I love Thanksgiving, no. 4.

I am thankful for yummy Thanksgiving food. We have spent all morning in the kitchen (and cheering on Mike at the Turkey Trot). It has been a delight. I am so thankful that my nausea is nearly gone and that food tastes good again. Pumpkin pie, here I come.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving, no. 3.

The first time I walked into our house, I knew it was where we were meant to be. I am so thankful for our home. I love the morning light in the kitchen, and the afternoon light in the living room. I love our green green grass and our orange trees. I love our neighbors and the park on the other side of the wall. But mostly I love that it is a peaceful and happy place. Our home is my favorite place to be. We are so lucky to live here.

I love Thanksgiving, no. 2.

the Los Angeles Temple, where Mike and I were sealed together, nearly 9 years ago

My faith brings me peace and hope always. It is the foundation upon which I have built my life. It has influenced my decisions and directed my plans. It has made me who I am. I am grateful for my knowledge of the Savior and His plan for me. I know what my purpose is, and I know where I am going. This year and every year, I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

beautiful photo found here

I love Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be grateful for. This week I will be listing just a few of the things I am most thankful for this year.

Top on my list, of course, are these people:


I totally lucked out in the husband/kid department. They are healthy and happy and nice to be around. They make our home so peaceful and my life complete. I love them.


not to self: take more pictures of Mike with the kids. This one (from our Alaska trip last summer) was the only one I could find. But aren't they all working together so well?

Olive's friend Pop

For the product names alone, I love with this little shop. Though their products aren't so bad, either. :)

You could probably guess that I have a penchant for classic, old fashioned names. Guess what, I like classic childrens' clothing as well. That's why I'm so fond of oliver & s sewing patterns. But if sewing is not your thing, check out Australia's Olive's friend Pop. Lots of retro styles for darling little girls. My favorite is the Mae dress.

via say yes to hoboken

I need this dress.

Don't you think?
I'm crossing my fingers and wishing on my lucky star that I win this giveaway.

a dress for Coco

My friend has the most beautiful baby girl. Her name is Coco and she is sweet and teeny and so brand new.

I had a really fun time making this pretty little dress for her. I used my onesie tutorial, but changed things up just a bit.

Here's what I did:

I serged the top of the skirt and sewed the elastic to the front on the serged edge. Then I turned the edge under and attached it to the onesie on the under side of the skirt. This makes the top look a little cleaner. I think I will do it this way from now on.

I also added a huge flower. It seems like fabric flowers are all the rage right now. For this one, I cut several petal shapes from a pale pink linen. I stitched about 1/8 of an inch from the edge all around the petal to keep it from raveling. Then I attached the flower to the dress with a pearl button.

I used a tan linen for the skirt and a white linen for the ruffle.

My Stella is two.

in her new birthday dress before church

We are having a little party for her tonight. Just family and cake. She was delighted with the new baby stroller she opened yesterday. What a little mother she is.

Stella is the light of our family. I'm not quite sure what we'd do without her bossing us around. We love her so.




a note about her dress:
I used the Playdate dress pattern from oliver & s. Let me tell you something, it was a pleasure to make. If you ever get the chance to use one of their patterns, take it. They are so well done, and their designs are so classic. I can't wait to try another!

For your consideration this Thanksgiving,

I present Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie. It might not be the most traditional choice of pie for Thanksgiving dinner, but it is probably the most delicious (in the non-pumpkin category, of course). I couldn't wait until Thanksgiving to make mine, so Sunday night dessert it was.

Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie

1- 9 inch pastry crust (you can use a ready-made crust or make your own)
3 T. cornstarch, divided
2 T. sugar
2 T. unsweetened cocoa
dash of salt
1 1/3 C. milk, divided
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips)
1/2 C. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 T. butter
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 C. (2 ounces) block-style cream cheese, softened
2 C. sliced perfectly ripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
1 1/2 C. Cool Whip
Chocolate curls (optional)

Prepare and bake pastry crust.

Combine 1 T. cornstarch, 2 T. sugar, cocoa and dash of salt in a small, heavy saucepan; gradually add 1/3 c. milk, stirring with a whisk. Cook 2 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir in chocolate; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Spread chocolate mixture into bottom of prepared crust.

Combine 2 T. cornstarch, 1 c. milk, 1/2 c. sugar, 1/4 t. salt, eggs and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook 30 seconds or until thick. Remove from heat. Add vanilla. Beat cream cheese until light (about 30 seconds). Add 1/4 c. hot custard to cream cheese; beat just until blended. Stir in remaining custard.

Arrange banana slices on top of chocolate layer; spoon in custard over bananas. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard; chill 2-4 hours. Remove plastic wrap. Spread whipped topping evenly over custard. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

It is a bit labor intensive (there's lots of standing over the stove and stirring), especially if you make your own crust (which I do not), but it is so worth it. Trust me. Make yourself one (or two) soon. You won't regret it.

This recipe is from my sister, Leslie.

We take the Scholastic Book Order very seriously.

Here they are, poring over it before breakfast this morning.
Their Christmas lists are growing.

In other news, happy 25th to my best little sister, Julianne! Love you, Jooj.