After Party

The ornament party last night went very well. We ate the great food, enjoyed the wonderful desserts brought by all to share (by the way, if you brought desserts and you didn't take them home, they're going to be returned today - Just Kidding), and then a wonderful game of "White Elephant" with the ornaments.

The game was quite tame with nary a moment of excitement, except that T & L did not go home with the old maid! L was a gracious gentleman and after having his ornament stolen, he opened the old maid and proudly displayed it for all to see! After the ornament game, we played the dice game or as others may recall, "the candy bar game". We like to spice this one up and we throw in lip balm, Hot Wheels cars, Snickers, Twix, Munch, some Orbit gum, a couple of$5 gift cards to Subway or Panera, and then we're off playing. Those gift cards must of changed hands about 20 times. P & M were very lucky rolling lot's of doubles and sixes to choose loot from the table! It was fun to see everyone go around and back and forth stealing from each other's bags.

After the game, EVERYONE, decided it was time to go home at 8:30! The earliest ever. T & L stayed and helped clean up, while Princess and I played phone tag with M & C on the whereabouts of their daughter's plane arriving into Houston. Her played was delayed from Salt Lake, and she would not make her connecting flight into Waco. Their daughter arrived, and so did they to pick her up.

We had a great evening and again, no pictures to brag and show you here on the blog.

On another note, this is the second Christmas without Mom. I only think of this because she loved this season, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. She loved the lights, the stories, the baking, the wrapping, but most of all, she loved being around her family at this time of year. She taught her children the reason for the season, and she taught us love! Unconditional love.

So remember when that person in a hurry beside you cuts you off, just smile and pray that they are not in a car accident, or when the rude person in the store grabs the thing you had your hand on, just smile, pray that you find another, and remember that the gift giving is in celebration of Jesus Christ.

Have a great Sunday

Jim

Tonight's the Night

Yes sireee folks, tonight's the night for our annual Christmas Ornament Party. The preparations are well under way!

Yesterday was a quick trip to Austin for the Honeybaked Ham store, then to Costco, and back home by 1:00 PM. Then I weeded and turned all the front flower beds (my gluteus maximus is reminding me I'm out of shape right now). While I was working in the yard, Princess was prepping in the kitchen.

As of right now, the menu is:

Mini Chicken Cordon Bleu, Cranberry Meatballs, Cheese ball, Ham, Turkey, Rolls, and Veggies with Dip. Each guest couple is bringing a dessert to share, and we'll have some sparkling cranberry punch. Even more, Princess made CHEX mix! Me Likey!

I've cleaned the front entry way floors, done some laundry, cleaned the guest bathroom, and now I'm gonna go vacuum the house! We've got candles going and it smells great!

I love this Christmas time of year!

Jim