Friday came, we prepared a small salad, got the kids ready and headed over for our 5:30 dinner. After we arrived and said our hellos, we sat down and started talking, but we could tell something was up. Quickly, Mata took out a white envelope and gave it to us. Inside the envelope was a Tucanos gift certificate (for the reservations she made for us at 6), two movie tickets to "Blindside" (for 7:30) and extra money ("for dessert and popcorn"). She showed us the three Disney movies she had rented to watch with the girls and the macaroni and cheese she would feed them for dinner and then told us we'd better hurry or we'd miss our reservation.
I started crying.
We just sat their stunned for a moment and then fumbled a "thank you" and "uh, are you sure?" as they pushed us towards the door. I think we were both kinda in shock. This kind of thing doesn't happen to us every day . . . or ever. I couldn't hold back my tears on the way out the door . . . or on the way to the restaurant. . . or at any other time during the night when I thought about Mata and Travis. The whole night Wayne and I sounded like broken records as we continually exclaimed, "Oh my Gosh!", "I just can't believe it" and "They are SO awesome!" I swear, we were like two little giddy kids on Christmas. We had a wonderful time on our date - the restaurant was perfect and the movie was awesome (you should go see it!!) and when we got back the girls were fed, bathed and ready for bed . . . and I started crying again! ha ha
This was easily one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for us. I was so touched. I am so touched. I know they don't want any recognition (and I hope they don't mind me naming them), but it has left such an impression on me I wanted to write about it. Mata and Travis inspire me - they are completely unselfish, thoughtful and generous. I'm embarrassed to say that as newlyweds it never once crossed my mind to stay at home on a Friday night and pay for someone to go enjoy a nice dinner and movie while I watch their two young children. Their actions are proof to me that Heavenly Father shows his love to his children through the service of others. This Christmas season I want to follow Mata and Travis's example and serve. I'm forever grateful to them for this - and I'll never ever forget it. Thank you Mata and Travis!! We love you!! Thank you!
13 comments:
Wow that is so sweet! And a all expense night out with the hubby with kids taken care of: PRICELESS! They really are an adorable couple!
That is SO awesome...what a wonderful Christmas service. And a great idea! The wheels in my head are turning now. =)
Very sweet and sooo thoughtful down to the crossing t's and dotting i's! I teared up reading it! You two deserve it with all you do for others!
wow that's amazing! Those are definitely the kinds of friends you want.
Awesome!!! Thanks Mary....
Mata and Travis you guys are just too cute Mary you guys deserve it Luv yall!
I teared up when I read this...having kids I totally understand how thankful and greatful you would be, to be able to spend a date night with him all expences paid! What a beautiful Christmas gift...that will truly last forever! You two make the cutest couple...and I'm soooo glad you enjoyed your night out! Love you guys...and Merry Christmas! :D
Even though you guys have already told us this story, my eyes STILL watered up reading about it. Mata and Travis truly are examples of Christlike love. Why can't Mata be Saia's cousin? Hahahaha. You guys really did deserve such a special night!
P.S. And you're right, I know they did this out of the pure goodness of their heart and not for recognition. I went up to Mata on Sunday to tell her how sweet she is for doing this for you guys, and she was so embarrassed, changed the subject, then walked away quickly. Lol oops!
wooow....i love mata and travis!! they are such great people!! and you two deserved that!! that is so awesome!
That is so sweet! It had me tearing up. What a great example of service. I'm so glad that the two of you got to have a surprise date!
I even started to tear up. That is such a sweet and thoughtful thing. So glad you have friends taking care of you. Catching up on your blog really made me miss you.
OMG!!! That is amazing! I think we would've been the exact way if someone did that for us. So cool that they did that! Definitely a Merry Christmas for you both. You deserve it:)
that is the best gift any couple could EVER get!! how sweet! probably i'm jealous. hahahahaha!!! u have the bestest friends ever. ;-) but that's just because you're the bestest ever. love ya!
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