Mission Accomplished

The way I remember it...

After dinner on Thursday (the 18th) I told Brack I had to go over to Popadops to finalize our dinner plans and make sure all was a go, when in fact I had to do some more things at the duck lodge. I had to park behind the shed, just in case he looked out. The party rental guys had already been there earlier in the day to put up the draping and tables. I figured I had blown it for sure. He had to be getting suspicious. Well, not yet. Just a side note: before I left the duck lodge the temperature in side had only risen to about 40 degrees when I had the heaters on. Chuck assured me we would be plenty warm. I was a nervous wreck about everyone being comfortable and not having to go through this party in parkas. Before I could turn in (around 2 a.m.) I had to put a change of clothes in his car for the next day.

Friday morning was off to a very busy start. God blessed us with a beautiful day (over 50 degrees & sunshine for the first time in what seemed like weeks). This meant the heat issue would not be so critical. My friend Carol, my Dad & I decorated the tables. Ivan, Dean & Austen helped set up the chairs, sweep and some other miscellaneous chores. I think we bought every bag of ice McDonald Market had in stock.

I worked diligently to get the videos to work so these could be played during the party. Cassidy even brought me a special cord to hook up the computer to the TV, all to no avail. Chuck & Nick worked on it for the longest time, too, so I just posted them here. Technology is so frustrating sometimes!

Oh, BTW, this was the first day John Robert had been back in school in about two weeks. At noon I was cutting fruit to for the kids in his class. I had to take time out to go to his Valentine's Party.

Early on I had Asked Rachael about Brack's work schedule for the day. She assured me his depositions would not run late, but late enough to keep him there until close to time for the party. She had already discussed this details with all the attorneys involved. During the day Rachael would give me updates as to what was happening. I about had a heart attack when I got back in my car from the Valentine's Party at about 3 p.m. to find a text that Brack had finished his depos! In my mind I thought those would last until at least 5. I knew Brack would probably make a run for the door whenever he could. I had to call in the big guns. Earlier in the week I had talked to Phil about running a diversion. The plan was for Phil to ask Brack to stop by his house before he got home. I immediately called Phil and told him he had to go with plan B. Phil called Brack at the office and left him a message. I got several SOS calls and texts at 5 p.m. from Rachael, Margo, Kaylin & Denise saying Brack was heading for the door. Panic mode set in . Brack had not yet returned Phil's call and so no diversion plan was in place yet. I was on the phone with Phil while calling Brack in his car. I told Brack Phil had been trying to get in touch with him it might be important that he needed to get in touch with him. About that time one of the girls ran to Brack's car to tell him Phil was on the office phone. I left the story up to Phil as to why he needed Brack to stop by. Phil saved the day, or at least the surprise up until this point.

According to Phil, he had to scatter the ducks off of this pond to entertain Brack & keep him from leaving his house. Like clock-work, Phil started this way at just the right time. Sharry was following Phil & Brack in her car, so she could give me the play-by-play of when they got close to the duck lodge. When Phil and Brack got close enough to the duck lodge to see what was going on , Brack said to Phil "Sure does look like a lot of people down there." Phil assured Brack Popadops was in the future (for another night, of course). When Brack came inside the building he was so surprised to see all of his friends. He was speechless!

The night could not have turned out better. I accomplished the ultimate surprise, the food & cakes were incredible, the band was very entertaining and we celebrated with the most wonderful friends anyone could ever have!!!

Thanks to you all for such a memorable night! See you in 10 more years.