Showing posts with label Giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giving. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

12 Days of Christmas… so touched!

I know it’s way past Christmas, and I wasn’t going to post this, but just typing it makes me feel good, an act of kindness I’ll never forget… and it’s a great reference for the future (I’ve done similar things but not to this extent, planning on it next year)
I have to say, I have the best neighbors ever!
This cute basket showed up on my doorstep 12 days before Christmas.  It was a night I needed a little pick me up… we had just returned from wrapping gifts for a sub for Santa, Paul was working, still had homework to finish, it was late and I was spent, much more tired then my girls who were on their second wind.  It totally made my night and many others to come!

DSC04423
“On the first day of Christmas, your secret friend gives you, some pears of the tree from which the partridge flew.”  For the next twelve nights place this basket by your door, don’t peek to find us out because we’d like to give you more!
 DSC04468
“On the second day of Christmas your secret friend gives you
turtles… and doves
these ones are easier to chew”

DSC04553
“On the third day of Christmas your secret friends give you
3 French Breads
and a spread for them, too.”

DSC04591
“On the forth day of Christmas your secret friends give you
four calling birds
and you can eat their food.”

(I missed the picture this night, but there were golden chocolate coins and candy rings)
“On the fifth day of Christmas your secret friends give to you
lots of golden things and 5 rings… (plus 2)”

DSC04663
“On the sixth day of Christmas your secret friends who hide
give you six eggs…  they hold something inside”

DSC04755
“On the 7th day of Christmas your secret friends would give
Seven swans a swimming, but this isn’t where they live!
Instead of swans we thought…  let’s give penguins and sauce!”

DSC04769
“On the eighth day of Christmas your secret friends give you
treats from the milking maids and their cows that all say moo!”

DSC04811
“On the ninth day of Christmas your secret friends give you
the pirouette of ladies who dance in their tutu’s”

(Their were yummy chocolate frogs, wish I knew where they got all this neat stuff)
“On the 10th day of Christmas, your secret friends stopped by
to give you lords-a-leaping… we think they’ll taste divine”

DSC04915
“On the eleventh day of Christmas your secret friends give you
candy canes with stripes (cause they taste better than pipes)”

DSC04934
“On the twelfth day of Christmas your secret friends give you,
One drum of cookies, twelve fun drinks, and a very Merry Christmas too!
We love you!”

Wow, so thoughtful!  I heard this question in church and thought of my generous, secret friend…
“Are we doing good things to be seen of others, or the act of pure love of Christ and service of our fellow beings?”
I was so touched at this anonymous act of true Christlike kindness and friendship.  I’m sure from a busy mom like many of us, and at such a busy time of year.  My new neighbors don’t know about my blog, but thanks secret friends for making our Christmas that much more special!!  The kids lit up each evening when they found the basket at the door.  

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas is coming…

the family I mean the Goose is getting fat.

DSC04099

twirling girls in their lovely dresses. 

 

 

The girls soccer team had a great time at the soccer PJ party (my house).  It got wild at times, but a nice break from the drills and rigorous training they do each week.  We started out with a fun gathering game (questions marked on a soccer ball), then made bracelets in Avalanche colors (like the ones from Girls Camp), ate Pizza and snacks, had a crazy gift exchange, and they unanimously voted on the movie; Elf.  Tons of giggles and a hide and seek game in between, they had a ball.  Ha, do you like the nerd pictures Sophie instigated?  She cracks us up.  Thanks Leslie for hosting the fun party with me!   
 

DSC04266

DSC04267DSC04265

Paul's Company Party

Such a beautiful night downtown with my sweetie.  Pampered with a nice banquet and good entertainment; a local boy band playing popular songs from now and the 80’s (they were good, they opened for the Beach Boys recently), and had some funny candid interaction with the group.  A pleasant company party, one of the better ones!  So thankful for the strong company Paul works for and the good people he works with, and they sure appreciate him.  It’s sad to see and hear of all the businesses going under lately, way too many families are struggling, and many people we know that our hearts go out too.  All you can do is keep praying, work hard, and help others around you :)     

 

DSC04396

DSC04398DSC04399

Sub for Santa, the girls were happy to help!  They were involved in the shopping, wrapping party, and a heartfelt delivery.

 

DSC04576

Josh’s fun group for the Christmas sweater dance

DSC04580

Ice skating and tubing for the day date, then met here for dinner before the dance

 

DSC04562

I prepared an Italian meal, while Trevor and the girls watched Home Alone upstairs, Paul was on late

                              menu

  • Lasagna and Chicken Alfredo
  • Green Salad & Olive Garden style homemade dressing
  • French cut green beans
  • Garlic Parmesan Baguette (yum!)
  • Cranberry sparkling Christmas drink
  • Andes mint (dessert was planned after the dance, at another house)

They thought I was the best cook ever, didn’t tell them the Lasagna & Chicken Alfredo was freshly prepared at Costco, hey I still cooked it :)

 

DSC04585

To-die-for garlic parmesan bread

DSC04575DSC04569

Homemade Olive Garden salad and dressing

 

DSC04091DSC04101

Also, proud of my girls for keeping up on the heavy load at school this month.  Along with the regular monthly book report, poem to present, and big tests in history and math (squished in a short school month already), they also added a 3rd grade project (Native American book report with project).  It was due yesterday, and today the other book report is due, a poem to pass off, and a history exam to ace.   I’m thankful for good schools and teachers, but this is a bit overkill for 8 and 9 year olds, don’t you think?  (3rd grade seems to be the busiest, that was my biggest pet peeve while I taught here).  But the girls kept up on it all by doing homework often times in the car and taking their book everywhere we went, and keeping their projects good but simple.  Good job girls, for making your deadlines and doing well!  We’re all looking forward to a nice Christmas break.

Merry Christmas!