This holiday season we had the wonderful experience of making gingerbread houses together as a family. It was really quite fascinating to see how the same raw materials of graham crackers, icing, and candy transformed to reflect our unique personalities.


My sister-in-law, the culinary goddess, naturally created a picture perfect winter wonderland that hinted towards her love of European culture.


Jason, our resident architect, whipped out this incredible, Frank Lloyd Wright-esque model that has since served as inspiration for the design of our future dream house. He aspires to run the home off of solar power. I'll be happy as long as we have a dishwasher.


As for me, well, I'd like to say that my model reflects my love of the outdoors and camping. The truth is that I couldn't construct anything more structurally complex than a tent.


As for the secret within the outhouse, however, it definitely reflected my current obsession with potty training... Fortunately, we've finally had success.


Merry Christmas!

Dorky Love

Even though our dear daughters may cause us many sleepless nights and harried days, they have also taught us so much about love and forgiveness. Lately Brooklyn has become the "peacemaker" in our home. If Jason and I ever get short in our conversations with each other, Brooklyn immediately jumps in with, "Mommy, Daddy, I'm sorry." She has learned the incredible power of a sincere apology.

The other day Jason and I got into a rather immature tiff in which I tactlessly employed the ultimate of all insults by telling him "You're a dork" (sounds like an elementary school playground, huh.) Pride damaged, Jason responded in kind by saying, "No, you're a dork." All of a sudden Brooklyn stands up in her chair and announces, "I'm the dork!" We couldn't help but stop and laugh at ourselves. With our two-year old being the only one acting like a responsible grown-up, it's been a good reminder to always use the language of love.