Ice Cream party or Poor Me Pity Party?

I choose...
Extreme Ice cream 
Extravaganza Bonanza
over Poor Me Pity Party!
In and out of bed. In and out of bed. Doctor appointment. Fun. In and out of bed. In and out of bed. Fun. In and out of bed. Doctor appointment. Fun. 

This is what a typical week looks like. I'm used to it. I don't like it, but I am trying to make the very best out of it. I LOVE concocting and setting up bazaar events. So my family and I have made a deal. I will make it up and set it up (most likely with some help), and I will participate to the best of my ability. But if I need to go lay down-Everyone will understand- 

NO giving me grief, 
NO feeling sorry for me and NO stopping the game! I think this has worked out pretty well. And there's a bonus, I can hear laughing from my bedroom and it soothes my soul.

We started out with a base ice cream. Sounds simple but by the time we took everyone's stomach issues into account we ended up with 4 different vanilla's! Then, "Thinking Outside the Box" (my mantra), I went with toppings such as: sardines, red pepper, marshmallows, dried fruit, pop tarts, preserved lemons and much more. Shoot, we never got out the spray whip cream. Just thought of that.

We had a few contests. Naturally the Best Tasting Concoction went to Ellee with her, "Maple Meat" entry. It sported chili powder, maple syrup, biltong and brown sugar.

Of course Xana won the Ice Cream Medley Death Round with her ice cream entitled: "Hell." Peanut butter and strawberry jelly was smothered into the vanilla then one whole anchovy was placed gingerly on top all within 30 seconds! Everyone wholeheartedly agreed with the name! 

I did end up cutting out early. And I did listen joyfully to the giggles and booming laughter from my bedroom. When I came into the kitchen the next morning it was spic-n-span! No remnants left behind of the crazy fun that was had the night before. Be still my heart, they do know what means a lot to me. 

Coming to the conclusion that making memories and traditions are extremely important in raising a family, I have also concluded that it doesn't stop just because they are older. With all my kids in or heading to college they strangely enough are telling stories and memories of Emery past. It warms my heart to know that those times did mean something to them and they are were and still are a connecting agent for our families' relationships.

Quick note...bonding doesn't happen when everyone is on their phone. 

I HAD TO THROW THAT IN.

 Some of our best memories have been created around our table!

 But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

And to think...I could have stayed in bed 

that night and had a Pity Party!

At the cross, You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees
And I am lost for words, so lost in love
I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered
Yeah, yeah, oh Lord. Jeremy Riddle