3rd Annual Ladies' Tea

The smell of scones and spiced tea permeate the air. One look around and you know you are in the presence of the pride of a Southern Lady. Today I had the privilege to share in a wonderful tea with some of the most gracious ladies I know. There is nothing more exciting than unwrapping your china piece by piece and laying it out on a crisp white table cloth, and sharing the story behind it. "Did your momma have that same pattern?", "I was given this set by my husband's grandmother", "this was my mother's china and she would have loved to see us using it."
Such wonderful stories and memories are wrapped up with that china. I really enjoyed watching little girls learn what a "tea" was all about while wearing their favorite dresses and maybe a ring or necklace that "momma let them wear just for today". We were entertained by our special guests, Merle Norman and All About You Boutique, make-up and clothes, who could ask for anything more.
Now as I sit and nurse my blisters that were well earned I smile thinking about all of the women that made today possible, from the woman that made pasta or chicken salad, to my Auntie, who bought me my very first cup and saucer. You made today possible, and I thank you.

Daddies

Happy Father's Day!

When I think of celebrating Father's Day, I always think of Anthony's gift from Belle when she was two. I rushed to Hobby Lobby and bought a white t-shirt and fabric paint, I then proceeded to paint a large heart on the front and much to my toddler's delight, I painted her hands and we made a heart inside the larger heart with her hand prints. To this day Anthony wears it. I think it must be his favorite shirt and it still makes me smile when he walks in to a public place wearing it.
I love my husband for many reasons one being the kind of father he has turned out to be. I have a help-mate, a co-conspirator and a sounding board, a prayer warrior, a home protector and a family provider. I am thankful to my daddy for showing me what to look for in a man that would one day be an awesome father. I love how our girls run to Anthony and how he tells them "good morning, princess" each day. He is a daddy that prays for his girls and for his wife. I love that I have carried his babies and that he has done his share of dirty dishes and diaper changes. My girls have got it made when it comes to a wonderful dad. I am so blessed...

Summer Brunch

I don't know if you remember me saying that one of the things I would be doing is participating in a brunch once a week with the ladies of my family. The first one was at my house and I was thrilled that my Nana was able to be there.
I decided to have the brunch at my house last minute so I had to use what was in my pantry and fridge. I whipped together a chicken salad and a spinach omelet with french toast topped with my sister, Michelle's, homemade strawberry jam. We had assorted tea and fruit juice and best of all wonderful conversation and memories made. Next week it will be at Michelle's house and I can't wait to see what she puts together. Here is a picture of my chicken salad and a copy of the recipe. Everyone had a copy on their plates to take home. That was my gift to them.

Fruity Chicken Salad

2 cans of chicken (white meat)
1 green and 1 red apple chopped
1 cup of red grapes cut in half
1 cup real mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons of Brianna's Poppy seed Dressing
1/2 cup of nuts (pecans or walnuts are the best)
Mix all ingredients together, serve alone or with your favorite bread. Enjoy!

Layla's Wonderland

Okay, so it's not a slide but these are just a few of the pictures I took ( actually, Anthony was the photographer that day). It was HOT and muggy but I think the kids enjoyed it.

Rainy Day Monday

Well, I sent Belle off to camp today, I think she did well. I was so busy taking pictures. I missed capturing the "lice line". I'm serious! They lined all the girls up and one by one checked their heads. It was hilarious. She didn't even look at me or wave once she got in the car. That's fine with me because it tells me that she will have lots of fun. We (Layla and I) are going to the grocery store today, this was not the original plan but since it is going to rain that's what we are doing.
What I'm really excited about is the farmer's market at Rice University. That's where I'm going tomorrow, I can't wait. I haven't forgotten about the pictures of Layla's Wonderland tea party that I promised, those will be here soon. So anyway, I hope you all have a great rainy day Monday!

Layla

We are getting ready to take a trip down a rabbit hole. I know that sounds crazy but Layla wants to have an "Alice in Wonderland" party. This Saturday my sister, Michelle's backyard will be transformed into a wonderland and there we will host a "Mad Hatter's Tea". I'm excited because I get to be the Queen of Hearts. I will post pictures of the day as soon as I can. Is it raining where you are? It's raining here, and I caused it. No, I didn't partake in any Native American rain dance, I just went to the drug store and bought Belle some ear plugs so she could swim and viola!
Ear plugs... I never thought I would use them, however we just battled a horrific case of Swimmer's Ear and an inner ear infection. We kicked off the summer right! (Heavy sarcasm) Anyway, all day it was HOT and sunny and finally we made it to the drug store and BAM! It rains. Maybe I can go on tour to some of the farms in Oklahoma or Iowa and ceremoniously buy ear plugs at the local drug stores there and water some crops?