We had snow flurries here today!!! That calls for some excitement in Georgia. Especially before Christmas. And on our holiday filled weekend. I already told you all about my Christmas cookie exchange party on Friday night. Well, last night we had a holiday dinner with our friends from small group at church.

We all have kids in this group and decided that spending the evening out to dinner together sounded more appealing than any one person hosting a party. We all wanted to get out for an adults only evening and a nice dinner. I would say we succeeded.

For our dining venue we chose Maggianos to do the family style dining together. Plus, Italian tends to be a meal most everyone can agree on. I had never been to a Maggianos, but I was pleased with our meal. I was also pleased with my special beverage. I got a taste of an alcoholic drink! It was non-alcoholic, but tasted great – mint, lemon, raspberry sangria. Yes, I loved it that much.

We started with appetizers and salad – stuffed mushrooms, tomato caprese, and spinach salad. And of course, soft bread. I think I could have made a dinner out of the spinach mushrooms and spinach salad. Love.

The main course included traditional lasagna, a sausage angel hair pasta, mushroom ravioli, and a chicken dish. I put a sample of the sausage pasta, lasagna, and mushroom ravioli on my plate.

Last night was one of those times my stomach feels full very quickly, so I didn’t eat much of the main courses. I really only liked the mushroom ravioli anyways, so just ate the portion of that.

Dessert, though? I saved room. Cheesecake and tiramisu? Yes, please!

I could not have asked for a better evening. I was especially happy because Peter managed to make it to dinner. He flew up to New York and back yesterday. His grandmother’s health has started deteriorating even more and he decided it would be better to visit quickly to say his goodbyes rather than go up for the funeral, whenever that happens. I can’t travel at this stage, especially with all of my contractions, and he didn’t want to leave me for long, so he made a day trip of his visit. I hated not having the option or chance to go, but sometimes life just happens that way. I hope she knows that I care and have been praying for her. Prayers matter across any distance. I’m happy Peter got the chance to go, though.

Well, we will be heading out soon for another holiday evening. Part of which occurs outside. It should be interesting for this chick who hates the cold. Stay tuned for the fun, tomorrow!

• Do you like Italian food? What’s your favorite? I actually prefer my sauteed veggie bowls with a bit of pasta and lots of marinara over things you order at most Italian restaurants. I don’t like how heavy a lot of it tastes.
• A powerful quote to share - Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.  ~Samuel M. Shoemaker

This weekend, I have something holiday related going on every night. It all kicked off last night with a holiday party and cookie exchange with the mom’s group I’m involved with. I came bearing my spinach roll-ups. And the plethora of balls.

We started the evening with some chit chat in the kitchen and a palate pleasing tour of the shared appetizers.

I loved on some food I am not “supposed to have” during pregnancy. I say bring on the little ball of goat cheese and few small slices of hard salami on crackers.

After noshing a bit we headed into the basement for some gift fun. We did a White Elephant gift exchange – where you either pick a gift still wrapped or steal a gift someone previously picked.

There was quite the battle over a Starbucks gift card, an adorable gingerbread house cookie jar, and a super soft blanket with a nice mug. I ended up with a candle and some festive Santa holiday party food spreaders.

That was my first White Elephant exchange and it was so much fun! All holiday gift giving should be done like that. No?

We rounded out the night with a lot of chit-chat and trading off all the cookies. I love having a group of fellow mothers to bond with.

I had such a great time that it suddenly was 11:00 and time to head home with my pan full of treats. Don’t they look yummy?

I have yet to try any, but I don’t doubt they all taste delicious. I see a cookie a day with my afternoon cup of tea/decaf/hot chocolate. Instead of my piece of dark chocolate. Good cookies trump chocolate.

Well, I’m off to my parents’ house soon. I’m going to hang out there for awhile until my holiday fun tonight.

• Which would you choose? A hunk of chocolate or a fresh baked good?
• Have you ever done a White Elephant gift exchange?
• Attending any holiday parties this year? What kind? I really want to do a tacky sweater party one year. They look fun to me!