Plan B

What a wonderful holiday season! We have had the opportunity to do some fun things as a family and have once again been blessed by the love and generosity of our sweet extended families!

I wanted to share one experience that happened right after Thanksgiving. Ryan's sweet sister-in-law called to check in and see how Ryan was doing and if there was anything they could do to help. At the time, he was not doing well at all. I replied that there wasn't anything they could do, to which she quickly asked how we were for Christmas. I replied that my kids were really easy and didn't ever ask for much. This year Addi asked Santa for a blue tootsie roll and Gracie asked Santa for a "toothpick" (She meant a guitar pick, but still???)! I then mentioned how I had found a note in Parker's room that had 2 columns for birthday and Christmas (his b-day is 5 days after Christmas). He had listed Madden 09 OR NBA 09 and then at the bottom of the page he had written"Early Christmas Present - My Dad to Feel Better". I get choked up even writing about it, it has been hard for the kids to not be able to play with Ryan like they use to. I mentioned that I had bought a lot of stuff earlier in the year (before Ry was laid off) for the girls and just needed to get some things for Parker. She quickly said consider it done. I tried to protest and then gratefully accepted, realizing what a blessing this would be right now. The VERY next day she called me and she and Ryan's brother had already bought presents (way more than necessary - they are ALWAYS so generous to everyone). They also had a special surprise! They found an electric blanket for Ryan and wrapped it up in beautiful paper with the following tag attached:

They rang the doorbell and left the gift for the kids to find. They wanted to help Parker believe in the magic of Santa a little longer. At first the kids were confused, they weren't sure why Santa would be bringing Dad something so early. Several minutes later, Parker exclaimed, "Hey, wait, I mad a wish for an early present for Dad to feel better, but I didn't mail it to Santa!" It was so fun to see their excitement! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. Our friends and families have all helped us out so much this past year, we are truly so grateful to them for their generosity, time, love, and support! It has truly made this season magical!

{the electric blanket has been helping him sleep better too - thanks for the tip Kaylee}!