All Tucked In!

After YEARS of desperately wanting a bed, I finally took the plunge on Friday while the girls and I were shopping at Leesburg Outlets. We stopped into Restoration Hardware, and with the encouragement of Amber and Julianna, I parted with a portion of my tax return to purchase a new linen tufted headboard and footboard.

Julianna and Amber helped me assemble it today, and I think I’ll really like it once I get the room pulled together. Right now, it’s brown (linen) on sand (headboard) and beige (paint color). Blah! I’m giving serious consideration to painting my bedroom a dark grey, similar to what I saw in the lobby of the Jefferson Hotel. We’ll see if I have the guts to do it!

Cupcakes, Chips & Rollerskating…Rollerskating?

Yes, roller skating! Julianna made the long journey from Saudi Arabia to spend a quick weekend with Amber, Chappy and I, and we had the best time. We did a whole-lotta-nuthin’ but go out to eat, shop in Lucketts and Leesburg, and catch up. The weekend coincided with Chappy’s birthday, which she wanted to downplay, but one birthday “treat” we did was go roller skating with Kristin Coleman in Purcerville!! Yes, for the first time in 30 years, I strapped on a pair of roller skates! Amber – shockingly – thought she was an extra in Xanadu and took off hell-bent-for-leather. As a result, five minutes into our skate, she lost both feet from under her and she came down hard on the wood floor. To quote her, “I went down and the barn shook!” Jill, who was skating beside Amber, was a super-helpful wingman, who doubled over in laughter and skated away.I couldn’t get a clear shot of Chappy – or Amber, who is laying down behind Chappy – because she was shaking so hard from laughing, but you get the idea! Ever the gazelle, Amber found herself in the same position about five minutes later! I have to hand it to the girl for her, "I think I can, I think I can" attitude! All in all, it was an adventure that does not need to be repeated. Ever.

XOXO Dinner…Again!

For the third year running, I hosted my XOXO Valentine’s Day dinner and for the second year running, I forgot to take any photos. Drat!!I did have fun with the dinner, although I have to say, I’ve been exhausted from work, so this was a bit more than I should have chewed off, but it was fun nonetheless. I put three dozen roses in Mason jars and scattered a bunch of votives along a pink and white schemed table setting. I invited Amber, Jill, Susan, Emily, Marissa, Patty Papworth, Jenny Reeder and Sue Stahle and we had a great time chowing down on lasagna, garlic bread, Caesar salad, and hot fudge sundaes. And, they all walked away with a Valentine and a “pie-in-a-jar” gift. Hopefully, next year I won’t be so beaten down by life that I’ll be able to really rally for a fun XOXO dinner! Happy V-Day!

My First Baptisms

This morning I did my first baptism service as a 2nd counselor in the Stake Primary presidency. I think it went pretty well! I had two little girls from the Ft. Belvoir and Kingstown ward and a little boy from the Crystal City Ward. My role was to put the program together and spotlight the children. As I told Trish, three kids got wet so I guess the service was a success!

It was nice to witness the baptisms - it's a good reminder of the important commitments we make as members of the church, and it was really nice to see the excitement of the children being baptized. They were practically bouncing on their toes! It was very cute to watch!

Tea Time at The Jefferson

Lindsay had a great idea to break up the winter blues...afternoon tea at The Jefferson Hotel. We went with Amber and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon over yummy chamomile tea and delicous food. When we sat down, we were served a plate of finger sandwiches - cucumber, roast beef, egg salad and smoked salmon - and nice cups of tea. Here are Lindsay and I feeling like ladies, enjoying our tea!The best part was the scones with clotted cream and cranberry jam, cream puffs and chocolate-covered strawberries! Yummy!
What I liked best about the whole experience was the decor. I absolutely LOVED the lobby!These are the beautiful gates that lead right into the tea room, and this is the beautiful hostess stand. I love the gold gilt and the image of President's Jefferson's estate, Monticello. I love this hallway that leads up to the concierge's desk. The paint color is perfect and the drapery fabric is beautiful. I also think the frames on the right wall are terrific. I would love to do this in my bedroom - deep gray walls, beautiful drapes and a nice upholstered bed. Perfect!