We had a HOOOT!

Just waiting for her guests to arrive

In addition to the door decor, Daddy wrapped our outdoor light pole in pink lights to welcome guests.

One of my favorite decorations was the mantle which took on you on a little walk down memory lane.  

This years cake

Meagan, who is Erin's big sister agreed to be my assistant.  Lily Grace adores her and having her here only made her party more special.  Thanks so much Meagan.  You were a trooper.

Good friend Erin was the first guest to arrive.

Bottle Cap necklaces in the making.

One silly girl having tons of fun

Signing pillowcases: This activity had Meagan and I looking at each other in disbelief.  You think telling 8 seven year olds to pass to the right and sign would be easy huh?  As soon as we said pass, all we saw were pillowcases flying and squeals followed. HA! HA!

Blowing out the candles and making it official

Opening her gifts and choosing a boxed owl

Finally unwrapping their owls: They were about to bust waiting for everyone to get a turn selecting a box and being told to open. 

Here they all are before they flew the nest

Here is Dress Up Owl made especially for the Birthday Girl

Adoption Cards: Susan at JPress did an amazing job on the invitations, adoption cards, water bottle labels, favor bag labels and character cards for the party.  Thank you so much Susan.  You always make everything so special and cute. 

The girls and their owls 

Dancing the night away!  However, with daylight savings time working against you, creating the dark takes a little imagination.  And trust me, they could have cared less. 

This year Lily Grace decided on a Night Owl theme for her 7th birthday party.  She was so excited about having friends over so late and partying until the wee hours of the night.  The party didn't end until 8:00 pm.  To my almost seven year old, that was LATE.  :-)
Lily Grace invited 8 girls over and everything we did revolved around owls.  
The party kicked off with everyone arriving in their PJ's and lugging a sleeping bag.  With owls so popular right now, Lily Grace and I happened upon some adorable owl fabric that we used to sew her pajama bottoms.  She looked so cute.
The girls quickly got busy making their own bottle cap necklaces, with an owl at the center of course. The girls also enjoyed signing their names to the back of owl pillowcases as a keepsake to remember the evening with friends.  And of course, pizza and cake were in abundance.  Lily Grace's favorite part of the party was the Owl Adoption.  I sewed owls for the girls.  Each owl was different.  Each came with a card telling what kind of owl it was.  We had owls like Wise, Dreamy, Crafty etc.  Knowing all the characters, Lily Grace had asked to be Dress Up Owl.  I agreed that she could choose hers, but that she couldn't see it before the party. She had to be surprised like all her friends.   Once I sewed all the owls, I wrapped each one in a box and included the character card.  As Lily Grace opened a gift from a friend, they got to choose a box.  Once Lily Grace had opened all her gifts and each girl had selected a box, they all opened their boxes to reveal their owl.  There were so excited!  Lily Grace was thrilled with Dress Up Owl.  The girls were then given Owl Adoption Cards where they named their owls.  The girls then got together for a picture with their owls. Matt printed the picture before the girls left and placed it in a frame that I had fabric wrapped for each girl.  
We ended the night with glow sticks and dancing in the dark.  Three hours later, 8 tired and still excited little girls called it a night.  (And two tired parents did too.)
According to Lily Grace, this was the best birthday ever.  Glad to hear that Gracie!  Daddy and I love sharing in these special and fun times with you.  We had a great time and look forward to celebrating her actual birthday in just two short weeks.  Until then, we are off to enjoy Spring Break!  (And I shall ponder what in the world I did before etsy and Pinterest. Ha!)
Thanks to everyone who came and helped Lily Grace celebrate.  

An "Egg"citing Easter Weekend

School Easter Egg Hunt

Day 1 of Building

Day 2 of Building: Blue fleece, pink sweatpants, pink cowgirl boots and a big pink flower in  her hair.  You will notice that Matt's work outfit never changes.  Talk about being upstaged.  HA!

Of course, add a doll to the mix while dad is working away.  On a side note, at one point a purple guitar came out. I know that must have really helped Matt.

Day 3 of Building: Another pair of pink velvet pants, another blue fleece but mixed up a bit with the addition of a bonnet and tool belt from Home Depot

Dressed in pink and wearing a smile

Out to dinner before the Easter Vigil 

Finally!! Great job daddy!  You are the best!!!

I hope this finds all of you rested and renewed from a wonderful Easter weekend!  The good news is, Christ has risen!  He has risen indeed!

We have had a busy but fun weekend around our house.  Things got started on Holy Thursday with a half day of school and Easter Egg Hunt along with a backyard project and evening mass.  

A few years ago, Matt took a few days off work and built Lily Grace a playset.  Little did he know, that he would do it again.  That's right, Matt and Lily Grace embarked on the building of a new playset after leaving the other one back in Tennessee.  This one is much like the other, but has a wood roof this time as well as monkey bars.  We thought Matt needed a challenge this time. HA!  Lily Grace has been very excited about helping out and even more excited about having swings again.  She was a great helper, or maybe I should say interesting helper.  Each day brought with it some new and "interesting" outfit choices.  I have no idea but again, every day I found myself looking forward to seeing what "helping out" would look like.  

Good Friday brought with it more building in the backyard as well as evening mass.  This is one of my favorite masses.  Seems odd huh?  You see, I admit that I find that I become complacent sometimes with the cross.  I mean, we see it everywhere and it seems to have become some sort of fashion accessory.  I often times think we can forget what it really represents and honestly, I can't even comprehend it's true impact and what Jesus went through on that cross.  In the Catholic faith, we have a tradition at Good Friday mass, the veneration of the cross.  The cross, a large piece of wood is covered and carried from the back to the front of the church and is slowly uncovered as it reaches the alter.  Once there, we walk up to the front and kneel to kiss the cross.  It's a very humbling and real experience.  You don't just return to your seat after that, at least I don't.  You will see some red faces as some people seem a little embarrassed or unsure and you will see much emotion in others. You will even see strong athletes lean over to give a gentle kiss to this cross. The cross, a reminder and symbol of a great love given through sacrifice.  It is moving I tell you and easily stirs emotion in me that reminds me that what happened to Christ was for me, undeserving not as grateful as I should be sometimes me.  There is a Third Day song, You are so Good to Me, that really sums it up through the lyrics, "You poured out all your blood.  You died upon the cross.  You are my Jesus who loves me."  It really is a beautiful service that helps to connect with those words as well as relate to what Jesus did for us, even though we can never truly grasp what He did and how very much our Heavenly Father loves us.  

Saturday we woke to one of the prettiest days we've had since Spring sprung.  It was sunny and a whopping 55 degrees.  It was the perfect setting for another day of building.  The sun even brought out a bonnet.  Yes, that is a bonnet from a Pilgrim costume but apparently according to Lily Grace, it's also a terrific sun visor.  Too funny!  

Building was cut short as we dressed for dinner and this year attended the Easter Vigil.  It's a long, yet beautiful service.  Lily Grace was so excited about attending this year.  We've always feared she would fall asleep but no, not this year.  She worked her Bible following along and taking it all in.  God thank you so much for filling her little heart with a love for you.  I pray that Matt and I do a good job in raising her to continue that love and excitement for you and your word.  

Sunday brought with it a day of celebration for our risen Lord as well as a basket of goodies and a project complete.  It brought smiles, laughter, relief and pride for one daddy as well as a swing together that meant the world to both of them.

Thanks be to God for all the blessings that we share in and for a love that never ends.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope your day starts and ends with tons of love!!

Love never fails... 1 Corinthians 13

Music to my Ears

Mrs. Jones is a wonderful music teacher and we are so thankful to her for creating such a special evening. 

Play Video and Enjoy!

This was her final song, Song of the Wind.  I love her cute bow circles. The smile that comes across her face as she nears the end knowing that she has done a good job is just priceless!!!

Lily Grace started the violin around the beginning of December so she's only been playing just a little over 2 months.  She practices most every day for 30 minutes and for the most part, does so without complaint and by her own initiative.  
Beginning mid December, she had only been taking lessons for 2 weeks when the music school held Winter Recital.  Her music teacher Mrs. Jones felt that it was too soon to throw her in to that.  Instead, Mrs. Jones held a mini recital last night for Lily Grace and one of her other students.  It was so sweet.
Lily Grace performed three songs, A Twinkle Variation, Lightly Row and Song of the Wind.   She did a beautiful job. When it was all over she kept telling us how proud she was of herself and simply beaming with pride.  Her constant smile said it all.  Later in the evening, she confided in us that she was really scared at home but "just did it." Lily Grace, daddy and I would have never known that you were scared beforehand.  You handled it like a pro and you should be proud because you did do it and not only that, you did it very well!!!
We love you Lily Grace!  Thank you for performing for us. We are so, so proud of you!

A BLIZZARD...Not Your Milkshake Variety

This is what we woke to Saturday morning and the garage was the only way out with the doors blocked with snow

Casualty to the weather- the tree and the new fence

So funny- as we opened the garage door Saturday morning, the deer were going by and looked just as amazed as we were.

Getting started on a cold and daunting task 

Making progress with the first pass oh! and a helper of course

Bundled up cuteness filled with excitement- She loves the snow!

That's how I feel about it Molly

Not the delivery we were hoping for

Matt with his pride and nemesis on Sunday afternoon- each time the plow truck goes by, it piles snow at the end of our drive and Matt is constantly having to go out there and keep the end shoveled off

Have mercy!  Apparently, New England is determined to turn this southern family into Northerners.  We have just weathered our first blizzard.  Actually that is an ongoing statement with at least a foot of snow still on the ground as I type 6 days after the snow started and Lily Grace just returning to school after a week home.  
I must say, it was a most unbelievable sight.  (let me just interject here how sick I am at looking at snow)  We managed quite well and Matt, while he has had to plow the drive before, got quite the workout with this one.  It took almost 3 hours to plow through the 24+ inches of snow.  We woke to our doors blocked and in some places, tall drifts had come up to the window seals.  
Lily Grace was beyond excited and couldn't wait to get outside.  With the blistering wind and whipping snow it was short lived as it was just too overwhelming to stay out very long.  She ventured out on numerous trips to help Matt keep up with the drive and make a few snowballs. 
Molly is still a bit confused by the whole scene.  Let me just say, being a dog owner is brutal during a snow storm.  Thank God we have a breezeway, but still it's a chore.  Thank goodness that about 12 inches down we had a sheet of ice from the sleet so Molly could actually stand up to go outside. Matt did his best to clear her some paths but really, all that snow has to go somewhere and there's already mounds everywhere.  
To be honest. this southern family managed quite well.  We were among the first to get our drive cleared as many were still digging out Sunday afternoon and still some yesterday.  
We did have half of a large old tree succumb to the heavy snow and high winds Friday night and fall across the backyard, luckily missing the house.  Looks like the whole tree will have to go and hey- with any luck, so will this snow!!!
Here's wishing us all warmer weather!

Family Day: 6 Years

Blessed!

Merry Christmas from New England!

Bob Elf makes Christmas Eve Breakfast and does a little Holiday decorating

So excited to open an early present from Bob Elf

Goodies for Santa

American Girl Doll: McKenna

Molly enjoying her own Christmas Present- a new bone

Building a train with her woodworking kit

Sand Art before Bed 

Merry Christmas!  It's our first one in New England and to be honest, I wasn't sure how I would feel.  I have to say, I think it's been one of the best ever.  I think all three of us would say that.  Lily Grace has declared it several times throughout the season and I couldn't be happier.  It's been different from previous years in a very special way. Our first Christmas here in New England is definitely one I will cherish and remember.  
Christmas Eve brought with it a welcomed surprise from our elf, Bob.  We woke to find a red string running through the house which lead us to a festive setting for breakfast complete with apple cinnamon donuts (a rare treat at this house).  He also left Lily Grace a note wishing her goodbye and even left her with an early Christmas present which Santa gave her permission to open at breakfast. Inside the Santa wrapped package she found the game Sorry.  How fitting!  Bob told her that he was "sorry" but it was time for him to leave, but would see her again next year.  We had a great time sitting around in our pajama's playing Sorry, snacking on Christmas treats and most of all, spending time together laughing as a family.  I was most thankful to Bob for his wonderful idea. We had so much fun!!!
We also took time out during the day to reflect on what Christmas is all about and attended Christmas Eve mass followed by dinner out.  We had a wonderful time and again, it was just a special time together. 
This morning we woke with shouts of, "Mom and Dad, wake up! It's Christmas Day!"   We also woke to a beautiful gift from New England.  There was a light dusting of snow.  Just enough to brighten the ground and make you feel all cozy at the sight on Christmas morning.  (especially if you've lived your whole life in the south and never experienced a white Christmas) 
Of course Lily Grace wasted no time getting downstairs and once she did, smiles took over her little face.  She was thrilled to see McKenna.  The American Girl doll she had been hoping for.  Throughout the day, she has had her hand in many different activities from dolls, to sewing, to art, to her woodworking kit and all with Molly right in the mix.  Matt and I have enjoyed and cherished each moment of it. 
I've also enjoyed listening to Lily Grace pray at each meal today, always giving thanks that, "Jesus  was born into the world."  Thank you God that our little girl is growing with a love for Jesus in her heart.  Matt and I pray that she continue to do so.  Thank you also for a very special Christmas.  One of the best ever...
Merry Christmas to everyone, both far and near!

Christmas Fun with Friends

On Sunday, Lily Grace had two sweet friends over from her class.  It was the perfect way to start the Christmas weekend. 
The girls played nonstop and giggles could be heard all over the house.  They stayed busy.  They enjoyed baking their own pizzas, a Christmas craft and again, nonstop play.  They were so sweet together and had so much fun.  Matt and I also enjoyed a few laughs listening to them. 
Thanks for coming Erin and Cate!  You are always welcome!

A week of Christmas Fun with a Very Special Ending

Waldo was one cute puppy!

School Christmas Pagent

Last week, Lily Grace's class had a wonderful week of Christmas fun at school.  Things were kicked off a little earlier in the month with each student bringing in a "Good Deeds" box.  After much discussion at school  about the birth of Christ, we began.   Parents kept track of all good deeds performed and would periodically turn the list in to Mrs. C who would then trade each child a piece of straw for each good deed.  They were collecting straw for the baby Jesus.  It was really sweet and struck a chord with the kids.  Lily Grace worked hard and it was really important to her to get as much hay for Baby Jesus as she could.  On the last day of school the kids were told to bring their boxes home and place them under the tree or near the family Nativity.  Lily Grace was so proud and I have to say, we thought the whole concept was quite special and really helped convey a wonderful message. 
Her class also celebrated with fun activities like decorating gingerbread houses, a Family Pancake breakfast and a Secret Santa exchange among the kids.  Lily Graced loved Secret Santa.  Each day, she would take and receive a small little treat for the person she had drawn and then on the day of the class party, they exchanged a gift and revealed themselves.  You could hear squeals in car line as soon as the school doors opened each afternoon and first graders ran out excited to share what the day had brought. Believe it or not, I think they all managed to keep the secret of who they had.  
Lily Grace's class also put on a class play where they shared the true meaning of Christmas entitled, "Waldo Tell Me About Christmas."  Lily Grace was Waldo, the dog and did a great job with all of her lines.  The entire class did a wonderful job and it was the sweetest thing, followed by a luncheon for the parents.  What a special gift!
On Friday of last week, we were treated to a MOST special ending to the last week of school before Christmas vacation.  The entire school put on a Christmas pageant that Matt and I agree was one of the most moving things we had seen and been a part of.  It wasn't your typical kids singing Jingle Bells with a few religious songs scattered through and a few speaking parts here and there, it was a complete celebration of the birth of Jesus.  The lights were turned out in the gym and all the kids proceeded in with candles singing.  There was a living nativity (right down to an actual infant) and the telling of the story of Christ birth.  It was extremely moving.  Again, it wasn't about bells and whistles and the inclusion of all holidays, it was about the birth of our Savior.  It was special and something I'm so proud that Lily Grace was a part of and gets to experience. 
Thank you so much God for the birth of your son and for the blessing of Lily Grace's Catholic education, where it really is, all about You. 

Blessings sometimes come in Blue

Lily Grace and a classmate were asked to carry up a special gift to Archbishop Mansell of Hartford at the school's Blue Ribbon ceremony today. 

Today, Lily Grace's school was honored with the Blue Ribbon award.  It's a very prestigious honor and a good indicator of the dedication of  a school to its students and how well they are learning and thriving in the school environment.  
A lot goes into meeting the criteria as well as the process of qualifying and filling out endless documentation as well as other requirements.  
Having been a teacher, I'm familiar with the Blue Ribbon and Lily Grace was leaving her school in Memphis which I adored and had itself received this honor the year before her Kindergarten year.  
Needless to say, I was very worried about finding a good school for her and especially a school that lived up to what I knew she  had at St. Francis.  Now the public schools  here are amazing, but not an option for us as we are committed to having her in an environment that promotes our faith and a love of God.  
Her school now is much smaller than her last and again, I worried about being with the same group day in and day out.  (You've been locked up over  a long holiday with family in town right??-HA!)  I was also worried about friendships already made before her arrival as there is only one class of each grade level.  
I had talked to God about it and Matt discussed it on several occasions.  In the end, God steered Matt and I to stay the course, follow our heart and send her to this small Catholic school.  Let me just say, God is good.  Lily Grace has been welcomed with open arms.  She has made friends and everyone knows everyone.  Each day, I grow to appreciate the school more and more.  We were given a host family and they have been AMAZING.  The principal, Sister C. is a delight.  Lily Grace adores her and her love for those kids and for God shows.  
Thank you God for always hearing our prayers and for this little school that is growing in big ways and making an even bigger impact on our family. We know that our little girl is safe each day and that she can freely speak and hear about you.  Thank you for still speaking to us when we question you.  Thank you for the blessing of this school, not because they are a blue ribbon winner, but because they are  about learning, with you at the center and because of  that, they can do great things.