Are we there yet…

Babygirl speaks

Posted on March 3, 2009 by carly

If babygirl could speak full sentences, this is what she would say:

Last night my mama burnt our supper so bad that the fire alarms went off and we had to eat cereal and cookies for dinner.

My mama is choosing to blog when she should be cooking supper. I think I heard her tell daddy that we were eating leftovers tonight. I’m hoping that means cereal and cookies again, but I fear it means the pork steak that she so badly burned.

My mama did not take a shower today. In fact, she didn’t get out of her pajamas until way past noon. Come to think of it, I didn’t either. I plan to seek revenge when I can dress myself. No more handmade clothes and definitely no more bows.

Speaking of handmade clothes, my mama just opened up an Etsy shop called Petey Pie’s! She said that if she makes a little extra money, we can do more together. I hope that you all will go and visit the shop and spread the word. Right now, it’s all appliqued onesies, but once spring comes, she hopes to add dresses and john johns. The onesies (NB-24 months) or shirts (2-4T, 5/6, 7) make a perfect gift for any occasion. They are fun, durable, and under $20! Click on the picture below to check out her selection.

Posted in Petey Pie's, Sewing, mary reese | 7 Comments

These are the mornings I dream of…

Posted on March 1, 2009 by carly

I’m not sure why I equate good memories with food, but I do. And if you add family and friends to the mix, the memories get even better. These three “f’s” (family, friends, and food) are what I live for. And lucky for me, the past three days have been chalk full of all of the above.

Friday morning started off with breakfast for five at the Silver Skillet with Trent and Lauren. The food was some of the best around. My only complaint was that I didn’t have enough sense to order MR her own plate. Next time I dine there, I will wear elastic waste pants and order a double helping of french toast. Live and learn, right?

Uncle Brother, MR, and Cook

On Saturday, we headed to the Williamson’s house for breakfast for seven. Breakfast casserole, monkey bread, fresh fruit, three precious kids, and four bottles of champagne had us feeling like superstars. Although we have only known the Williamson family for a short period of time, I cannot remember life without them. Kristi is a great mom and friend, and one heck of a hostess! She pulls out all of the stops and puts Martha Stewart to shame. Her house boasts two of the cutest kids around and her toy selection cannot be beaten.

Big Papa and Mary Reese

Big Papa. He’s a big hit with all of the ladies.

Precious Emery is as sweet as they come.

This morning we awoke (with slight headaches from Saturday morning champagne) to news about Winter Storm 2009. You know how dramatic us southerners get when “severe weather” hits. Reverting back to my childhood, I prayed that the meteorologists would be right and that Atlanta would get to see some of the white stuff. Around 11:00, my prayers were answered. Two hours later the snow continues to fall. Add a warm, cheesy chicken casserole to the mix, a greased and ready to go pizza pan for sledding, and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, and you’ve got one happy girl!

Thank the good Lord for blessing our lives with family, friends, and good food. And of course lots and lots of fun. We have so much to be thankful for!

Calling “Gracie” (Gran C)).

Posted in family, mary reese, memories | Tagged Add new tag | 4 Comments

Made with love

Posted on February 25, 2009 by carly

Because elephants are both sweet and silly and more importantly, always in season, I decided to make MR a new outfit. Hopefully this one will get her through until the warmer weather arrives.

Note: I am fully aware that babygirl is in need of a haircut. However, I simply cannot bare the thought of life without her sweet curls.

Posted in Sewing | 8 Comments

The good, the bad, and the cute

Posted on February 22, 2009 by carly

I always like to hear good news first, so here goes…

Thanks to the grace of God and your prayers, Marie is well on her way to recovery. The blood clots are beginning to shrink and if all continues to go well, she should be released from the hospital tomorrow!

Now that we’ve got Marie back on her feet, I have yet another prayer concern to add to the list. For the last three to four months, Julie (my sister) has been experiencing numbness and pain throughout her face and legs. In early December, she was admitted to the ER and diagnosed with atypical migraines. As the months have progressed, her pain and numbness have gotten worse. Yesterday, her symptoms reached a new level, forcing Julie back to the emergency room to undergo more tests. While the original diagnosis of atypical migraines could be to blame, the doctors want to rule out the possibility of multiple sclerosis. A MRI is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the extent of her symptoms.

Please lift up Julie, Bill, Hendley and Trent over the next few days as they await the results of the test. Most of you that read the blog are mothers so you can imagine how scared Julie must be for herself and for her family. Pray that regardless of the results, God will grant Julie with peace, comfort, and understanding.

And because I know my sister needs something to raise her spirits, here are a few pictures of her favorite niece. We spent the afternoon attending an event at the Atlanta High Museum of Art sponsored by Garrett’s work. After exploring “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army”, we had lunch on the house, and access to the entire museum. We felt pretty important until I realized that I spent three hours, roaming around a museum with hundreds of Garrett’s coworkers, with my zipper down. I’m sure that left a lasting impression.

Waiting in line to get MR’s face painted.

Sweet Bunny.

Posted in family, mary reese, memories, pray | 5 Comments

Prank calls, ickers, and an update

Posted on February 18, 2009 by carly

Sweet Mary Reese is wide open these days. She tears through the house like a Tasmanian devil, laughing and squealing as she goes. She a mess, alright. Prank calls and stickers are amongst two of her favorite things. A few nights ago, unbeknownst to me, she picked up the phone and called Gran C. When Gran C answered, a sweet little voice on the other end said “dew dat” (we are assuming this means “who that”). After a short pause, she promptly hung when Gran C failed to identify herself. Safety first, right?!

Thanks to Valentines Day and Aunt and Unca B, stickers are a hot commodity in our house. MR loves to wear and hide them. I’ve found “ickers” in just about every room in the house. The most interesting place being in the refrigerator. Although she won’t share her stickers with me, I was relieved that she would offer one to an elderly woman in Walmart who mistook her for a boy. A boy wearing pink sneakers and a giant polka dot bow. That’s MR for ya. She’s full of laughter, mischief, and fun. She brings so much joy to our house. And we think the world of her!

Please continue to lift up Marie and pray that God will provide her with comfort and rest. She is still in ICU and undergoing countless tests. Her family continues to be by her side, so I ask that you lift them up as well. A big thank you to all of my prayer warriors for taking time to out to reflect on God’s amazing grace!

Posted in mary reese, pray | 6 Comments

Prayers for Marie {Updated}

Posted on February 16, 2009 by carly

Please lift up Garrett’s cousin, Marie, who is in dire need of your prayers. Earlier today Marie was admitted to the ER after experiencing breathing problems. After several tests, the doctors determined that she has 3 small blood clots in one of her lungs and a large blood clot in her other lung. Consequently, she was rushed to Emory hospital (in Atlanta) to undergo treatment. Currently she is in ICU. I will keep you posted as to any updates, but ask that you pray for Marie and her family as they face the unknown.

Update Tuesday at 10:30 am: Marie is still in ICU and being administered heparin to dissolve the blood clots in her lungs. Her vitals looks good today and she is getting plenty of rest. Please continue to pray for God’s healing touch and pray for her family who is traveling back and forth from Griffin to Atlanta.

Update Monday 9:15 pm: The doctors have ordered a CAT Scan due to some numbness that Marie was experiencing in her face. Please pray for the doctors that are working with Marie and continue to lift up her family.

Posted in pray | 5 Comments

Happy Valentines Day

Posted on February 14, 2009 by carly

Yesterday could have been a Lifetime movie. I’m sure if it had been, Meridith Baxter would have played me. The setting would have included a beautiful, sunny afternoon, lots of baking, and a pretty little girl dressed in red. You would have seen neighbors out in their yards and kids bustling with excitement as they exchanged Valentines.

Little Rosy would have also made an appearance. She would have been transporting the leading lady around the neighborhood to pass out Valentines cookies. Like most good Lifetime movies, the ending would include an evening spent with dear friends, lots of good food, and a worn out, but happy little girl. A big thanks to Jeff and Kristi for having us over for dinner and for allowing four kids (under the age of four) to decorate cookies in their house. You two should have a Lifetime movie of you own…

Special Valentines cookies for G.

Dance party at the Williamson’s.

Brayden (Big Papa), Mary Reese, Emery, and Caroline

One tired and happy little girl.

Posted in mary reese, memories, places | 4 Comments

M is for…

Posted on February 10, 2009 by carly

Max. That’s what MR calls Big Daddy these days. Apparently they are on a first name basis after their visit last weekend.

Mine. My least favorite word has now become one of my daughters favorite phrases. She says it constantly. And she says it like she means it.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The hot dog song is still the highlight of our day.

Moves. You haven’t seen dance moves until you’ve seen MR break it down to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”.

Mishka. This is MR’s favorite word. She says it no fewer than a hundred times a day. What it means is still mystery. Your guess is as good as mine.

Mexican. Tacos and Rotel dip are on tonight’s menu.

M & M’s. A family favorite and an unintentional inspiration for MR’s new outfit.

Mary Reese. She’s a bit fiesty these days. She is the queen of “goodbyes” and has an opinion on most everything. She keeps us laughing and keeps us honest.