sweat shop

We were Christmas shopping at JoAnn on Saturday and came across a bolt of charcoal taffeta material with flocked black polka dots. Mom happened to have a fantastic full-skirted, high-waisted pattern that would be perfect with the material. She also happened to have a coupon. She also happens to be Wonder Woman and love me very much.

I also think she's a little crazy. Any sane woman would push dreams of making her 20-year-old a Christmas outfit the night before Christmas Sunday when she already had a skirt to make for her 12-year-old. Blinded by love, Christmas spirit, and a love for all things polka-dotted and twirly, she bought the taffeta, tulle, lining, and a zipper.

Saturday night consisted of Mom sewing from about 6:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. Holy toledo. I stayed up with her, feeling like it would make me a horrible person to go to sleep while my Mom worked away at an amazing skirt for me to wear the next day. We were both a little sleepy yesterday, but the thrill of fashion made everything okay.

Sarah and I both love love love our skirts. I've never had coordinating Christmas outfits with Sarah. It was always me and Charlotte who matched.

This year was fun, though. To celebrate, we had an impromptu photo shoot to document Mom's magic. These skirts really do deserve some showing off. I also like how these pictures document my relationship with Sarah. I have always been so much closer to Charlotte due to the fact that we grew up as best friends. Every time I come home now, Sarah seems so much older, and we too are developing a friendship.

What's the craziest thing someone has done for you out of love?

christmastime thoughts

It's easy for me to feel like my Christmas season doesn't kick in until I finish up finals and go home. I listened to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional at the beginning of the month and felt struck by the First Presidency's reminder to place our focus this season on building our relationship with the Savior and coming closer to him.

I decided that a good way to learn about the Savior would be to read about him, so I have been focusing my scripture study this month on the accounts of Christ's life found in the New Testament. I finished Matthew today and what has impressed me most in reading has been the attitudes of the people in Christ's time who sought him.

Men and women followed him to sit at his feet and learn from him. They did not hesitate when he called them to service and they sought him for healing. Christ does not walk on the earth anymore, but his love and power are just as much available to us. I cannot physically sit with him and hear his sermons, but I can study his teachings and the teachings of his prophets and apostles. I can serve him and invite his spirit into my daily life. It's easy for me to neglect my relationship with the Savior, but I'm going to try to place more of my focus on him.

I'm grateful for this Christmas season. Even though I was in the midst of finals for a chunk of the season, but I have constant access to a loving Savior who came to earth to give us his power and love. That's where I'm trying to focus my celebration.

one down

Today kicked off finals week, fall 2010. My finals this week are scheduled at 7 a.m. today, Wednesday, and Friday. 7 a.m. The good news is that the freakishly early time means that I am finished each finals day by 10. The bad news is that the start time means that I have to be thinking at my highest level at 7.

Jordin and I forgot to buy extra calculator batteries this weekend, so we woke up extra early and made a run to Smith's at 5:45. It was pretty peaceful, actually, and there were no lines.

We were both feeling pretty nervous for the exam. After studying all weekend, we still didn't feel prepared. I don't know if I will ever feel prepared for a financial accounting exam. Good thing I only have three left next semester!

Aside from studying, my finals experience features spontaneous baking. So that the baking time doesn't take too much time away from studying, Jordin brings our notes into the kitchen and reads them to me while I mix. It's a good system, and a win win win for us all.

Also key to my finals week success is my stash of Diet Pepsi. I have cans for at-home drinking, bottles to keep me awake during my early finals, and refill cups to take down to the gas station when I need the power of ice and a straw. I am ready for action.


I hope you all enjoy you week, finals-filled or otherwise.

interstate knitting

I helped Charlotte trouble-shoot a knitting problem tonight. I love Skype. And Charlotte.

thanksgiving 2010-the food

The food was amazing.

Mom calculated out a roll batch multiple based on rolls per person, adding in a substantial allowance for post dinner snacking. The result was almost 10 lbs of roll dough and probably half as much butter baked inside. Delicious.


The pie situation was different without Grandma. I took on the crust and Mom made the fillings for pecan and banana cream. Linda brought two of her delicious pumpkin pies. All were successful.
What would a Wood family Thanksgiving be without chocolate turkeys?! John, Sarah, George, Claire and I assembled the holiday turkey army, and the troops were enjoyed by all throughout the day.

Wood/Petersen holidays taste like hot punch. After some searching, Mom hunted down the appropriate hot/cold cups, and we sipped to our hearts' content.

The final spread:
The greatest triumph this year was the turkey. It cooked perfectly, hitting the ideal balance between not dry and properly cooked. Mom and I agreed that Grandma was helping out. I don't think I've enjoyed Thanksgiving turkey as much as this one.

Sarah typed up a menu for the benefit of all. My favorite entry was "Asserted Crackers" to go with the cheese-ball-in-spread-form. Having confident crackers really made the meal.

*What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?