Multiple of 2: Meet Carl

Early this December myself and one of Isaac's buddies families decided to help a needy family for Christmas. We thought it would be a great learning,teaching,selfless act to help our children learn about the true meaning of Christmas. We began having difficulty finding an organization that would allow us to deliver gifts directly to the family in need. We thought this was an important part of the learning process for the kids, to see first hand who they were helping and why. Makes more sense at the age they are at.

Then my phone rang...it was a neighbor asking me to babysit someone. Of course I said yes, but I must say this was a little bit out of my comfort zone. Why? you might ask since I host playdates and have Isaac's friends over all the time, because this little boy was from Haiti. I wasn't sure how much english he spoke, what he liked to play, if he would cry, be afraid, etc.

I need to put in a plug for my selfless neighbors. I have known them my entire life, grew up with their daughter and failed to realize exactly how big of hearts they had until this whole experience. They are AMAZING people who have helped endless people throughout their lives and are currently taking care of a mother and son from Haiti while they grow through some personal issues. Not many of us would open our home, put our own lives on hold, and give everything to someone and a child without a second glance. Immediately I knew we found our family to help.

We had our first meeting where I "babysat" Carl. It was a playdate in my mind for my kids. We did all sorts of fun activities (see the pictures below). We then had more playdates and then we celebrated Christmas with Carl and his mom. Carl has become a friend to my children, they ask to play with him often. He is a delight. We look forward to getting to know him more and his culture as he continues to stay with my neighbor up the street. We are the ones blessed to have had this opportunity to help, and give this holiday season.

I must also Thank our families who donated money and toys to help us make this an extra special Christmas for this family. Carl had very few toys to play with and many that he could not call his own. These items that were donated can go with him when he finds a permanent home. My kids did a FANTASTIC job shopping and picking things out for him...I was VERY proud of them. In fact the most proud I have ever been. I think they learned a lot from this...if nothing else we all gained a new friend. Thank you to my neighbors for being an example to us all...and letting us share in this opportunity.

we made snowmen out of glue,shaving creme and glitter. The laughter from Carl is unforgettable. He was so excited...he had never done anything like this before.

Add captionThe artists and Isaac being a ninja.

The kids wanted to make a cake to have a party

We learned something about the Haiti culture: they don't like sweets. My kids had a HARD time understanding why Carl did not want frosting and sprinkles.