I'm Dreaming of a Girlfriend's Christmas

Last night was an annual Girl's Ornament Exchange Party with some of the "Old Timers" from my Mother's Group. It was a really nice evening of drinks (mmmmm, White Christmas Martini's- Vanilla Vodka, Godiva Liqueur, and Peppermint Schnapps. A new holiday tradition indeed!!), yummy food, great conversation, and a ton of laughs. It was so nice to spend this evening with friends- many of whom I don't get to see as frequently as I would like. It especially meant a lot to me because I was unable to attend this, or many other events over the last year. It was just a wonderful reminder to me that no matter how dark things sometimes seemed this year, that I truly am so lucky. Lucky to have my life back- new and improved, lucky to be surrounded by friends- new and old, and lucky to have my beautiful family. What a perfect time of year to have such a reminder! Thank you ladies!

At this party, we do an Ornament exchange. Everyone draws a number, and then picks a wrapped ornament when it is their turn. After all of the ornaments are opened, we then go in sequential order of "swapping" ornaments. So, the first one to get to open their ornament, actually ends up with the least likelihood of keeping the ornament that they swapped. It is a lot of fun, and some really unique ornaments- from beautiful, to sentimental, to obnoxious, and everything in between, many in beautiful boxes!

Here are all of the ornaments that were exchanged this year:

I brought the glittery, red, star burst looking one at the bottom of the picture, which seemed to be a hit. The ornament that I ended up with is the red and gold one above it..... filled with Ghirardelli Chocolate!!

When we went to leave, there was a TON of snow on the ground. Truly a winter wonderland! Amy and Trish decided to be the clean up committee and cleaned cars as they were leaving.