Tea for Two and Two for Tea

Caroline's school hosted a Mother's Tea recently and I was so excited to be able to take a couple of hours away from work and be her honored guest. My baby girl is growing up so beautifully and with such gusto. I am just incredibly proud of her. God sure does know how to match up children with parents.

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." ~ Lin Yutang

One Man's Junk is this Woman's Treasure

There's this little roadside junk shop near the entrance to our subdivision. For almost four years I have driven by it almost daily and always been a little intrigued... what's inside, what's that, ooohhh, I wonder how much they want for that... so many questions, so much junk, so much shopping ecstasy!! So, a couple of weeks ago, I drove past with Emily and saw a set of four completely broken down wicker rocking chairs... and I fellll innnnn looovvveeee! They are so beautiful! I've always loved wicker because it reminds me of my sweet Grandmother. I inherited a set of my Grandmother's wicker furniture after my Daddy passed away in 2002, but, in my sadness and haste, sold it in an estate sale. (Word to the wise: never take irreversible action while in the throes of bereavement!) I've yearned for a set of wicker since then - but I don't want the new resin-type wicker - I want real, old wicker. I had to pull over and inquire about these chairs. They were in bad shape, and one of them I'm pretty sure is not salvageable... but the other three! They are beautiful. Solidly constructed, large-scaled, very imposing! I made up my mind I had to have them and bargained my way to $40 for the entire set! Caroline and I have already repaired and refurbished one of them. She's such a helper. The other two will have to wait, but at least we've finished one!

"I collect antiques. Why? Because they're beautiful." ~ Broderick Crawford

Happy Blog-aversary to Me!!!

It's been one year since I began our blog. For several years I had tossed around the idea of documenting our family's ins and outs with a blog, but I had never actually taken the initiative to bring it to fruition. Then, when I finally "took the plunge," I had no idea how it would turn out. I have to say that I am proud of my work and efforts. Even though it's time consuming, can be frustrating, and sometimes I go entirely too long between posts, I have to give myself kudos for bringing it as far as I have. It's so neat to go back and re-read posts that are months old. So many of the "little moments" would have been lost to memory had I not posted them here. So, happy birthday, Three Belles and a Beau! May you have many, many more!!

"The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come." 

~ James Whitcomb Riley

Sprinkling Amanda

"The girls" gathered recently to "sprinkle" one of our own, my sweet, sweet friend, Amanda, who is expecting her second baby, a little GIRL (yay, PINK!) in April. We could not NOT celebrate, so we all gathered at Village Tavern in Alpharetta for lunch and then went for some much-needed pampering at a local nail spa. It was fabulous to have kid-free time to catch up with some of my oldest and dearest friends. I treasure this group of girls so much and I am so glad that I have them in my life - even all these years later. There's just nothing quite like a group of trusted, loved, and ridiculously smart, successful, beautiful women who know ALL your secrets (and love you in spite of them!). Thanks, girls, for yet another wonderful day! I think we may have a wonderful weekend in store... gonna have to get on that one.

Sweet Little Moments

You know, I never forget how blessed I am to be married to my husband and to be the mama to these two precious babies. The other night I was cooking dinner and Caroline and Travis were on the deck having a little alone time. I couldn't resist taking this picture... saving the moment forever. And, of course, I also had to get a shot of Little Miss Emily gazing out the window dreaming of the day she is old enough to join them :) Sweet thang.

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."  

~Clarence Budington Kelland

Mama's Birthday and the Road to Tara!

Well... Mama turned 33. Why do birthdays come in such rapid succession these days? I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I celebrated (is that the word?) my 32nd birthday just last week, so this must all be a huge mistake. All kidding aside, I'm not sure any woman actually enjoys getting older, but wise ones at least embrace the fact that another year means more experience and more perspective... and that's always a good thing. I'm so thankful that I have my family, my health, amazing friends, and so many new and enriching experiences in my life right now. I have more gray hairs, but I also have more understanding of the "bigger picture." Life is good, and I'm going to wear 33 proudly... until next week when all of your crazy people are ready to celebrate my 34th birthday. Slow down!
Caroline wanted to take me to the "Scarlett O'Hara Museum" for my birthday - so that is what we did. You know Caroline, just like her mama, is a die hard Gone With the Wind fan (sooooo proud of my girl!) and she had heard of the museum where you "can see all of Scarlett's dresses," so Mama came over last weekend and we had a girl's day out. It was fabulous and Caroline was awed and inspired. She even wore her Scarlett dress! Afterward we had sushi for lunch. Beautiful day!!

"I can shoot straight if I don't have to shoot too far." ~ Scarlett O'Hara

Happy, Happy Birthday Little Miss Emily Kate!

Wow! I am so behind on my updates! It's almost been a month since Em's birthday already - what can I say - life's been especially busy since Christmas. I can't believe that my baby is one. Just thinking about it is unbelievable. It can't have been a year since we brought her home for the very first time. Gosh. Where does the time go? What a precious joy she has been to our family, though. Ever since the first time we looked into her sweet little face and deep not brown-but-not-green-but-not-hazel eyes she has held us completely captive by her "Emily-ness." We love her beyond measure. Both of our girls - just pure joy and love! So, Emily's birthday party... what can I say? She had a blast and we did, too. She was the perfect hostess and provided us all with wonderful and perfect memories. Here are some shots from the big day! Such a little lady - but don't TOUCH her cake!!!

"All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much." 

~ George Harrison