A New Way....

I have a problem. I just have to admit it. I have limitations. I like parties and having people over...but NOT big monster parties. They just take too much out of me. I'm NOT 20 with endless amounts of energy anymore. They aren't fun for me....and I seem to never get to visit with my guests being tied to the stove. Hmmm. My husband has 4 siblings with spouses and children all around...plus his parents and a great granny. That's a big group (for me)....plus my own house hold of six. We were thinking of a quick 4th of July gathering with just some of them (some we thought were on vacation). But turns out they are back and will be moving on the 4th and it's just not a good day for everybody anyway. We were OK that some would be out of town (smaller group-potentially good for us.) Well that's not OK.... what came out in all the phone calls and trying to organize the thing was that members of his family thought is wasn't right to not invite some. That perhaps it was best to wait till everyone was available. Kinda all or none. That people would feel left out. I get that. I truly do. As a family of 6...we have "not been invited" or "included" or asked to stay behind cuz people didn't think we could "afford" an event or get a sitter if the event was for adults. Such is life. BUT back to my point. I agreed and don't want people to feel left out. So we himmed and hauled and thought...then thought some more. How can we do this sometime without so much darn work and neither of us (Hubby and me) even getting to visit with our guests? It's one thing to add say 6 to your group...a whole nother to up that number past 20. I don't just want to invite everyone to come play at my house...I want to actually see them too! So we decided we will try. And try is all I can do. I think I'm just gonna order chicken for the crowd. Buckets of chicken. I can do the sides easily and ahead....that's what's important for me.....ahead. Hopefully as time and funds permit...we will get to have dear hubby's side out this summer for a fun party with everyone included...... even us.