Sunday, December 13, 2009

all wrapped up.....


The parties that is.......everything was so lovely. I haven't even had a chance to look at the pictures a friend snapped on my camera......today was the first time to stop for a breather. It all began last Thursday when we shopped for the dinner for 80 people......4 spiral hams, 5 cans of green beans, 40 pounds of potatoes, 3 industrial sized bags of romaine, 8 lbs of butter, 2 quart of half and half, 5 bags of rolls.......sounds a little like the 12 days of Christmas song....but no pears or partridges! We delivered it all to the church kitchen and then after decorating my two tables, I came home to finish up the desserts and would you believe my family wanted to eat??? Then on Friday, did a little of my Christmas shopping {no I am not finished--I have a few more days!} and went to the church to start the cooking....There were three of us cooking and the meal turned out to be most delicious! Our menu was Spiral Ham, Green Beans (made with garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and bacon pieces). My friend Renee and her daughter had made two lovely Buche de Noel cakes, another friend had made Layered Hazelnut Cheesecake (search for the recipe on Taste of Home) and I had made the luscious trifle that I gave you the recipe for. The tables were set in our multi-purpose room and with only the sconce lighting and 10 beautifully decorated tables, it was like a wonderful, fine dining restaurant. The meal was a hit, we had such fun making it, and it was a nice night of fellowship. It was just a little bit intense on the effort it took to pull it all off, considering we are all trying to take care of our own Christmas things. Nonetheless, it was a very fun night. We also had an ornament exchange as part of the evening, as well as my talented friend Renee entertaining us with a touching skit about our Christmas attitudes.......sweet, my friend!
On Saturday afternoon, I went to my friend's house to help her set up for her Open House, which has become a HUGE party....I could only stay a little while as I needed to come home and get ready for Saturday night...........still partying to be done......
My daughter Allison had planned her PALS dinner where we hosted 19 of her friends who all brought a covered dish. They all came with their dishes and were all dressed up. It was loud but very, very fun. They ended their evening after dessert with a rousing game of Taboo! It was a fun-filled weekend.
Today after church, it was time for all activities to come to an abrupt halt and take some time to recoup. David got home from college and we enjoyed snacks and family game of Scrabble....and now what's left to be wrapped up is a whole pile of presents!!! It was a great weekend!

So tomorrow is the Giveaway announcement....I know there are all manner of parties going on to link to for tree decor, Christmas tours, gift ideas, etc. Well, all I've got is a giveaway, so send everyone you know over here.........It's going to be all about RELAXING......some magazines, some craft books, some tea bags, some cookies, maybe a jar of fresh clean air to take a deep breath of !! LOL!! A chance to stop and take a quick break .......Come back tomorrow for some pics and the chance to sign up for the giveaway itself....I appreciate YOU coming by today and would love to hear all about your parties and weekend activities. I appreciate YOU for your blogging encouragement and friendship! I am continuing to gain followers, which just totally amazes me....but thanks! See you tomorrow!!!!

16 comments:

Tracy said...

Wow! That post makes me tired. What wonderful memories you now have in exchange for all that work! = ) Glad it went so beautifully.

Ann's Page said...

I just have to tell you, your blog is such a blessing to me ..I love coming over for visits I always feel so welcome...

Blessing's
Ann

Paula@SweetPea said...

I feel tired just reading what you accomplished over the past few days. I hope you'll have a little down time this week!

Diana Ferguson said...

The pace is definitely kicked up a notch during this time of the year. Enjoyed hearing about your weekend.

Wendy said...

You have been very busy!! I love how in all the hussle and bussle you still managed to play a game of scrabble with your family! That is the best!!
We had a cookie exchange on Friday and a baby shower for a mom that lives in a shelter!
Merry Christmas!!

Nancy said...

My goodness. You've definately had a full weekend my friend. Glad you enjoyed it.

Lisa said...

The church party sounds like so much fun, although I can not even imagine cooking for that many people! You are a real trooper, Sue!

April said...

You are one busy bee, Suzanne! I'm pooped just thinkinga about it! You are more woman than I am, that's for sure!

Stacey said...

Hi Suzanne. You have been busy but it all sounds like fun! We had our busiest weekend too. Our Sunday School party was last night - at a restaurant! First time we've done it that way and it was nice to not have to cook.

I'm not finished shopping either - not even close. It will get done though.

Genny said...

Sounds like you have a lot going on... but so fun!

Stopped by from Rocks in My Dryer. Glad I did!

Genny

Cathy said...

Wow, you've been busy! Sounds like a fund time.

Darlene said...

WOW Suzanne I feel like taking a nap after hearing all of your activity! It sounds wonderful though. Isn't it just fabulous to be around all your friends and family?!?!

Hope you are having a great day today.♥

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Just reading everything you did made me tired. ;) Your giveaway sounds great!!

Janean said...

you're one busy gal for sure!!!

karen said...

Busy girl. My party plans is do nothing go no where. Except Christmas eve church service. You have done enough work for the both of us. You go girl.

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

I'm exhausted just reading about your weekend....have you woke up yet?? Glad you had so much fun and can't wait to see your pics.