2012 Ladies' Brunch

This past holiday season flew by! It snuck up on me and I just never could seem to get my grounding. One thing I knew for sure was that I would have my brunch no matter what! This is my third year to keep this little tradition. I love it every single year.

KP and I took a long vacation at the end of November into December, so I thought I was really prepared because I started planning much earlier! I had the invites made months in advance and my menu set. However, once we got back and December was upon us, I simplified the menu and got invitations out "late".

 Even though the planning didn't go my way, the meaning behind this is the same. These women have moved me this past year. They have come along side me and encouraged me and spoke life into me. They grow spiritually with me and love me. They are precious gifts God has given to me because no matter how hard life may get, this is when it all comes together and I see truly how blessed I am!

Of course, there was the food! I love prepping and working the week before because it gives me time for pray for each of these women and reflect on the last year. My menu this year included my favorite quiche (ham and veggie) which is a recipe from my mom's best friend, Millie; hashbrown casserole; two different types of dip; cinnamon rolls; and pumpkin cheesecake trifles.

So thankful for these girls!!!! Love that so many could make it and celebrate the holiday!!!

And, then my sweet hubs! Every year, he has to get praised because I honestly could not pull this off without him! He's right there with me all week helping me get the house ready. But, he also takes care of the dogs while all of us girls hang out and he's our photographer. :) The first year, he went out with my dad, but after that he realized there are way too many beautiful women at the house, so he usually sticks around. ;) I'm so thankful that he loves my friends so much that he likes to come hang out and visit too. We may have to make this a couples brunch one year!

The fellowship this year was so great. I had already planned in my head a few questions to get conversation started ("favorite holiday tradition" or "what are your Christmas plans") if it got too quiet. However, this room did not stop! Not everyone got to visit with everyone, but there was never a gap in conversation. Just another blessing that I am so thankful for...that I can bring all of my friends from every part of my life together and they all have a good time. I've learned over the years to not limit what God can do. He's taught me not to manipulate who comes because He is big enough to handle it.

The babies definitely had to make an appearance. :) They think its their party anyway. Ruger is pretty chill and can just enjoy being in the room, but Rossi is a handful (despite what you think by her posed picture).

As people were leaving, I had their gifts ready. For some reason this is always my favorite part. I love the goodies and getting the bags all ready for people to take home. I made some of our favorites - peanut butter truffles and molasses cookies. YUM! The mulling spices were an idea I got from one of my favorite bloggers. She used it as a favor as well and at the last minute I changed my gifts because this was perfect! It made our house smell AMAZING! (You can find out what's in it here)

I love how every year is just a little bit different. As I look through the pictures this year, there are faces missing that I wish could be here. New friends and old friends. My mom and Michelle who graciously make the drive every single year. Friends that God has brought back to me. And, friends that are moving away. I can't help but be a little emotional out of gratitude for each of them, sentimental of the season and already knowing that I will miss having a few in my life because of geography. However, what I do know is that we all serve a faithful God! He orchestrated our lives to intertwine and I will be forever thankful!