Recipe of the Year

Start with a birthday party for a two-year-old who soon after gave up her naps,

add one cranky pregnant mommy,

one daddy starting half-a-dozen new businesses, and

one precocious four-year-old ballerina.

Stir in the privilege of leading a great small group,

coordinating fun playgroups,

and a heaping heartful of treasured friendships.

Don't forget to chop up the homeschool planning and add it in gradually.

Just as the pregnancy starts to come to a long, slow simmer, 

splash in a little "we-might-need-to-move" to keep things spicy.

Once the baby has arrived, allow the whole mix to rest for just a week or two;

too long and you risk having a dull moment.  

Dump in a whole chunk of "we-have-to-move-in-two-months."  

Stand back when you do this; it will likely be messy.

Stir fast and hard for four months; do not stop stirring, do not walk away.  You don't want to scorch anyone.  While stirring, gradually pour in a steady stream of excitement about new business growth until mixture is frothing and bubbly.  Puree your kindergarten curriculum and try to sneak it in.  If your stomach is strong, add a week or two of potty-training and hope for the best.  

At the end of four months, slow the stirring and taste what you've got.  The faith will be thick and hearty, bringing you back for more.  Season to taste with old friendships rekindled, fun family excursions in a big city, and/or the thrill of making a new house a home.  

And that's our recipe for 2011....  Thanks for sharing the adventure with us.  Merry Christmas, friends.