the wrapping party that wasn't

Phooey on you, weather. 

I grew up in Iowa where blizzards on Halloween weren't abnormal. But now that I live farther south, I've gotten soft. I expect the roads to be passable, snow to be minimal, and Decembers to be barely chilly. 

Not so this weekend.

A handful of ladies were all set to come over for a little Christmas wrapping party. They were going to supply their presents and wrapping paper, and I'd have the rest ready: tape, tags, bows, all the embellishments. 

Then the weather got nasty. 

A couple of ladies even lost loved ones this week. I can't imagine how difficult that must be. {Then again, that's what Advent is good for: Reminding us that Jesus is coming again because this world is full of grief and pain.} 

     

Maybe that's why I wanted so badly for this party to happen: to give people a little rest in the midst of the Christmas chaos and to take care of THEM for a change when they are so busy caring for their own families and friends.

But for the sake of safety and gals being with their family, the party was canceled. We'll try for next year though. 

And thanks to the Dollar Store and my husband's aunt--who graciously sent all sorts of scrapbooking goodies--we'll be set with all sorts of tags and stickers, ribbon and Washi tape. 

You name it. We'll have it. 

Of course, this means I'm singlehandedly going to have to eat cranberry-feta pinwheels and salted caramel cookies and garlic herb goat cheese dip and toffee dip with apples. 

I mean, we can't let those appetizers just sit idly by. 

Then again, my farmer is out in the frigid temperatures, trying to keep his fingers from falling off, cows from slipping on ice, get ponds cut open for heifers to get fresh water, pulling the milk trick up the icy hill . . . so he might be just a little hungry himself. 

I'll share. 

     

The weather may have prevented some fun this year, but we'll catch it next time. And now, if you'll pardon me, I have presents to wrap. 

{Also, if there's anyone out there who knows how to tie bows, feel free to send me a step-by-step tutorial. Mine look like a baby tied them.}