RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH FRIENDS

Last night we invited our D-group over for little party.  When we conceived this plan, we didn't imagine that everyone would be able to come.  Lo and behold - everyone could make it, and we had a party 32 strong at our house.  It was wild, but it was SO. MUCH. FUN.  Definitely my favorite way to start the new year.



Our kids were just a "teeny" bit excited about people coming over.



I was in charge of desserts (duh) and a cheese tray while everyone else provided the main courses and side dishes.  We had such a spread of deliciousness that I felt slightly nauseous when it was all over.  But, the best kind of nauseous.

The excitement of the evening included:

 - shooing a bird out of our bedroom where the cat was hiding while all of the children (and me) squealed in equal parts delight and madness.



- a LOT of eating.




- John and Nate going head to head in an eating/drinking competition. Nate was in it to win it.



- playing The Name Game (aka Fishbowl, unbeknownst to me), which provided a LOT of laughter.




- giving the kids bags of popcorn while they watched Lego Batman.




- handing sparklers to lots of children in 12 degree weather during our fake midnight and setting the yard on fire in several spots. (I couldn't get a better picture because it was SO COLD, and I was holding Violet and there was a LOT happening. 🤣) (Also, our yard sustained no lasting damage despite the fires, one of which is visible below)



- toasting sparkling grape juice (kids) and champagne (adults)

We truly are blessed beyond measure with dear friends, and it was such a memorable and fun time together.  These people spur me on towards Christ, hold me up when I am sinking and make me laugh so very hard.  I couldn't ask for anything more.

Our D-group has experienced a lot of changes this year, which has meant that some of my favorite people are no longer included in this group.  But, we can see God at work and are thankful for all he is doing in and among us.  And I miss those people that aren't apart of our D-group any more.

Here's to 2018.  The kiddos all go back to school tomorrow and due to illness and Christmas break, I've only had one day without children since December 6th.  I am ready to be able to think my own thoughts during the day time again, and I may be able to think through some goals/hopes/dreams for the new year when children are not with me 24/7.

So - Happy New Year from the Spenst clan!