Christmas memories...

A few of my favorite things from Christmas: 

Playing Christmas music on not just one, but THREE occasions =: ) I had a blast playing for the Lancaster Chorale's Christmas Concert, Ed's grandmom's nursing home (boy do they appreciate carols!) and our Christmas Eve service at church. A bit much all in one week, but it was worth it!

Skyping far-away family (on both sides). What a treat when the real visit is not to be had!

Watching Joyeux Noel on Christmas afternoon with my Edward. Great movie, with a great husband, on a great day!

Picking out a real Christmas tree on a muddy mountain with two baby boys. What a blast (ok, you can read in sarcasm if you want, but we really did get a lovely tree, don't you think?).

Making a new recipe that was AMAZING~ King Arthur's Butter Pecan Cookies. And they're all gone.

Going to Christmas parties instead of throwing them =: ) As much as I love hosting holiday shindigs, it was nice this year just being able to go and enjoy good food, good friends, and happy kids, and then coming home to a clean (ish) and quiet home.

Oh yes, and last but not least, the smile on our kids faces as they opened up their presents. And knowing that next year there will be another kiddo to smile at such pleasures =: )

I hope you had a very merry Christmas too. If you have the time I'd love to know one of your favorite memories from this past Christmas...

Happy Belated Birthday Luke!

 So Luke's birthday has come and gone (it was Nov. 6th), but I've been meaning to post these cute pics for a bit. So better late than never! I thought I'd try something different this year as far as cake goes. Luke 'helped' too (or at least had fun playing with fondant=: )

My dragon cake had a body of marble cake with buttercream under all that fondant...which took way too long to do. If any of you want this for you son's birthday, it will NOT be $20, that's for sure! Luke was VERY excited about this thing:

 

My little boy is 3 and Evan is growing too fast too. Where does the time go? I feel some days I need to just sit for an hour and watch them play. Soak in the stage they're in. Savor. The dishes will wait. And they don't beg to sit on my lap and read them a story (or five). They don't love me with their smiles and laughter. I have to remind myself that no attention is wasted...their little hearts are just reveling in mommy and daddy time that will make them secure for a lifetime...

Here's to happy family times!