No better way to start the year

Today we had our second annual New Year's Day brunch at our house. We had quite a crowd of awesome friends this year. Seven couples with children equals 14 adults and 11 children under the age of five. Let me clarify, one child is 5. So really it was 10 kids under 3. A bonus to awesome friends? Awesome kids. They were hilarious and they all just ran around and guess what? Nothing got destroyed or spilled. In fact, my house was just as clean when everyone left as before they came. That might say something about how clean my house is. No really, someone cleaned up my toyroom. They must have thought their kids made the mess, but it's cleaner than it's been in a long time. I've also learned that when this amout of adults/food/drinks/kids are coming over...don't clean beforehand (other than maybe the toilet). As a side note, I would not have cared if something got destroyed or spilled either. I've come to expect that out of children (and adults, ahem, to my hubs to spilled eggnog on our friends' couch and carpet last night. Sorry).

After everyone left, we all took a nap and then I cleaned the downstairs. It took only an hour, and it actually was quite a disaster. So again, only taking an hour might say something about my standards of cleanliness.

I made aebleskivers, which are delish. We had egg casseroles, monkey bread, marshmallow wreaths, cinnamon rolls, hard boiled eggs, pineapple, and probably something else I am missing. One of the many things I am good at (ha)..... letting people bring food to my house. I was in charge of aebleskivers, cinnamon rolls, OJ and milk. Everyone else brought the rest of the amazing dishes (because I asked them, I am a lazy host).

We had so much fun we were talking about having a once a month Saturday brunch together, rotating houses. That sounds like fun!

So here's my 2010 recap in the form of a letter to my family:

Matt, Hannah and Olivia,

The three of you are more precious to me with each passing day. I find it astounding there is a God who loves us more than I love you because that can't be possible. Hannah, you turned one. As you close in on two, I realize more and more that it only gets more fun as you get older, and that you are indeed, getting older. I feel the days slipping away already and I can sometimes see the backpack on your back as you start kindergarten. Hannah, you are very strong willed, yet so sensitive to discipline. You are always testing the limits, but are quick to be contrite when you have to sit in your chair. You are so hilarious and have limitless facial expressions. I hope you don't want to be an actress because I think you might be a natural. You spent your year breaking us in as parents with each new stage (lucky you!) and it's been wonderful. We love you more than you will ever know.

Olivia, you joined us as somewhat of a surprise and we are so grateful that you are in our family. You were born on your own schedule. If it weren't for my scheduling nazi-like ways, you would be awake 24 hours a day so you wouldn't miss the party. You win the prize for eliminating the morning nap at seven months because it is much more fun to be awake. You are becoming quite a tenacious child. You see something and you get it. I make you sit and you scream until I pick you up. You take things from Hannah's hands. Olivia, you can be frustrating, I won't lie, but goodness, the second you smile through those tears, it eliminates all frustration I feel. You too, are growing so fast, but certainly getting more fun by the day. Olivia, we love you more than you will ever know.

Matt, only you could live with me everyday and survive. How? I have no idea. You are making me a much better woman. You help me to not be snappy when I feel like it (which is a lot). You challenge me to not be as selfish as I would like and you encourage me when I feel like a failure. You are the most fun person ever and I can see God working in you every day. You are an excellent husband and therefore and excellent father. I'm glad we fit so well together.

Overall, sweet family, we had a good year. A great year. A year full of challenges, but the good challenges that come from two babies and a busy schedule. The Lord has been faithful to us financially, emotionally and spiritually. We are excited to see what this year brings, but above all, we know when the years are hard, and not good, and broken, that the Lord is still faithful to us. That He will continue to work in our lives to accomplish His purpose. Sometimes I get scared of what is in store for our family but then I remember Isaiah 43:1 "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have summonded you by name; you are mine."

Family picture 2010