Several days into February already, I am gathering the moments of January.
Typically, January is a month of quiet. This year, not so much. There have been quiet days, but they have been punctuated by many gatherings and activities.
We began the very first day of the new year with a family celebration of my sister Linda's birthday at my parents' home. A scrumptious roast beef dinner...a pretty Jello cake...lovely gifts. The birthday girl, however, had to share the stage with her darling granddaughters, Isabel (3) and Ivy (8 months), who had everyone's attention.
We just kept going from there.
We girls attended a friend's birthday party which included the viewing of the season premiere of Downton Abbey. Great girl time!
Later that week, on a cold winter morning, we hosted a brunch for Kati's former employers who have became like a second family to her. We indulged in a meal of individual quiche Lorraine, spinach salad, and cranberry-orange scones while we solidified friendships.
We had a delayed holiday gathering with the families of our homeschool co-op. Never mind that we our co-op grew up and ended in 2010, we're still BFFs.
A group of local homeschooling moms got together at Panera to make new connections.
We celebrated Brian's birthday with meatball subs and totally decadent Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle. Who needs cake?!
All four of us took a weekend trip to visit Ryan and his family. Kati had not been able to go in December, so this was her first time to meet Baby Paul. Oh, what a wonderful weekend we had...Christmas gifts, great food (including guy-grilled burgers and a fabulous Reuben casserole), lots of talking, lots of baby snuggling (~swoon~), and a mini birthday celebration for Nora.
Kati and Bekah hosted another game party. We were treated to dinner at Kristin's. Bekah participated in the local level of the National Geography Bee and attended a 4-H workshop.
Add in a few "normal" Sundays, weekly Bible study, our monthly book club and "Mama Coffee" with Joanne...and you have a very un-quiet month! But that's not a bad thing.
If you've been reading here long, you probably know how I feel about gatherings.
1) Gathering is good for the soul.
2) There isneverrarely a "bad" time to gather friends and/or family.
And there's a bonus too.
Lots of gatherings make a long winter month like January fly by!
Lots of gatherings make a long winter month like January fly by!
It does sound like a month of fun events !
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing your monthly gathering the moments. What a busy month you have been blessed with! ♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a busy, happy month!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
Another wonderful month in the can! You and the Rabes are tied for most busy family in my sphere.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a busy month...looks like wonderful times of celebration and fellowship!
ReplyDeleteIt was obviously a great month for you. May February be even better.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on gatherings. We've had a wonderful time of gatherings in January. Wonderful collages from your gatherings in January!
ReplyDeleteGatherings, good food, good friends, and snuggles is what January needs! You've done it well. I'm intrigued by the Reuben Casserole - that sounds good! Baby Paul is so cute!
ReplyDeleteAs always a joy to read of your Gathering the Moments,
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sue
You sure had a busy month filled with family, friends and food! I always love getting a peek at the food. For me, it's all about Food! :) The baby is adorable with a cute little smile! You have a beautiful family, Cheryl. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhew! How January must've flown by for you! Or maybe it was so jam-packed that it seemed to never end with good stuff? Either way, it was the best sort of stuff! Your pictures say so much, and you put them together beautifully!
ReplyDeleteYour photos and words say so much! And I wasn't as busy as you but noticed that January flew by. And now February is doing the same. I think the older we get the faster it goes!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely!! I did a retrospective but it was mostly about stuff I did. Love your gatherings.
ReplyDeleteYou had quite the busy month, lots of family time and looks like a lot of fun, as always I enjoy seeing how well you put all your moments together.
ReplyDelete