A New Year

Just a cute little pic from Xmas to start off.

I was hoping to have some ideas or resolutions to post for the new year, yet alas, I do not. We've been relaxing for two days, er...I have been. I've visited the gym and watched movies, played games, and enjoyed being lazy for my last two days.

New Year's Eve was incredible. I have never in my life cared much for the holiday. We always watched the ball drop and then went to bed, already clad in our jammies and bathrobes. But this year was incredibly different. In honor of Evan's 29th birthday, he and Emily hosted a smashing party. Beginning with a scrumtrulescent dinner of chuck roast over rice with gravy, green beans, corn bread, and sweet potato casserole, we ate until we were ready to burst. Emily had also created a decorated cake masterpiece (of which I do not have a picture).

The happy, hosting couple.
The delectable spread.

Then, we awaited the other party-goers: Matt and Meredith, Jon and Alisha.

Like always, the Gottschalks do it up and do it right. We played Rock Band on the Wii for hours, and then P.E. teacher Alisha devised the most elaborate double-elimination ping pong tournament for everyone there: parents, siblings, spouses, and friends. It ended up that the Gottschalks ruled the table: Leslie won over all, but the final matches included Mom, Evan, Leslie, and myself. No one knew what a stellar ping ponger Mom was. But she demonstrated to all her secret skill. One of my moves even left my opponent on the floor. That was awesome.

The food was plentiful, too, all sorts of chips and dips, cookies and candy from Mom and beverages galore. Evan and Emily are also the proud owners of the most intense board / card game collection know to mankind. When the parents departed at 3:30am, everyone else decided bed sounded good, and instantly all games and snacks were cast aside. That's right, Carol and Steve set the tone for the party. When they left, it died.

I'm really excited for this year. I have no idea what it will bring, but I feel like I'm in a good place to enjoy the ride. They always say the first year is the hardest, and I fully believe "them", whoever they are. But, I also know I have a big God who promises to traverse the path with us, along side us, even. This is great news for me. It might become a very focused year for me, focused on finding out where I fit in this marriage (I've found the part where I'm the wife--I'm talking deeper levels) and how we'll start working through life as a family, as marrieds.