Tonight we gathered together with the congregation of St. Patrick’s for a party in which we celebrated an annual tradition, “the ornament exchange.”  It is generally a pretty fun, and funny, time as we pick ornaments in order by a preselected drawing, and then when it is your turn you can either take one off the table (they are all wrapped until the end) or take one from someone ahead of you who has already picked.  It is a blast, and we all enjoy it.

This year however, Ben played…..and he drew number 8 of 16.  He was good at the start, picking the gift he wanted, but when people tried to take it away from him he growled……like a bear.  Three or four people tried to take it from him, and he growled at all of them.  At 4, he didn’t understand the rules, nor should he been expected to.  But in the end, perhaps he was brilliant.  He indeed opened the gift he picked.  Who would want to make a 4 year old cry.

Of course it was funny at the beginning, but appalling by the end.  We had all been around kids though, so everyone was good about it.  Kaleb, who is just 1, did a little better.  But the great part was that we all enjoyed good food, drink, and fellowship.  It was a real blast.

But I started crashing at about 9:30.  I apparently just did not have it today, but I was blessed that a 4 year old has an early bedtime too.  I gave my keys to Scotty and had to head home with Ben and Amanda.  Steph started at the party and then went to see some friends.  I am guessing everyone will be home soon.

Tomorrow however, is a work day and it is fast approaching, yet not as fast as my bed.  Thank God!  I am beat, and need to call it a day!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+