SURPRISE!

My dad arranged a surprise dinner and show in Branson for my mom's birthday! What a great thing to do for someone who does so much for us. Mom is always tied up at the store, so getting to see the whole family (other than at Christmas) is a big deal, and out of town too! We met at Red Lobster...I admit to making the suggestion...and we got a table for 11 right away, a miracle for a Friday night anywhere! Both of our families beat Mom and Dad there by less than 20 minutes! It was great!







We spent most of the meal telling Mom how the phone calls and e-mails were made behind her back! She can't believe she had no idea! Of course, that's half the fun for the rest of us. Both of our families had been involved in VBS during the week, so she knew we would both be at home resting from our crazy schedules!

After dinner Dad treated us to a show. We went to the beautiful new Sights and Sounds theater to see Noah, the Musical. My kids absolutely loved it and the next day Erin was re-reading the account from Genesis. You can't ask for more than that!





I'm so thankful that my mom has become my friend over the years. She taught me so many things when I was at home, even though I was always too prideful to admit to needing to know anything! I truly regret not appreciating her when I was living at home.

I am so proud of her these last few years, taking care of my grandparents. It's a hard thing, a sacrifice at times, and yet she honors them with her time and energy. It's a great heritage of family, and I'm thankful for her more than she'll ever know!