The Sunday after Thanksgiving marks the annual ornament exchange between Tomme, Julie, Karie and I. I can't pinpoint the exact date that we officially started this tradition but as I was trimming the tree on Friday I noticed Christmas ornaments that went back to high school days between Tomme and me. So, unofficially this tradition started back in the late eighties but officially transitioned into a "formal" gathering of friends, gifts of ornaments, good food and a lot of laughs. We also feel this is a gathering to remember Tomme's mom Cheryle and her love of all things Christmas.
As I was trimming two trees this year it was fun to look back at all of the different ornaments and note who they came from and when. The girls have already gotten a great selection of ornaments to some day decorate their own trees. They love to play with their ornaments (much to mommy's demise) and always ask who gave it to them. It was also fun to bring out my mom's ornaments that were hung each year when I was a child. There were a lot of fond memories seeing those ornaments that I am so glad that I have.
In leu of the gift exchange between the kids this year we decided that the kids would get a new book and in return donate a book to the local charity to help those less fortunate. As we all need to remember: it's the gift of giving that really counts.
Ornament Exchange Highlights
Yes, that IS Karie IN the kitchen...preparing guacamole.
Just the girls hanging out...CJ, Kate, Anna and Avery
No gathering cannot have chocolate...
All the kiddos...Anna (4), CJ (6), Kate(6), Avery (4) , Peyton (8), Drew (3), Carson(4) & Luke (5)After all the fun onto homework...
Every month Kate has a family homework assignment where she needs to decorate an item with her family to be hung on the wall outside of her classroom. Each homework assignment coordinates with the season so today we were decorating her Christmas tree. Last month we had to "disguise" a turkey so it would not be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully mommy had an array of craft supplies that were collecting dust so we got down to business and glitter was flying everywhere!
Kate's completed homework project...and a very proud little girl.
Anna's "homework" assignment. She so badly wants to keep up with her sister which at times can cause some friction. Tonight...pure joy.
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