Pumpkin Carving Party 2012

It's officially become a fall tradition for us.  The party was our third annual and this year especially, I was aware of how much has changed in our lives since the start of our little autumn gathering three years ago.  The faces of friends and the people we are in community with has changed quite a bit in the last year.  And though maybe part of my heart will always miss what once was, I find myself full of gratitude for what is and what God has restored to our lives.

Last night as our home filled with friends, some old and many that are mostly new, my heart felt full and blessed.  Initially I was a bit overwhelmed with the response of how many people would be coming.  It's hard not to feel self-conscious when your house is only so big and you want everyone that is coming to feel comfortable and welcome.  But somehow it worked.  Somehow 29 adults and 14 kids all fit into 1700 square feet.  Though the back yard helped of course.

I'm getting good at this.  Gutting a pumpkin, creating a design and carving into them.  Though it still feels nasty inside.

The veterans were there - the only couple who has attended all three parties.  

 And the newlyweds were present - my recently married cousin and her wonderful husband.

 New friends.

 And more new friends.

 A whole back yard full of new friends really.

 And little boys who kept sneaking treats. 

 As always, everyone came up with some super creative designs. 

I couldn't fit them all into one picture - there were 16 entries total and the winning pumpkin was an awesome spider web design. 

We'll do it again next year I'm sure.  When I'll be carrying a baby on my hip and when newer friends are not so new.