Christmas Parties!

I was so excited to get our first Christmas tree this year so we got it the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Since Brandon has his grandpa's truck, it was super easy to get it home. We set it up that night and I put the lights on it while Brandon was studying. Then on Monday night, we decorated the tree together with all of our ornaments that we haven't used before. My mom had packed all of my ornaments up before we left and they were so well packet that it was like opening gifts. I even found a note from her in one of them that said "Merry 1st Christmas"...thanks mom!

I love having a real tree in our first home. It makes our house feel so much more festive. Plus, Erica helped me with some other Christmas decorations so I feel like I have actually decorated for Christmas for the first time.

The tree we found at Home Depot!Brandon setting the tree up - I was supervising!The finished tree!Garland on our mantle

Each month, whichever intern is on rheumatology, hosts a party since that is usually an easier rotation. Brandon is on rheumatology this month so we hosted "rheumaholiday" this past Saturday for all the 1st and 2nd year ortho residents. I was glad that all of my decorations were already up. Since Brandon worked all day until 5pm on Sat., I had to get all of the food and the house ready for company. Thanks to Nick and Joy, who came over and helped me shovel the driveway and vacuum, I was able to get everything done. I made chili, chicken tortilla soup, corn bread, salad, veggies, bean dip, rice crispie treats, seven layer bars, fudge and punch. It was fun to have people over and I was happy there was enough food!

The boys watching the football game downstairs

On Sunday, we had a Christmas party for my women's bible study group. Our leader, Juli, was so kind to host all of us and our husbands. We all brought white elephant gifts which was fun. Brandon ended up with multiple gifts that people didn't want...I am not sure why!

Emily, Me and Laura

Danielle, Lesley and David

Brandon, Presley and Jon

In other news, we have been under a Blizzard warning all day. It has been snowing constantly since about noon. I came home and shoveled our whole driveway and when Brandon came home he couldn't even tell! It is a good night to stay in... I guess we are supposed to get 16 inches through tomorrow so maybe work will get canceled so I can stay in tomorrow too?!?