Holiday Gathering...

I will post up the attendees in the next few days... I have been really busy at work and home. As for the gift of $10-15... there were a few suggestions of an Ornament Exchange. What does everyone think? I think it is a great idea!!!

I vote that we either make it an inexpensive gift for the dirty Santa game - i.e., $5, or a donation-type gift for Toys for Tots or the Crisis Nursery, CASS, etc. OR - even better - canned goods for the food bank! Sort of appropriate, eh?

YAY !!!!! Im so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An ornament exchange would be very cool too!!!!!!! We could do it like the dirty santa one, where you could steal the ornaments!!!! I LOVE Christmas ornaments!!!!!!!! Let us know what you decide... so we can get something....

Hey Nicole, I was just trying to think about what type of gift to buy for that night. I would say that an ornament exchange would be great. I never heard of the dirty santa gift. But it sounds like fun. Please let us know what is decided. I hope your first week back at work has been okay. I know the first week was hard for me. I was just really tired. I am sure that you are also. Thanks! Melissa

Nicole, Count me in. Thanks for all of your work to make this happen. Mary

The idea of bringing an Ornament is a good one. There are so many pretty ones and everyone likes them. Keep us posted girl, you've done a great job keeping this on track. CaroleM

Here is the most recent names... Darlene EJ Melissa Ellen Carole Steve Jeanna Alli plus hubby Joyce Karen Connie Sandi Moira Peter Nicole Katie Norman Sheryl Jinn Tori Sarah Chris Melissa Gina David Vicki Annettia Maxine Mary

Wow, 30+ it's getting to be. Are they going to be able to accomodate this large of a crowd? Monday is your RSVP day? Carole

Yup...I hope they can accomodate this large of a party... otherwise we may have to change locations really quick! When I spoke to them originally I mentioned 20-25 people. I will call on Monday and check with Cheesecake Factory and give them a heads up that we are still arriving! I think it will be fine.

Nicole, I'm looking forward to the dinner but admittedly I'm just not up for buying ONE more silly gift! I've had office parties, husband's office parties, church parties, friend's parties, etc and I just want to relax and enjoy some great friendships without the "gift" thing. So, how about we give folks permission to come without participating with the gifting piece if they wish???? I'm really not a scrooge....just on party and budget overload! I'd much rather spend my couple of extra dollars on a piece of sugar free cheesecake to pass around the table to share!!!! And.....having had a weight loss get together at the Chandler Cheesecake Factory last year.....I'm hoping this experience is better. We were treated kind of crummy and the larger folks weren't given seating that was comfortable for their cir****tances. You might want to give them a heads up that some of us need a little room.....so they don't stuff us tightly into booth areas. Now that I've totally sounded like the Grinch who stole Christmas.....let me just say that I'm looking forward to the get together!!! LOL! Ho HO HOOOO!!!!! and....thank you for being our very own party planner! You rock! Joyce