Saturday, March 3, 2012

I've Been Keeping A Big Fat Secret...

... and I'm just about to burst with the pressure of it all.


You're probably not surprised about that. If there's any surprise at all, it's probably that anyone would tell me a secret to begin with. Generally speaking, I'm in the know about sixty seconds before we yell, "Surprise!".  We find it's safer that way... It's a well known fact that the distance from motormouth to blabbermouth is one pigeon- toed duck waddle.

But I'm here to report that I did it. Yesirree folks, I have kept a big secret for a few weeks now, and this is the first moment that I 've been allowed to share.

It's about those yellow ribbons we've been tying since last summer and a favorite niece who has been longing to see her husband's face.



Well, folks, her wait is over.  Thursday evening, she headed to the airport for one of those hopelessly romantic "Welcome Home" kisses.

In my head, it looked something like this:


I'll just have to be satisfied with my imagination since there are no pictures of the moment.  Oh, it's not for lack of trying. Her mother and I wanted desperately to tag along. We're kind of intrusive like that...

I volunteered for the job of mission photographer and even proposed a strategy called Operation Shiny Red Kodak. I can't divulge military secrets, but it involved a bivouac at the Savannah Airport and a large potted plant.

It was nixed by the commander. Apparently, she didn't want an audience.
Bet she got one anyway.

Since I couldn't be company photographer, I opted to do my part by keeping the secret and getting her front porch spiffy for the homecoming.  The second part was my idea. Anyone think he noticed?

Yeah... me neither, but it was my gift nonetheless.

Of course, this whole story begs the $20,000 question...

If his wife knew all about it, why all the secrecy?


Because his parents didn't. 

You  see, Lt. McNephew's grandparents are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this afternoon. They've planned a big party with their seven children and gazillion grand and great-grandchildren. They're all expecting the niece. They just don't know that her anniversary gift will be wrapped in fatigues.

I just hope with all those gazillion grands, somebody thought to bring a shiny red Kodak.

So anyway, that's my big fat secret. Pretty good, huh?  I don't plan to see much of the two of them for the two weeks he's home. After a day or two with his family, they are heading to some undisclosed location, away from prying eyes and intrusive aunts.

Ah, love...

Welcome home  Lt. McNephew... 
You are very much loved,
and you have been very much missed. 

43 comments:

Sharon said...

This makes me SO happy!

I'm a sucker for those military homecomings. And since it involves one very favorite niece and nephew of this Invisible Person - I couldn't be more pleased!

I cannot even imagine the look of surprise on the faces at that party. Oh, what a joyful moment!

If earthly *re-unions* are this wonderful, can you even imagine what our heavenly homecoming is going to be like?

No secret - it's going to be GLORIOUS!!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Oh my ... That is a wonderful secret to share. How special!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love sweet stories like this, they always get me teary eyed. So glad he is home safe and God Bless all for his service. Hugs, Marty

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

ALL things military where our kids are concerned bring an immediate tear to my eye, but this one is so joy filled!! What a great surprise!! oh I am SO proud of you... I would also be the one behind the potted plant, with or without my shiny kodak!

Praying for a wonderful 2 weeks for both of them.

Denise said...

You have such a way with words. I found it VERY hard to keep this secret as well. Even though the SIL's family doesn't live in our town, you have to be so careful about all that Facebook status stuff with that younger generation. (okay, with some of us older folks, too) I'm waiting until 5:31 to post my new status. And, yes, as soon as those two kids were on the road I started calling people. They all gave me precisely the answer I desired. AAAWWWWWEEE, isn't that sweet.

Thanks for shouting this happy occasion out to all of blog land. Hugs to you today sweet sister.

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Good job, Mrs. Yakkity! I'm so proud of you keeping this humongous secret! What a fabulous surprise for his family ... and a thoughtful way for them to share the Lt. during what is always a too-quick two weeks. Big smiles and hugs and prayers from yet another romantic "older woman" who would have loved to be behind that potted plant with you. ;-) Blessings on the lovebirds!

Maryann said...

This makes me cry, what a wonderful surprise, I just love homecomings :)
You did real good keeping the surprise..with all the technology out there it's harder these days.

Lynn said...

Very nice:@)

Sue said...

What a wonderful secret to keep!! His presence will answer many prayers I'm sure.
You did a good job!

Gaby said...

You have a way with words for sure! I don't even know these two love birds and I'm happy for them from your description :)

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Sigh, I so remember getting my hands on ... ummm I mean seeing my honey after he had been away for a time. So happy for them and I know they are in lovey dovey heaven.
(())

Christine said...

You've got to write a book!
Your style is amazing and so fun to read.
Will you thank him for me? I sure appreciate anyone who serves their country. It's a tough job. The hours are so long.

Have fun. The party sounds delightful.

Tanna said...

Oh, my goodness, girl. You've got me bawlin' like a baby!! I have a very special place in my heart for our service folks and their families. May God Bless and keep your Lt. McNephew and his sweet bride. Happy 70th to his grandparents, too! WOW! All wonderful things to celebrate in your neck of the woods! Thank you for sharing the joy! blessings ~ Tanna

Tanna said...

PS great job on the secret keeping! ;)

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Awwww! YAY is all I can say!

Miss Char said...

That's the sweetest thing I've read today. Please tell him thank you for serving.

Elizabeth Dianne said...

I loved this post!

Chatty Crone said...

How in the world did you keep that a secret for so long? Wonderful secret to share. sandie

Tracy said...

Wow, what a great surprise and I would have burst with that wonderful news...

Chris said...

Hi Debbie, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

Oh...those surprise homecomings are so incredibly wonderful, and from one in the military...oh, my goodness. What a moment that'll be! Thank you for sharing this happy story of his homecoming.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

What a wonderful surprise! I love things like that! Proud of you for keeping the secret!

Katherine

FrouFrouBritches said...

So, so sweeeeet!!!! Congrats to The Newlywed Niece and Lt. Mc Nephew! I wonder if intrusive strangers took pictures. I would have. So precious!!!

FrouFrouBritches said...

So, so sweeeeet!!!! Congrats to The Newlywed Niece and Lt. Mc Nephew! I wonder if intrusive strangers took pictures. I would have. So precious!!!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Oh that's wonderful! That is such a sweet surprise too for the party, I am sure they will love it! Congrats to you as well for keeping a secret. LOL!

At The Picket Fence said...

Oh!! Yeah!! So excited for such a wonderful reunion and so proud of you for keeping the secret! Ugh. I'm the worst with secrets! lol. I hope they will get to see the beautiful way you shared this story!

Heather

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh my gosh! That's just wonderful! I can't even imagine the reactions at the party.

It must have been hard to keep such a happy secret! I'm sure I would have been dropping "hints" :)!

Rettabug said...

Awwww....*BIG SMILE*....please tell Lt. McNephew "thank you" for his service to our country & also Congrats to his grandparents on their 70th anniversary. WOW! So much to celebrate!!

Hugs all around,
Rett

Knitty said...

Oh, this makes my heart so happy!! God bless all who serve and their families who await their homecomings!

Thanks for the kind words on my blog.

Red Couch Recipes said...

I am glad that he is home for a bit of R and R. My parents were a WWII wartime bride. They met at a hospital dance, a hospital my dad was recuperating at. I love that vintage picture. Seventy years of marriage is a very special event! Joni

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Ahh this is so sweet! I know how hard it is to keep a secret but glad you did:)

elizabeth said...

What happy, happy news!
Thanks so much for your encouraging comment on my post about Jesus overcoming the light. It means a lot to me.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh my! How sweet is that.....I'm sure the best anniversary yet. Thanks for sharing this wonderful sectret.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Debbie, how fun for his grand parents! So proud of you for keeping the secret, but I would have loved to have seen your operation Shiny Red Kodak put to use. With airport security the way it is today, someone hiding behind a plant would probably be arrested! laurie

The Polka Dot Closet said...

OK, I laughed and i cried! And I thought why was it a secret...Oh the anniversary...70th lord, they both have to be in there 90's how fabulous! You did it again...A fabulous post...And to the nieces husband, thank you for your service...now, go make some babies LOL!

Carol

Denise said...

This post made my heart smile.

no spring chicken said...

I'm crying. I'm not exaggerating... goofy tears streaming down my face. I love it!! Enjoy your time staying away from them. A goofy grin should keep you entertained the entire time. Sigh.

Blessings, Debbie

Kathleen said...

Hooray!!! What a great cause for celebration. So happy for the niece and her man and Uncle Tom Cobley and all!

Renée said...

Spilling some tears and wishing everyone had a secret keeping, porch decorating, hilarious sweet Auntie like you! What a delightful family tale with such a happy ending. Thanks for sharing it here Debbie!

Decor To Adore said...

As a retired military wife I am smiling wide and saying "Yippeeee!"

I'd love for you to pop by for a visit. I am hosting a $50 Kirklands Giftcard Giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Great story! 70 years - God bless them!! That's a lifetime - how much they've seen change in this world. So glad McNephew returned safely to kith and kin.

Joy!
Kathy

Patsy said...

I can really relate to this story! My newest grandson ( he married my granddaughter in July) just got home from the Middle East. Hooray! The best part of this story is, they came to visit us for the first time as a family this weekend. I do love my new grandson, he is a jewel! Patsy

Anonymous said...

Sigh...beautiful post, Debbie. What a thoughtful gesture of kindness. Warms my heart. I'm with you and Susan behind that potted plant. ;)
So glad you shared this with us.
By the way, I love your pink occasion tray with a setting for one. I'm one of those few people who actually enjoys a quiet meal by myself. Not that I don't enjoy the ones with my husband or our children, but every now and then I like one by myself. The tray is lovely. Enjoy your daughter's visit and yay for her big sister.
MUAH!!

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