Summer Reflections

This summer was filled with many fun activities! Liam is at the age now where he loves to go out and explore the world. We took a few trips to the zoo, the park, community pool, play dates with friends and walks around the neighborhood in his stroller. He loves being outdoors! Toddlers are busy,...but so much fun! The highlight of my summer every year is our county fair! Being a 4-H advocate (I was in the program 12 years) I have spent every summer at the fair since I was a baby. Of course, this means I purchase a week long pass! Liam loved every minute of it! It has become a family tradition to meet up there. My Uncle Ron and my Aunt Laurie were out from Georgia, my brother Caleb and his soon to be wife Amanda came out from Kansas. Of course my grandma, my two sisters and my other brother Luke were there as well. I thought I would share some of my favorite moments at the Fair this year! Tomorrow I hope to share some of my sewing/photo entries in the hobby barn.

Liam awoke every morning asking to go and see the "animals!"

Of course the "moo cows" were his absolute favorite!

The horses have always been mine!

My grandma loved taking him by the hand to show him all the fun!

He loved the carousel so much!

Of course spending time with family is always the highlight! My sister "Auntie Hannah" spent loads of time loving on each one of the kids.

My mom "Na Na"and sister Roslyn with her two little girlies.

Sitting with Pa Pa watching the country music band play.

Discovering new things together!

Dancing in the sunshine!

But most of all,...the best thing about this summer was all the memories we made!

Memories,....

Today I remember my Pop-paw. This song reminds me of the many summer nights we would sit on the porch swing at his house and sing songs from his "Old Kentucky." (This was one of his favorite songs) He would tell us stories of when he was a boy growing up there. All the struggles, heartache, and the joy that the hills brought him. It was always a treat when his friend Rastice Rogers back home would come up to visit with his banjo! They would sing together for hours. Such wonderful childhood memories. I can still hear the music....I miss him.

Moments Like These...

I am loving this new stage,...full of discovery and love for music and dancing. If only I could freeze time, so we can live these moments forever. Being a momma is by far the best job in the world.

Letter to my baby boy,...

Dear Liam,

I am so thankful to have you in my life. You have brought me and your dad so much joy. We couldn't have asked for anything more. When they placed you in my arms for the first time, I knew I would forever love you. I can still remember how tiny and soft you were and the smell of you hair. On that day, God gave me the greatest gift, the gift of being your mother. This year has been a tough one, with your surgery and the traveling back and forth to Texas. But it was all worth it, and we would do it again,....knowing now, how much it has helped you grow and develop. You are such a strong little boy, with such a sweet spirit. We pray every day that you will continue to grow and become the person God wants you to be. I will forever cherish this past year and all the new things you have and continue to learn. Your dad was so proud when you first called out to him, and the light in your eyes when you see him walk into the room. We are so excited to see what new things you will learn to say. You tend to be a momma's boy, but I don't mind. I like that you enjoy sitting on my lap reading books, and love when you play with my hair when you get sleepy. You are learning so much. It has been so fun watching you learn to eat real foods, sit up on your own, crawl, dance and sing. Pretty soon you will be running around! You can be such a funny little boy.

Thank you for your love, cuddles, your smiles, your raspy giggles, and those ever so sloppy kisses. I am enjoying every minute. Even when you are grown, and you become a man, you will always be my little baby boy. I love you so much William Arthur. Happy First Birthday!
xox

- Momma

Texas State Fair

While visiting our friends Sab and Jen in Dallas, we decided to venture out to the Texas State Fair! This was by far the largest fair I have ever been to. It was massive! Here are some of the highlights.

When arriving at the main gate, a 52 foot cowboy named Big Tex greets you with a "Howdy folks. Welcome to the State Fair of Texas. Y'all have a fun time today!"

Every year at the fair there is a contest for the best fried food. They are famous for any and everything fried. Fried oreos, twinkies, cookie dough, cheesecake, PB&J, cheese, chocolate, frito pie, pizza, beer (still not sure what that is),.......we were told that we HAD to try "fried butter!!" It was umm,...interesting. They were little donuts with honey butter inside. Hey I will try anything once, but not sure I would eat this again. It's just wrong on many levels. 

County Fair Fun

As a kid I knew that summer was officially over once our County Fair came to a close. A little bitter sweet.You work so hard all year long to bring all of your 4-H projects to display. Animals raised, sewing projects finished, posters made. Then it's time for a week of competition, animal shows, good food, good music, socializing, camping, bonefires, barn dancing and just like that,....it's over. I have many wonderful memories of our county fair. It makes me feel like such a kid going back. This year I was excited to start new memories with my little one. He really enjoyed the animals, the smells and all of the people! He has turned into such a social child. Maybe someday he will be in 4-H! Maybe someday he will be the one looking forward to all the fun at the county fair! Time will tell,...

Tea for Two!

My younger brother Caleb bought me these tea cups for Christmas one year. I love them! He moved out of state this year to go on a new adventure in his life, and family get togethers are not the same without him. These tea cups make me think and pray for him every time I use them.

Tea Time!

I here by declare it, "Tea Time"! I have been a fan of tea since my first trip to England back in 2000-2001. In most English households, tea is a way of life. They have at least two cups a day. I was then exposed to the many different kinds of tea. Breakfast, Earl Grey, Peko. I came home from England with an appreciation and addiction to the wonderful stuff. I grew up in a household where coffee was boss. I never discovered all that tea could be. The flavors, the smell, the way it makes you feel so warm and cozy on those brisk fall evenings, or comfort you when you feel a bit under the weather. Tea goes well with a few biscuits and a good book. Tea can help you wake up after a night of restless sleep, when all you can think about is when your little one will ever sleep through the night. Tea can be very social! A great way to slow the craziness of the day. To sit and talk about life.

For the month of September, I will be sharing some of my favorite tea cups/pots with you all.



This is a photo I took when Tom and I and our dear friends spent the afternoon at the Pump Room in Bath England. This was my second time visiting Bath. I remember my first trip out to the Baths. It was in the winter and was very chilly. After seeing the beautiful town and visiting some of the shops, the family I was with took me to the pump room for some "proper tea and bath buns." It was very humbling to be in the same building that many of the Royals throughout time have had tea in. I felt as if I was under dressed for the occasion. The music, atmosphere and people were just beautiful. I didn't have my camera handy back then but the special memories of that day will forever be in my heart.(Of course when I visited the second time I snuck in a few photos.) I would love it if you too can share some photos of your favorite tea cup/pot.