I’ll be honest. I don’t particularly enjoy spending days slaving over a hot oven to prepare baked goods to show my neighbors which among them are my favorites. (Hi guys!) I personally would not be the slightest bit offended if we didn’t get any neighbor gifts.
But this week, I discovered the best neighbor gifts ever. I was all set to host my book club Thursday night—I’d read the book, cleaned the house, picked up refreshments (again, not spending the day mixing and baking), made cocoa (one homemade thing, plus milk was $1.85/gal!), warmed those not-even-semi-homemade cookies in the oven, set out the Little Debbies, fed the baby—and then we waited.
No one was early.
No one was right on time.
No one was five minutes late.
No one was ten minutes late.
No one was twenty minutes late.
At that point, we decided no one was coming—and we had more than a gallon of hot cocoa on the stove. And we had nothing to store it in, thanks to Ryan’s slightly overzealous cleaning, taking out the empty milk jug.
So we bundled up the kids, grabbed a tray of cookies and the pot of cocoa and headed to visit our neighbors. (This never happens in the winter, okay? It’s cold out there!) We spent a delightful couple of hours visiting with them, their older daughters taking turns holding a very placid Rebecca and their sons and youngest daughter playing with Hayden—and I even got to discuss the book club book!
We told them that would “count” for our neighbor gift and a better way of expressing how much we really enjoy having them as neighbors I can’t imagine. Thanks for having us, especially on such short notice!
4 replies on “Impromptu neighbor gifts”
I’m sorry no one came. My husband had a terrible week and had to bring work home every night. He was very stressed so I didn’t dare ask him to watch the kids while I went out and my mother-in-law was sick so I ended up with no babysitter. I’m glad you had such a nice visit, they’re a great family (I’m fairly certain I know who you’re talking about).
Oh Jordan! I feel awful about book club! I am so sorry I didn’t come. It was a crazy week. I’m also sorry I missed out on your delicious treats! 🙂
Jordan, I am sorry too. I didn’t even get the book this time and felt dumb coming without even reading a little bit of it. I hope you know how great I think you are. You are an amazing mother and are probably one of the smartest people I know. And my husband thinks your husband is the greatest. Also, I really enjoyed your lesson today. 🙂
Perfect neighbor gift! I wish I had neighbors like that…and I think I may even know who you’re talking of. I REALLY wish I had neighbors like them. You’re lucky people.