a storybook baby shower

Sunday afternoon seemed normal. I mean, we went to worship with our church family in the morning, grabbed some yummy lunch with friends, and then headed over to my parents to pick up True's dance recital video (or so I thought). Once we got to my parents' house, Ben asked, "Do you want to go in or should I?" I said, "I'll just go." I planned on being quick, so then we could head home. I tried to open the door, but it was locked, so I rang the doorbell.

Immediately, the door opened and to my happy surprise, despite the look on my face, a lot of my friends were standing there and yelled, "Surprise!" At least I think that is what they said, but I was so shocked that I can't remember. The first thing that went through my head was "huh?!!" as I saw Danni, who was supposed to be in Seattle, then Cheryl, who was visiting her parents in San Bernardino and Frances, who has a sick little baby at home. I was utterly confused! Not to mention, I had already pinned my hair out of my face, barefoot at the door, and was stinky cause we just ate food with a whole bunch of garlic! I was not party ready, but party ready I had to be! I was not cute!!! Had I known I was going to a party, my newest baby's party, I would have sewn myself a new dress! But then I guess it was a surprise after all and definitely surprised I was.

(I looked so horrible, but I was so confused!!!)

Here is Danni's video of this hilarious moment, but really my face makes me feel so embarrassed. After my shock and retrieval of my shoes (cause swollen feet are not cute), I continued on to the backyard where I was greeted by such a wonderful display of goodies! The baby shower theme was all about books. It was perfect for the crafter and teacher in me! Each yummilicious dish was accompanied with a poladroid picture (cause everyone knows I love polaroids) of its corresponding book. Everything was absolutely delightful and a crafter's heaven. I mean seriously, it was just all to darling and creative!!!

I was in awe of everything and ate everything, even though I just come from eating a ginormous lunch. I had so many questions as to how they pulled this off. I had no idea and I just kept telling anyone who asked about a baby shower not to worry about it as this was my third and another girl, so this was very unexpected.

The four of us, soon to be five, were so, so grateful and thankful to God for such good friends who love to support us and shower us with love. God is really so good!

The brains and the invite behind the dreamy storybook surprise... Danni, Linda, and Helen, but missing is Ellen who was moving that day.

This is the outcome when you have craft/design bloggers, a teacher, a super organized person and good friends all rolled into one... they throw one heck of a cute party!!! Thanks guys! You are the absolute best!!! I loved it all!!!

And thank you so much to everyone else who came and showered us with love... we are blessed by all of you!!!

*photos taken by my baby sister and Helen and can read more about it on Helen's blog.

update: here is the video.