This Calls For A Celebration

So, as some of you may know, Rob's birthday was yesterday! *cue confetti, horns, applause, and cheers* Money has been very tight lately so I couldn't do a whole lot (well, pretty much anything) this year. I don't know what it is about me and birthdays, but I just love surprises. I wish I could have a surprise party for my birthday every year (but always on different days and in different places so that it's still suspenseful). Regardless if that's what Rob wants, he's going to get it! Last year I was able to throw a small (very small) gathering at our friend's apartment where I made a cake that I iced to look like a Poke Ball (I've tried for so long to get the accent over the e but I just can't get it to work!).

That's the cake with all the candles in it! There were also a few decorations and all in all, it was a nice night. A couple days before is birthday, I had a surprise lunch at Chili's for him and invited some of our closest friends.

This year, however, with money being so tight, I couldn't even do the honors of making him a cake. :( But, alas, I have amazing friends who seem to love Rob and I a whole lot! My original plans for this year were to have a big surprise party with food, drinks, fun, and an awesome cake! But then Isaac hit and money just evaporated out of my bank account (weird, right?). So I called on some of our friends and it was such a blessing to hear how eager they were to help out. Let the surprise commence!

My best friend, Jessica:

The lovely Jessica on her own birthday last week!

She was able to make her 7 Layer Dip and arrive early to make sure everything was set up and to welcome in all our guests. Needless to say, the dip was a huge hit. A friend and I (who will not be named...) killed half of it ourselves! Jessica and her mom hung balloons from the ceilings for me as well, which turned out to look so cool, they'll probably be up until we move out of here! They did so much to help out, the apartment looked exactly as I imagined it would so I definitely have faith in her to take the reins on things in the future!

Next, our friend Gloria:

(I so badly wanted to upload a photo that she probably would have killed me over but I decided not to.)

Gloria is always making these awesome desserts that she finds on Pinterest so I knew I had to call on her in that department. I threw out a few ideas and let her take it from there. Well, she and a woman she works with not only took it from there, they went above and beyond. I'm pretty sure the cake they made could easily feed 50 people and I'm sure Rob will be enjoying it for a while.

Here it is!

Awesome right!?!!?! I nearly died when I saw it! It literally took my breath away! Rob loved the Wolverine blades so much, and they even added on an Iron Man figurine which I had completely forgotten to get, so that was a lovely surprise! There was also a small fondant hand with a yellow circle (similar to such) on the Iron Man layer which was a very nice touch! (Thank y'all so much!) Ironically, Rob's t-shirt had Wolverine, Spiderman, and Iron Man on it (as well as many other heroes)!

My dad was so awesome to help me pay for some various snacks, balloons, and bowls for the party (all of which we had none before Thursday). I am so upset he and his girlfriend couldn't make it but am so glad they were able to help me prepare financially. Hopefully next year they'll be there to scream surprise! And hopefully next year there won't be a hurricane to ruin all original plans! (Thanks, Isaac!)

My mom made the famous Mexican Corn Dip which is a huge favorite of Rob's. That was, as always, a huge hit! She also provided us with some awesome spirits! I can never turn down a daiquiri! She didn't get to stay long but I am so glad she, my sister, and my niece and nephew were able to be there for a little while. I love it when we can all get together!

Rob's mom provided all the chips for all the dips that were present, and also all the soft drinks (which I forgot was a necessity). Her and Rob's dad also took us out to dinner before the party which was really awesome (shout out to O'Henry's!). Rob's mom is always a huge help when it comes to things like this and I am so glad she is always so willing to help! I just wish she could have made it to the party as well.

I sadly do not have any photos of everyone galavanting about and having a great time (too busy, having too much fun, and I couldn't find my phone all night) but I was able to get some shots of the decor, couple gifts, and what not before going to bed! (Disclaimer: sorry the camera in my phone is so terrible. Someday I'll have a nice phone that takes nice photos and a nice camera that takes nice photos (..or I could just find the charger to my camera...)

Balloons!

Lots of balloons! (A huge hit with the niece and nephew!)

I also had Jessica print up these signs for me which were placed on the bedroom doors. We trust all of our friends and family but chaos lies behind those doors (only because I ran out of cleaning time which meant throw-everything-in-the-rooms!).

Rob's gift from one of his good friends Jimmy. He always knows how to hit the spot!

Rob's gift from our friend Donovan. Needless to say, it was enjoyed. :)

Kevin's gift to Rob had to have been my favorite. I wasn't able to try a bottle but am much looking forward to it tomorrow evening. We've always wanted to try Stella!!!

Last but not least, my gift to Rob was a barrel of monkeys! Rob had a dream towards the beginning of the year that I had given him a barrel of monkeys for his birthday. So, all year I have been reminding myself that I need to get that for him. I finally found some at Toys-R-Us. He wants to name all of them and hang them all around the apartment.

My goodness, last night was so much fun. I had a great time, I know Rob did, and I hope everyone else did as well! As soon as the last person (Jessica) left, I immediately started cleaning and had the apartment back to normal within ten minutes! (Yes, that's actually a first. And it was 2:30AM!)

Thank you so much again to everyone who made it and a huge resounding thank you to those who were able to help! Last night is proof that you don't need a ton of money to throw an awesome party; just some great friends and family who care and are always willing to help. We both love all of you so much and hope y'all had a great time!

XOXO