Fun, Food, Friends, Ornaments, Cold - Brrrrr

Last evening was our annual Ladies Christmas Party. I enjoy hosting this party at our home. Some years I have a few ladies help by bringing a dessert. This year I chose to do it myself. Well, doing it myself never really means doing it by myself. It just means I'll get it done! lol

Sidenote: Thanks Deadra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What would I do without you??? Deadra, is our secretary who just turned 30 something! lol She is always eager to learn. I love working in the kitchen with her. Last week she told me she wanted to help with the Christmas Party. Of course she didn't have to say that because her job duty for the day was going to be 'help me'! ha She went on to say she wanted me to teach her how to make some fun things. I hope despite the great fatigue she left with a few cooking tricks and yummy recipes. I've posted our recipes on Charming Hospitality Deadra will probably laugh when she reads the recipes. I don't cook with recipes. I just would say throw in a handful of this or that. Then she'd stir and I'd say, "Oh throw in a little bit more!"

I better also say thanks to Trent and Kent or I'll be in trouble. Kent washed the dog while Trent vacuumed. Thanks Baby Boy Bub!!!!! :) The boys also set up 'all' and I do mean 'all' the small tables and chairs. Everybody had to have a seat!!!

Ok, on with the party details....it was a blast! All the ladies seemed to love the food, drinks, and each other. Annually we do an ornament exchange. This year's exchange was fun. The ladies bring an unwrapped ornament and hang it on the 4 ft prelit tree. We do the Chinese Gift Exchange. We had some fun thieves! lol

We had several guests. One of them is a precious 93 year old lady. I met Mrs. Ray when we first moved to Conroe. She is a very elegant 93 year old lady. She enjoyed the party and even walked around the crowded living area on her cane in search of a 'perfect ornament'. Too cute!!! Thanks Marie Sutton for bringing your neighbor!

After the party was over Glenda Martin (my personal duck!!!) and Vicki helped with the clean up. Of course Kent and Deadra couldn't get out of the clean up. I wanted to immediately post my thoughts of the evening but was much too tired.

At the beginning of the party I challenged the ladies to forget their stresses and enjoy the evening. Thank you girls for doing just that! My two girls were both very sick. I insisted on both of them resting yesterday rather than helping. Calah and Redonia, I hope today you will both feel better. Calah was at the party with fever.

I know there were specific needs in the crowd. Normally in closing we pray for the needs of our friends. Last night I felt to ignore the needs. God knows them anyway. I didn't want to dwell on any problems. I know that laughter and joy is a good medicine. I hope all the girls left last evening with a renewed Spirit of God dwelling in them and a joyful attitude of Christmas.

Please do check out the delicious recipes. Nothing pleases me more than to share with others. This is my gift to each of you.....

Oh! I strive to be a charming hostess. I've never verbalized that but I just never want to lose my deep southern roots I gained in Alabama. Last night as the guests were leaving and each said their good byes I got one HUGE compliment. Mrs. Ray hugged me and wished me Merry Christmas. She told me how lovely she thought my home was BUT THEN....she said, "Honey, you are the most charming hostess I've ever seen." She went on to say when her husband was alive how they hosted dinner parties and enjoyed going to them. She said this was the most charming! Aaaaaaahhhhhh I didn't say that to brag on myself but it did bring tears to my eyes. I do want to be charming and everyone to feel like my home is their home! My sister brought me a sweet and I do mean sweet hostess gift. It was so pretty. She brought a fluffy red stocking and placed in it a bag of cordial chocolate kisses ( I love them!!!). She placed bright lime green and red printed tissue paper coming from the top. Vicki's a southern girl, too!

Ok, if you haven't already you have to have someone over to your home. Make a pot of soup or chili. Mix in a few desserts and you'll have a blast. You'll be better for sharing with others!!!

Merry Merry Happy Happy Christmas!!!! Can you tell I'm in the Christmas spirit???? Now I need to buy a few more gifts....