Thanksgiving and Friendship

As newlyweds, Hubby and I joined a group offered through our church called the "Young Marrieds". Not only did our good friends run it at the time, but we thought it would be a great way to meet some much needed "couple friends"... and it was!

In spite of the name, you didn't necessarily have to be "young" nor "newly married" to be in the group (even though we were), but you have to be FUN. Three years later, we consider the people in this group our closest friends and we have more invitations to dinner parties, cookouts, and baby showers than we have weekends free... That doesn't even include all the activities for the group.

Within a year or two of us joining, a lot of the group's members (including us) starting having children and the name changed to "Young Families". Can we say instant support system? Then, our friends got burned out, so Hubby and I took over running the group with another couple. (When I say "Hubby and I", I really mean me...)

Each month, we plan a "couples only" date night as well as a "family event". So, not only is that two weekends each month than we've got something going on with the group, but there's also all the time spent planning.

This includes convincing people to host our various potlucks, pool parties, or wine tastings or finding a restaurant that will hold a reservation for over 20.... sending invitations and dealing with the subsequent bitching ("That's my daughter's nap time, can't you move it to accommodate our schedule?")... A lot of WORK!

Planning activities for the group is fun, but oftentimes can be stressful and definitely time-consuming. Just like planning anything, I guess...

This afternoon we had our annual Thanksgiving Potluck, which included 2 six-year-olds, 15 kids two and under, and 1 teenager. (See, lots of kids!) While I wasn't hosting it at my home, I spent weeks planning it with the people that did. This morning, I arrived early to help set up and stayed late into the afternoon to clean.

I quizzed myself on everybody's names, kids' ages, and pertinent details in my head as I was thickening the gravy. From my vantage point at the stove, I attempted to to greet everyone by name as they arrived, make brilliant conversation and proper introductions, and welcome the new couples that just joined.

In the midst of all this, my son had a massive tantrum as our friends looked on sympathetically and my husband had to take him home early. Feeling quite overwhelmed myself, I completely sympathized and sort of wished I could have gone home with him but I had to stay, Fortunately, Hubby didn't mind having to leave the party so soon, and it allowed me a chance to relax and actually visit with people.

It was a chaotic day that just went by in a blur, but driving home this evening I was filled with so much warmth and happiness. Not only did the party come off as a HUGE success, but it was such a blessing be reminded of just how many wonderful people I have in my life... and who I am honored to call "my friends".

Today, I am grateful for all the people that bring joy, happiness, and friendship to my life!