The Headband Mafia

(Photo from BitsyBlossom's Shop on ETSY)

I don't know if these have caught on in other parts of the States like they have in Utah, but you can't even run to the grocery store without seeing one on every girl, in every color. I lovingly call them the Headband Mafia, and I'd like to announce that I've joined! I've been hesitant, because they are SO popular; but I've gotta say that (on a functional level )I stayed toasty warm all morning, running errands, and (on a cuteness level) was mistaken for a Hollister employee - twice - and I didn't even do my hair today!. Functional and cute = Double check. Thanks for the birthday present Amanda!
I received some beautiful flowers yesterday, and Emory was asking who they were from. I told her they were from Cory, and what a good husband he is, even though he's far away. Emory says, "He's not a good husband to me. He sent Tessa a music box, he sent you some flowers, and he sends me nothing!" Watch out Cory, the child forgets nothing.

Sunday Brunch anyone?

I can't even tell you how much I love these dresses!! So much so that I want to make myself one. The girls love them and they look like little princesses headed out for "Sunday Brunch". The skirts have pockets (my second attempt at sewing pockets was much better!) and a kick-pleat in the back.

In other news, my mom and I took on the feat of potty training Tessa yesterday. She's now a potty champ! I know it's not official, and there are bound to be accidents; but after a terrible start yesterday morning, something clicked and she tells us every time she needs to go. #1 and #2!!! No more diapers, hooray! We had a potty parade for her, and she was in the middle of procession waving like a beauty queen, so composed and we died of laughter!

Emory is so amazing. A few days ago we were reading the children's Book of Mormon over breakfast, as usual. We were reading about Alma the Younger and Amulek in Ammonihah. We got to the part were the Believers were being thrown into the fire. Emory was upset for a few minutes, then smiled and said, "It's okay Mom, it's just like Abinidi; and they'll live again too because of Jesus!" Back when we read about Abinidi, she talked about it for days, so did a family home evening lesson about the Resurrection similar to this. She melts my heart everyday, and I clearly need to watch what I say, because she remembers EVERYTHING.

Who does she look like?

Don't you love it when people try to figure out who your children look like? It's funny because I can totally see it in other people's children but not in mine. Emory looks like Emory, and Tessa looks like Tessa. Until this photo popped up . . .

My mom showed it to Tessa and she said, "Oh, that's me!!" When I told her it was me, she argued adamantly that it was most definitely her, the baby - that's what she refers to herself as. I love this girl, and am so happy that I can finally prove she's mine. (Because of her dark coloring, everyone always says how much she looks like Cory. Ha, take that!)

Ugly Sweaters and Ice Skating

Some of the Ugly Sweaters for our party.
Not quite sure what my Aunt Page is showcasing, but I like it!


Cory's Hanky Sweater.


My home made Nativity.


A fair share of the sweaters were supplied by my grandma.


Conan's long lost brother.


Josh and Sydney. (Josh got the most votes overall for funniest/weirdest, can't imagine why?)


Coleman and Amanda.


Adrienne's had decorative balls all over it, but they fell off and shattered all over the floor :(


Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.


Austin and Richard.

We went ice skating on Christmas Eve. Emory thought it would be fun, then realized how much effort and patience it took. Tessa loved getting pulled around and would have laid on the ice all day.

Don't you dare take down that tree!!!

It was my first Christmas, since I've been married, that I've had a tree. It was the best, and when we took it down yesterday, Emory screamed, "Don't you dare take down that tree!"
I was a hustle and bustle holiday season, but we had a grand ole time.
Josh and Sydney came for there first visit since they moved to Virginia for medical school. The girls were in heaven. Usually when they wake up in the morning they run straight into my room to poke me in the eye and wake me up. When Josh and Sydney were around, they went upstairs to poke them in the eyes!
Cory and my dad spoke in church for the Christmas program and it was really perfect. I made my first pieces of clothing.


We did a lot of partying; twice with the Hamilton's (Sydney's family - Tessa fell IN LOVE with her brother McKay), once with the Radford Clan (White Elephant gift exchange, where the coveted Conan was a hit, and we had an ugly sweater contest), and for a few days up in Logan with the Hulse relatives.
Emory was so full of the Christmas spirit - but in a good way. Once when we were checking out at a grocery store she was helping me load groceries onto the conveyor belt. It helped so much and I said, "Thank you so much Emory. Santa will be so happy to see you helping!" She of course showed me up by saying, "Santa and Heavenly Father, Mom!"
Both girls loved seeing Santa and sitting on his lap. They had no problem at all and told him exactly what they wanted.

We had fun sledding in our front yard. Both girls couldn't get enough!

Christmas Eve we spent at home, playing The Movie Game and eating. Emory had her directorial debut in the Nativity.

She cast every part and was clearly the most convincing angel ever!

Tessa was a stylish Magi.


Christmas day started out late. I woke up before my kids on Christmas, and had to get Emory out of bed. It was 8:30 am for cryin' out loud! We opened just the right amount of gifts and the girls had fun watching people open the gifts they made them.

Here's some of the stuff we made for our loved ones this year.

The haul.


Cory eating sticky buns while having a staring contest with Katelyn's Jacob pinata.

Josh stuck in the tube.


The girls made Cory a Jar of Warm Fuzzies and it's been the best thing ever. They also made me some reusable grocery bags that I love!
Can you tell it's 6:00pm on Christmas Day by the looks on their faces?

Visiting Grandma Audrey and Les.

Emory got Twister for Christmas, but as you can see, she didn't get to use it much. Anyone who knows Josh, knows my head is in a toxic area. It's safe to say Sydney and I got the most contorted awards. But in the end those with longer-legged genes got to compete for the title of Twister Champ.
We had a nice relaxing New Year, and got to spend some time with my long lost Fairview Friends.
Cory was set to leave on the 2nd for his last audition rotation in Tucson, but his car wouldn't start. We got him for 2 extra days, while his car was being repaired! Well worth what we paid. Emory used her new Easy Bake Oven to make a cake for Dad. Good to know that after all these years, light bulbs can still cook food. (I made that cake plate with an antique green glass candlestick from DI and a plate from Wally World. $1.50 total) After Cory said goodbye and left, he realized he'd forgotten something and came back in to get it. When he walked in Tessa gasped and yelled, "I just knew you'd come back!!" It was so heartbreakingly sweet.
Here's to a fantastic New Year, one where we'll finally make some money!