My Black Tie Optional Attire

Jake and I were invited to a Black Tie Optional wedding. As you can imagine, I had nothing to wear. And on top of that, it was nearly impossible for me to shop for it because I was growing increasingly big with child during the months leading up to it. And on top of that, have you ever tried to search for a cocktail dress with sleeves? Ridiculous.

Enter Stephanie.

She offered to make me a dress if I found a pattern. So I did (this one).

And this is what she turned it in to:


And here I am with my two handsome dates.


It was tons of fun to dress up for a night, eat good food, and see our good friends get married.

Wanted: Ducky

Sophie, age 4 months

This was Sophie's favorite first toy. It's a rubber ducky with a bunch of rubber tubes sticking out of it. We don't have it anymore and the exclusive store I bought it from three years ago no longer carries it. Has anyone seen anything similar? Or do you have one I could buy from you?

I think he might like it too.

The Sams

On Wednesday, Jake's brother Sam returned home from his mission in Argentina. Our Sam (who shares the same first & last name) prepared to meet him for the first time by dressing for the occasion.

Welcome Home Sam.

Apple Pie Birthday

A couple of months ago, Sophie proclaimed to me that she wanted apple pie for her birthday. Having never tasted or even seen a real apple pie before, I can only assume she got the idea from an episode of Word World.
Anyway, the idea stuck. Every time she talked about her birthday, she mentioned that she was going to have apple pie.

Who am I to disagree with that?

So, last Friday, we had all her local grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins over for her Apple Pie Birthday Party! I even made the pies from scratch.

Sophie had a great time (I think she ended up taking one bite of pie), and everyone there seemed to appreciate celebrating with pie instead of cake for a change.

She's Three Now

"Today's my birthday?
Today?
I'm not two anymore?
I'm three now?
I'm three now!
I'm not two anymore!"


She's excited.

Accessorize Yourself This Fall

I asked Sophie to go get dressed the other day, and this is what she came back to me wearing.

Scarves are so in this season.

Doesn't it just put a smile on your face? Most anything puts a smile on this guy's face.