Daugs Family Christmas Party

We had our annual Daugs Family Christmas Party today. Nate and Christy were in charge. They are a busy family, yet they pulled off a great get together. We all gathered around 12:00, did some coloring activities, played in the gym and talked as the lunch was being put together. We had a Cafe Rio Spread which is always a hit. Following the lunch, we let some of the kids share their talents. Logan and Ellie sang together- they were so good and cute. Wyatt followed with two more Christmas songs. They were so brave. I wonder why as we get older, we get more reserved to share our talents. Kids are so carefree and secure.

Something to learn from , I say.

Following the talents, we all were invited to share results from an assignment we were asked to do for our Family Party. Instead of gifts and games, we were asked to focus on service this year. We were all assigned a family among us and were to do a service of any sort in honor of their name. Each family focused on what each family was and has done and went from there. For instance, Nate and Christy had Nate and Naomi. Nate is a police officer, so they visited the police station, brought them goodies and told them how much they appreciated what they all do for each of us. Also, they have adopted their first daughter. Christy found a College couple that are expecting and plan to give the baby up. They gave them Christmas this year so that they could feel loved in their hard time.

Miriam, had Nate and Christy. In Honor of Nate and Christy, Miriam joined the Angelman Syndrome foundation and is organizing fundraising for events such as a Walk benifiting the Syndrome. Miriam shared some very touching thoughts as she told of her service.

We had Miriam and Darin. We donated to the Adoption Exchange and they matched our donation 2-1. Miriam and Darin have two adopted children. They didn't go through the Adoption Exchange, but we were asked to help with this from a family in our ward and we felt that it would benefit them as well as honor Miriam and Darin for the choice that they made.

There were so many other kind acts of service offered on behalf of all of us in the family. I don't think that I will put them all down in this post, but the whole idea was well thought out and we all followed through which was a wonderful change from a gift exchange.

Me and Cole! I can't miss a chance to hold one of the ANGELS!

After our service exchange, we all bundled up and headed down the road to a friends house. They have many animals including HUGE horses that pulled us around as we sang carols. They have some fun animals in their fields, including a Camel, Zebra and a cross between a Zebra and a Mule. The kids loved it. The snow was lightly falling. We were catching them because they were real snowflakes, meaning, they had their beautiful star shapes. It was fun to see. I was holding Clint, so I didn't get a picture. It was beautiful.

Christy holding Cole and Addison Holding Clint

Clint and Cole- Two True Angels!!

It was fun being with Family and enjoying the season.

The best part of the day was a suprise that was planned for Nate and Christy. Nate has a great friend in Matt Thompson. He and his wife wanted to do something special for Nate and Christy since they have their hands full with their precious twins. They are wonderful parents and do an amazing job raising their children. Clint and Cole are sweet spirits that will be delayed for this life. They have many challeges ahead of them and Nate and Christy will be their caregivers the rest of their lives. We all would do anything for our children and Nate and Christy go above and beyond what any of us have to deal with daily. However, they never complain and they are willing to do whatever it takes to love and care for their children. Well, Matt gathered all the people he could think of that knew Nate and Christy and asked us all to help make their Christmas brighter. He wanted to get enough donations that Nate and Christy could go on a vacation- a real vacation and leave the worries of home behind for some quality time with eachother.

Donations were gathered from I think 28 different people in different amounts. Collectively, $2300.00 was generously given along with a letter telling of our love for them and our desire for them to have a break. Ofcourse, Nate and Christy cried........

It was the best service present of the day.

They so deserve this and many more times like this in the future. When a family member, loved one, or friend is going through challenges, it is not just their challenge, it is ours too! We all want to do what we can to help with eachothers burdens, not just in funds...but by serving. I know that Nate and Christy will continue to need us all to help give them the breaks that they need. May we all continue to share in this journey as it will be a long one. I know that Ammon and I love Nate and Christy very much and will do whatever we can, whenever needed. I feel confident in saying that I am sure that many, many other family and friends feel the exact same way. We love Clint and Cole as if they were our own.

Merry Christmas Nate and Christy and family.