Best Christmas gift!

Earlier this week a friend emailed to ask if she and her children could come over and give my kids a Christmas party. She said that as she was going from party to party with her kids this season, it occurred to her that my kids never get to do that. Her initial thought was "They're used to it" but then she decided that didn't matter and they should have a party.

She has no idea how that touched me. Even my husband blinked that "WHAT???" blink he does when he can't believe his ears.

She also said that my husband and I should go on a date during the party. She has a teenage daughter whom we adore so it would be one grownup, one teenage helper and five little kids. Tony and 4 little girls. He was so in his element! She planned the whole day out for them and today she executed it. She brought over crafts to make and reindeer games to play. :D

After hugs and kisses, and instructions for emergencies, hubs and I took off out the door. ALL. ALONE.

So weird. We don't get to go out as a couple much so I say again... so. weird.

They played toss the snowball in the wreath, treasure hunt (she knows my kids well), and all the kids made me a Christmas present! I can't wait to see them! They also acted out the Christmas story, complete with costumes and props. They practiced it several times so they could do it right when we got home. The reenactment was hysterical as the little girls did A LOT of improvisation, not to mention "Mary" was not willing to get too close to "Joseph" due to cooties. ;)

Daddyman and I didn't really know what to do once we got out but we managed to enjoy ourselves. Although it's a weekday and not yet Christmas, the stores were crazy packed and mean people were already out of their caves. But we were just happy to be out together so it didn't really intrude upon our day. It's so funny how we quickly get in the habit of holding hands and goofing off like we did in the old days.

The kids have been bouncing off the wall for a bit now since their friends went home but it's all good. They had such a great time and both the big kids understood the gift they had given us by not JUST thinking of us and being sorry we miss a lot of fun, but acting on it and making the fun happen right here.

These friends made the love of Jesus shine bright and blessed 5 people in the process. Jesus' ministry on earth was to the poor, the sick, the weak; not to those who were perfect and had it all. I am so encouraged that there are people in the world who take time out of their busy schedule to give in such a personal way. They will never know what they have done for us with this single act.

And to those of you who have friends who are mostly home bound due to medical issues or frequently excluded for whatever reason, remember that they want to participate in activities too and there may be a way YOU can bring them the same joy and blessings that our friends have given us today.

Thank you to D, K, J & M for giving the BEST Christmas party ever! xo