The Raft

I think I'm done with Martha.
Her magazine, anyway.
I have been getting it for years and this is the holiday season and ya know what? She doesn't have anything new to offer me. Martha, I just don't feel that spark anymore!

Jay & I will be hosting Christmas Eve this year. I am thrilled.
At first, I didn't want to because I love to go to church on Christmas Eve. I love singing Silent Night with a candle, seeing all the little kids all decked out in their holiday gear... but, ya know what?
I haven't been to church on Christmas Eve since the 80s. So - I am moving past that childhood memory. I am embracing my new tradition.
That new tradition is that we host our family (you are ALL welcome) for Soup, Bread, Appetizers (hot & cold), drinks, coffee, dessert and gifts. We get stuffed on lots of different foods rather than a big sit-down meal, drink a lot of wine and celebrate!

Wyatt's party is Saturday. I am so freakin' excited!
Tomorrow is his birthday. This night, last year, I was scared fucking shitless.

Babysat for Q & K all day today. Holy Shit. There is not enough money in the great state of CT to convince me to be a daycare provider. And that is only part of why I will never send my children to daycare. I lose my patience pretty easily. I don't take for granted that these kids know and love me. What if they didn't? What if I made them feel scared or unsafe? Would I care if I was owrrying about making rent or putting food on my family's table? My point is this: most daycare providers do it because they need the money. Is it too much to assume that they are either not qualified for or don't want to work at a full-time job that pays this well? I will never put my children in the care of someone who's main concern is making money off of them.
Actually - my point of this was just going to be that I am so exhausted. And Q & K are good. Yeah, they get annoying, don't all kids? I'm sure they get annoyed with me, too. But watching 2 kids all day, in addition to my own 2?! No thanks!
Let's hope we don't get a lot of snow this year!!

Anyone know a recipe for a good dip to serve with Beer Bread?
I am thinking of making the bread for Saturday, so something I could whip up at home, not order from a specialty shop, would be great!