impression that we might have given everyone a flu as party favors. ~W
I know that the look on his face was worth all the subterfuge!(lie is such a loaded word, and you were doing it for the greater good) My first surprise party was when I turned 50 and it was the most fun ever. I felt very special. I’m sure G. did too!
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Ooh, subterfuge is a far better word choice! 😀 LOVE IT! ~W
Happy Birthday G!!
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I’ll tell him you said so! ~W
wow, at first i really thought you were serious about the no gifts, and then i got all sad for him, and then was happy to find out it was all a sneaky tactic by mom!!!
that cake is too cute. i really love all of the colors you chose for the birthdayness.
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He thought we were serious too. Poor kid. 😀 ~W
This is so, so special, Wende! I’d longed for a surprise party my while life, and got one as a farewell when we moved out here to Oregon. I’ll never forget it. I’m sure your party for boy wonder will have a special spot in his heart forever, too.
And that freakin’ cake? Gorgeous!
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Oh, thanks. He LOVED it. He is still talking about it. ~W