Soul Sisters

You know how you have that friend that comes along once in a lifetime and there is a bond that is formed between the two of you forever? Sometimes that is a childhood friend and sometimes they enter your life later. I am a very blessed girl to say that I have lots of friends. I have childhood friends, friends from college, and what I like to call my "Mommy" friends. They are all special to me in each and every way, and I am so lucky to have them in my life, but I have to say I have that one friend who I like to call my "soul sister". We also have those funny little phrases that we call each other such as bff, best friend, and bestie, but my Mama coined the phrase "kindred spirits" and that fits us perfectly.
After graduating from college, I got married (to my wonderful husband) and moved to Florida...well, it was kind of the other way around, but who's counting. I'll leave all the long, drawn-out details out and just give the highlights. I taught 4th grade reading and writing in the little town of Plant City, Florida. I taught for a wonderful woman whom to this day and always will be my "Florida Mom". She took me, a fresh young married girl who had never lived this far away from her Mama and Daddy, under her wing and guided me through that first year in a new state, new career, and new life. I will always be so grateful for her and treasure her. But, she's a whole other story for another day.
My first year teaching was great. I had two wonderful mentors and a really good school. My first year of marriage was fantastic as well. I was pretty settled in my new state and new life but something was missing....a friend. I really didn't make any friends that first year and was missing that bond that a girlfriend can give you. Well, my principal was going to open a new school down south of town and I asked if I could go with her. She had a spot for me and off we went to go open a new school...scary but fun. On our first day of pre-planning I was sitting in the back of the media center minding my own business. We started going around the room introducing ourselves, where we came from, etc. All of a sudden I hear this voice...a voice that sounded like me - a southern twang that I longed for. My ears perked up and I started looking around the room. Who was that person that talked like me because I want to know her. We met officially at lunch that day and as they say with any great relationship, the rest is history.
We became instant friends. We were both in the same boat...new state, new career, new marriage, new life, no family close by. From that day on, a bond was formed between us that no mileage or anything can break us...she is my soul sister. I tease with my husband all the time and say that he is my other half. He completes me and we make and awesome team, but I must say that Liz is my "better" half. She makes me a better person.
We have been pregnant together for our two children. She has recently had a third...beautiful baby boy. She's still trying to get me to get on board, but I told her that contract was broken after the second one.

 

Our first born are 7 days apart!

We now live about 500 miles away from each other, but that doesn't break our bond. We talk on the phone at least two time a day and see each other between 2 and 3 times a year. The kids and I recently went to see her and as usual we had a fantastic time. Our older kids are first friends and they all play so nicely together.

friends forever

We'll go back and see them for Labor day and one of these days have a girls weekend with just us and no kids to tend to. But no matter if kids are there or not, spending time with her is the best time ever. I love her like a sister and I know for certain that just like God sent me my wonderful husband, He sent Liz to me in a time of my life that I needed a friend...a girlfriend...a bestie!

This is the last great picture of us!

A Dream Come True

Today was a day that I had dreamt of for a long time, my daughter's first dance recital. I grew up following in my Mama's footsteps and danced for 12 years, and now my little girl is following in her Mama's footsteps. It was such an exciting day and I'm not sure who was more excited Dallas or me (I was beside myself with excitment).
Dallas started taking tap and ballet this year at a local dance studio, Dance Dynamics. It's a great studio that reminds me of where I learned how to dance, The Linda Wright School of Dance. She really enjoyed going every week. Just like her Mama, she seems to like tap more than ballet, but she really enjoys both.
This morning, she was up at the crack of dawn in the giddiest mood I've seen in a while. We had a quick breakfast and then it was time to get dressed. She then turned into a typical 5 year old. She ran upstairs to get her make-up on and curl her hair. As soon as I started though she started in with the, "when are you going to be done?" and "you're never going to be finished." No patience, but then again she was so excited. I put some make up on and curled her hair some with the curling iron. Time was running short, so we were soon in a rush. I got her dressed and hair all finished and then pretty much threw on my clothes...we did not want to be late (we arrived 45 minutes early - oops).

We found great seats and my excitment really began to boil...I was like a kid in a candy store and was beside myself for the show to start. I walked her back to the back and then returned to my seat just before the show started.

Dallas and her bff, Natalia, before the show

As the over head lights dimmed and the stage lights came on, memories flooded me and all of a sudden I realized I have dreamt this for a long time....my daughter was now doing what I always loved doing....dancing.

To say I am one proud Mama is an understatement. Yes, she was a typical 5 year old and watched the side of the stage as the teacher did the dances with them, but she was up there with a smile on her face and danced her little heart out. I am so proud and overjoyed at her performance, but then again, I guess she has it in her bones.

Fun in the Sun

Last weekend was a great weekend. We had Eric's brother, Mike, and his family come to town. They arrived Thursday evening and the fun began. I loved spending time with all of them, especially my two cute nephews...they are so great.
I could tell you all about our fun weekend and go on and on about the cool things we did such as ice cream at Goodberry's (for lunch none-the-less), playing in the slip n' slide and kiddie pool, going to a surprise party, and grilling out. But I think I'll focus most of my story on my favorite thing, taking the kids to the Carolina Mudcats game (one of the two minor league baseball teams we have in the area).

lunch at Goodberry's

If you follow this blog you might know that I love baseball, and my son (and husband) is really into baseball too. I was so excited to take us all to the game, because my nephews have never been to a baseball game. The daddies took the boys out in the morning to get real baseball helmets because Hunter knows that baseball players wear helmets when they run the bases. Granted it was very hot out that day and we ended up leaving them in the car for the game but they love them! In fact, Hunter wears his helmet all day long...he'd even sleep in it if I'd let him - sooo cute!
Well, of course it had to be one of the hottest days of the year so far, but I wasn't going to let it slow us down. We drank lots of water on the way to the game and promised 'special treats' once in the stadium. We found Will Call and got our tickets. Normally, we go to the Durham Bulls games so I had never been to this stadium before, and I was loving our seats....we were in section 207, rows 3 & 4. We were right next to home plate on the 1st base line...awesome seats...only problem, it was sunny and H.O.T....did I say hot?

We all settled in for a little while but unfortunately it was too hot for baby Noah. Leigh, took him down in the shade and found a great little place behind the season ticket holder's section in the shade and right next to the field. When the kids got too hot and started whining for their treats we left our great seats and found her and Noah. It was a great thing we did that, because within a few minutes of being there we somehow scored some season ticket holder's seats (who didn't show for the game, and others who left early). Before we knew it we had the whole back row of seats in the shade even closer to the field than with our seats...A.W.E.S.O.M.E. The kids LOVED the game. I had so much fun watching Hunter and Mikey cheer for the Mudcats and yell "Strrriiikkkeee" with the umpire. I loved dancing with Dallas between the innings. It was a great time.



The boys in our new seats!



Noah playing peek-a-boo with Dallas



 

And what could make it better, you ask??? The kids got to run the bases after the game. Hunter and Mikey were beyond excited and the daddies got to go with them. Dallas went down with them but quickly changed her mind, so we watched from the stands.

Hunter jumping on home plate.

What a great day. Yes, the weather was hot, but it turned out great because we scored some awesome seats in the shade, and the kids really enjoyed the game; and that's why we went...for the kids. Seeing them have a good time made my weekend and I loved being there with our family.

Two holidays that flew by

Man oh man, where did April go??? I cannot believe it is almost the middle of May. Somehow Easter and Mother's Day flew right by and with our busy schedule I haven't had much time to write, so I guess tonight I'm playing a bit of catch-up. Easter was great! My parents came to town for a quick stay, and we could not have asked for better weather; there was no humidity, warm temperatures and a slight breeze to the air. My poor parents hit some bad traffic on the way up from Georgia and it took 9 1/2 hours to get here when a normal trip takes 8 hours. Needless to say, they were ready to get out of the car and "hit dry land" as my daddy likes to say. Soon after their arrival, the three girls, my mom, Dallas, and me took off for a pedicure. What a fun time. I actually took my camera but completely forgot to take pictures...boo. Dallas picked out her hot pink polish and got up in the panda chair for little girls. She was so excited. "Mama" was feeling a bit giving and let her get her nails and toes painted including little white flowers - just didn't realize it was going to cost me $15.00...that's more than a manicure!!! Oh well, this was the first time doing this with the three of us and it was well worth it.

After the nails trip, it was time to dye Easter eggs. I did remember to take pictures of this and like they say, 'pictures are worth 1,000 words'.

 

 {I can remember dying Easter eggs with my parents and I loved it so much. I love now being able to make the memories with my children of something that I cherish as a childl}

Once the eggs were died, it was time to go to dinner. We went to one of our favorite places, Shuckers. It's a great family seafood, oyster, and steak restaurant. The food is delicious!! Again, I took the camera but no pictures got taken...man I am bad. We had a great time and as always the food was great!

Sunday morning was glorious. The kids got their baskets from the Easter Bunny and they immediately wanted to go hunt for their Easter eggs, so off we went, pajamas and all!

 

We then ate a quick breakfast and got dressed in our Easter best! My kids were super cute. I love, love, love Dallas' dress. My mom sews a lot and makes Dallas outfits all the time; mostly jumpers and coordinating capris and tops. So, when she told me she made Dallas a dress that she could wear for Easter I thought, "Ok, we'll have to see about this one". Just look at it!!! It's beautiful. I was amazed and awestruck at how beautiful it is and she looks so gorgeous in it...I know, I know, I'm her mom I can say that.

 

And yes, my son has on pink...something I thought I'd never let happen. But, we "manned" it up with some pirate imbroderied shorts and not to mention, he matches Papa G...so he was happy.

Church service was beautiful and so touching as it always is. I have to quickly give kuddos to our paster, Ed. He is why we chose our church. Well, that and the fact that there are a ton of young families with young kids which is perfect for us. None-the-less, Ed is so moving and inspirational. He's just what we need to get us exicted to learn about God and live our lives according to His purpose.

That afternoon, the girls were in the kitchen while the boys were out playing. Dallas helped make the ever famous bunny cake. I made a strawberry cake this year, and it was delish. Then we began to prepare for dinner. On the menu: grilled bbq chicken, onion souffle, roasted spring vegetables, beer bread and of course deviled eggs (which Dallas helped for the first time). It was really good...and of course cake to end the meal. This year was a great Easter and I loved spending time with my family.

 

And with the blink of an eye, Mother's Day was here. Easter will definitely over-shadow Mother's Day here because it was pretty uneventful, which was nice. The kids and I had just returned from a trip from Lexington, KY (look for that in another entry). Needless to say we were tired and wanted to just chill. We went to church that morning for another lovely service, and one very interesting. We are starting to study how to "live" to the 10 Commandments...very interesting.

After church, we just past the time with daddy doing an art project for my mother's day gift. I got a little (and much needed) couch time. Dallas and I did a little shopping and then we made dinner. My sweet Hunter helped make it all. He helped me in the kitchen make the scalloped potatoes and onions and then he helped daddy grill the porkchops.

 

 Dallas and I had a fun time doing a photo shoot...I love having a girl :o).

All-in-all it was the perfect Mother's Day...time spent with my family.

Ribbon and Bow Flip Flops

I've been feeling a little crafty lately but haven't known what to do. I was just visiting my best friend last week and couldn't help but notice the adorable ribbon/bow flip flops her daughter had...mostly because my daughter wore them the whole week. I started looking at them one night and thought, I can make these. On Sunday after returning home, my daughter and I went out on the hunt for the materials. I found a pair of white and black flip flops and JoAnn's in her size. They were $2.99 each. We then found another craft store that sold ribbon by the yard and picked out lots and lots of ribbon. I got 6 patterns of ribbon (3 of the medium width and 3 of the small width)  for each pair of flops. I also got a pair of corrdinating buttons for each pair.

I decided to do the black ones first as my "trial" pair.

I got out my trusty hot glue gun and warmed it up. For these small shoes it took a whole roll of the small black and white gingham ribbon to wrap the straps. I put a tiny dot of hot glue on the underside of one strap and started wrapping. I held it tight as I went and wrapped and wrapped until I got to the other side and glued the other side down as well.

Then I just started cutting the ribbon, placing them in X's on top of each other (sorry I forgot to take a picture her...got too wrapped up in the project). I would glue (with a teeny tiny dot of glue) so they would stay. I took the white and black small ribbon, tied them in a bow together, and put it on top. Last, I sewed a button on top of it all and glued it on top of the thong of the flops...Waa-La, a pair of cute flip flops! She LOVES them!!!