Falling In Love All Over

A few weeks ago, Andrew called me to see if I would mind if he held his store's Christmas Party at our house. Although I wasn't sure it was the best idea, he assured me he would have it during the day and that all would be back in order before I got home from work, so I agreed.
I totally forgot about the party until Monday night when Andrew came waltzing in with about 20 grocery bags full of enough food to feed a small army. I was surprised.
He then proceeded to tell me that the party was the next night. Yes, night. From 6 to 8. I was annoyed.
He had some guys over to play poker that night and when they heard that we were going to have all 20 crazy Waffle House employees over for dinner... in our home, where we live, they started to tell me what a bad idea it was for them to know our address. I was scared.

I tried to talk Andrew out of the party, but he had his mind made up. So I huffed off to bed and left him to do all the cooking himself. As I laid in bed, wide awake, worried, and trying to think of a place to hide all my belongings, I could hear him out in the kitchen working. And after a few hours, I could smell the most wonderful smells sneaking into our room. He finally made it to bed around 1:30am.
Tuesday was the party. I had a long day at work and was really tired. Knowing that I had a house full of people and probably a sink full of dishes, didn't help my mood at all.
But when I walked in the door I was so impressed. Andrew had the candles lite, Christmas music playing, all the food on the table, and wait for it, wait for it... all the dishes done!

It was then, at that moment, that I was reminded of how great my husband is. Of how much he likes to bless other people, especially those not as fortunate as we are.

The girls (yup, he works with 20 women!) started to arrive. Of course it was a little awkward at first, but after a few minutes we were all talking and having a great time. Stories were told, jokes were made, and everyone had their share of laughs.
Everyone ate until we were almost too full for dessert, almost!
Andrew cooked all of that himself! Plus 2 big turkeys! Everything was SO good!

Then they did a Secret Santa gift exchange. We all laughed as people decided if they would pick a new present or steal the coveted dolphin figurine (apparently they all love dolphins!).Andrew had a great time too.Some of the girls stuck around to help clean, but everyone was gone by 8:30 and Andrew had the entire kitchen put back together within 15 minutes.

After everyone was gone, Andrew told me that a bunch of the girls had pulled him aside to say what a great time they were having and how much it meant to them that we invited them over. Most of them said they hadn't had someone cook for them in ages. And since they make less then minimum wage, this is likely to be the only Holiday meal they will have.

Andrew has always had a heart of gold. Sometimes he comes off rushed or unorganized. He does things last minute and loses his keys all the time.

But at the end of the day, especially days like yesterday, all I can do is thank God that he is letting me spend my life with a man so willing to do great things for others.

Even when it makes his wife a nervous wreck.

And then I go and fall in love with him all over again.