we had a little impromptu gathering the other night..c got a permit, dug a firepit where the pool used to be and lined it with stones; i bought brats, hot dogs, and made a mess of homemade mac and cheese, also, i put on a big pot of hot cider. friends from church who have kids that ours are good pals with came (toting pop and chips) who get frequent visits from us, but haven't been out to the country to our place but a couple of times. another friend whose husband is working double shifts this week and has an almost two year old came with an apple spice cake, and yet another called to see if i could watch her two kiddos while she helped out at the school..she returned and they all ended up staying to eat dinner and roast marshmallows, squishing them between graham crackers with a chunk of chocolate bar.

we haven't done anything like this, it seems, in so long; haven't been hospitable or very social; haven't opened our home and yard to others, haven't relaxed in fine company. we've been rushed and frazzled, tackling three things at a time day in and out, and generally glued to the couch at the end of the day, exhausted and staring at the flashing television. it was a balm, it was nice to have such time to appreciate. it takes a special effort for me in this year of homeschooling three, running a household, being a wife and mom, etc.. to pause and refresh.