What a blessing,
both ways!
I have to admit that...
I've been a bit nervous to have my friends over.
We (our family) are a big crew
and
we are never quite sure how things will go.
I don't know why I think that way
because
they always seem to go well...
To be honest my plate is overflowing
and life is busy with our large family.
But whenever I put my trust in God,
things just seem to fall into place!
And once again, HE did not disappoint!
My dear friends have had me and our group
over more times that I can count,
on all of our hands put together.
They are a FUN and generous lot!
It's been my turn for... years!
So hubby and our wonderful kiddos
helped me out and we did it!
Picking up the house is precisely 2 hours before
anyone comes over.
(if we want the house cleaned and picked up,
otherwise we can do a good 15 minute pick up)
(if we want the house cleaned and picked up,
otherwise we can do a good 15 minute pick up)
It does no good,
to do it any earlier because it will
just get messy...
(from 19 people living in the house)
(from 19 people living in the house)
Appetizers are purchased 3 hours before
because...
otherwise someone will eat them!
They(the appetizers) are prepared 15 minutes
before the gathering
because of the above reason, again.
The children were informed that the appetizers
are for the guests and not for the kids.
Of course, my friends eat like birds and the kids were able
to enjoy them once we left for dinner.
It took them all of 30 seconds to devour them
and they were as happy as can be!!!
Next year we will expand the plan!
I am feeling brave enough to serve dinner!
Of course once again,
these amazing kids will help out and the meal will be-
prepared by Chef Hubby!
(Have I told you recently
that I have the best husband, ever!)
The kids had been looking forward
to this night for months!
Laurie, Carol and Jody are ready
for the Christmas Carols to begin!
The kids have been waiting in the room for over an hour!
While we ladies, visited!
Both Mia and Sarah tried to get out of work
so they could join us,
but the were unable to arrange it.
Liz is a retired elementary music teacher!
She brings over instruments for the kids to play!
She is also our pianist for the Christmas carols!
Marilyn is an elementary school librarian and is Liz's helper!
Picking out our instruments and
finding the next song we will be singing!
Laurie took Emma under her wing and
helped her follow along with the songs!
Emma did such a good job singing
along with the group!
Jenny and Ava enjoy singing!
They are in the Middle School/High School church choir!
(along with Anna, Abby and Ben!)
We are not the heart and soul of the choir
but we add a lot to it!
Most importantly,
all 5 kids love it!
We sang many Christmas carols
(and even more are on the schedule for next year)!
Joey ended each song with the cymbals!
Sam, Luke, Abby and Jenny have the "Jingle Bells"!
Mary, Ava and Ellie belting out the songs!
We sang many songs
and ended with
"The Twelve Days of Christmas"!
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing,
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing,
ten pipers piping
Nine, drummers drumming,
Nine, drummers drumming,
eight maids a milking
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
And five gold rings,
four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree!
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping
Nine, drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
And five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree,
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping
Nine, drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
And five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree,
and a
partridge in a pear tree!
Our hearts were full!
What a joyous Christmas it has already been
and will be!
Thank you Ladies!
(We are missing our friend Jill.
She was able to join us at dinner!)
Looking forward to next year!
