Good Things #2

In 1999, I received my first multi-pack of Sharpies for Christmas from my parents.  It was a remarkable gift since I remember it so clearly.  I still have the entire set. 

This is the Day

My paternal Grandmother recently passed away. I am very thankful the first 31 years of my life I was blessed with all four living grandparents. On our Easter trip to the states we visited her and she met George.

The girls have loved horses since they were little bitty. I wonder if it is genetic. My grandpa has always had horses. This is my dad with Caroline and Molly:

My Grandpa and Georgie:

The title of this post is a song which makes me think of my Grandma. Here are a few random thoughts about her and how she influenced me:

1. She became a Christian when she was a teenager. She loved and served the Lord with all her heart. Her example of a daily relationship with Christ is one she passed to my dad and in turn his example is one I hold closely to my Christian walk.

2. She nursed all four of her children. She was ahead of her time.  

3. She loved photographs. She was always ready to smile for one.

4. She liked to have a good time and was known for her hospitality. I like to have a good time and would like to be known for my hospitality.

Four generations:

Good Things #1

This is the first installment of a  new series...Good Thing(s).  Good Thing(s) are random things I find to be good.  Good is relative.  I find I can always use a little more good in my day.  #1...

Children playing in boxes

G

We lowered Georgie's crib over weekend.  Just in the nick of time too...he pulled up for the first time this morning to see in his sock drawer. Here are few G's and an extra from his nursery...

 

Shortall Season

Shortall season is here!  Not really in London yet but with knee socks and a cardi he is fine.  

I found Sabrina on Etsy who makes shortalls (and jumpers, pillowcase dresses and more) in her studio.  She was a doll and rushed my order so I could have it before returning to the UK.  She does amazing custom work and I am thrilled with her things.  She created this one for Georgie, which inspired his 1st birthday theme...

Here is the link...Buds 'n' Branches

Enjoy!

Identical Cousins

Monty is George's identical cousin.  They were born 7 months apart.  George proper crawled for the first time to get to Monty.  He either wanted to play or gouge his eyes - we were not clear on his intentions.  We are holding out for a better picture this summer...

 (Millie tried to help but it was no use.)

I call this "Sleeping Chubby Angel"...

Aunt Jody and Montego...

George liked Maggie and Millie...he especially liked to climb on Maggie when she did reading...

A picture worth a thousand words...how is she going to handle Irish twins?!?

10 Months

This was a BIG month for little Georgie.  He visited Arkansas, Oklahoma & Arizona.  He started proper crawling.  He plays all day - with his toys and exploring.  His feelings are easily hurt when told no-no.  But he is tough and rarely cries when he bonks.  He loves his sisters and daddy and is so happy to see them.  He is eating more foods - peaches, Cheerios, crackers, pasta, bread sticks and chicken.  He says mama.  His stroller is forward facing now.  He sits ups like a big boy and does not cry on the school run.  His first tooth just popped through the gum.  His favorite toys are a small empty plastic water bottle and a silicone pastry brush.  He sleeps on his stomach.  He is a joy and we are having so much fun with him!

In Case You Ever Wondered...

Have you ever wondered what time it is in London?  Just go to the blog.  I added a clock gadget.

Have you wondered why Quite Sensible Indeed does not appear in Google Reader?  I finally found the fix and the feeds should be there now!  That MIS minor comes in handy from time to time.  I must confess I only know enough to be dangerous. 

Mary Kate's Birthday

Mary Kate celebrated her super sweet 8th birthday in Arkansas.  She was queen for the day and whatever she said went.  She requested a mega DQ ice cream cake...

She celebrated with 10 of her aunts and uncles, grandparents, great grandma, along with siblings and me.  (She celebrated with her dad before we left London).  She was showered in attention - maybe a bit too much when you are a bit shy.  Grandma made chicken and dumplings per her request.  Her Uncle Andrew, Aunt Katie and Aunt Allie made her a birthday wish in donuts...

Each passing year is bittersweet.  Later that day she sat next to me listening to her pink iPod and singing the way one does when listening to headphones.  I considered asking her to stop - she was acting too grown up. 

Mary Kate is 8!

 

8 great things about Mary Kate:

1.  You like to tell jokes.

2.  You are very thoughtful and responsible.

3.  You still look like your baby self when you sleep.

4.  You are so sweet with your brother.

5.  You love books and reading.

6.  You like to take trips. 

7.  Your curls. 

8.  Most of all: you being you!

Easter Details

I posted pictures without my commentary so at least the picies would be timely...

Easter in the UK is the period of time around Easter Day.  The girls are out of school for nearly 4 weeks for Easter.  Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays.  Brent took an extra day off so he was home for 5 days.  The next day we left for the US and he for the Caribbean for work.

To decorate for Easter we have to be a creative.  Shops do sell decorations but the selection is limited:

The first photo is Easter crackers.  These are always fun - after the twist and POP we found white paper crowns, little papers with bad jokes and mechanical bunnies to race.  

The candles in egg cups did not turn out exactly as I'd envisioned - too rustic.  

The mint julep cup is holding a wrapped M&M candy nosegay I crafted by hand.  Just kidding - I picked up the finished product at a deli.  

Finally - the eggs were laid by Old Cotswold Legbar hens.  The blue eggs came to us as shown.  The green and golden eggs were dyed in a cold turmeric soak.    

Thank you to Pam for bringing the Easter outfits over to us.  And even bigger thank you for making sure George's arrived in time!  I've already used in entire stick of Crisco!

Daybook

Outside my window... a warm and sunny Spring day!

I am thinking… of what else I’d like to accomplish today. 

I am thankful ... the worst of the jet-lag is over. 

From the children’s rooms…they both went to sleep without trouble and stayed in their beds all night for the first night since we returned. 

From the kitchen... black beans but served how?  That is the question.  We made snickerdoodles last night.  I was not able to find cream of tarter here.  But we have it now. 

I am wearing... running clothes.    

I am creating ... ribbon covered balls to fill a bowl. 

I am going.... to finish unpacking my suitcase TODAY. 

I am reading... The Elegance of the Hedgehog – I am going to finish it. 

I am hoping... this post trip state of mind will never end.

I am hearing...Georgie playing in his bed after a nap. 

Around the house... we are settling in.    

One of my favorite things... summer uniforms.      

A few plans for the rest of the week... laundry, a couple of coffees, looking forward to a three day weekend.    

A picture thought...

9 Months

George at 9 months and his second trip to America...

George at 3 months and his first trip to America...

Easter Decorating

Easter