Sketching Life

Sweats And Sweets

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:16:00 +0000

I live in a place where the weather is quite schizophrenic. For example: yesterday there was howling wind; this morning I took my daughter to the bus stop in gray and rainy weather; this afternoon I picked my daughter up from the bus stop in the driving snow. And yes, it's April!

To look at the bright side of the crazy climate, it was a perfect afternoon for some hot cocoa (with mini marshmallows!) and hanging out in the kitchen in cozy sweats.

Spring Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:45:00 +0000

Hooray! The sun is out, the windows are open and letting in a slight breeze, and my daughter is practicing her cheer leading moves out on the back lawn. Her cheers are only made cheerier by her new "Spring Swing" skirt.

The first skirt I've ever knit, this adorable thing wasn't difficult, just labor intensive. The formula pattern is written in such a way that the knitter determines the measurements based on simple math involving gauge, yarn weight and desired length.

Raveled here

Pattern: Hey Mickey by Jacquelyn Landry

Yarn: TLC Essentials Solid in Robin's Egg and Light Celery

Time Elapsed: roughly three weeks.

Modifications/Notes: This was an easy pattern. Anyone who can knit and purl can do this, but BEWARE: if you use more than one color you will spend extensive time weaving in the ends! I had to weave in four ends for every pleat!! This skirt came out a little shorter than I anticipated, but since she will wear leggings with it I'm not too concerned.

My daughter chose the yarn she wanted for the skirt. It was darling to see her roam the yarn section at Jo-Ann Fabrics in search of the perfect combination. Deciding that she "didn't want pink" she selected this gorgeous robin's egg blue and light green. And even though it was the cheapest yarn ever and it felt like I was knitting with carpet fibers, I never got tired of the lovely colors.

It's In The Genes

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:43:00 +0000

It would seem that my daughter is quite the artiste. With one art show down and I presume many more to go, her artistic inclination can be attributed to an entire gene pool of painters, sculptors and writers.

This evening we were invited to an art show featuring masterpieces by a chosen few from my daughter's elementary school. Amidst the drawings of pterodactyls and sponge painted depictions of the moon in its many phases, was my daughter's show stopping windsock. The colors delighted, the composition of the heart arrangement dazzled, and the sturdy paper construction was impressive.

Look out art aficionados, you'll want to clear some space on your wall in the near future.

Thou Shalt Not Covet ... Unless It's Chanel

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:37:00 +0000

It's time to talk fashion! Oh how I love the way I feel in a well put together outfit. Admittedly, my everyday attire consists of jeans, boots and a sweater of some sort considering my full-time mom position. But that doesn't stop me from donning the occasional skirt and pair of heels to church.

I have been doing a little online shopping in anticipation of a couple of weddings I will be attending next year (I know, it seems a little early to be looking but, seriously, I don't have much else going on). The first wedding will be in the Scottsdale, Arizona area and I don't feel that I can just show up in my Sunday best. I've been looking at Bluefly.com and perusing the designer labels for inspiration. Then I found this:

Isn't this Yoana Baraschi dress gorgeous!? It totally looks like something I would wear: it's black with contrasting details and looks very elegant for an outdoor wedding. I'd be able to chase after my little ones without having to hike up the top or pull down the hem. Perfect. Well, except that there is only one size left, a 4, which I doubt I could zip up. So, the search continues ...

I don't know what inspired me to look on the EspritShop.com website but I found this little number, which I am seriously considering:

I adore the multiple patterns and the smokey gray color. I had no idea that Esprit produced such lovely clothes; I mostly remember this label from the '80s. All you girls out there who carried your books to junior high in an E S P R I T bag, can I get an amen!? I had two of them.

And, after trying on a few slinky black dresses at a local boutique, I thought one of them would look great with a simple sequined bolero shrug. My online retail therapy brought me to this:
Ah Chanel ... you are so pretty! You sparkle with such grace ... such elegance. But your pricey price tag is a bit out of reach for me. So, I will just admire (and maybe covet a little) and be on the lookout for something of similar beauty.

Who knows, the way my search is going maybe the United Colors of Benetton will have just the thing ...

A Budding Entrepreneur

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:10:00 +0000

When my daughter has her mind set on something, she is quite persistent until her goal is reached. Saturday morning I found her busily "making kites" out of computer paper and kitchen twine. Her plan was to sell the kites to save up for a Zhu Zhu Pet that she has been talking about for months.

Hmm, how do I explain to her that not many people drive up a down our street and probably wouldn't see her kites for sale (let alone the fact that the "kites" are tiny and not functional as kites)? She looked up at me with such enthusiasm and determination, I didn't have the heart to tell her. So, her daddy had her set up the cooler on the driveway and make a sign "Kites 4 Sale 25¢".

Well, like I thought, not a single person drove by to buy a kite; but seeing my two little ones "manning the booth" was so darling. And fortunately our neighbors bought a kite and gave a 25¢ tip. Along with the kite sale, my daughter raked leaves and washed windows, bringing her total to a whopping $2.50! Her daddy and I agreed that her drive and dedication was impressive, so we put in $5.00 toward her precious Zhu Zhu Pet, and with money saved in her piggy bank she was able to buy one that day.

Who wouldn't want to buy a kite from these charming little cherubs?

She LOVES the battery operated hamster to pieces, and I have just been informed that we are now a family of FIVE since Nugget came to live with us.

Things Of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:25:00 +0000

I'm finally seeing the signs of Spring around here. Little signs. Subtle bits of life amongst the chilly winds and the frost.

Bunches of pencil thin asparagus are in abundance.

Tulips emerge from the earth.

Bees are out to score some pollen.

and ...

Knitting projects shift from dark, chunky sweaters to light, bouncy skirts.

The Money Fairy

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:54:00 +0000

The night before Easter, my daughter lost a tooth. She was thoroughly freaked out about it coming out and was paranoid that there was going to be a lot of blood. There wasn't. Then she remembered that the Tooth Fairy comes in the night and leaves money. So, on Easter morning not only did she receive goodies from the Easter Bunny but money from the Tooth Fairy as well.

Leave it up to my daughter to see this as quite the money making operation! It would seem that she has been leaving a toothless envelope under her pillow marked "Tooth Fairy" and every morning she checks to see if there is money in its place. Apparently, she really wants a "Zhu Zhu Pet".

She's a smart one ... but the Tooth Fairy is smarter. {grin}

How To Be Popular

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:46:00 +0000

I have discovered the secret to popularity. I know how to obtain the love and respect of your family. If you try this method, you are guaranteed total adoration.

It's simple: Make this pizza.

It must have been all of the rest that I got over the weekend, but I was inspired to create an amazing feast for my family. There is a pizza place in Corvallis, Oregon that is rather well known called American Dream Pizza. It seems whenever I go to visit with family there, we enjoy their fabulous food. I've decided my favorite is their "Tejano", a BBQ chicken pizza with ingredients that just mesh well together. So, I decided to make one of my own, and boy did it yield great results!

Kelly's BBQ Chicken Pizza

1 pizza crust (I made my own, but store bought is fine too. I used this recipe)
sprinkling of corn meal
olive oil
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I used Stubb's which is a little more gourmet even if found at the grocery store)
2 roasted chicken breasts, 1" cubes
1/2 tsp Italian herbs
1 cup smoked gouda cheese
1 cup fontina cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
cilantro, coarsely chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Place cubed chicken in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and Italian seasonings. Stir together to coat chicken. When the pizza dough is prepared, roll out into 14" circle at a 1/4" thickness. Sprinkle corn meal onto pizza pan and place dough on top; drizzle dough with olive oil. Spread out desired amount of BBQ sauce; sprinkle fontina cheese evenly; top with cubed chicken; sprinkle smoked gouda evenly and distribute onion slices. If you have garlic salt, shake a little on the outer edge of the crust for great flavor. Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. If you have acquired a taste for it, sprinkle some cilantro on the top for added color and flavor.

Slice up the pizza and serve. Expect lots of wide eyes and compliments.

I served our pizza with a fresh green salad and for the adults a peppery Zinfandel. It was a seriously awesome meal and miracles even took place: my son ate all of his salad without prompting, just so he could have more pizza. Making me the most popular person in the house.

Solitary Confinement

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:59:00 +0000

I love my children so dearly. They bring me joy and new perspective as I watch them grow and learn and develop. However, living with chronic pain is often very taxing on not only my body, but my mind too. Simply put, sometimes I really need a break.

I am so incredibly blessed with a husband who understands my need for quiet and rest. This last weekend he took the kids (and the very energetic dog) to Meemaw and Boppa's house while I stayed behind.

I had as much silence as I wanted. I slept as long as I needed. And I bathed when I got around to it. I didn't once leave the house all weekend. I read my book, caught up on some recorded shows, and even did some cleaning and laundry. And I did this all without panic, frustration or pressure. I think it is so easy as a mother and a woman to want to be everything to everyone (usually a self-imposed goal).

A guy I know once told me that he believes that a mother should ALWAYS want to be with her children. I wholeheartedly disagree! I believe a mother should always be there for her children and should always love and guide her children, but there is no shame in needing a little time away from the constant noise and energy.

As a result of my weekend of solitary confinement, I feel transformed. My head is clear, my energy is restored, and the enjoyment of being a mother and a wife has returned. And as I listen to my kids argue in the next room, I can honestly say that I am very happy to have my lovely family back home.

Goth or Glam? Blonde or Brunette?

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:33:00 +0000

Who is this glamorous redhead, you ask? Why, it's me! Don't worry, I haven't done anything drastic with my look; I've just been playing around with the InStyle Virtual Makeover and they have improved it since the last time I used it.

It is so much fun to try on not only different hairstyles, but different makeup too! In fact, I discovered that I look good in green eyeshadow, it brings out the green in my hazel eyes. I have been able to see what I would look like with blue eyes (it's actually kind of creepy looking on me) and I also realized that jet black hair is NOT the shade for me:

Yikes!

And much to my surprise, I kind of like the way I look in certain shades of blonde. I never thought that I could pull off blonde, and while I will never go plantinum, I do sort of like this Jennifer Aniston look:

But, ultimately I am a brunette and proud of it. I do need to change something up about my look. Perhaps I will do some caramel highlights for the Spring/Summer seasons. And since I am growing my hair out, there is the looming question: bangs or no bangs?

Maybe Ms. Bullock's 'do is the answer.

There is a lot more to play around with on the makeover tool. I recommend it to anyone who wants a change ... or who has a lot of free time.

New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:20:00 +0000

What bunnies and chicks have to do with the true meaning of Easter, I don't know. But the egg is a different story. Just as the egg was a symbol of the rebirth of the earth in spring celebrations, early Christians also adopted it as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. In fact, traditional Orthodox Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ.

In our family, we tend to go a little crazy with colors and patterns:

For my son we started with brown eggs and did a tie dyed effect, swirling the colors together. I think it makes them look like a reptile's eggs.

My daughter is all about the pastels! Starting with white eggs, she loaded on the colors and used a paper towel to create texture (as she proudly holds out her own creation).

Dyeing the eggs was a delightful family project, as was having the kids hunt for them. But I also think it was a valuable opportunity to talk about new life. The new life that we have been given through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

White As Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:31:00 +0000

On this Good Friday I am watching the snow fall silently to the ground, covering the grass and rooftops and I am reminded of a simple song:

White as snow, white as snow
Though my sins were as scarlet
Lord, I know, Lord, I know
That I'm clean and forgiven

Through the power of Your blood
Through the wonder of Your love
Through faith in You I know that I can be
White as snow

And I am so grateful ... and completely unworthy.

Heavenly

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:59:00 +0000

I know ... I have a sickness. My love for yarn is something I should seek help for, yet I don't want to. In fact, I think the only that that can help me is to buy more yarn!

Rowan makes the most beautiful (and expensive) yarn and comes up with the best names for their colors. My latest acquisition is Rowan Kidsilk Haze, 70% Super Kid Mohair and 30% Silk. It is soft, squishy and unbelievably fine. And this color is very appropriately named, "Heavenly".

I have plans for this yarn, but since I have another project in the works it will have to wait. In a bag. Where I can occasionally grab a skein and run it against my cheek and dream of its possibilities.

I know ... I have a sickness.

Under The Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:51:00 +0000

Living a few hours away from the nearest ocean, my children haven't been exposed much to sea life. While we stayed in Newport, Oregon for Spring Break the weather was rather blustery and wet - in fact if those weren't hurricane force winds, then I definitely wouldn't want to be caught in one of those storms! The perfect solution to keeping the kids busy and dry was to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and The Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Jellyfish

Spider Crab

Tufted Puffin

My daughter took well to observing the different marine animals. Her favorite seemed to be the jellyfish and the vibrant sunflower sea stars. She loved to touch the anemones and watch the sharks swim above her in the Passages of the Deep exhibit at The Aquarium.

My son however, wished that he never learned to walk so that he could be pushed around in a stroller or that Daddy would carry him everywhere.

And Mom and Dad enjoyed taking photos of the little darlings, capturing our adventures at the coast ... and we were lucky, we even got a few of them looking happy to be there.

The Aquarium is fairly spendy, but worth it for an occasional visit. The Marine Science Center is perfect for the scientifically-minded or for those who enjoy pushing buttons and looking through microscopes. And while we barely spent any time on the frigid beach like we would have liked, learning about what lives in the ocean went just swimmingly. Pun intended.

Feed The Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:05:00 +0000

Spring Break was quite an adventure for us this year. We went to the Oregon Coast where we saw all sorts of marine life and rainy days. One of the most fun activities was feeding the sea gulls on the pier next to the Mo's restaurant in Lincoln City.

Here are a few tips and techniques for achieving the perfect bird feeding experience:

First, note that there a several gulls just waiting around for a good snack (and evidently some have had MANY snacks lately). You cannot choose just one bird, they all want in on the action.

Next, pick your feeding plan:

Hand-feeding is polite and personal ... but watch out for the bird slobber ... oh yes, they do slobber!

Or you can choose the entertaining route and throw the chunk of bread into the air. This makes the birds work for their meal and can often result in mid-air collisions!

Or, to one very lucky gull you can give them the ENTIRE slice of bread. Don't be stingy!

And most importantly, feed the birds with great gusto and enthusiasm. A smile sure can light up a gloomy day.

Hamming It Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:47:00 +0000

Since we don't have any current house projects going on, we decided it was time to take some Spring portraits of the kiddos. Surprisingly, they were fairly cooperative:

My favorite of her.

I like the creativity of this one, yet it oddly reminds me of a Summer's Eve ad.

This one came out a little bit blurry, but I love it so much I kept it.

So dapper.

Self-Imposed Homework

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:45:00 +0000

It's the first day of Spring Break and my daughter decided to use it to "teach" her brother "preschool". That's not exactly my idea of vacation, but hey, they both had fun.

Around These Parts

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Technically it isn't Spring yet, so I probably shouldn't complain that around these parts it has been looking like this:

But oh how I am longing for it to look like this:

For those of you who are already seeing daffodils, tulips, crocuses and irises ... enjoy them for me, for I won't see any of these things until at least May.

Not that I'm feeling sorry for myself. Sniff.

Just A Hoot!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:31:00 +0000

Meet my little owl friend. I just adore his expressive eyes and teeny tiny beak. It's been said that owls are wise, but this one is more inquisitive than he is wise.

I just finished my second sweater, a pullover, and can already be seen around town wearing it. It's an instant classic in my wardrobe!

A series of carefully placed cables create a collection of horned owls in the yoke. I chose one lucky owl in the front to have eyes and a beak.

Raveled here

Pattern: owls by Kate Davies

Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in Nature's Brown; Paton's Classic Wool Merino in Natural Marl

Time Elapsed: about three weeks

Modifications/Notes: Despite the Autumnal color of this sweater, I want to be able to wear it into the Spring. So, I made it with short sleeves that can be worn over a long sleeved tee or a camisole. I also chose a worsted weight yarn instead of the required chunky weight and had to adjust the pattern accordingly. I loved working with the Fisherman's Wool, especially since the total cost of this sweater came to about $12; however, I was not to pleased to see that it was made in China. The buttons I bought for the eyes were the exact color of the wool, so I hand painted the golden centers to make them look more like eyes.

Because I can't just follow directions, I added a contrasting stripe along the bottom hem, armholes and neckline to give it that extra something special.

Here I'm feeling pretty spiffy and proud of myself for knitting such a glorious sweater. The experience was just a hoot!

It's Been Three Years ...

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:27:00 +0000

... since my belly protruded this far, so full of baby.

... since I first looked upon that little one who always got the hiccups, just as I was falling asleep.

And now, he makes me laugh every single day ...

... and gives me the sweetest kisses.

Happy Birthday to my little monkey!

Involunarily Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:31:00 +0000

I wasn't going to go. Waking up as if I had been run over by a semi truck, I was thinking that I wasn't going to make it to my Bible Study this morning. Yet ... miraculously I got ready in time with my son in the car, so I took that as a sign that I needed to be there. Before leaving the house I threw my Bible and study books into a white recyclable grocery bag from Trader Joe's, my favorite one because it's so big and brand new.

I usually don't bother with a bag to carry my things in, but today I did for some reason. Well, I now know that reason. Simply put, the Lord moved me to do so.

At Bible Study we had a guest speaker, Arlene Tatum of International Reconciliation Ministries, tell us about her ministry in Rwanda. She told us the oppression and genocide that has taken place there and how she has been able to minister through tangible gifts such as scarves and ties. The people of that country are poor, but a simple gift shows them God's compassion and builds relationships. The speaker also told us that the Rwandan women love to use the recyclable woven grocery bags (plastic bags are not permitted) to carry their belongings in. Now, I didn't know to bring a scarf or tie ... but I did have that Trader Joe's bag! I happily gave it to Arlene to take to Rwanda with her in May.

It wasn't a big sacrifice on my part, even though it was my favorite grocery bag. But still I felt like somehow I was helping. And I am still marveling at how when God wants something done, he'll make it happen.

Spring Cleaning Carnival: Week Two

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:44:00 +0000

This week in the Spring Cleaning Carnival (inspired by The Nourishing Gourmet) it's all about the pantry. Unlike with the scary refrigerator, I like organizing my dry goods. Plus I get to use my label maker!

I am also a big fan of using mason jars with the white screw top lids. I find great enjoyment in seeing my pasta, beans and rice lined up in uniform containers. I know ... I'm such a nerd!

But an organized nerd.

And The Winner Is ...

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:24:00 +0000

My husband joked around on Sunday, saying that he was an "Oscars widower". It was kind of true as I settled down for an evening of glitz, glamour, awards and knitting. Truthfully I don't care that much about who wins Best Director or Best Sound Mixing, and I am grateful for a DVR so that I can skip through all of the acceptance speeches. I want to see the fashion!

The Good: looks that I loved

Can I just say ... STUNNING! Sandra Bullock was hands down THE winner of the night when she accepted her Best Actress award wearing this amazing dress. It's like she thought about what she would look like if she received a statue and was perfection from head to toe. Some criticized the shade of lipstick she wore but I think it was an accessory and completed the look.

Wowee! I think this is the first time that I saw Cameron Diaz looking like a timeless woman at the Oscars. Her hair was so pretty and I am drawn in by the two-tone crystals on her gown.

The Bad: looks that I really didn't love

Oh my. Oh dear. Okay, I understand that this dress was probably Haute Couture, an art piece. But the only good things about it that I can say is that the color looked good on Charlize Theron, as did the silhouette. I don't think I even need to address the two cinnamon buns she is wearing on her chest.

Hmmm ... where do I start? Well, I actually like the color combination and sort of appreciate the design of the front of the dress minus the weird strap across the neck. Other than that the look is all wrong. What is up with that hair Sarah Jessica Parker? Blech!

I have mixed feelings about putting this dress in "The Bad" category. It's actually not that bad, but to me it looks like a bridesmaid dress. From the waist up Kate Winslet is gorgeous and that necklace is to die for. But the skirt is just ugly with the greige colored satin and dated pleating. Pretty hair though.

The "Meh": looks that left me feeling indifferent

The skirt of this dress is so dreamy. It makes me think of a Disney princess. I wasn't too excited about the stiff bodice, the weird bracelet and the color on Amanda Seyfried; but other than that it was a pretty look.

I like this dress. The silhouette and the color are nice. But like the person wearing it, it is a little on the boring side. I guess I think of Kristen Stewart as more tomboyish, so she seems out of place in the high fashion gown. I think more jewelry would have greatly perked up this ensemble.

From the waist down this look excited me - what a gorgeous skirt! From the waist up I think the bustier didn't fit Miley Cyrus and her hair looked matronly. A darker lip would have been nice too.

Over all, I thought the gowns on the Red Carpet were lovely this year. I don't feel as let down as I did in 2009 and even if I didn't see any of the nominated Best Picture movies (except for Disney's Up). It was a great night at the Oscars!

Uh Oh ... I'm In Trouble Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:49:00 +0000

Of course I know full well that Easter is about celebrating the resurrection of my Lord and Savior. I know that chicks and bunnies and eggs have little to do with that. And I know that candied Easter eggs don't exactly say "Jesus is Risen".

But ... oh how I do love to eat said candied Easter eggs! More than the candy of Halloween and of Christmas, the confections of this holiday really tickle my fancy. And much to my dismay/delight, I see that Cadbury Mini Eggs now come in dark chocolate ... which means I celebrate every time I plunge my fingers into the candy jar.

Eggy In An Acorn

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:18:00 +0000

I was pregnant at the time I saw the movie V for Vendetta, so I have a very dim recollection of its plot and characters. I do recall Natalie Portman shaving her head, and that a masked vigilante made a breakfast sandwich of sorts called "Eggy in a Basket".

My husband, who doesn't do much of the cooking around here, was busy tinkering in the kitchen one day. Sneaking a peak I realized that he was hard at work making one of these breakfast sandwiches ... but with a special twist: instead of using a biscuit cutter to make the "basket" in the bread, he used other shaped cookie cutters like an acorn and a tea kettle. He informed me that the trick is to use a cutter big enough to hold the egg so that it cooks flush with the bread.

First, butter the bread on both sides, then make a hole in a fun shape.

Put the buttered bread in a skillet - cast iron works great for this - and add a little butter in the center of the whole to keep the egg from sticking.

Crack an egg directly into the hole and cook on medium-low until the egg turns white and sets around the edge of the hole. Then flip to cook the other side (this method is for "eggs over medium"). Patience is important because you want the bread and eggs to cook evenly and thoroughly.

Isn't it cute? And very creative, I think. Don't throw away the buttered bread "center" because it can be cooked in the same pan or toasted for sopping up the runny yoke.

My husband and daughter enjoyed the fruits of Daddy's labor. Sadly, my son takes after me and doesn't care for eggs; but he joins me in giving the creativity and presentation a big thumbs up!