Man Up your Tree

Today was our Christmas party for my branch at work. I always enjoy the work party because my coworkers are so great. Since I'm not going to Fox Lake for Christmas, all of these parties are sort of my "Christmas". We had some YUMMY food as usual. We always worry about there not being enough, and somehow there is always a ton. Terry and Mike, two of our technicians, fry up turkeys in the morning, and the bossmen donated a ham. Then, everyone brought a ton of food. I tried two new recipes, both of which made me happy. Some peach glazed sweet potatoes with a praline topping and an cranberry apple walnut stuffing. Just thinking about them makes me hungry again. We always have so much food that the desert table barely gets touched, and it is always full of good stuff. You hate to see it go home uneaten.

The best part of the Christmas party is the gift giving. We used to just have a party and eat and socialize with one antoher and with our families. A few years back we decided to liven things up wtih a gift exchange. Anyone who wants to puts their name in the hat, and we draw names. There are no rules - except that everyone is encouraged to remember that it is a family affair and there may be young children present. In years past we have had some great gifts - people are always making fun of one another!

This year, I drew Haley Bell's name. Haley is two doors down, and the littlest, cutest thing there is is! She is also sweet as can be. A few months back she and her husband took their puppy to get her hair cut. The groomer accidentaly gota little friendly with the sciessors - Wrigley came back shaved nearly naked! Haley and Matt were definitely traumatized by this! She was not the prettiest looking dog at that time. I got Haley some Rogaine for Women to Wrigley get back to normal next time!

Oddly enough, Haley drew my name! I had been telling her how girly my trees were, so she helped me to man up my tree. I am now the owner of a Merman Hottie for my tree! It is too funny!!! Good times were had by all.

The best gift by far was Jeb's princess kit for Lucy's new castle. Lucy and her husband just bought a HUGE house. Jeb decided that all girls want to be princesses, and she HAD just bought a castle, so he bought her a bunch of princess sutff! Good Stuff. There was also a great Yoda Poem and light Saber for Lora (a huge star wars fan), and big buck hunting kit for Tim Rushing (who shot a tiny tiny one this year), a non-blonde kit to help Gail get some respect around the office, and the traditional gifts that are re-gifted every year!

All in all, an A+ party!