Sunday, October 07, 2007

The Russians Are Coming!

Our college student firstborn has asked us if he could invite six Russian foreign exchange students home for the Thanksgiving weekend to partake in the traditional Turkey Roast and our annual over-the-top Christmas Tree Decorating party the next day. We said "yes", of course, and he tells us the Russian kids are all thrilled to be able to see an American family doing the Thanksgiving and Christmas thing. I guess Christmas isn't the big deal in Russia that it is here in America. They tell him that only the devout Christians really observe much of a holiday. So this should be interesting for them.

And...of course, this means that I have little over a month to figure out where I'm going to sleep them all! Three boys and three girls! We'll be putting bunk beds and a single bed in our son's former bedroom for the girls, but I don't really have a room for the boys. Our guest bedroom downstairs is still just framed in studs. Will have to think this one through.

And I need to start my baking and freezing for the Christmas Tree Decorating Party now. I always have about 15-20 different candy and cookie recipes prepared. And I'd like to make each of the kids something special and have a little treat bag with some small gifts, trinkets and perhaps a Wal-Mart gift card or something.

I've always been kind of stingy about the holidays. Just wanted to spend it with our family, but we're all excited about having foreign guests. Little brother even volunteered his room for the boys dorm, if necessary! I think this is going to be lots of fun.

But so much to do! Painting, furniture shuffling, getting extra linens, baking, freezing, gift-making... Better hop to it!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is so cool. My dh went to Russia on a Mission project (he sang in small Russian villages while visiting orphnages, hospitals etc.) He loves the Russian people. Now be it, he was in the middle of nowhere Russia, not the large cities. We will be praying for you and your visitors. Show them the love of Christ and have a great holiday. Wish we were there to share this time with you also.

Cammie (from CHFweb)

Daffodil Hill said...

You are going to have so much fun with your guests! We have done things like this, always finding ourselves very blessed. The guys generally don't mind sleeping bags or tight quarters, so just do the best you can. It will be great! Post some pics if you can. : )