put on the hot cocoa!

It's not often church is canceled here in Colorado, but I got a call at 7 a.m. today to inform me that it was.

This is my front porch:

And here is the back yard:

I can't honestly say that I'm disappointed.

Do you think it's time for a new blog banner?

girl with a twirl

When I was a little girl I loved the dresses my mom sewed for me--especially the ones with exceptional Twirl Factor. I could always count on a beautifully made dress for occasions such as Christmas and Easter, and later in high school for Homecoming and Prom. I have never outgrown this love for a twirly dress. When I'm costuming, for instance, nothing brings me quite the satisfaction as seeing a voluminous skirt sweep its way across the stage.

This year for Easter Sunday I made myself a dress with ultimate Twirl Factor. I haven't sewn for myself in quite a while, but when I found this beautiful piece of cotton sateen (with just a bit of lycra for stretch) for only $3.69/yard it spoke to my heart and I decided I would costume myself.

Here's the finished dress. . .

. . . and here is its ultimate twirling power:

It was fun to make something for myself that I actually liked. Sometimes sewing for yourself can be a disheartening affair. Sarah's dress, on the other hand, was cute but lacked adequate TF. I should have realized it when I was cutting out the pattern and added more fullness. Still, she looked cute, especially with her grown-up pink patent leather wedge sandals.

And no, I did not make these ties for my guys, but I did shop for them. They're quite handsome, don't you think?

John and Sarah dyed eggs on Saturday afternoon. I'm not sure what made some of them get this crackled and speckled effect, but I think it's kind of cool.

The best part of hard-boiled eggs, however, is having my mom make deviled eggs!

John's favorite part of Easter dinner was the twice-baked potatoes I made ahead on Saturday night. When he saw that there was a little left in the mixing bowl for him to lick with a spatula he cried in delight, "It's an Easter miracle!" He makes me laugh!

My favorite part, aside from the deviled eggs, would have to be my mom's homemade strawberry pie--no store-bought icky glaze here. (Note to Miranda and April: put this one on your list for Wednesdays With Charlotte.)

Happy (better late than never) Easter, and yes--that is in fact Jessie's head popping up behind Mark.

time in a bottle: Christmas Day

It wouldn't be Christmas morning without Hot Punch and homemade Caramel-Pecan rolls!

Fortunately, I remembered to snap this photo before they were all gone.

We were all glad to see that Moosey was in fact on Santa's "Nice" list, and that he didn't forget to leave her something--a new bed and a few toys in her stocking.

After my parents arrived around 9 a.m., we took our time opening gifts. I love unwrapping presents one at a time so we can see what everyone gets. Here, Emily displays the cupcake apron she received from Aunt Susan.

In addition to a long-wished for Nintendo DS, Sarah received some much-needed clothing.

The only gift I made this year was a dress coat in charcoal grey wool for Charlotte. This picture is somewhat blurry, but nevertheless captures her excitement upon opening her gift. Rewarding for me to see!

John was happy to get Guitar Hero World Tour. Here, he is excited to open a thoughtful gift from Charlotte--a guitar music book of one of his favorite bands.

After the gifts were opened, we opted to stay in our pajamas--far more conducive to lounging, watching television, and napping--which was all we did. Later, we enjoyed leftovers from the previous night's buffet. Moosey, unaccustomed to having round-the-clock attention, basked in the plethora of laps and eager would-be scratchers.

Biggest surprise of the day? Mark venturing into the world of self-portraiture.

A day of many treats, surprises, smiles, laughs, and good memories. *sigh* Good times.

glad tidings of comfort and joy

After church yesterday I had a three hour nap!

working girl

I'm pretty sure Diet Coke tastes better when served over ice in a lead crystal goblet. Just one of the perks of working for Susan's wealthy clients.

sillent night . . . at least for the moment

Mark has been giving me grief (and perhaps rightly so) because I've already started listening to Christmas music. In my defense, I've only played it in my car, at work when I'm alone, and just once in the kitchen. Really.

Tonight, however, I'm wishing I had the spooky sounds CD from the Target dollar section that Emily told me about. Sarah is having a slumber party at our house with three of her friends. At present I'm enjoying a blissfully silent night, as they're all out trick-or-treating (their first time alone--sans parents) and we've only had three--make that four--groups come to our door.

In an effort to get the girls to eat something "healthy" (a.k.a. non-sugar) before leaving, I made what I thought would be very cute Mummy Dogs that I saw in a magazine. Hmm. I'm reminded of some Martha Stewart bug cupcakes that Jessie made for Bella's birthday one year. Somehow they didn't quite look as good as they did in the picture. Their faces were a bit bulbous, and the cheese bubbled out, resulting in a sort of tumorous effect. They're scary, all right!

At least the paperware was really cute! Target, of course.

I was happy with the way Sarah's costume turned out, but am partially blaming it for my lack of blogging this week. She was a fairytale princess in deep midnight blue satin. My friend Linda gave me the fabric several years ago, so I only had to buy trim and a 99 cent pattern! Sarah also got to wear it to a ward Halloween party last night at church.


So for now, I'm enjoying the silent night. Once they return to sort their loot, play games, watch movies, and giggle into the night, I will likely wish I was away in a manger somewhere, or far, far, away on Judea's Plains. And by tomorrow morning, after I've fed them all breakfast and their parents come to pick them up, you'll be hearing Joy to the World! (Maybe then I'll have time to catch up on a few other posts that have been floating around in my head.)