Collage of My Parents' Dollhouse, 1985

Collage of My Parents' Dollhouse, 1985 (2), originally uploaded by confections.

After my father retired, he and my mother collaborated on a dollhouse. It is a magical creation that displays their most excellent skills.

I just lost my mother on Valentine's Day and my Dad has been gone for 18 years. This dollhouse now belongs to one of my nieces, who has three young daughters to share it with.

Merry Christmas!

Miniature House, Front View, originally uploaded by confections.

This miniature house is one of my recent birthday presents, handmade by my two sisters from patterns in a Better Homes and Garden magazine. Since my birthday is two weeks before Christmas Eve, I have always received Christmas-y presents around this festive occasion.

This mica-frosted confection has a place of honor under my Christmas tree this year. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas in Southern California! Hope your celebration is joyful! Happy New Year 2008!