A boy and his piano.

For the first three days of this week, Shawn was away on business. "Away on business." Never really thought I'd say that. But while he was in east Tennessee, I was home alone and this one pesky thought would not leave my mind.

"I should surprise him while he's gone. With a piano."

Since we've been married, every time I ask what Shawn wants for a holiday or a birthday gift, his response is: "A piano." Then we laugh. There's just no way we can afford such a huge purchase.

But I started scanning the internet and found this place: Nashville Piano Rescue. On Monday morning, my dad and I travelled about an hour outside of town to visit and I fell hopelessly in love with a 1900 Schomacker victorian upright. And the dealer offered me an amazing deal. And it not only looked beautiful but sounded beautiful. There was no turning back.

On Wednesday, just a couple hours before Shawn pulled in our driveway, our newest addition was delivered. When Shawn arrived from out of town, my dad was at the piano and began playing "I Believe in You and Me" in the other room. At first, Shawn just thought it was a recording and was confused. But just before we turned the corner, he figured it out and said, "That is not a piano.... that is not a piano!" with the biggest smile stretched across his face. There is nothing sweeter than seeing the love of your life so elated.

Here's a little glimpse of how it went. { Oh, and please excuse my video camera skills - or lack thereof. :) }

Isn't she beautiful? For being 110 years old, she's in excellent condition.

I mean, how could you not fall in love?

(The dealer threw in the bench for free - and I had just enough time to re-cover it before he came home.)

My favorite part, of course.

Our family. At our piano.

That's a happy face if I've ever seen one.