4 Parties and a Meltdown

Friday. I had 4 parties on my agenda. That's what happens during the holidays, right!? Everybody is getting together to reflect on the past year, look forward to the next and share Christmas wishes. I love all the celebrations. I love that my calendar is full. I love to spend time with all the people near and dear to me :)

However, I should have known that with 4 parties in one day, something was bound to go crazy. Well, it kinda did.

Party #1: cs2 work party during lunch
This was so fun! We all went to Rendezvous (a famous Memphis BBQ joint) and had ribs, beer, and laughs. It was a goooooood time. Especially the part about being told we get an extra week of vacation next year (score!) and the rest of the day off :) Hooray!

With much delight, I left work around 2:45 and headed home to meet Keith so that we could hit the road for Little Rock, where 3 parties awaited us for the evening.
Keith said we had a little bit of a 'situation' when I pulled up. He had been dealing with it all day and hadn't told me.

Our sewage is backing up into our front yard.

Aren't you glad I don't have pictures of this!! Long story short, it's Comcast's fault and when they hooked up our house, they must have cut our line. It's just now becoming a problem (a year and a half later). When we run the dishwasher, washing machine, shower or flush, we risk things "coming up" more in the front yard, or backing up into the house. OH gaw, ya'll. I'm so grossed out!!

They are scheduled to come fix it on Wednesday (right before Christmas). I hope all the kinks get worked out, because I don't want to not be able to shower or potty at home!!


Party #2: Mom's side of the family Christmas
Because I had party #3 scheduled to start at 7:00, I only got to be with the fam for about 45 minutes. This stressed me out a little bit. I wanted to spend much more time with them than I had, but party #3 awaited. So, that's ok.

Party #3: Ornament Exchange with NLR friends. A tradition.
So I was assigned to bring desserts to this party. I had made brownies and assembled a cute little tray with other goodies. Well, I parked my car at Jessica's apartment and loaded up my hands with lots of other things.... and just before I walked in, I dropped this adorable platter:


It shattered into one billion pieces and the desserts were all over the concrete.

Seriously. Ruined.

OKAY, it's okay. I dropped off my other stuff and got Jessica's broom and trash can. As I begin to sweep up the truffles, brownies and glass, an unhappy apartment resident so kindly informed me that I was parked in her spot.

Alright, honey, I'll move my car after I remove all the glass so you don't get a flat tire. Gladly.
The closest spot I could fine was in Timbucktwo. Literally.
Deep breaths, I'm okay. By the time I walked into Jessica's and realized that I had blood all over my hand (must have cut myself on the glass), I just broke down! Between the poo in the front yard at home, feeling bad about leaving mom's party, breaking my platter and ruining my desserts, cutting my hand just sent me over!!

After a brief meltdown, a glass of wine cured it all :) That's what good friends and vino will do for ya!!


So here are some pics of the ornament exchange:

Whitney


Joanna brought this beautiful pink ornament


A gorgeous hand-made pottery ornament


I brought this pretty painted cross ornament


Lauren LOVED getting Shelly's Peace on Earth ornaments


This was the first year that two of us ended up with the ornament we brought, but Joanna and I were totally happy with this.

Next, we put on some fabulous holiday sweaters (courtesy of my Mother-in-Law).


Oh SO hot, ladies!!


Work it!


Family portrait.


Penny had some AWESOME holiday leggins. I felt beautiful in them.


Pretending to exchange gifts :)

Party #4: Ugly Sweater Party at Dustin's
Last stop of the night was at Dustin Jones' house for some Ugly Sweater fun.

Keith and Dustin in their homemade ugliness.


Reid!! I was so excited to see him that we both squelled and jumped into eachother's arms. Love him! Great to catch up, Reid!




Dustin, you are one amazing guy. Any single ladies lookin' for a great man? I'll hook you up!

4 parties and a meltdown was all worth it. And us girls lived just fine without the desserts. My life will SO go on without that platter, too :)