Friday, December 14, 2007

Christmas Festivities Begin

One week ago, our son Mark arrived home for Christmas vacation. He was happy to escape the midwest just before the ice and the winter storms hit! But, he came home during our "cold season," so he is desperately hoping for some balmy weather during the month that he will be here!
Last Saturday, our womens' group held our annual Christmas Party- "Christmas With Friends." Our custom is to "tour" two homes together as a group and then drive to a local restaurant where we eat and then have an auction of crafts and goods donated for this occasion. This year, the first home to tour was our home.
There were thirty women that arrived at our home. (It is good that we have so much extra space in this house!) Even though the evening was cold and rainy, we had warm fellowship.
It was a great time for friends to be together! As our gift exchange this year, we baked some Christmas delicacies and then included the recipe in the box. Delicious!We ate some snacks, had a delicious chocolate punch, and sang some Christmas caroles. Jesse also read a couple of Christmas stories to the group. The original plan was to "carol" over to Jenny's house (only two blocks from us), but due to the rain, we piled into our cars and then drove from there to the restaurant to finish our evening.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner (salad bar at the Sizzler) and great conversation around the tables. And while we were eating, we were also scouting out the many items that had been donated for the auction that would take place after the meal.
Tona did an excellent job as auctioneer! the funds that we raised are given to mission projects. We all had so much fun at the auction that even our waiters and waitresses joined in the action and bought several items!
It is hard to believe that only a year ago, I attended my first "Christmas with Friends" event!Now I am so thrilled to say that all of these wonderful ladies are close friends! God has richly blessed us with so many friends everywhere!

3 comments:

loi v said...

so fun. please tell mark i said, "hi."

Kari, RN said...

Looks like a fun party! I'm sure you're having a great time with Mark home, and it's also fun to see those pictures of visiting Becky in their new apartment!

Leingang Family said...

That sounds like so much fun! What a great idea.