Years ago Dave's mom used to try to give us money. We hated to take it because even though we were broke and technically could use it, we were okay. And Carol had her own bills to worry about. We tried to refuse it, but she was annoyingly persistent. Eventually we gave in and hatched a plan.
We decided to put everything she gave us into a savings account at our credit union with the plan of some day giving it back to her as a retirement present. For close to a decade, I have been making deposits to this account and they have been earning interest. On Saturday, we cashed it all in at Sears and sprung for a brand-new washer and dryer for Carol. Only, we didn't TELL HER about it, hoping it would be a big surprise.
So yesterday, while she watched the kids here, I escaped over to her house to "unpack some boxes" and wait for the Sears truck to arrive. They came at the back-end of the appointment window, so I actually ended up having enough time to almost completely unpack her living room, vacuum half the house and give some major thought to her furniture dilemmas. (Nothing fits right!)
Then Sears called my house to confirm that they'd be there in five minutes and Carol answered the phone. Surprise over! Well, not at first. But she definitely freaked out when she saw her garage door open and a big truck in the street. I think at first she thought I was having something hauled away. She was also worried that we'd bought her something KENMORE brand. Personally I've had excellent luck with Kenmore, but she HATES them, so she was worried we were giving her something she didn't want.
Anyway, she had already picked out the Maytag top-loader set she wanted at Best Buy and we ended up getting her a much nicer version of what she wanted. Needless to say, she was thrilled.
Wow- you really do love your MIL! Kidding aside, what a nice thing to do!!
Posted by: Sarah | April 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Aww, that's so sweet!
(And I totally share her hatred of Kenmore appliances. They are The Suck.)
Posted by: cindy w | April 22, 2008 at 01:24 PM
That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. What a great idea!
Posted by: Sonja | April 22, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Now this is COOL!!!
Posted by: Tana | April 22, 2008 at 04:59 PM
What a cool surprise!
Posted by: karen | April 22, 2008 at 05:33 PM
You guys are too sweet. What a kind and thoughtful plan. You all are the best.
Posted by: Kathy | April 22, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Oh wow! We just got the Maytag front load washer and dryers and I love them!! You guys are great!!
Posted by: Jamie | April 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM