Getting Back to Life...

I can hardly believe we've been back home for a whole week now. Life is crazy getting back into our routine. I'm gearing up for doing a lot more business with Southern Living at HOME this fall and we are recovering from traveling, unpacking, getting ready for Luke to start school and working on all kinds of other exciting events. I'll post more about all of it in the near future, but it's been a whirlwind - and frankly still is.

Today was a particularly difficult day as I had a million and one things to "get done" this morning and an also particularly stubborn and defiant 3 year old. Not a good mix. By afternoon I was toast. So I set up the pool and decided we'd play outside. We have no shade in our yard, but I didn't even care that it felt like 100+ degrees. The boys were happy and not fighting. And that made mom happy. Here are a few shots that I took of them in the sandbox. (Because it ALWAYS makes good sense to play in the sandbox following time in the pool!)

He's getting so big, but apparently not quite big enough!

(His toes are off the ground in case you can't see.)

Bridesmaids' Luncheon

Meghan's Mom, Donna, Meghan and my Mom

All the wedding festivities kicked off with a Bridesmaids' Luncheon on Friday morning. Meghan's aunt hosted us at her home for a lovely lunch. Only 4 of the 7 bridesmaids were able to attend, but it was great time to visit and see Meghan before all the craziness set in.

Our gift from Meghan

First Haircut

We had quite a whirlwind weekend with my brother's wedding on Saturday. It all started on Thursday evening when friends and family started arriving from out of town. Tim flew in from Georgia and we took Luke for his first haircut Friday morning. As you can see, it was time. There was something so sad to me about cutting off his baby curls though. They were so sweet it took me a while to get to that point. But I wanted him to look great for pictures this weekend so we took him to the local kid's salon. He was a bit unsure of the whole situation until he got a sucker. Then it was all good. His hair turned out so cute and I can't believe how grown up he looks. If he'd decided to cooperate, the family wedding pictures would have been great...

Before

Waiting

After

I'm still alive...

...and I'm even writing blog posts. Just not here. Sorry about that. I promise I will finish updating very soon and get all caught up. (Just in time for our next trip to Texas!)

Tim had stand down last week and we were enjoying some much needed family time and this week we've been doing Vacation Bible School every night. Needless to say, it's been crazy! But if you are missing me, and who wouldn't be? ☺ You can read some posts I've done on our wedding, our honeymoon and our early days of marriage at Today's Housewife.

A Quick Trip to Houston

Not only do I have my paternal grandparents in my life, but both of my maternal grandparents are in Texas as well. I am so incredibly blessed! Granny and Grandaddy moved into an assisted living facility in Houston last year, so we always try to make a trip down to see them. This time it was a very quick day trip. Thankfully the boys were excellent and made the car trip as pleasant as possible. Here are a few pictures from our visit.

Grandaddy drawing Mark a cowboy like he used to draw for all of the grandkids

Cheap labor

Luke wasn't sure about the whole situation after he got up from his nap

Grandaddy trying to entice Luke to come see him

It's always worth the trip!

Mamaw's Burgers...

For as long as I can remember, my Mamaw's burgers have been my favorite.  But since we make it back to Texas so infrequently, I hardly ever get to eat one anymore.  But Memorial Day, Mamaw made burgers for me and they were as good as they ever were.  Most of the family came over and we had a great afternoon seeing everyone.  I feel incredibly blessed to be able to share my Mamaw and Papaw (G.C.) with my boys.  They mean so much to me and I am grateful every day that they are still in my life!

Here I am with a mouthful - I told you I liked them!

Mamaw has many, many "famous" dishes, but this is another recipe I can 

remember her making most every Memorial Day and 4th of July.

Old Friends...

Sometimes I am truly amazed at how God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends in my lifetime.  I wrote about the gift of friendship not too long ago on Today's Housewife and how some friends are little-while friends that God gives us for a season, while others are long-while friends who are in our lives for much longer.  

I met Alli when I was a freshman at John Brown University, so I guess that puts her in the "long-while" category.  We endured many hours in elementary education classes together and even shared a room together when we lived off campus with two other friends our senior year.  But it might have been those early morning commutes when we were student teaching that bonded us forever.  

Unfortunately, life took us in two different directions and we haven't seen each other since my wedding - almost 6 years ago.  But Alli and her husband, Alex, happened to be in Dallas looking at a new car and were able to stay with my parents while the boys and I were there.  They came with their two little ones, Oliver and Meredith.  It was so much fun.  The kids are pretty close in age.  Both of hers being just a bit younger than my two boys and they played amazingly well together.  Oliver and Mark Garrett were fast friends and had a great time.  There were even some tears when they had to say good-bye.  

Popping popcorn for a post-dinner snack

Meredith is not impressed that Luke is stealing her popcorn

The visit flew by, but I'm so grateful it worked out to get to see them.  It was such a great reminder of the many, many blessings God has given me through my friends.  Hopefully it won't be 6 more years before I get to see you guys again!

This picture is pretty impressive for 4 kids under 4!