DOING LIFE

A SURPRISE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

{for Coen & Marie Fourie on Saturday, 13 December 2008}

After months of secret lies, scheming and photo thefts (007, beware your job may be on the line), the big day arrived this past Saturday. Coen and Marie were told, the Wednesday before the big day, by their daughter Louise and her husband that they were taking them out for a breakfast at a brand new venue which recently opened in Uitenhage. Mom at first thought that Louise has won the lotto, because why would they suddenly want to take them out. Louise had to reinforce that Saturday was their golden anniversary. Mom's response was 'oh what a lovely surprise' and Louise thought to herself 'just wait, the real surprise is still on its way'.

So, once all the family and friends have arrived at Barkley Theatre, we phoned Louise to inform her that the coast was clear and that they could pick Mom and Dad up for their breakfast date. Louise only lives 2km's from them. As planned, Louise gave a missed call on their arrival at Barkley Theatre and Conroy kept a watchful eye on their entrance through the main venue doors and as soon as they were inside the small foyer of theatre, he gave the signal for the wedding march to be played. Louise said that when Mom heard the wedding march she put on the brakes and said that they were definitely at the wrong place as there is a wedding taking place. But, Louise gave her a little nudge in the back, opened the curtains and said that they must just continue to walk.

Above, one can just see a million emotions and surprise on their faces. Tears of joy were doing the rounds amongst the family and friends.

Slowly, but surely the moment was sinking in as familiar faces were recognised one by one.

Once Dad saw Conroy, the moment was just too big and the flood gates could not be controlled.

Once everyone have calmed down, finished wiping the tears of joy, greetings were done and everyone took their seats, Conroy said a few words of welcome and congratulated Coen and Marie on being the wonderful parents they were and still are and for being such a loving example to all over the past 50 years.

Above, the little pouches made for each table setting which had two mini bite Cadbury's choccies inside. The sentiment circle were created in MS Word by means of a text box, which I discovered could be in a circle format. A faux stitching outline was selected for the circle text box. Very impressed with this new style of text box ... be prepared to see lots more of these on layouts and cards.

Above, the mosaic frame gifts for the guests. Michelle and Shelley, just to let you know, everyone were totally bowled over by this gift and I am sure will take pride positions on all the mantel pieces.

After all the formalities everyone got stuck into the fruit cocktail with a yogurt/custard topping, which I must say was quite different, but yummy. The main course was also delicious with a very different egg dish. Desert of course was cupcakes.

The PowerPoint slideshow presentation playing in the background.

Above, the guests of honour.

Above, the family and friends, with all the grand children in front.

Coen and Marie with their seven grand children.

After various family photos were taken, everyone departed round about 12:15pm. Me and Conroy returned to Micasa Guest House for an afternoon snooze and went to visit the family later in the afternoon. Sunday, we took Mom and Dad to see the latest Mr Bones movie at the Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth, followed by a delicious lamb burger lunch at a restaurant along the beach.

We flew back on Monday to the Wild West rat race here in Johannesburg. All in all it was great to see the family again and a change of scenery is always as good as a holiday.

- Glowing with Gold Signing Off