Last year around hunting season CR mentioned a new gun he really had his sights on (ha, catch that pun?). I was confused because just a few years ago he purchased a new duck gun that he had really, really wanted and "would never need another duck gun again". And so goes the story of a man and his guns. Not too different from a woman and her shoes or purses, right?
Well this gun was definitely out of our reach if we wanted to stay the course of Dave Ramsey style getting out of debt. Or so he thought. I began in January stashing money aside anytime Route One was paid in cash. With the help of one of CR's hunting buddies (owner of
South Texas Hunting Outfitters) I set out to find a decent used one. Not as easy as it sounds. As soon as a good deal would come up, it was gone before we could pick up the phone to call. So I decided to bite the bullet (ha, I am on a roll) and help out a small business owner like myself and just buy new.
With that being his present and it being such a big deal for us, I decided to throw in a surprise party to the mix. Ha, why not? But how in the world would I pull off a surprise party for the man that asks questions about everything? And has to know everything about everything and then some? Call it Kirby's party of course. It worked out pretty well, I think. I know that he had some suspicions the last few weeks because some friends and family aren't too slick with keeping things mum, but he was really surprised by the guests and the gift.
Here are the details from the party ... I mainly want to share this because I had awesome people to work with. I told them what I was planning, that I had to tie and daddy and daughter party together, and they went with it. Beyond my expectations to say the least.
Food: Justin Bray with Tractor House BBQ (coming soon to Robstown but caters and wins cook offs)
Kirby's outfit: Shirt by
G. Chic and tutu made by yours truly
Other: caramel popcorn, mini pecan pies, and Happy signs made by my awesome and talented momma.
Each bow was unique in design. The ribbon and bottle caps were each hand picked and made exclusively for the little girl guests.
The word cookies were all edible. Everything was edible. Shannon Cantu blew my mind.
The cake - oh the cake. 6 different colors of icing...hand designed duck decoy cookies, leaves, vines ... again, she blew my mind with her creativity. And the taste was amazing. I allowed myself a tiny bite. Or 3.
Kirby's bowtique and flower cupcakes. Too cute how they tied together so well with CR's cake.
For those of you that watch Duck Dynasty ... "I brought a casserole"!
The pulled pork was delicious. And we had enough to feed a barn full! If you come visit, plan on having some pulled pork sandwiches.
Guests had their food set in these darling baskets that were lined with camo bandanas. My intentions were for everyone to take the bandanas home as a souvenir, but everyone left them here. They will come in handy for our next redneck party, because you know there will be one. The baskets were lent to me by a friend and wedding client of mine. Too sweet and generous.
I wanted to hold on to these 2 moments forever. CR's best friends from college came from Austin and College Station just for him. Meant the world to us that Kari and John made it a priority to be here.
I think Kirby was a little confused when we hollered "surprise" for her daddy. She thought it was her party ... and it was ... she just shared. I didn't tell her that it was his party too because have you ever met a 3 year old that could keep a secret?
Moments for the cookie jar .....
How many duck hunters does it take to put a shot gun together?
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for those of you that came and shared this special day for CR. It meant so much to him, I know. My prayer from day 1 while planning this has been that the Lord would use the day to bring friends together to enjoy fellowship and fun, and that others would see the love of Jesus we have in our home. For those that could not make it, we missed you.
"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
"Your joy comes in the morning" does not even begin to describe what I feel when I wake up at 5:30 to have alone time with the Lord before these blessings wake up. When I have all that time to myself, I sit in anticipation for one of them to join me on the couch. That is the only down time we have and I love it so. Usually it is sister who joins me first, but every once in awhile she will sleep till 7 and he will stir first. Thank you precious Lord for loving me enough to bless me with and entrust in me these little darlings. I am forever grateful.
