My very favorite moment on Thanksgiving happened before the turkey even came off the grill… before the mashed potatoes… before the sweet potatoes… even before the hors devours. My mom had been texting my sister MOBS (the baby of the family) all morning saying Thanksgiving won’t be the same without her. MOBS got married last Christmas and this would be her first Thanksgiving with her hubby, HFM, far away from blustery Chicago. HFM had to work – leaving my mom thinking MOBS would spend her first Thanksgiving alone, half a continent away.
The rest of the sibs were together. Even the sibs’ husbands and boyfriends were making it this year. Grandparents, lots of aunts, uncles and cousins all on their way. And although my mom was entertaining 40some people, I knew she was missing MOBS. As moms, there’s just something about the baby being gone.
The family was expected around 1 pm. So imagine her surprise when the dog barked, announcing the arrival of the first guest a little after noon. “I’m not ready!” she lamented, a bowl on her hip and a spoon in hand. She turned to wash up…
… that’s when MOBS walked through the door.
My mom’s reaction was awesome. It was worth keeping secrets – I didn’t call my mom the whole week. Couldn’t. I sent text messages instead, so I wouldn’t blow it. Somehow, all 5 siblings kept our mouths shut and it was my favorite holiday moment. I only wish HFM could have been there.
So, mom, this is for you. Togetherness… brought to you by sneaky MOBS’ amazing planning:
What was your favorite holiday moment?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m gonna seriously try to print this photo. I hope Walgreens will let a happy Mom have a copy. What a bunch of bratty kids nearly giving Mom a heart attack. Next time please tell me!
What a most excellent surprise.
ha! Never. I’d never tell.
But now you know to expect something if I return your calls with texts. xoxoxo.
Great picture & what an awesome surprise for your mom. I love it!
I don’t know that I had a favorite holiday moment. I think it was a great holiday because everyone got along!
(Maybe that was my favorite moment…)
There are always good moments at holidays. I think the best one was sitting with my brother in church. I never get to do that, and he has such a beautiful voice for singing harmony. I treasure those sounds.
what a beautiful family!! great surprise.
Beautiful picture (looks like a model shoot)!! Fabulous surprise.
I’ve gotta know: which gal is MOBS in that picture??
Our best holiday moment? Well, actually, it was not seeing my husband’s step-mother the entire meal.
The most enjoyable moment was pie time with my sisters, or maybe the awesome game night after the meal.
Thanks, Wendy.
The bottom row is the sibs.
Me, Sunny, Bro, MOBS, Junie-Bug
She is second to the right, and the baby of the family.
Great picture and even better story behind it! Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. My whole family was able to be together this year, and that meant a lot to me personally. My fave moment? Having my little nephew nibble on me and say, “mmm…you’re juicy like cake!” LOL
Oh, how wonderful! Your mom looks quite giddy in the photo surrounded by all you good lookin’ people!
We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year as it was our first one since Momma passed away earlier this year. It was a good one, though…my Dad cooked almost everything for us, we shared some sweet laughter and generally enjoyed one another’s company.
I bet that meant a lot to your mom! How sweet!
My favorite holiday moment… hmm… The clang of dishes being passed around the gigantic table and chatter among family. That was my favorite.
I did not know you had a bro.
Poor guy. Out numbered.
Oh and um, gorgeous family!
What a great story and photo…I hope my kids surprise me like that one year. No, I hope they just know they have to spend every stinkin’ holiday with me—-or else.
What a great moment~nothing like having everyone together. Good to see your family!
what a nice moment to cherish..
great photo…
your sis has such a lovely tan…my eyes were hooked on admiring that..
Darc – your family is BEAUTIFUL! What a wonderful gift to your mom! I know she loved having all of you there! Hope your thanksgiving was wonderful!
I LOVE that you did that! I’ve always wanted to show up for Thanksgiving dinner as a surprise to my mom. That is a wonderful pic of all of you, too.
Everyone together– just how it should be! I am so glad it worked out for y’all! Ditto everyone else– what a gorgeous family and a sweet surprise for your mom. I have no idea what I’d do if I had to keep a surprise like that from my mom. She doesn’t even know how to check voicemail so there is no way I could txt my way out of talking to her. And if I went a week without calling, she’d be at my doorstep in a heartbeat– no matter that she lives 4 hours away.
Let’s see… my fav holiday moment was playing outside with the kids. We played croquet without wickets and made up our own “goals” with bricks.
My fam will all be getting together for Christmas in California this year, all except Lele and her hubs since she is due with their first child in January. It always stinks when there are people missing.
This is my favorite post! Family pics like this are priceless. What a sweet thing to do for, or ‘to’ your Mom.
Beautiful family!