Here’s what I cooked up today:

Mushroom with caramelized shallots and fresh thyme, recipe here This was my favorite! It had so much flavor and so easy to make.

Cranberry sauce

Stuffing, gravy, roasted beet & arugula salad and sauteéd green beans.

My sister in-law brought mashed potatoes, yam and blueberry pie. 🙂

Here’s my 20 lbs turkey used WS Fruit & spice liquid brine this time

Cousins love

Let’s feast!

We are back to hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year and it will be a nice and intimate dining for 9 people. Can’t wait!

Chloe’s dressed up as an archer

Shane is a skeleton knight.

Did someone disappear?

I thought I would make some fun food for dinner tonight.

Aren’t they the cutest duo?!

Chloe insisted on wearing converse with this dress, so I got the matching ones for Andrew too. ;P

I also made them matching boutonnière and corsage.

You look so lovely!

Off they go! Have a wonderful time!!

I’ve been sewing every night for the last two weeks, designing and making Chloe’s dress for the father and daughter Princess Ball, a fundraising event organized by our town. This is her first time going to a formal event and I wanted to make her a special dress. I haven’t made clothes since my high school prom but I always thought about making clothes and this was a good excuse to start again. I finished this dress literally minutes before she had to go, while getting her hair and nails done simultaneously! I would say I definitely had the “make it work” moment from Project Runway. Lol. Chloe thinks I’m obsessed with that show. 🙂 I’m happy how it turned out, though I second guessed myself constantly and thought about buying a back-up dress just in case. Chloe approved the design and cheered me on, even though she said she’s not the “fancy type”. She was very happy with it which made all my sleepless nights so very worth it.  Thank you for trusting me to make your dress and happily wearing it. You are the sweetest! <3

I’m hosting a Girl’s Discipleship group at our house this afternoon. Chloe has been a part of this discipleship group, organized by a group of moms who have the similar age girls at our church. As a mother, my greatest desire is for my children to be so passionately in love with Jesus Christ and so firmly planted in the gospel that their faith will remain unshakable once they become adults and leave home. One thing I strongly believe is having christian friendships that can help through their spiritual walks, encourage each other and keep each other accountable through their journey of faith.

Today is my turn to do the lesson and the topic I chose is, “jealousy”. 

I put together a little powerpoint presentation to help me keep track of my thoughts.

Some sweets to keep them awake during the lesson. 🙂

My beautiful group of girls!

Then some play time afterwards!

Kids had an awesome 6 weeks camp at Pilgrim Church this summer. Both kids loved it so much more than previous years, especially Chloe who couldn’t hold back her tears when it was over.

Afterwards, kids visited my work for some fun. It just happened to be a special pop-up event week so it was perfect for them to come hang out.

Kids must think I play at work all the time. 🙂

Tonights special: Maryland Blue Crabs

I over ordered and had so much leftovers. ;P

My parents arrived from Korea last week and they brought one of my nephews to spend this summer with us! We are so happy to have you!

So this year, we have two great dads in the house!

Chloe’s pom to her dad…so sweet.

We also got him a backpack from Lo & Sons.

I’m having some girlfriends over tonight and here’s what I made:

Blackberry Ginger Moscow Mule

Ina Garten’s Baked Shrimp Scampi

Limoncello fruit Salad with lemon yogurt topping (also Ina Garten’s recipe)

Ready for a party!