May 31, 2017

Seventeen

She is seventeen. But in a way, she's always been this old. My Peyton has always nurtured, helped, organized, planned, and loved. She began caring for our entire family ten days shy of her second birthday, the day her baby brother was born. And continues to this day.

Peyton always has a smile on her face. She is always kind. My mom noticed years ago that while she is quiet on the outside, she is fiercely competitive on the inside. Mostly with herself. When Peyton sets her mind to something, she accomplishes it. She decided she would like to graduate a year early. She worked hard. And she did it.

I have no idea what the future holds for my second born daughter. I know she has many interests, and is beyond capable of accomplishing anything she sets her mind to. I applaud and envy her for her strong sense of self, and ability to be who she is, without caring about pleasing or impressing others. I pray for a happy, healthy life for my girl. And for days upon days of smiles and contentment. Happy Birthday, my Peyton Rose. Happy Seventeen.





Like I said...Always smiling. : )





May 29, 2017

A Touch Of The Red, White, And Blue

Happy Memorial Day! Our summer home is decorated in red, white, and blue. Here are some pictures  of how our home will look until I can start with the pumpkins and leaves!!!!























































May 26, 2017

Memorial Day Weekend Plans

And just like that the first unofficial weekend of summer is upon us. How is that even possible? Through the years, I have learned that time passes quickly, and it is futile to try and stop it, or lament the fact that I can't. Now, I simply live in each moment in each day. #Mindfulness

Saturday my bestie Marian is coming to join us for the weekend. And we are happy! Saturday evening we have Mass, followed by a special 50th birthday celebration for my sweet sister Margie!! I cannot believe it. I remember as if it were yesterday playing Charlie's Angels and Fisher Price Little People with her. I can't wait to celebrate her with family and friends.

Sunday we have a few places to visit before heading home for a cookout and movie marathon. The weather looks cool and rainy, so we will most likely be inside. Good thing Marian loves movies as much as we do!

Monday we will get up early and head to our little Memorial Day Parade. We meet my mom under the same tree every single year. Then we will head home and have a traditional hotdog and hamburger picnic outdoors...hopefully...and enjoy some time together before Marian heads back to the big city.

That is how we are planning on spending our holiday weekend. But first...a quick look back on the past week here in our country home...


My world. Minus one. Who will be home soon.
We took Rhett to the movies and dinner on his birthday last weekend.
He chose Outback Steakhouse for dinner, and Baskin Robbins for dessert. : )

Did I show you this?
My Rhett is a T-shirt guy.
Every spring when we go through his drawers, we make piles of his T-shirts...
Keep, Donate, Pitch, and Save.
I have kept his favorite ones...the ones he made memories in and wore over and over again...
I kept them in a box, and when I had enough...I contacted a woman on Etsy who makes quilts out of T-shirts.
I sent them to her, she contacted me, and then she sent this beautiful quilt!
He loves it!

Still walking. And sometimes I have a partner.
She makes me enjoy it even more.
When I walk alone, I listen to my podcasts, and pretty much focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
When I walk with Flynn, I look around and see things I usually miss.
She gives me a perspective only a child has...



We stop and look and talk.
And I love it.

As much as she loves Snapchat. : )

Getting ready for my Madison to come home!
I washed my makeup brushes...
How often do you do that?
Madison's a bit of a stickler about clean brushes.
I guess that comes with being a professional. : )

And finally!!!!!

For the first time in years, my lilac bushes are blooming!!!
They ae right outside our side door, so when I open the door, I smell them immediately.
I love them.
A lot.
A few other things I love...

Afternoon coffee. : )

My girl. Outside on a sunny day.

And a puppy who likes to cuddle in bed. : )

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, my friends...

And many thanks to those who make it possible. : )


(Pinterest for the last two.)








May 24, 2017

Dandelion Days


2013

2014

2015

2016

2017


“Dandelions, like all things in nature are beautiful when you take the time to pay attention to them.” 
― June Stoyer



My Flynn sees a wish.
And thanks to her, I do too!



















May 22, 2017

Fifteen



From this...







To this.


We had so much fun celebrating our Rhett with friends and family, and tacos and nachos.






We opened cards and gifts...
Love this one of Flynn reading her card to Rhett. : )

Ate the delicious Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing Peyton made...

And sang to you...Thanks for letting me!


Rhett, I am honored God chose me to be your mother. You bring such joy and peace to my soul. And laughter to our home. Happy Birthday, my son. Thanks for bringing the blue into a house full of pink.