Party Remorse

Why do I always decide to host events and then, hours before the guests arrive, develop "party hostess regret" syndrome? I always do this...and yet I keep coming up with ideas for parties to host. Will there be enough food? (Likely there will be enough to feed a small African nation.) Will everyone have fun? (Of course - they'll be eating and drinking.)

I've been cooking since last night. Here's the menu:

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle (Paula Dean's recipe)

Blondies

Brownies

Pecan Squares

Chips & queso

Spinach dip w/ crackers and pita pieces

Cheeseball & grapes

Cheese Pecan Crackers (recipe downloaded from Marlo's blog - thanks Marlo!)

Wassail (YUMMY slow cooker Christmas-y apple cider beverage)

Red & white wine

Hopefully I'll survive. :) 20 people have said that they are coming.

And then tomorrow we have church - regular morning service and then the Christmas Eve service at 6pm. And then Monday - open presents with Ryan's parents in the morning (they've been here with us since yesterday) and then head down to Savannah around lunchtime for a quick one-night trip to see my family and open gifts with them. Then we head back to work on Wednesday.

It seems the holidays have flown by this year...but in spite of the business, Ryan and I have been able to cherish and enjoy this first Christmas with our little Charlie. He has brought us so much joy this Christmas and we are so thankful for him! Even though many of you will receive this picture in the mail, I can't resist posting it...

Merry Christmas, everyone! And remember where true joy is found...

"Come Thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, dear Desire of evry nation, joy of evry longing heart."