He leads. We follow.: Good Friends & Good Food

This is the first year since being married that we have not had plans for Christmas Eve. We have always been home or made plans with friends who were also away from home. I thought we would just have a quiet day at home. However Matt and i both woke up yesterday feeling homesick and sad (I know we are pathetic, we have so much to be thankful for). It wasn't that we weren't thankful for our many blessings. Just sad to be so far away from family. So I began thinking what would make the day more fun. Back at home EVERY Christmas Eve my mom makes Cioppino. It's a seafood stew and before you turn your nose and say "gross" let me tell you about it. It is the best meal ever. My favorite by far!! These are few of the ingrediants... Butter, onions, celery, carrots, tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, bay leaves, basil, oregano, thyme...and the kitchen sink (there is more but you get the idea). Once all that is ready you add crab legs, scallops, shrimp and clams. It's so fun to eat because you get to dig in and peel everything apart at the table. So, yes, its amazing! So back to my story. Yesterday I decided I would make it myself and see if any of our friends were without plans too. Some dear friends of our were!! The Martins and there 2 boys came about 7. It was so nice to watch the kids play (Dodie and I met when we were both pregnant with our oldest kids, who are now 6). I had fun getting the house "ready". You know setting the table, making place cards, etc. Here are some pics. I forgot to take one of the group but you get the idea. Merry CHRISTmas!! (Oh, if your wondering why I am up on CHRISTmas morning posting a blog...my kids are still sleeping and it's almost 7:30. That NEVER happens!!)

Ready for guests to arrive.

Here are the table settings. I know I'm a total dork, but I had so much fun putting it all together!