How We Told The Family...

When I started thinking about how we would tell the family, I went back and forth with a few ideas. I wanted to be able to tell everyone at once, but still make it special. My best friend was the only person that knew, so in order for this to work, I needed her help. I went with a text message game. I seriously had no idea if this would be lame or a hit...I just crossed my fingers and did it. :)  I sent everyone an envelope with these instructions. At the bottom was a word that they would have to text in. There was also another smaller envelope that was plastered with "DO NOT OPEN" messages. In retrospect, I was totally the best person to do this game FOR my family...because for sure if it would've come to me, (in another state, where no one could find out) I would've cheated and opened the envelope. :)

There was a lot of strategy that went into who got which words...the words together said "Dreams come true, Baby Shaw coming this July" I had to make sure that my sisters and mom had nothing that made sense together, because I figured they'd talk. :) I also had to give key words to people I didn't think would respond as fast. (lol) My best friend had the give away word, "Baby" and we kept "Shaw" here. We did have a few kinks. My dad was in Las Vegas, so naturally I sent it to his hotel, but it didn't make it to him in time. Same with my grandma...so I had to call and tell them what to text. Other than that, it went smoothly. Well, other than my mom. She was in ZERO hurry to get home that day for the game. She thought it was a chain letter and wasn't very interested. Haha!! We had it planned for my aunt and friend to be with my mom when she found out. (since I couldn't be) My mom wasn't even home yet when the game started, so we had to stall...but it all ended up being perfect and my aunt video taped the entire thing when my mom found out. It was priceless! 

My little planner sister went ahead and got the group text started around 10:00 that morning. They were ready for 5:00! Here is how it all went down...

It was so much fun and they all loved it. They all sent me a picture with their words. It really was the perfect way for us to tell. Thank goodness the planned worked! :)