SURPRISE SURPRISE

I love the month of February.  Things are back to normal after the holidays, the kids are counting down to spring break, Kiarra and my Mom both have birthdays, volleyball and basketball are in full swing and it’s a few months closer to school releasing for the year (something I look more forward to than the kids).

This year my Mom was turning 60 so I wanted to do something special for her. I was plotting with my brothers to come down and surprise her and I was going to put a small party together for her.  She hates surprises (like mother like daughter) but since it would be her kids and grand-kids coming, it would have been worth it.  Teige and family had a lot going on with Logan being a Senior, wrestling at the state tournament, etc. so they didn't think they were going to be able to make it.  I was trying to plan anyway but thing just didn't work out as I hoped for. There was a massive snow storm coming their way and the weather was looking real ugly all through Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma.  Talan, Mollie and Makenzie were still planning to come so I was planning out how we’d do the grandioso surprise.  Since they were going to be driving all night Friday night, I gave them directions to the school where Jayden would be playing in his basketball game on Saturday morning. Thursday came and Talan started asking me questions he normally wouldn't ask.  We don’t talk often so for him to ask me ‘so, what are you guys doing tonight?’ and ‘what time do you get off work tomorrow?’ was so very suspicious to me.  BUSTED!!  I knew they were already in Houston or close by.  See, I hate surprises too so my head is now spinning at the fact they can show up at my house at any moment. Holy smokes, we kicked into high gear trying to get laundry done, toys picked up, sheets changed, and to top it off, I hadn’t got groceries yet!!  I was planning to do all that on Friday since it was my day off and I quickly realized I had less than an hour to do it all.  YIKES… well, laundry and groceries waited until the next day but the kids and I managed to get the sheets changed, dishes done, floors swept, carpet vacuumed and Taryns toys picked up in time for their arrival… but now how are we going to surprise Mom. I know she is in Katy on Thursdays after work so I called her and pretended like I was really upset about something and asked her to come over so I could talk.  At this point, I know Talan is already within 30 minutes from our house and she could take anywhere from 20 - 40 minutes. My heart is racing, who is going to show up first.  Thankfully, Mom showed up first so I laid a sob story on her and told her I quit my job… I even had tears (I should probably be an actress J).  I actually laughed a few times at the ridiculousness of my story but pulled myself together so she wouldn't notice.  Ok…on to the surprise.  I left the garage open so they could just walk into the house.  Jeff had to leave to pick up Jayden from practice at the same time I got a text that they were outside.  P-E-R-F-E-C-T!  Jeff started to leave and in they walked.  Talan said “Happy Birthday” and Mom just stared at him, did a double take and jumped up.  Priceless!  Mom was pleasantly surprised and I quickly confessed that I didn't quit my job.  They were pretty exhausted from driving 14 hours, many of them through snow and ice and since I had no food we had to go out to eat.  What better than taking them to our favorite Mexican restaurant Chuys. We had a nice dinner and went our separate ways. Talan and Mollie stayed with Mom and Kenzie stayed at our house.

Mom was supposed to work on Friday but her boss let her take a last minute vacation day to spend time with them while they were here. Our kids only had a half day at school so it all worked out well.  Jeff and Talan went bowling Friday morning while Mollie did some homework.  Makenzie, Kiarra and I loaded up on groceries and made snacks, cake balls, dips and food for the weekend.  Once Mom, Talan and Mollie finally came over, I took them around town to show them where the kids go to school, where they will go to high school, the new humongous high school, etc.  The remainder of the day we decided to just chill out and go to Katy Mills mall for a little shopping. Although Makenzie already has her prom dress, it was fun to look at dresses and see what she might like for next year. After our little shopping escapade, I made dinner while the rest played cards.  Taryn whooped everyone in the polish poker games that evening!

Saturday, Jayden had 2 basketball games so they were able to see him in action.  He played really well and had several points.  After his games, they all went to Traders Village while Kiarra and I worked on her scrap book.  I grilled up a feast including wings, burgers, hot dogs, bacon wrapped shrimp, queso, mac & cheese, baked beans, grilled veggies, etc.  After eating, I suggested we play hide and seek in the dark.  Talan, Mollie and Makenzie hadn't played this before and they later told us that they didn't think it would be fun.  We proved them wrong.  We had lots of laughs, and memories that we will talk about for years.

Sunday, we all slept in and it felt great… well until I realized we missed church.  Oops! We went to Moms for lunch and then headed to the outlets in Fairfield.  We did a lot of shopping while they were here.  We wanted to go to Galveston but it was chilly and it would have been late by the time we would have got there.  Makenzie, Kiarra, Jeff and I went to our favorite Sushi restaurant for dinner while the others stayed at Moms and ordered pizza.  They were planning to leave at 1:00 am so we let them rest and headed home to get our kids to bed.

It was so great to see them and spend time with them.  Each time we go to Iowa, everyone is always busy so we are limited on the time we get to see them. It was great to have them for 3 days, all to ourselves…especially you MAKENZIE!!

Kiarra has had several volleyball tournaments this year.  She has improved greatly and gets a lot of play time.  Tournaments are so exciting… stressful but exciting.  My back always hurts for a day or so after we have one from the intensity of each game.  We only have 3 tournaments left before the big 3 day, Lone Star Classic in Dallas in April. She’s done well in school, kept her grades to all A’s and B’s which I’m happy with.  Her 8th grade dance is in April which she is really excited about. 

Jayden has had a basketball game each Saturday for the past 2 months and has done really well.  Last night he scored 12 of our 25 points. They have a play just for him called ‘FIRE’ where he is able to make a fast break and go for a layup.  Basketball is pretty exciting too.  They are really rough with each other considering they are only 5th graders. Some kids think its football and go for a tackle.  It’s quite funny.  Jayden has maintained all A’s again.  He has really matured this year and has become so responsible.  I’m very proud of him for stepping up and taking on additional responsibilities.

Taryn is now reading level D, and may be moved to level E today.  It’s amazing to see how much she’s grown up this year as well.  Although she is still super cute, she’s not the cute ‘little’ girl anymore. She still loves to play babies and barbies and all that little girly stuff but she has so much ‘adult like’ behavior as well. I guess it’s because she has older siblings but I hear the other Kindergartners in her class and they all sound like babies, whining and throwing fits during the class parties.  She looks at them like they are crazy.  She comes home with the greatest stories.  I love her personality and the little lady she is turning out to be.  She’s always been our sassiest and I’ve prayed we don’t let her become too sassy.

Jeff and I are starting to make some changes around the house.  I’m super excited about this.  I’ve got someone coming to paint next week and then it’s onto light fixtures, ceiling fans, the kitchen and the pool!  I think we now know exactly what we want so it’s time to get it done!