SURPRISE!

Yesterday was my 50th Birthday.  I'd invited our Sunday School class over for the Superbowl several weeks ago.  Only one person said she could come.  Ok.  One of the special youth in our church, also wanted to come over (she frequently wants to come over, and we enjoy having her).  Well, yesterday morning, one other family said that they'd be coming over, too.  We hit the grocery store after church for frozen pizza's and soda's, and came home to make caramel popcorn and a cake (yes, I chose to make my own cake, that way I get to lick the bowl, and MUCH better than a store bought cake).  I'd already straightened most of the house, since I'm having some quilters over on Tuesday for a Quilts of Valor sew-in, so, that wasn't a problem.  Another friend/neighbor texted me and told me she'd be over about 5pm to bring me my gift and pick something up from me.  Her family arrived, bearing food.  Hey, what's going on?  Then, the doorbell starts ringing, and ringing, and ringing.  Hubby and sweet youth had arraigned a surprise party for me.  People came bearing food, cards and gifts.  Woohoo!  (glad the house was clean).  The whole downstairs was filled with friends.  Hubby had invited quilting friends, church friends and scouting friends, all while keeping it secret from me.  I think there were about 27 people in all, watching 2 TV's and eating and having fun.  What yummy food they brought, too!  Thanks hubby! (sorry I didn't get any pictures).

My mother sent me some very special gifts for my birthday this year.  She knows about my love for vintage sewing machines and treadles.  She and her new hubby found me a lovely treadle in miniature.  I have several miniature treadles, but, NOTHING compared to the craftsmanship and detail of the one she found for me.

can you see the thread? 

the drawer opens, and look at the etchings.  It even has a serial number on it

This machine is threaded, just like a real machine.  It also has a serial number etched at the base of the machine, just like a real machine would have.  I love that the drawer even opens.  The treadle base even has a pitman rod that works the 'foot' using the wheel.  Sew cool! 

Mom also sent me another special gift.  She sent me my grandmother's thimble.  I didn't even know that she had it. 

My grandmother's thimble, size 7, made in England

Sorry, I couldn't get a good picture.  I will be putting a note inside this thimble, to make sure I know which one was my grandmother's. 

I was supposed to list the items for my birthday giveaway yesterday, but, as you can see, I got sidetracked.  I'll try to take some pictures later today and make the post.  Right now, I have to go shovel the snow.  Yea!  We're finally getting some snow!