Our whole family was getting ready to head out to our church last night for our annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The children all look forward to playing with their friends and talking without constantly being shushed. Each family that attends brings a snack food, a two-liter of soda, and their favorite game. We always purchase a few bottles of sparkle juice for the event because our children think it is a great treat. This year the children tried for days to talk me into letting them open a bottle of it early. Buck made plans to take his PS2 and have friends bring their games. Then, at the last minute, the party was canceled because of the storm watch. Predictions were calling for at least six inches and the pastor didn’t want anyone to risk driving home in that.

If you haven’t yet noticed, everything our family does is routine. Children with special needs thrive when everything is predictable. For fourteen years, we have spent New Year’s Eve at our church. At first, they all stood around moping. Then Ty asked if they could still have their sparkle juice. When I said, “Yes,” they all livened up and had their own party. That is one of the advantages of having a large family.

Unfortunately, shortly after the ball dropped Super Dad was called into work. We did get at least six inches of snow and he was assigned to grounds keeping for the week. Therefore, he had to plow the parking lots, sidewalks, and truck routes. I kept thinking he would come back home to sleep but instead he worked 13 hours.

Of course, the children awoke excited over the new snow. They couldn’t wait to bundle up and head out with their sleds. Then they worked on snowmen and then the inevitable snowball fight. The snow kept them busy most of the day so there wasn’t any complaints of boredom. It was also a perfect day for a big pot of chili to warm everyone up.

Happy New Year!

Photo Credit Julia Fuller 2008