glimpses of our fourth

We had a fun Fourth of July! I made popsicles and we stayed outside the whole day. I hope your day was full of sunshine and fireworks!

happy me

Shopping with Mom, date with Charlie, singing with the kids, cake with dear friends. What a wonderful birthday weekend. My heart is full.

a tad early

Dear Fathers, happy day! Love, me. I know it's a bit early to send happy Father's Day wishes, but it must be done today for 4 reasons. #1, Once every seven years or so my birthday falls on Father's Day. Such is the case this year. I like to make a much bigger deal of Father's Day on these occasions so that everyone will see how nice I am for sharing my day and make a much bigger deal out of my birthday in return. #2, I couldn't stand having Charlie's present any longer. I'm not good at secrets or surprises. #3, We will actually be spending Father's Day (and my birthday) driving 12 hours to camp with the teenagers from our church. #4, I love Charlie... and my dad. I purchased a new pair of TOMS for Charlie. We love this organization and I've been waiting for the "recycled, stitch out" style to appear so I could buy some for him. I appreciate him so much. Tell your dad thank you this weekend!

mg turning three

It was the strawberry-est of all the strawberry parties. Millie G. has been waiting patiently since February (when her brother and sister both had a birthday party... so unfair) for her party. She made herself very clear that she wanted a strawberry birthday... and not strawberry shortcake... just strawberries to eat. And so a strawberry birthday is exactly what we had. It was, of course, bright and shiny and scrumptious. I called in the troops (the "troops" include my two dazzling sisters and my magnificent mother) to help me make tarts and brownies and chocolate... they didn't mind. It would have been faster (and probably prettier) to dump a bag of oreos out on a plate, but there's something about the extravagance in handmade creations that makes everything better... don't ya think?

So the party was a dream. After all the guests were gone Millie G. got to (for the first time ever in 3 years) skip her afternoon nap.  We went to the illustrious Build-A-Bear Workshop and fashioned together a bear named "Strawberrie". It was a terrific day. Happy Birthday to my quiet, humble, sophisticated, stunning Millie Grace!

dean turns four

It was a scrumptious day for a race! Dean's fourth birthday party was my "away from home birthday party" debut. It was nice... except I forgot chairs... and forks... and something to light the candle with... that would've been a nice touch. Soooo, besides all that it was like a dream. My parents arrived in town yesterday afternoon with a John Deere Gator, charged and ready to ride. For the party, we invited all Dean's friends along with their battery-operated ride-on toys. Everyone rode until all the batteries were dead. They took a few swings at a stubborn pinata and ate cake (without forks).  Dean didn't even want to stop and open presents! Now he's starting the 3rd hour of his nap. Bless.

So, if you're planning a race at the park for your child's birthday here are a few tips for success...

1. Don't forget forks

2. Plan the party at a non-meal time (10am is perfect) so you won't have to provide a meal

3. Don't get balloons... they just flap in the wind all day and get on everyone's nerves

4. Make sure the park has benches or some seating for adult party-goers

5. Choose a grassy area for the race (it cushions the crashes... 4 year olds like to crash!)

o.k. Go to a lot of trouble for someone you love today! It's so worth it. Love, love!

my sister is getting married

I repeat... I NEVER listen to country music. On any given day if you stop by my home or take a ride in my car you will hear wonderful, inspirational music. I love music, I soak it in. I love classical music, fresh indie artists, worshipful songs that I can sing at the top of my lungs to, even the occasional classic rock. Music refreshes me... keeps me going. Never country... EXEPT... the 3 hour drive from me casa in Baton Rouge to my tiny Mississippi hometown. It's like I start craving it! My fingers will not be still scanning radio stations for a good old country song. I'm talking about the hard stuff, people... Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr. And I sing. I know every word to "Rodeo" and "Low Places." So I got my fair share yesterday during my quick trip home to photograph my sister and the nice guy that she's going to marry. They were darling. And they showed up in cowboy boots which left me with no choice but to listen to country music all the way home. Aaaanndd... create a country playlist on my ipod when I got home. Here's some photos of the precious-ness.

The Weekend

This weekend could not have been more perfect... or timely. My mom surprised me and came in town to babysit. We actually had 2 date nights in a row! That has never happened. It was spectacular. 

Happy Happy

Can't believe Stella Belle is already one year old. This year has almost been like a blur... but so exciting and wonderful. Her party was yummy and bright. I worked night and day decorating and planning to make sure every detail matched up with Stella's huge personality. I get giggly when I start party planning. 

Caller Number 5

True Story... Charlie came home for lunch yesterday, and somehow during his 1.3 mile drive back to work, he managed to call the radio station, get on the air, and win 2 tickets to see the Punch Brothers live! It was such a twinkly night. The concert was ridiculously artistic. It was like watching somebody paint something!  Such a refreshing break from the usual Monday night. We gobbled down some snacks afterward then picked up the kids and headed home. What a much needed romantic date.