The Way the Cookie Crumbles

Saturday I stepped out of my comfort zone and threw a party. At my house! I threw a party at my house, people! I know. Pick yourself up off the floor. It was out of my comfort zone BIG time. I think it was the first party I've ever thrown that wasn't a family party. I was really proud of myself!

*I only took a few pictures with my phone. I felt a little intrusive snapping pictures of my new friends.

It started at 10:00am, but I feel like I've been mentally planning for WEEKS. Friday I baked my cookies and shopped for all of the food and supplies. Brunch was served, which included breakfast casseroles, fresh fruit, muffins and assorted juices. The night before we chopped up fruit and assembled the casseroles. Josh helped me by cleaning the house and keeping the kids entertained upstairs.

It was a great turnout, I think. Almost 20 people came, and it felt just right. Most of the ladies who came I didn't know, so it was nice to get to know them, and let them have some time to eat and visit.

Paulsens: That is Jack's daughter-in-law, Marilyn (in the middle w/ glasses).
She's talking to Ashley, who is going into Nursing at WSU.

The cookie assortments were wonderful! Wow, we've got some bakers in our ward! The frosted sugar cookies were my favorites - and my kids' too! I think everyone had an enjoyable time. None of them had ever been to a cookie exchange before, so it was fun to send them away with smiles on their faces and a big old platter of cookies! We gave the extras away to the missionaries, who will deliver them to families they visit.

We had so many cookies, we filled our large kitchen table and all of the counters!

When the last guest left, I was happily relieved to have it over with, but glad that I attempted it. I'll be getting a lot more practice in "party planning", because I just got called on Sunday to serve on the Relief Society Board (formerly the Enrichment Committee). Bring on the parties and activities!