The most wonderful time of the year...

It really is..  despite the business, and stress, at the end of the day, when I still can't believe that Christmas is really almost here, I am thankful for this time of the year.
We have been keeping busy with a lot of projects, a lot of baking,

and just life in general.
Friday, we had some visitors who definitely helped to brighten our day...

I am sure Santa is pleased with his little elves.
There continue to be those silly moments provided by the kiddos in this house.
Just a few examples:

This is (sadly) my cleavege.
It also happens to be the safest, and best place for Peyton to keep her binky.  It is always exciting when she wants to put it there say, during church..
It is also fun to see Merrill's expression when I tried to take this picture.
Here is Ashley with some of her latest art projects:
"Planet of Fruit"
(And some vegetables, I might add..  she ran out of subjects quickly.)
Notice "Upside Down Face Lettuce Man" and I think they are cannibals..  there is some kind of green fruit eating a berry of sorts...
Sacrament meeting was her main muse for this project.

But this project...
It is a perpetual project.
I am unable to tell you how many times she drew this one today.
The high number is partly due to Peyton, and her love of erasing...  the other part due to Ashley and her affections for a certain little boy.
(Whose name I did not tire of writing...)

No matter how rottent hey can be during the day, they are always so sweet when they are asleep...

RE: Pillowcase Dresses

I have received a couple of questions in the past week about these pillow case dresses..  one from a newly out-of-the-closet blogstalker.  HI CAMI! ;)
So for those questions, here's the original post, re-posted.  Now at the bottom, it says, "Let me know if you have any questions or need any help!"..  and I am serious..  I will help.


There are some who are interested, and I will personally teach (I taught two yesterday...) how to make a darling Pillow Case Dress. But here are the instructions for those who like to self-teach.
I am not taking credit for this much loved, often used pattern/idea, just sharing the tips I found useful...

Supplies:
45 inch wide fabric; the yardage depends on how long you want it to be. I suggest measuring the intended wearer, from shoulder to where you want it to fall, and add 2 inches (or more if you want to lengthen later, or plan on doing a wide hem) . Make sure that your print will look good the way it will be cut off the bolt. You don't want a print with a cute scalloped edge cut incorrectly, so the scallop ends up on the side of your dress, or vertical stripes end up horizontal stripes... in that case, you would want a yard and a third. Peyton's dress I cut at 16 inches.
thread to match your fabric
trim(s), 1 1/3 yards (trim is always optional :)...)
ribbon, I would suggest at least 2 yards
bias tape, at least 1/2 inch wide, but I prefer to make my own, it's easier to work with
Or you can use a pillow case, cutting off the top, sealed edge... and you can skip to step 4.

Tools:
sewing machine
iron
scissors (a rotary cutter and mat are very helpful too.)
straight pins
device with which to measure...

Ready?
Here goes!

Step 1: Cut the selvage off the side of your fabric. Measure and cut your fabric to fit you darling girl. Do an overcast stitch along all four sides of your fabric. You don't have to do this step, but I prefer to, as I am a perfectionist, and Grandma would do it that way... I also hate it when a project unravels when it is washed because the raw edges are exposed... I wished I would have done an overcast stitch on Lynn's Halloween costume...
Step 2: If you are attaching trim, as in a ruffle, pin it and sew it now. If you are hemming it, pin it and sew it now. If you are attaching any other kind of trim, pin it and sew it now. Trust me. I learned the hard way...
Sew it...
Step 3: After you have sewed and hemmed, sew the sides, which ever two sides that don't have trim or aren't hemmed, right sides together. I use my presser foot as my classic guide, I don't really measure seams... I just used the edge of my presser foot.
While it is still inside out, press open the seam that you just sewed.
Step 4: Turn the dress-to-be right side out, make sure that the seam you just pressed, is in the center and back. Cut a "J" shaped arm hole (should measure 5 inches, from top of "J" to the bottom) on the folds of the fabric, this should make a "U" shaped cut piece. I like to save these, sometimes I use them to make pockets :). Overcast stitch on those fresh cut areas, if you'd like.
Step 5: Now is the time to make bias tape, if you wish or to attach your pre-made bias tape.
I like to make mine by cutting a strip of fabric 12 inches (for this project) by 2 inches. I press it, not quite in half, so there is just a little lip on one side.
Step 6: Pin the right side of the bias tape to the wrong side of the arm hole. This picture shows double fold bias tape, that works too. That kind just sandwiches the fabric between the two folds of the bias tape. If using double fold, you need not follow the next step.
Step 7: Flip the bias tape over to the right side of the fabric, press and pin..
Step 8: Sew with a straight stitch, to attach the bias tape to the top side of your fabric. You want to sew as close to the edge as you can.
Step 9: At the top of the dress, fold down a quarter of an inch, and press.
Turn down an additional inch, press and pin.
Step 10: Straight stitch again, as close to the edge so you catch both folds, all along to make a pocket for your ties. (Repeat for the other side.)
Step 11: Cut your ribbon, and seal the edges so it won't fray... cut it so it extends about six inches past the top of each arm.Step 12: I like to use Grandma's crow hook, but you can use what ever works best for you, to feed your ribbon through the little sleeves. Make sure they are pulled evenly so there is equal amounts of ribbon on both sides.
Step 13: Tack your ribbon ties, and both layers of fabric with a quick "x" stitch. Tie it in a square knot. This helps so your ribbons won't come out in the wash, and when you ties it on you cutie, one side's bow won't be obviously larger than the other side's...
Let me know if you have any questions or need any help!

Memories...

Sorry if Barbara Streisand is stuck in your head now..
After getting some cute pictures for the Christmas card, I sat down to a fun editing/design session.  I got the card all figured out, and enjoyed the luxury of uploading the files to Costco.
I am a Costco card carrier now. :)
Costco and Sam's..  I feel so spoiled!
While uploading the card file, I figured why not upload some individual shots and update the wall in the living room..  it hasn't been that long ago, but Lagoon in July are the photos currently up.  That seems like a lifetime ago.
It was kind of a hard choice when it came to Peyton, but I knew I wanted Ashley's to be the big one. 

As I was taking out the backs to put the new pictures in the frames, I went through the layers of pictures.
Wow.
Lagoon in July doesn't seem that long ago after that trip down memory lane..
What sweet memories!  I am so happy that I have them, but am homesick for them all at the same time...

December 15th..

December 14th..

Mary's Caramels..

I have been making more than digital headers these days..  are you as happy as I am that I FINALLY got my header updated? ;)
There is a woman who lives in the neighborhood where I grew up who made some of the yummiest caramels I have EVER tasted, and she also makes THE BEST pecan roll.  She still puts an extra one on my parents plate, just for me! :D
As I was planning my list of treats to make this year, caramels were on there as usual..  but I wanted HERS.  Thankfully, I have a collection of ward cookbooks that is pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.  It helps when you are engaged more than the boring old "just once" and your future MIL gives you one from their ward for Christmas. ;)  I found a recipe for "Licorice Caramels" in the one she gave me.
Mary's recipe is really easy:

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups Karyo syrup
1/2 pound butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk (you can lick the can clean if you are like me!)
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients except vanilla.  Stir well on low heat until dissolved.  Bring to boil, stirring constantly.  Cook to a good, firm ball.  Boiling time is about 15 minutes.  Add vanilla.  Pour into a buttered pan.  Let cool.  Cut into squares and wrap.

Now I will let you know, I gave up on candy thermometers about 14 candy thermometers ago.  I use the old "cold water test" and it has never failed me.  If you aren't familiar with the "cold water test", here's how she works:
Take a measuring cup (I prefer my metal ones) put a few ice cubes in it, and fill the rest of the way with cold water.  When your candy is getting close to being at the desired point, drizzle some into the cup, let it take it's shape and you'll know if it's done.

 I also employ my pizza cutter a lot..  it works fantastic for cutting the caramels.

I actually remembered one thing not on my list while on my daily trek to a store...  Anise extract.  I did forget more envelopes and holiday stamps (what are CHRISTMAS cards with a Forever stamp?)..  I will be attempting Licorice Caramels..  I will let you know how it works!

Hey.. it is December...

I feel like this is just the running explanation, for everything.
The dusting hasn't been done everywhere in our house..  hey, it is December.
The laundry still needs to be folded..  hey it is December.
You went to how many craft stores today?!..  hey, it is December.
When will you post again?..  hey, it is December.
So what do we do around here if I am not yelling, threatening, or shoveling snow?
Well, we laugh..
The girls have been on one roll of good ones lately, that is when they aren't being naughty and getting yelled at.
Tonight, Lynn said:  "Mom, I know you are in love with coupons..  you cut them out and then you kiss them, and then you cry when they aren't yours anymore."
At least she knows I love them.
Ashley spent most of our time spent at JoAnn's making out with a nutcracker while she lounged in the shopping cart.
Yes, a nutcracker.
He was only five dollars, but I just couldn't bring him home knowing this is what would happen to him everyday.  He deserves to go to a good home..  that lady perusing the ornaments got a good laugh though.
Peyton was quite social at dinner tonight.  She stood in her chair, placed both of her hands on the table, leaned forward and said, "HI!" to each of us in turn, and waited for a response.
It went something like this:
"Hi mom!"
"Hi Pey.."
"Hi Inn!"
Lynn's mouth was full, so she waved and mumbled a "Hi Pey!"
"Hi Ash-ee!"
"Hi Ash-ee!"
"HI ASH-EEEEE!"
After a couple more attempts, Peyton replied in a high-pitched voice for Ashley..  "Hi Pey-don!"
She also is learning to LOVE her treats.
Last week, after one of many trips to the craft store where I purchased a small sucker for each of the girls, Peyton wanted more.  Only Lynn's was left, sitting on the counter, waiting for her to arrive home from school.
Peyton kept pointing at it, and would say, "Teet mom..  teet!"  (and that means treat for those of you thinking of something else...  tsk tsk..)
I would tell her it was Lynn's and she would ask back, "Pey-don's?"
The way she says her own name so sweetly almost wins me over every time..
Ashley and Lynn were playing Little People with Peyton one night, and too many funny things happened there..  first, Ash was pretending to be a monster, attacking the house.  She wasn't just any monster though, she was Tyler (Their 10 month old cousin) who's method of attack was to drool all over everything!
Poor kid..  he's so picked on!
Ashley then lined up all the Little People she could find, the Nativity included, and told me that these were all of her outfits.  She went through a description of each, and when she got to the Angel from the Nativity, she told me, "This is my wedding dress because it is pure and white and this is what you wear when you get married in the temple."
I was so proud of her!  I started to tear up a little until she added, "And I am going to marry Brandon because he's SO HANDSOME!!"
There was a lot of giggling and a little blushing after that.
Merrill and I snuggled up on Sunday, just being lazy, flipping through football games.  There may or may not have  been a little or a lot of kissing, but now Lynn won't leave it alone and has been announcing LOUDLY where ever we went today, that she saw me and "her dad" making out.
Ashley wanted to make a fort the other night.  One of our new rules (adopted from someone I know..) is to have their chores done before dad is home from work.  One of those chores is to have a tidy room.  Ashley took every single book from her room and brought them into the kitchen, stacking them on top of the bar stools to help anchor down her blanket.  I warned her in advance (like, as she was taking the books out of her room..) that SHE would be responsible for putting them all away.
Well, time soon passed, and dad was coming home.  I told Ashley that she needed to have it cleaned up.
The tears and tantrum quickly followed.
"I can't do this all by myself!!!"
More came out between her dramatic sobs..
"I am too little to do all of this work!"
I reminded her that she did it all by herself in the first place and it was her responsibility to take care of the mess, but she didn't agree.
"I want YOU to do it..."  she whined.
"I will make you a deal Ash..  if you finish making dinner, go switch the laundry, clean all the glass, finish scrubbing the toilets, oh, and change Pey's bum, I will clean up your books."
The tears stopped.
Her face went blank.
"I'll just do this."
And I didn't her any more crying from her.
She even put them all away where they belong, on the shelf, not under her bed. :)
We also celebrated Grandma P's 90th..

Had to PhotMerge a couple of faces on this one..  Cade has this look on his face all  12 shots I got.

Went to Ogden's Christmas Village...
And had a photo shoot for our Christmas cards..  (coming soon to a mailbox near you..)
Oh, did I mention that we got snow?

We also went for a drive last night to go do donuts down by the hotel.
We got stuck.
Thankfully, Austin and Brooke rolled up, and we all pushed out little Civic out of the mess..  it was my idea to do such a wreck less thing in the first place.
We are kind of wishing that part of our night out Saturday would have been to purchase a snow blower..  whoops.
It was also quite exciting piling our little family into the truck to get over the snowdrifts at the end of the driveway in order to get to church. :)