Valentine's Dinner Party

Who doesn't love a party with good food, friends and fun? (That sounds like an advertisement).

Well...we decided to throw a "Couples only Dinner party" with our close friends for V day. We spent the day preparing the house, inside and out for our guests to arrive. Saturdays truly are dedicated to chores, and to teaching our boys a strong work ethic. I am just glad Jared enjoys raking, mowing the lawn, setting up pigeon traps and weeding b/c I would rather be inside taking care of the laundry and bathrooms! Austin is a great helper, and Wesley is still trying to not be lazy or complain.

The couples showed up in matching colors (black was the popular choice), and all brought some delicious Italian food or drink.

Couples: Paul and Leslie Boley, Dustin and April Ashton, Mike and Nikki Thrower, Chris and Trisha Mariner, Jeremy and Jennie Souders, and Josh and Tasha Stringham.

On the menu: eggplant Parmesan, spaghetti and marinara, spinach salad, cheesy garlic bread, mozz sticks, spaghetti squash, homemade Italian soda, caramel brownies, and cheesecake. Delish!





The games made our bellies hurt and cheeks burn as we discovered "Newleywed" secrets and played a taste testing on our hubbies. They did NOT like the spicy V8 juice that they sipped, nor the cold mac 'n cheese or green olives. They were good sports.

It was also interesting to see if they could recognize their wives hands blindfolded. Only 3 of the 7 couples actually got it right! Jared was teased for being the "detailed" one as he kept trying to find my thumb on all the girls' hand.


More than anything, it was just the company of good people that made the night a success. How lucky we are to have friends to share our lives with and to enjoy.

Until next year, Happy Valentine's Day :)