Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Close you's eyes, Opens you's hands

As Bret has traveled around the United States for various reasons, whether it be for In the Attic, Real Estate seminars or vacation, he has always made it a priority to bring home a little surprise for each of the kids. It has become his own special tradition. Each time Bret travels, comments heard around our house are, "How much longer until Dad's going to be home? I wonder what he's going to get us!" Phone calls at night from Dad, never end without questions like, "Have you got anything for us yet? How big is it? He says it's bigger than a feather but smaller than an Elephant!"
The moment he gets home, the first thing he says when he walks in the door is, "Everybody on the couch! Close your eyes and open your hands! NO PEEKING!"
Once they are seated with hands out front and eyes sealed, he proceeds to place something in each of their hands. Once he announces that they may open their eyes, the room is filled with excitement.. . . giant Jawbreakers, cups of slime, bags of gummi bears, screaming monkeys. . .
A while back, Katy came in with a surprise for me. With excitement in her voice she proceeded to tell me, "Close your eyes and open your hands." Upon feeling something in my hands, I opened my eyes to see our morning newspaper. "Thank you, Katy." I said, and off she went, proud as can be for being a good helper. Did I notice Shawn in the background watching this exchange?
A few days ago, as I was standing at the kitchen sink, I felt Shawn tug on my pant leg and I heard him say, "MOM! Close you's eyes, opens you's hands". And I turned to see this . . .
After doing as I was commanded, he presented me with one fresh raspberry he had picked off the raspberry bushes in our backyard. So proud! After waiting for me to eat the raspberry, he was gone.
Only a few minutes had passed when all of sudden he was back . . . "Close you's eyes, opens you's hands!" And I was presented with another. One by one the berries were picked and presented with pride.


Each day now I'm presented with raspberries, fresh off the bushes, one at a time. The magic for Shawn is in the picking and presenting (since he doesn't like to eat them himself). But the magic for me is to see the tradition and excitement pass on from one generation to another. I can only imagine the fun surprises that are still to come!

5 comments:

Traci said...

I love it! He seriously could not be any cuter!

JaMie HeApS said...

i can remeber mom adn da bring home that mosts amazing gifts from there trips... my favortie a gold little spoon, adn a fancy silk hawwian dress. im so glad its passing on cuz i suck at the game... shawnny i love you wish i could taste your yummy rassberries

Kelly said...

Love that. Shawn is sooo stinken CUTE! I can tell Shawn and Millie could be Best Friends! Wish I could jump through the computer and give him a giant hug and kiss! Nothing like Suprise! Love Suprises
It makes life oh so fun! And nothing like Fresh Rasberries Yummers!
I love the new blog look! Happy to see updates from you.
Jenny is almost 12? Can this be Possible? It's way tooo Crazy!

Kim said...

Shawn I LOVE you the most! I loved your hugs on Sunday. How could you not like rapberries? Your lucky mom to have such a yummy treat dilivered by such a handsome little guy. It will be your birthday here soon! Love you!

Gwen said...

Nic, I love the music about an ordinary miracle! Shawn is such a sweetheart! I can just see him. I am glad Bret has created such a fun tradition. Surprizes are so fun. Kelly was the raspberry picker at our house. I enjoyed being in your house for a few minutes the other night. I always love the Clarks!