Monday, August 27, 2007

Cheers to a Special Couple

This past weekend we (Jeff, myself, my sister-in-law, and her husband) hosted a surprise 40th anniversary party for my in-laws and were they ever surprised! They had absolutely no idea and my father-in-law still didn't know what was going on when he came into our backyard! It was quite funny. We were all thrilled that no one spilled the beans (I was especially proud of myself - I don't like being evasive and keeping things from people - it is too hard to keep track of what you can and can't say!). We were blessed to be joined by two friends from Virginia. They drove up on Saturday, attended the party on Sunday, and drove back that night. That is dedication and true friendship! They also provided the perfect excuse to get my in-laws to our house as they thought they were coming to see old friends. In the photo above, the happy couple is cutting their cake - they recreated that famous wedding moment of feeding cake to each other - though I think it was a bit messier this time through!

Pre guest arrival - these tents are great. You can get them at Costco or BJs and if you are like our family - there are plenty of parties and opportunities to use them! They work out great and we pass them back and forth to each other for use in all sorts of manners. My sister-in-law enlarged various photos and we put them all around the tent. Everyone enjoyed viewing the pictures and reliving old memories.


I made various word combinations and purchased the letters from Every Jot and Tittle - can't say enough good things about her. I ordered the letters at the last minute and she was more then accommodating.
I missed the opportunity to be part of Jenny's Bits and Pieces Swap but was so inspired by all the collages that everyone posted - I decided to make one for my in-laws. My mother-in-law made my day when she pronounced it a family heirloom!


Three cheers to the happy couple and here's to many, many more wonderful years!


19 comments:

FrenchGardenHouse said...

It looks like you had such a great time! What a fun surprise, everything looked great, I am sure there was lots of love and laughter.
Lidy

Vicki Chrisman said...

Oh..everything looks perfect!

By the way, I wanted to tell you, I wore my necklace to the wedding this weekend , and EVERYONE raved about it!!! I LOVE IT!!

Anonymous said...

You are too much..parties,jewelry,dog treats and you do it all so well!! Jennifer

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

The idea of using the "bits and pieces" collage as a memory board is wonderful!! What a sweet and meaningful gift.

Charmingdesigns said...

It all looks so nice. Lovin the bits and pieces!! Laurie

ShabbyInTheCity said...

So pretty! I know these memories will last a long,long time! About as long as our walk together if we meet halfway...I mapquested it and decided we should veer off slightly with a meeting in D.C....we'll be too tired to go thru the museums which will keep ME from buying anything in those wonderful shops....

Jenn said...

OH KARLA, you are my HERO!!! I am not kidding, you did a fantastic job I am thoroughly impressed!

I, too, am going to do a bits n pieces "piece" (LOL). I was too intimidated to make one for the swap, didn't quite "get it" but once I saw all the beautiful examples being shown I made up my mind to make one for lil 'ol me...ha! I LOVE your idea of doing one for this very special anniversary.

The tents are spectacular, I can't believe you actually own them, and that many. hehe Oh, and the pics were a great idea.

I can just imagine the wonderful memories made from all your efforts.

Jenn

Susie Q said...

What a beautiful gift for your in laws...such a perfect party and that glorious collage dedicated to their life together. It IS an heirloom.

You are just one of the most talented people I know. You are awesome dear Karla!

KARLA IS AMAZING!!!

Hugs,
Sue

Jennifer Hayslip said...

Oh how fun! That was sooo sweet of you all to throw them a surprise party! Your collage is BEAUTIFUL! There is no better gift than one that is handmade with love! :)

XO,
Jenn

Anonymous said...

Awww~ What a sweet occassion to celebrate! For sure~
And hey, I love those tents...

Anonymous said...

What a sweet party you and your family set out for you in-laws! I love your bits-and-pieces collage too! They are so much fun to make, and this was a perfect time for you to make your first. I love the hanging letters you show with the special couple's picture...super sweet!

Natasha Burns said...

Karla oh wow!!!! How fabulous of all of you to do that for your in-laws. I bet they were thrilled beyond words! I love the way you set it all out, the details were great, the word garlands are lovely, the photos, your bits & pieces heirloom.... oh just fantastic! And I love your home in the background! I want to come and move in, it looks exactly like my dream home!!!! Want a boarder??!!! I'll help cook for you!

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Your party looks so professional-maybe you could have a new career as a party planner!! I am SO impressed with everything you put together, bet everyone had a fabulous time!

Cape Cod Washashore said...

What a lovely gift of hosting a party for a family anniversary! Your inlaws look so sweet!

Gina said...

Looks like a wonderful time!

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

A great looking couple. Sounds like a wonderful party.

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

How sweet Karla! I love the collage you made and all the thought that went into the party. I bet they were so thrilled!

Heather

Country Cottage Chic said...

What a wonderful celebration it was!

My Pink Boutique said...

How sweet! From the party to the collage, what a wonderful tribute to your in-laws and their many years together.

:)
Kimberly

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