Tonight my family took me out for dinner and some shopping. My family being both of my children, both of my grand children, my “other daughter” and my Dad. It was an early Mother’s Day gift as everyone was able to make it and Sunday would have been hectic with the Mother’s Day crowd.

We had a nice dinner at Chili’s and it was a good night for all. We laughed and chatted and the grand babies were especially good. Doodle Bug had a blast and everyone in the restaurant noticed her too. D.M. didn’t get noticed much because he was kind of hid between his mommy and grandpa. Doodle Bug was out in the isle in a high chair. She was laughing and carrying on with her silly faces, howling and sudden outbursts of laughter. She noticed some deflated balloons that were stuck on the ceiling above her. She kept looking up and grinning that big grin of hers. What a kick in the pants! The food and the service was great! We all had a good time.

My family gave me a very nice Mother’s day card with C.F.’s normal “congratulations” remark he writes in all cards, and a Walmart gift card stuffed inside. After we finished at Chili’s, we went shopping at Walmart. I had both grand babies in the cart and they were having a blast making loud grunts and listening to their voices echo down the isles. It was amusing. Doodle Bug left with her mommy and daddy. Toward the end, D.M. was getting tired of shopping and began grabbing things off the racks. That was our cue to get done and go home.

Nights like these make me realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. I mean, I know how great they are and I know they love and appreciate me. It’s just really nice to have a night out with them without the drama; without all the stuff that on most days compels me to rip my hair out by the roots. It was a night for Mother & Family.