Thank you, dear friend

I had the most wonderful thing happen to me tonight!!

I admit, things have been tough on us lately.  For various reasons, and nothing grandiose like a death in the family or anything like that.  It's just a bunch of those small things--and a few pretty serious things--that add up and make it a little difficult to not feel overwhelmed by everything.

I know you all know Camden and I have been sick this last week.  That's not the half of it, but a great contributor to our madness.  I had all these great plans for Christmas, and haven't been able to accomplish many of them because I've been fairly exhausted.  Which of course, makes it difficult to feel productive and successful, which may or may not put me even more down in the dumps.  We have had some very good moments too among those hard things (I feel like I've been down on the blog a lot lately) so here is one of the great blessings we have received.

Last night, I was contemplating all of the things I still need and want to do (this week and before Christmas).  There was a long list of things, but I knew some of the more important included grocery shopping for the next week and getting the info for my other job so I could complete payroll before Monday.  We need the work and the money, so we can cover the bills and try to make it go toward the coming year if Dev doesn't get a job, and I wasn't able to work my nannying job most of this week because I didn't want to infect the other little kiddos, as they certainly agreed. :O)  


Lo and behold, as I was right in the middle of the previous thought, we get a ding-dong.  I bound into the bedroom so no one has to see me in my sick clothes (read, a robe) and Devin goes to answer the door.  No person is there, but there is the following on the doorstep.

 With the following note

 Which reads: 

Merry Christmas, Romneys!

We would write this in a poem, and wrap everything up

read cute, but we're not that talented.

So, Instead we'll just say:

We got a little something for adults only!

Great for a night out.

Some things for the little guy

(and gift receipt in case they're the wrong size or style)

And ingredients for some meals and treats we love.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Love,

a few secret elves

(Devin proceeded to yell "Thank you" as loud as he could for whoever-it-was to hear.  I hope they did!)

Recipes for MEALS (FOUR to be exact--just the number I needed)! And all the ingredients needed to make them!  Which means I no longer have to go shopping for the next full week (we'll just pick up a few minor things like milk--Devin can even do that pretty easily)!

I broke into some serious tears (which I still continue to do every time I think about this).  From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more grateful!  It was the perfect gift at the perfect time.  The Lord is truly watching out for us through some angels right now.  It means so much to me to have someone put that kind of thought into us.  We've had some wonderful friends who have done so much for us this year and for that, I am just so appreciative.

I remember when I was younger, we used to do something similar to what was given to us tonight.  I loved that tradition and am excited to bring that tradition back into my own little family so we can pass it on.  It truly touches people's lives more than I ever thought possible--so Christlike and service-filled at this special time of Christmas.

Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful gift.

(And Camden sure thinks it neat, too!  He is really enjoying taking the things in and out of the bags, tossing his ball inside--to make a basket, and stacking the canned food items on top of one another)