A New Years Realization

My little family had a fabulous New Year. We were invited to a few get togethers and decided to try making it to two of them. Each were lots of fun and very different gatherings. The first party was with some of Honey's friends. There was loud music, lots of food, plenty to drink and some insane card games going on. Not at all my scene anymore, and certainly not somewhere I'd like to hang out with my munchkins. However, Honey was invited and thought it necessary to make a showing, so we did for about an hour or so. Whew!

Then it was on to the next. A couple that we are friendly with invited us to their home, where there were several other couples with kids, as well as theirs. There too, was plenty of food, things to drink and not so loud music. We all enjoyed ourselves and the kids had a blast. Because we were braving the roads, there was no drinking for either of us. Well, I did splurge and have a glass of red wine. It was very nice. As the New Year got closer, we handed out poppers and noise makers to all the kids, poured Champagne and Sparkling Juice in glasses and we adults gathered near our significant others. Then it was 6..5..4..3..2..1! Happy New Year!! We toasted and there were kisses all around. (It's hard to believe I've been kissing the same man on New Years Eve for 15 years)

Once things settled down, we gathered our very sleepy but excited kids and got ready to leave. My realization was this. After beings at both places to enjoy the evening, which I did, I realized how incredibly happy I am with my life. I've always known it, but being out there even though it was with people I like and socialize with regularly, it occurred to me that I'm very lucky. There is so much turmoil and unhappiness even among this smallest of groups.

I am still crazy in love with Honey, I adore my children, love my home and community, and couldn't even for one moment fathom my life being any different than it is. For this I'm grateful.

Once home, we tucked in our exhausted little party animals. This allowing Mommy and Daddy to have the last bit of awake time to bring in the New Year together. *sigh* :)!


"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to."

- Bill Vaughan