Sometimes, they surprise you...still..

..it can make a Mother proud...

Jeff & Rachael..the latest members for become a part of our family..well, Jeff has always been, but Rachael is our newest Daughter-in-Law...


On the night before Christmas Eve, they hear about the "big storm" that was to hit the valley..so they decided to give Mr. B his Christmas present early....

Yeppers...a snow blower! Mr. B has wanted one, but seeing how we only get bad storms about twice a season, couldn't justify the purchase. After all, our driveway and sidewalk are relatively small...


You should have seen his face light up! and then, when he actually got to use it...well, you know "boys and their toys"..he did our sidewalks, the neighbors to the left, the neighbors to the right...

...if the snow plow hadn't made an appearance, I think he would have done the whole street!

Then there's this..a handmade quilt wall hanging..

..complete with a pretty rod to hang it on..made by Rachael's VERY talented Mother..

Pretty, huh?

OK, so kids give their parents gifts for Christmas. And we love the gifts. But, I got another "gift" today when I spoke with Jeff - a gift he didn't know he was giving me...

He- Jeff- collects GI Joe's. Seriously. a C.O.L.L.E.C.T.O.R. He was even written up on CNN for his GI Joe collection and his work cubicle, then decorated in GI Joe.

So he and Rachael were looking at a website for good buys from private sellers. They were excited to find one in driving distance that seemed to have a lot to sell.

Whoopie! Bargain! New ones! Old ones! Be still my (Jeff's ) heart!

They find a "Grandfather-type" with some great finds. He explains he bought them for sons, grandsons, but "needed" to sell them now.

Why?

Seems one grandson has leukemia. Chemo is VERY expensive. Bummer. To the max.

Jeff looks over what he has to sell, realizes the Grandpa is WAAAY undercharging, mostly because, obviously, he doesn't know how much they're worth.

Jeff and Rachael don't hesitate. They tell him so. Then they stay and help him put together the best offerings - give pricing suggestions.

Jeff remembers he has some pieces the old man is missing, and gets those so some of the incomplete collections are now complete.

Jeff purchases a few little things, but tell the man he'll do so much better on-line.

Wow. Yes, everyone's kids are good. Every mother is proud.

But today, as I sit at work, I realize my Christmas just got a belated present.

Surprised? Maybe a just little. Proud?

Youbetcha.

-me