My Mom

As you get older and have your own family you realize how tough it is to be a mom.
My mom truly is the greatest mom.
She was a single mom when we were growing up, she worked, she cooked, she sewed, she gardened...she did it all! I really don't think there is anything she can't do. She was a great role model for me. She taught my sister and I how to be independent and strong women.
Thank you mom for making me the person I am today!
I love you

Bloom Where You're Planted

I found myself out in the yard planting and weeding this morning. I love this time of year. Each day there is something new in the yard that is bigger and better than the year before. I noticed the growth of the plants that I carefully placed years before. They look so hardy and at home in their spots. I then noticed the plants that were not placed by me. The rebel seeds that come up in every crack or flower bed that they find. They are just as strong and fervent as the well placed plants. As cheesy and cliche as it is, it got me started thinking about the phrase "Bloom Where You're Planted".

I have lots of friends facing tough job situations. They have either been told to leave their school, told to change their room, change their grade or to leave teaching permanently. The budget cuts are hitting us hard and it is tough for all of us. But the phrase "Bloom Where You're Planted" fits perfectly to how these women are handling their situations. They are going to stay strong, tough it out and bloom.

I also felt this phrase fit with our AnnaKate too. We did not choose to have a daughter with special needs. We did not choose this path. But just like one of my rebel seeds that did not get to choose it's location-we are thriving.

I hope that no matter what life deals me, I can "Bloom Where I am Planted."

*My mother will be pleased to see this lesson that I have learned. She has always felt there is a lot to learn in the garden.

Restful Weekend

As the school year comes to a close, the days get busier and busier! This weekend we went to the mountains for a nice restful weekend.

It was just nice family time. We shopped in Black Mountain and Asheville and even managed to sneak in a visit with Billy's sister.

We also did a lot of this...

and this...

AnnaKate loves to play on the screened porch. She does not even touch her toys...
she just goes in and out!

We came home to this beauty in our yard. I love peonies so much and this one is very special. It is from Billy's family farm. It is quite possibly the prettiest most wonderful smelling flower ever! (right Anna!)

What did you do this weekend?

Birthdays and Blogs

I spent way too much time planning AnnaKate's Cupcake Birthday party. I searched blog after blog after blog looking for inspiration. These two blogs are great party planning blogs and they both happened to feature our sweet cupcake party. If you are planning a party or just want to drool...check them out!

What are your favorite inspiration blogs?

Kinney

A true love story...
AnnaKate and her great grandfather "Kinney"

My grandaddy is sick with lung cancer. It is such a horrible thing, but that precious man continues to amaze us with his strength and positive attitude. He has been through 3 rounds of chemo and is doing great. I think today's visit did all of our hearts good.

Kinney still has the strength to jump with AnnaKate...

to play...

and to explore.

As we were leaving AnnaKate put on Wilma's sweater to walk to the car...*funny girl*...

I had hoped to get the best picture of the three of them with the azaleas, but the neighbors had an inflatable jump house in their backyard and AnnaKate could not keep her eyes off it.

But to me the picture still speaks a thousand words.

Love you Kinney and Wilma!

Spring Princess

Spring in the south is just beautiful and so is our spring princess.

Ohhhh....stop me now...so precious!

Love, love, love you baby girl!

Domestic Diva

AnnaKate is a real domestic diva! I mean can you believe this get-up???

Yes, that is a toy Dyson vacuum. AnnaKate's ever-so generous Aunt "B" gave it to her for her birthday. She absolutely loves it and it is the highlight of her day to vacuum with her daddy and his Dyson. (Yes, Billy does most of the vacuuming... *delightful*)

Using some of the attachments. Notice that this cute toy has a wand just like the big one.

Dyson really has something with this vacuum...I wish it would really vacuum!