22 weeks, 1 day: Rocking and rolling

It finally happened last night.  After several weeks of regular, but unpredictable movement, Baby Sister had a bedtime dance party last night that kept me up past my bedtime.  I didn't mind very much though.  And she's at it again this morning.

All-American Girls

I joined flower girl Stella and her mom Maia at the American Girl store in Natick for a birthday brunch this morning. I thought about taking my first generation Felicity doll to the hair salon, but I refrained.

Star-shaped butter for Stella Bella!

King Cake

To celebrate, Epiphany, I made King Cake for Godly Play. It was too lemon-y for many of the kids. It was beautiful, though! Next time, I think I'll make a pure cinnamon-roll type dough.

Second Christmas dinner

Pork stuffed with cranberries and apples, along with Trader Joe's stuffing. The basic pork recipe is from the Whole Foods website, although I used the Cook's Illustrated instructions for roasting. Real Simple Magazine picked TJ's as the best store-bought stuffing.

Christmas in Cave Creek

While in Arizona for Christmas, we went to Tonto Bar and Grill in Cave Creek.

Local sweet desert shrimp:

Buffalo top sirloin with bacon quinoa:

Braised lamb shank with brie polenta:

The remains of buttermilk chocolate cake with candied pecan ice cream:

First Christmas dinner

Bleu cheese au gratin potatoes and pumpkin whoopie pies from the new Henrietta's Table cookbook:

Not beautiful, but delicious!

Getting ready for Christmas

Featuring Margie's world-famous peppermint cookies!

Thanksgiving treats

Cranberry bog turkey burgers:

Risotto with roasted sweet potato and brussel sprouts:

Putney Pasta butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, sage, and walnuts:

Classic Libby's pumpkin pie on Whole Foods crust:

Pumpkin bread:

Feeding the masses

While Brent was out of town(!), I hosted my students for dinner. We had a delicious spinach and pesto lasagna, brownies, and pumpkin cake.

Happy Birthday Brent!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I know I said two weeks ago that I was back. But then school started. So now I'm trying again. I had a wonderful birthday weekend.


From scratch Wellesley Fudge cupcakes with white chocolate buttercream frosting. Yum!