Happy new year everybody.,
Yes, I know that the first week of January is over and the second week almost over but life has been super busy since January 1st.
We started the new year with about 50 people in our shop party. Everyone brought food and, boy, did we ever feast! Most of these were home school families that we've loved for decades. We knew them when they were growing up and now they're raising their own families for God! What a special time it was!
Robert and our 2 sons, Andrew and Jacob, worked hard for several weeks to prepare for the party. There was no bathroom in the shop as it just wasn't a priority between them running our grain cleaning facility and the farm. They'd have to run across the road to use the bathroom but no more.
The guys put up sheetrock and finished the wiring. Then Robert mudded the seams and INSTALLED THE TOILET and the sink! This is big time exciting especially when you have 50 people coming for supper! :)
Robert hung the door to the bathroom hours before folks started arriving! Privacy is kind of nice when you're hosting a group of people. lol
The guys brought down the stove, table and chairs, and fooz ball table from the old house. Now we could COOK!!! Marie brought home made hot chocolate that was out-of-this world wonderful and she was able to keep it warm on the stove! Some crockpots arrived and lots and lots--I do mean LOTS of cookies were brought by our guests too!
Jacob's girlfriend, Sharon, came and brought 3 of her siblings. This meant that we had 4 house guests after staying up until 1:00 AM until the last party guests left for home. I was scrambling for bedding but Jacob blew up the air mattress and I found enough sheets and blankets for them all. Have I ever told you that I LOVE PARTIES and I love having company!!!!!!
Being we live in the middle of nowhere, I do crave being with people once in awhile. My basic temperament is OK with being alone all day long 6 days a week but then I MUST HAVE PEOPLE!!! We had a LOT of people on New Year's Eve. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Did I mention that we have been hosting new year's eve parties for going on 30 years? It has always been non-alcoholic and at first it was kind of small. Word is getting out, though, that people can get together on new year's eve with other people who don't drink.
Robert had gone into the farm store that day to pay the last bill of the year and to wish those good folks a happy new year. He stuck his head in the accountant's door saying "HAPPY NEW YEAR." She answered that she heard we were hosting a party that night and this was 20 miles from home. Robert invited her and her husband to join us. Although they didn't come this time, they just may come at the end of 2026. Who knows.
All this to say that people need each other--especially people who don't' drink need each other. It's terrible how we can't watch a movie without someone pouring a drink for someone else. It's like it's expected. Robert and I both had alcoholics for dads and we will not have it on our premises. We saw how alcohol destroyed our families of origin and we won't let it destroy our family of choice.
So we hung the volleyball net and set up the ping-pong table. We have a basketball hoop and fooz ball table. Andrew brought his roller skates and helped his sons learn how to skate. That was before people arrived. Oh, I think I forgot to say that the guys backed the farm equipment out of the building and cleaned the floor to make room for all the fun! Many thanks to our guys for all they did to prepare the shop for such an awesome celebration of the new year!
I'll see if I can add party pictures later. Right now I'm getting tired. Ever since I had shingles on the brain nearly 20 years ago, I need a nap in the afternoon. I had hoped to tell you about how my new copper bracelet is helping with my health problems. I guess it will wait but I'll get to that soon. Now that things have settled down around here, I should have more time to write.
I found a super special poem about the new year. I have always liked the rhythm of poetry but they have to say something worth pondering. I'll share this one below
Lots of love,
Dawn
Share His Love in the New Year
A brand-new year, a chance to show,
God’s love and grace where’er you go.
Each word, each deed, a light can be,
To share His love for all to see.
Don’t fear to speak, don’t hold back,
God gives the strength for what we lack.
Plant seeds of faith, let kindness shine,
Trust in His Spirit, His plan divine.
So step in faith, with heart sincere,
And share His Gospel through the year.
Through acts of love and words of praise,
Let your life reflect His ways.
