Thursday, December 25

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!
Yummy seafood ready to go in the pot
The pot waiting for seafood
I guess it's time to wake up the kids. Matt just got back from feeding our friends dogs. I seriously can not believe my kids aren't up!!

Wednesday, December 24

Forgotten Pictures

I was reminded recently of these pictures. They were taken this summer while Matt and I were away at summer camp (helping with youth). She stayed with a sweet family we know (thanks again Nease Family). I just thought they were cute...The first is from the Grace Museum. The second one is the one I saw just the other day! I thought the story behind it was funny. Lauren had gone to the bathroom and she came back wearing this hat. Apparently it was pretty high up hanging on the wall in the bathroom. And while Lauren was taking care of business she thought "I have to get that somehow." Belinda still is not sure how Lauren was able to reach it...enjoy!

Tuesday, December 2

The 80's were like, totally radical!!

Although I was born in 1981 I still was old enough to enjoy the "fashion" and big hair!! At MOPS last week we had 80's day. I was so excited. I decided to go for an 80's rocker chic look. I had so much fun getting ready. However once I got to MOPS ALL the moms were dressed more like flashdance! So they were all in comfy cloths and I was wearing tight skinny jeans, pink leg warmers and 5 inch yellow heels (and fun makeup). Needless to say it was probably pretty entertaining watching me walk around. I had to take baby steps so I wouldn't fall. Then after 30 minutes I changed into my UGGS (they were popular in the 80's too). Here are some pics from my day!
Flashdance vs rocker chic
My best rocker pose...not very believable!
When we got home Hailey grabbed my heels and walked around the house for a while!! And it must be said...she was better at it than I was!!