Monday, December 1, 2008

Monday Memories—In Which a Surprise Finally Exceeded Her Expectations


One day, shortly before Cali turned eight years old, we were discussing her birthday. I explained that she would receive a really special birthday present from Grandpa and Grandma Payne—which was true, they always give the grandchildren a set of scriptures on their eighth birthday. Cali was excited to not only be getting presents, but a special one. Her birthday came and went and I forgot about our conversation until years later when I told her I had a surprise for her. She said, “No surprises, mom. Just tell me what it is; my imagination always delivers better than your surprises.” She continued, “Remember when I turned eight and you told me I was going to get a special surprise from Grandpa and Grandma. I was so excited. I thought and thought of what could be really special and I decided they must be getting me a swimming pool (Olympic-size of course, because that one, she doesn’t dream small). I knew a swimming pool would be a really special surprise. Can you imagine my disappointment when I opened a box of scriptures instead? VERY. No surprises for me mom, your surprises just can’t match my imagination.”

Ho. Ho. Surprising her has been a challenge ever since, but someone VERY special did. Read all about it here.

19 comments:

Lucy said...

Oh, happy day! And what a great, great post to chronicle the "How did you meet" story. Very handy for future reference.

Congratulations, Cali! And congrats to you and Calvin too. Well done.

melanie said...

Cali's pony tails are adorable! I'm excited for all you guys. How fun!

Kim Sue said...

gotta love suprise love :o)

Anonymous said...

Well, Jane, one down, and three to go. What does it feel like? I can't decided if I'm ready for that or not!

Congrats to Cali and Ray!

Anonymous said...

You guys must be so proud and excited.

Miller Family said...

Wooohooo! Congratulations. That is sooo very exciting. Cali is so adorable and such a wonderful person. We all knew he was pretty special when he came to visit at scrap retreat. That takes a lot of guts! Give her my best!! Michelle

Carolyn said...

Hooray! I was so excited for her when I read that today.

hennchix said...

I was so excited when I read Cali's blog this morning! Hooray for her! That Ray is getting an awesome gift. Congrats to you and Calvin also! Have they chosen a date yet?

Jess said...

What a cute post! I don't know Cali, but she sounds like an amazing girl!
Big CONGRATS to all of you :) Surprises are the best!!!

Jill said...

Wow, congratulations to Cali!

I can totally relate surprises not matching my imagination, I suffer from that too.

Julie said...

Oh Jane! We are so happy for Cali! Becka and Jake really liked Ray this summer and said he fit right in with your family. He must be awesome! Are they waiting until Ty comes home? I can't believe he will be back soon either. Such fun things happening in your family. Give them a hug from us!

Amy said...

I love a good love story. And it sounds like your Cali has got one going! Congratulations to her & him & you...now onto the wedding planning!

Deidra said...

I share her exact sentiments on surprises. I hate knowing a surprise is coming, but that is one excellent surprise! Congrats to Cali! :-) And everyone else that benefits from this new arrangement!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Congrats to all of you! What a wonderful Christmas present. :)

Marie said...

Oh! I love stories like this! Just wonderful!

I hope you haven't written your Christmas letter yet! This would be a serious bit of new to leave out.

Kelly said...

What a cute post from Cali! Congratulations to her. Exciting times ahead in the Neighbor Jane household, yes?

michelle said...

Wonderful!

I loved your post and I loved Cali's. Such a clever timeline. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Barb said...

I have read this story in your newsletter, and I love the photo to go with it this time!

Nanci said...

You must be so excited for her. Congratulations.