Ruthie B's Ladies' Luncheon

Today was another No-School-Snow-Day. No big surprise, the temperatures never got above freezing so the roads are still a sheet of ice. Around here, we have no sanding trucks or de-icing salts that are applied, so things really do become quite a bit of a mess.

I was happy for the kids, but it complicated a "function" I had planned that 18 women had previously agreed to attend. We were going to have a Christmas Ladies Tea/Luncheon with a White Elephant Gift Exchange. The locale was a wonderful antique store/cafe - that has the most amazing sandwiches, tea, and scones. In the past, we've taken our girls - often in order to celebrate one of the three birthdays this time of year - but this year, I suggested a "big girls" gathering. (We also secretly planned on ambushing Amy with some "Happy Birthday" presents as her birthday often gets overlooked landing in between Christmas and New Year's).

Due to the fact that all the kids were home, our number dwindled to half. Thankfully, Kristin F. had her daughters watch my kiddos (they brought Jack along too) - so I knew the kids were having as much fun as I was with their friends. Even better, that meant Kristin drove me over and we got the chance to catch up - that woman is such a gem. Every time I spend time around her and her family I realize how much more I wish for more opportunities to hang as a family.

Ironically, Kristin and I scored each other's White Elephant contributions. This one was meant to be homemade things - or things of meaning - and everyone brought such great stuff. It was a very nice time - and certainly amidst this weather contributing to a whole lot of cabin fever, a wonderful chance to be civilized and pampered!



=) Challenge, Day Sixteen: I'm hoping I get a little bit of credit for putting today's events gathering together. There are 9 women smiling in the picture, so that has to count for something!!!!