SURPRISE!!!

That was the chant that sent my mom into a fit of tears this weekend!  My dad, brothers and our families surprised my mom for her 60^th birthday!  But, before I tell you about the surprise, let me back up.  About four-five months ago, my mom and I were having a conversation when the topic of her birthday came up. 

Now, there isn’t a subtle bone in my mom’s body and this next statement further solidifies that. 

She said, “Now don’t forget I’m turning 60 in July and you all better do something good!”

Yikes!  That sent the fear of God running through my veins.  My mom is very much the sentimental type and I knew if we messed this up, we’d be sorry and feel guilty for the rest of OUR lives, not to mention hers!  So, my mind set to motion quickly searching for ideas.  I’m the oldest, so I felt like I should initiate something.  I pitched a few ideas to my two brothers and their wives and we quickly decided we’d all try to go to St. Louis and surprise mom with a dinner/party!  This was a pretty big task.  One brother and his wife live in Atlanta and the other brother/wife live in Wichita .  So, it was a hefty trip for all.  But, nothing is too much for our dear old… ole!  I meant ole… and in an endearing way… our dear OLE mother!

Now, fast forward to the night of the party.  We all arranged to arrive to town Friday late afternoon and dad made dinner reservations for 6:30pm at a great restaurant in St. Louis .  He spent the day barbecuing and my mom was salivating thinking they were preparing for a 4^th of July barbecue feast—just the two of them.  Then, at the last minute, he put all of the barbecue in the frig and abruptly announced to mom they were going to meet friends for dinner!  HUH?  Yeah, that’s what we all thought… including mom.  Needless to say, dad winged it and it worked!  When mom and dad arrived at the restaurant and the server pulled the curtain back on our room, we all yelled, “SURPRISE”, sending my mom into shock and awe!  It was such a priceless moment!  I wouldn’t trade it for the world!  For the next two days, we had a wonderful time of celebration and fellowship among family.  It's amazing how much more you cherish family as you get older.  I couldn't have asked for a better one! 

Oh, and we all received one more surprise!  My baby brother and his wife are pregnant with their first child!  Yippee!  What fun!  I’m going to be an aunt for the first time on my side of the family.  I can’t wait!

So, that was my wonderful 4^th of July 2008.  Isn’t life grand?

Peace, Love and Joy!

Carrie