A Super Sweet Gift

At house church a few weeks ago a friend came to me with a proposition.  She said it was odd to ask, but her daughter, really wanted to do a surprise party for Clara and had lists of games and plans for the party already written up!  She said she thought it was odd to ask, but they did not want to squash this dream of their daughters to do this for her friend.  Of course not!!!  We were all very touched by the thought—and ultimately the work that went into this wonderful party!!

That was on a Sunday, and the party was then planned for the following Thursday.  All I had to do was contact people about coming.  On such short notice, and being so close to Christmas we didn’t expect a large turn out—but were pleasantly surprised that only 3 kids were unable to attend.  Even one girl from house church who is in the public school was able to come since their Christmas break had just started.

Alayna had made all the plans for the party.  She had games to play, which were wonderful games!  They raced with candy canes on a spoon (above picture).  They played “who took santas sleigh” below. 

There was pin the nose on frosty (Clara didn’t even come close!!  In fact, she pinned the nose on the wall, no where near frosty  :)  And a bean bag toss (lower down).

Alayna also came up with a craft for everyone to do.  A reindeer puppet. 

when puppets attack…

Here is the ball toss---very ingenious—this snowman was used for the pin the nose on game, then Spence cut some holes in it for the ball toss!  No detail was not thought out!!

Alicia and Alayna made a wonderful snowman cake!!  How cute is that?!!

Before we ate, Alayna blessed the food and prayed for Clara.  I got a little of the prayer on video, but not the whole thing, but it brought tears to my eyes!!

We sang Happy Birthday!

Love the little ones  :)

Clara got to open gifts!

I love this picture so much!!  Alayna gave Clara a pillow half—Alayna kept half and both girls sleep with their pillows!

I love what all God has taught us all about friendship this past year!  Not all the lessons were easy ones, but my prayer has been for my girls to make really good friends and see God in them and God has answered that prayer in a BIG way!!  Thank You Lord, for the friendships You have blessed us with!  For the lessons taught to us through Your mercy and Your grace!  For providing “iron” for my girls (and Mike and myself as well)!  What a tremendous blessing!