Sunday, March 5, 2017

A surprise weekend...................


I just have to tell you all about my surprise weekend.  Two weeks ago my husband and I celebrated our 25 wedding anniversary.  We are not ones to have a whole lot of hoopla about anniversaries and birthdays, so we exchanged cards and he promised to take me out to dinner this past Friday.  Now why it was two weeks after our day did not even factor in.  We have to arrange baby sitters and such and plus we are just so busy at work during the week we have very little time to think.  My middle son texted me on Thursday that he was coming home for the weekend, not odd for him but odd in the fact it was just a week before his spring break.  I was thrilled to see him regardless.  The Aunts were scheduled to pick up Little Buddy at 5:30 Friday night for an adventure so we could go out to dinner.  Well the surprise was on me.  When we got to the restaurant I saw my three SIL's a dear friend, all of my sons including my oldest straight from Ohio, and my eldest sons two best friends that I feel are part mine.  I cried my eyes out.   Here we are, and no my sons are not 7 feet tall they are standing on a step.  My husband really pulled this huge surprise off!


Here I am with all my boys, which is exactly what I call them all, my boys.  I am so blessed that my husband thought to surprise me this way.  Bringing those I care about so much together to celebrate with us.  My sister Claudia and Don were also invited but could not attend due to her work schedule on the broadway show Anastasia.  We had such a lovely time, the food was delicious and being with those I love was such a great gift to me.  My oldest was here for less than 48 hours.  He is still job hunting and now is thinking of returning to Florida to job search.  We will see what happens in that department as his serious girlfriend is in Columbus.


Little Buddy was so happy to have both of his brothers at home.  He pointed to them several times saying, "You are my brother and you are my brother."  Here he is with Mr. 19.


He got to play with them and just be near them, that is a real treat these days when we are all so far apart.  Even Max had a wonderful time with all of us home even for just over a day.


Here I am friends, wrinkles and all squeezing my precious boy.


He had Dr. Seuss Day this week at school to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Little Buddy loves a good hat and he has worn this one all over the place.



 But as they say all good things must come to an end.  This one woke up this morning feeling ill.  He was complaining about, "A frog in my froat."  And then he got the, "Frow ups."  Now that is serious!!!  Mr.  23 is already back in Ohio, and Mr. 19 is heading back to Orlando tomorrow.  Still I am blessed to have these amazing memories of my surprise weekend.

50 comments:

Araignee said...

Good for you!!!! Nothing is better than to be surrounded by family-and what a handsome gaggle of guys they are. Hope the little one is better soon.

Amy at love made my home said...

Congratulations!!!!! How wonderful to celebrate your anniversary in such a great way. All of your men, from the youngest to the oldest and all of those in between are very handsome and very lucky to have you in their lives. I hope that you and your husband have a wonderful life ahead for the next 25 years and beyond and that great things will come your way! Hope too that all goes well for the job hunt for your son. Happy anniversary!!! xx

Teresa Kasner said...

*H*A*P*P*Y* * *A*N*N*I*V*E*R*S*A*R*Y*!*!* to you and your excellent husband for this super surprise party! You're all so gorgeous! Glad you explained the step the boys were on.. I was thinking how much taller than dad they were! LOL! And my dear, you are beautiful.. your face is perfect just the way it is. I hope LB gets over his illness fast. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Babajeza said...

Congratulations! :-)

busybusybeejay said...

WHat a lovely surprise.It is lovely on the rare occasions it happens to get all the family together.This happened for on the occasion of our Golden Wedding in December.A warm glow comes over me and you too,I am sure.I hope little Buddy is OK.Barbarax

Needles and Wool said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time and it is so nice they surprised you! Buddy does look so happy to have all his brothers around.

CJ said...

Oh what lovely photos, and what a fantastic surprise. I know this is the best gift you could have had. You look gorgeous, and so happy surrounded by all of your boys. You and I are similarly outnumbered I think! How great that their friends came too, I'm so glad you had such a good day. I do hope your littlest man is all better soon. CJ xx

Sandra said...

What a joyous way to celebrate! All your readers are so happy for you. And no one would ever doubt that you and Claudia are sisters after seeing your picture. I think you look wonderful, by the way!

20 North Ora said...

What a wonderful surprise! And a great way to celebrate your anniversary. Happy Belated Anniversary!!

Judy

Betsy said...

Happy Anniversary a bit late my friend. What a fun time and most excellent surprise. There is absolutely nothing like having your family around you and such a handsome group of guys you have. I can only imagine your little guys delight in having his brothers home with him. I hope he's back to feeling well very soon.
Blessings,
Betsy

Christina said...

What a wonderful wonderful surprise Meredith. You are blessed with the most beautiful family. I hope Little Buddy will be feeling better soon. xx

Fiona said...

Happy anniversary, what a wonderful surprise for you. The photos are really lovely x

AnnieOBTextiles said...

What a wonderful and perfect surprise. There is nothing better than being surrounded by a loving family. Happy Anniversary Meredith to you and your lovely husband. I think the photo of you and Little Buddy is beautiful, both your faces filled with love and joy. I hope Little Buddy is feeling much better soon.

Pradeepa said...

Congratulations! What a fantastic surprise! Hope Little Buddy gets well soon.

Mac n' Janet said...

Congratulations on you anniversary and what a great gift, the gift of family, there is nothing better.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I don't think anything makes me happier then to be with my girls, son in law, grands and my Mom. I feel surrounded by love at those times. I'm so glad you had a surprise weekend. Hope Little Buddy is feeling better already. So much sickness going around and around. Hugs!

Willow said...

How sweet to have that surprise! And Happy 25th Anniversary!
Poor Little Buddy. I hope he is frough wif all those frow ups!

Anonymous said...

I can tell by the smile on John's face that he was pretty darn proud of himself for pulling that all together. SO happy for you.

You certainly have a wonderful (and may I say, HANDSOME) family of BOYS!

Happy (belated) anniversary to you and John. You've made an amazing FAMILY! Give that sweet Thing 3 a hug from us!

Delighted Hands said...

Happy anniversary! What an amazing surprise-nothing beats having our 'boys' around us again! Sorry that the nasty virus has come to visit! (I am going to have all four of my children united over the course of the next week 'n a half!)

Chris said...

Oh this post fills me with happiness and joy for you! What an amazing surprise!! You all look so happy and can see the love between all of you! lol buddy dies steal the show though! Wrinkles, where?!?! I'll show you some! You are a beautiful woman and your love for your boys sure comes shining through!!

Melanie said...

That is the greatest surprise weekend! I know you must've been overjoyed to have all your boys in one spot, even if just for a short time. Happy 25th to you and your hubby. So sorry to hear that Little Buddy is sick. Hopefully, it will pass quickly. xoxo

The Well Fed Wheel said...

Happy Anniversary and what a wonderful surprise! You all make a mighty fine looking group! It's so nice when eveyone can get together like that. Ours are scattered all over too and it makes my day when we can all get together too so I know what you mean. Little Buddy is so lucky to have all those big brothers to look up too!

linda said...

How lovely what a fabulous surprise Meredith, belated happy anniversary, family times like this are the best it's such a pity they have to come to an end so soon. Poor Little Buddy I hope he's better soon. :) xx

Jo said...

Congratulations on your silver wedding anniversary. This is just the best gift you could have got, having those you love around you and spending time with them. I think your husband did a great job planning it all without you finding out.

Bridget said...

What a lovely surprise! I'm so glad you had this happen, since I know you have had a hard time lately feeling good about life. Love the photos!

I hope Little Buddy feels better soon. It sucks to have a fun weekend and then get sick ...

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Wonderful! You deserve it :)

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Wow, what a beautiful surprise! I did a similar thing for my Mother-in-law last year for her birthday. It was so much fun planning it and then when the surprise moment came, everyone was overwhelmed with laughter and a few tears. What a beautiful family you have. Just beautiful!
Andrea

Karen said...

I'm so happy for you, Meredith. There's absolutely nothing better than having all of our loved ones together.

Maureen said...

Happy Anniversary! It looks like you had a wonderful time with all of your boys!
Maureen

Vera said...

What a wonderful surprise and Happy Anniversary!! Love Little Buddy's hat - it is awesome!!

kathy b said...

I became so happy reading this post. Your husband truly loves you. Surprises are so hard to pull off. What you have is magic. It is not without its hard times or struggles, but you have family love and that is priceless. It is the meaning of our lives.

likeschocolate said...

What a wonderful surprise indeed. Have a alovely week!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

That is an excellent surprise. Your husband did a very good thing. :) Love seeing all of you together! Great family photo! Hope Little B is well very soon.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

What a nice surprise. I hope Little Buddy is feeling better soon.

Between Me and You said...

Team Meredith is full of handsome, thoughtful fellas, large and small and led by a very beautiful woman, inside and out. Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary to you all.xxx

Lynne said...

I'm very happy for you Meredith!! Lots of love in that family of yours, nothing beats it. Congrats on your anniversary, and cheers to many more wonderful years xxxx

Joyful said...

As, how lovy that your husband surprised you in this way. I can just see the happy glow on your face. Congratulations on your 25TH. I hope little Buddy gets better soon.

Gracie Saylor said...

Happy Anniversary! I love seeing your beautiful family and knowing that your husband orchestrated such a special celebration to celebrate your 25th anniversary! I am still on a blogging break because I have either been gone from home or had company. On Wednesday I fly back down to Burbank for another week. There will be a ceremony at the Miramar Veterans' Cemetery. Everyone in the family is doing well, and we have appreciated having time together... missing Larry, but celebrating his life. Wishing Little Buddy, you and all your loved ones well! 🤗

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

What a fun surprise for your anniversary! Sweet! The family photos look so great and you all will cherish them for years to come. You are pretty and so enjoy seeing you once in awhile on your blog. Praying Buddy will be feeling better soon and enjoy the rest of your week! We had a surprise this morning with snow! But it's all gone now. :<*}
Becky

Blondie's Journal said...

Happy Anniversary! Oh, that picture of your family is beautiful...you should frame it. All three of your boys, and your hubby, are so handsome. And you remind me so much of your sister, just beautiful! I love surprises like this. Had one for my 45th birthday, my boys came home from college about 150 miles south of Chicago for a dinner, and...they had to drive back that same night! Ugh.

We are fortunate ladies, you and I!

Jane x

handmade by amalia said...

How brilliant, Meredith! You have a beautiful family.
Amalia
xo

Toni said...

Oh, happy anniversary! And a big hug for your husband for arranging such a wonderful weekend for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jodiebodie said...

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary!
What a fantastic way to celebrate. What a treasure your husband is for organising that without you knowing. It is hard to keep secrets from the mum in a household.
A beautiful event to remember and smile about all year long. xx

Lorrie said...

Belated Happy Anniversary! You have a lovely and loving family. What a great surprise from your husband.
I hope Little Buddy feels better very soon. It's awful to have a fwog in one's fwoat!

Lilbitbrit said...

How lovely that your husband surprised you like that, that certainly would warm your heart. You have a lovely family. Hope the little one feels well soon.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Oh Meredith what a wonderful surprise, can't get any better then that. Your husband "did good" as they say.
xoxoRobin

Suzan said...

CONGRATULATIONS on your 25th Anniversary Meredith!!
Your pictures are awesome and full of LOVE!! This is what life is truly about --> the celebrations of your family and close friends!! You certainly have a very special husband to make all the arrangements to bring your family together!! Get well Little Buddy!!

Jo said...

What a great surprise and such lovely photos of everyone. Jo x

Judy S. said...

What fun! A very belated Happy Anniversary! And best wishes for lots more years together.

alexandra s.m. said...

I'm so happy for you Meredith!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful family pictures with us!
You are beaming!!
xx