Follow Faithfully

Macey graduated preschool last night. They had a ceremony at the church where they wore little caps with tassels, marched in to “Pomp & Circumstance” and even received little diplomas. They also sang some really cute songs. It was such a sweet event. I can’t even begin to describe how emotional I was seeing my girl up there though. My firstborn, my motherhood dream first fulfilled, is growing up so quickly. It’s hard to realize sometimes how fast it all goes, but in just a blink I realize it full-force at times.

We have been so blessed to have Macey in our church’s preschool since she was two. She has had the best teachers and has loved every single moment she has spent there. We love that she has not only gotten a great academic foundation, but has also gotten to explore creativity, learned to socialize and has also learned more about Christian faith and values. It’s a great school and I’m so glad we’ll be aruond another three years as Mariana goes through. Next thing you know, she’ll be graduating and moving up to kindergarten, but I am NOT ready to think about that yet.

The last official day of preschool was today for both girls. They each had parties in their class. When I picked Mariana up, her teachers told me the cutest story that she was watching herself in the full-length mirror in the classroom and singing the clean-up song to herself. When we went to get Macey, one of her friends named Grace came out to give her a hug and said she’d miss her.  How sweet! We will definitely have to have many play dates over the summer to keep these girls in touch.

It’s hard to believe that preschool is now over for Macey. She was a touch emotional last night about missing her friends, but she knows we’ll have the summer to play and that she is going to make new friends in elementary school. Still, this is a big step for her. A big milestone in her life. And, when I saw her march in last night, my heart just overflowed. Macey makes us proud in so many ways. She’s so sweet, smart, gentle, creative and loving. She’s one amazing little lady. It’s hard to let go sometimes and let her grow up, but we know that with God’s guidance, she’ll be fully ready to face the world and make a positive impact wherever she may go.

Today our baby girl, Mariana Grace, turns two. Labor had started and stalled for several days, but she finally made her grand entry into the world on Mother’s Day 2006 at 2:15 PM. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20.5″ long. She was such a peaceful and laid back infant. Macey loved to hold Mariana every chance she got and Mariana took it all in stride. She fit right into our family just like she had always been there. It was like God had made a placeholder in our hearts to save room just for her.

Two years ago Mickey and I learned just how much love grows. We knew, of course, that we would love Mariana, but we couldn’t fathom just how much love could and would grow for both girls and for each other. There is something beautiful and blessed about how parents can love each child equally, but at the same time differently for each different child.

Today Mariana is a full-fledged two year old. When you ask her how old she is, she proudly says TWO and, trust me, there are days when she is “sooooooo two” ;). She is such a sweet little bundle of energy. If this girl is awake, she is on the move. She loves to climb and explore. She loves to play and seek out treasures in whatever forms she can find them. She loves to talk and laugh and is learning to sing. She could live on chicken nuggets and ketchup. Or, maybe just ketchup. She adores Macey and is often hot on Macey’s heels where ever Macey goes. She loves hugs and will sometimes give us kisses although she tells us she saves them for friends at school. Mariana is a joy. She is just chock-full of sass, spunk and determination that brighten all our days. And, we’re so blessed that God entrusted her to our family on this day two years ago.

To the moms in my life…

Happy Mother’s Day!

To my mom - aka Nana - I owe you eternal gratitude. You have given me roots to grow and wings to fly. You have taught me what it is to be a mom - how to love with my whole heart and still let go with both hands when the time comes knowing that it’s okay. You’ve been the voice of reason, the arms of comfort and the source of strength for me more times than I can count. You’ve been my rock through all my years and I love you so!

To my step-mom- aka Dorothy…aka MiMi - you came into my life almost twenty years ago and I have been so blessed to know you, love you and be loved by you. I cherish all the times we’ve laughed and cried or laughed until we cried. You always bring a ray of sunshine with you. We have so many little jokes that we share and we’ll always have Mitford! THANK YOU for being you! I love you!!

To my mother-in-law Linda - aka Grammie - I know I’ll never have any of those “horror stories” about my mother-in-law because you have taken me in as one of your own since day one. You have a kindness and compassion about you that radiates in everything you do. Because you loved your son and taught him to love, he can share that love with our own family. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done and all you do. You’re a blessing and I love you!

To my Gran - aka GranGran - What would I do without you, Gran? My Pearl! There’s never been a facet of my life that you weren’t there to share. Some of my favorite childhood memories were made right there with you and Pop. You tell me like it is when I need to hear the truth. You also let me “just talk” when I’m in a chatty mood. You inspire me to deeper faith and good works and service to others. And, I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiis much!

To my Grandma - aka Grandma Teapot - You have taught me more than you know. You helped instill a work ethic in me which I value to this day. You gave me my first “job” when I was just a little girl. I would go to the cleaning shop with you on Saturdays and use a magnet to pick up straight pins from the floor. That dollar or two you gave me was all the money in the world back then. Later on, you got me a job at the candy store and that was another blessing. You’ve made me feel so special and have given me many happy memories. I thank you! Love you!

To my Grandmother-in-Law…aka Grandma Charlotte - I knew you were a gem the first time I met you. The first thing you said about me was “I don’t like her”, but I knew you did. You were testing me and I like to think I passed with flying colors. I just love your spunk and determination. I love how fiercely loyal you are to those you love. I love how you remind Mickey about what a brat he was a child, but how you do that in a way that shows you really do love him to pieces. We were honored to give Macey your name as a middle name and we know that some of that Matriarch spirit will always live in her. We hope to see you this summer because we all miss you. Love you!

To all the moms in my family and all my mom friends - I learn so much from you. Thank you for sharing your lives, your hearts and even your kiddos with me and my family. May we all grow and learn together as we go along.

Hope today is a blessing all around!

Get a portrait collage from Sears Portrait Center for only $4.99 and no session fee! Click here for details or call 1-888-PORTRAIT.

Now through May 11th, spend $25 at a Godiva Boutique and receive a chocolate tablet FREE. Spend $50 and get two tablets! Offer valid at Godiva Boutiques through 5/11/08 only; not valid in department/specialty stores, at Godiva.com, or through 1-800-9GODIVA. Offer valid on purchases made during a single visit / transaction. Not applicable to previous purchases, and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Not redeemable for cash.

Click here for a Baskin Robbins coupon to receive $3 off any cake. They have some really CUTE (and delicious!) Mother’s Day cakes. This offer expires on May 12th.

Snapfish is celebrating its 8th birthday with a FREE SHIPPING promotion! Enter the promo code “NOSHIP08″ at check-out to receive free shipping through May 11th.

We were away over the weekend, so I didn’t get to post. So, I’m here now waking up my sleepy blog. :p

I hope it was a great weekend all around. We were in South Georgia over the weekend. It was a really nice family weekend. We got lots of Nana time in which is always nice. Mickey and I even got to have a dinner date on Saturday which was great for us. The weather was incredible all weekend too and we just had a really great family weekend.

The reason we went down for the weekend was for our nephew Jackson’s baptism which was on Sunday. Jackson did great for the whole ceremony. He fell asleep in his mommy’s arms (is there anything more peaceful than a sleeping baby?!) and stayed asleep through most everything. He almost woke up when Liz leaned his head down to get his water and oil, but he went right back out. We had the honor and privilege of being included in the ceremony as Jackson’s Godparents and we take that vow very seriously and right to heart. We love that little boy so much and we feel so blessed that he has come into our family.

I will post more later. I need to catch up with a book review and deals. I’m also reading an incredibly powerful book that I can’t wait to post more about. It’s called The Shack and as soon as I’m done reading it, I’m going to post more.

Happy Monday!

Each day I’m going to endeavor to find deals to post here. I think that’s fun. I’m always looking for ways to save money and be more budget-conscious and I have had others comment to me that they are too, so this is a great way keep track of deals out there.

***************************

The first deal I have for you all today is a Coupon Site where you can click and print over $180 in coupons! How cool is that?!

*****************************

My second deal of the day is a sale going on at The Childrens Place. They have a great sale going on their “outlet” items righht now. This includes spring clothes! With the promo code S1A48 you get an extra 15% off too! Plus, shipping is only $5 flat!! How’s that for a great deal?!

*****************************

The third deal I have today is on magazines. Click here for Time Warner’s Friends & Family subscription page. You will find some GREAT deals on select titles there.

***********************
Happy shopping, y’all!

It’s the weekend again. Time to bust out the “honey do” list and get to work! Our forecast today originally called for rain and we did have a short shower this morning, but the rest of the day should be pretty nice. Soooo…it’s project time! Here’s the short list of things we hope to get accomplished this weekend, specifically today:

• Clean up around the back deck. This entails blowing the old leaves out, cleaning up toys that have fallen under the deck, etc.
• Update the girls’ backyard play fort. This is all Mickey’s project.
• Do some spring cleaning and organizing inside the house.
• Mow the lawn.

Of course, we also want to do some fun family activities too. So, it’s shaping up to be a busy weekend, but really has the potential to be a great one! I hope it’s great all around for everyone!

Happy weekend, y’all!

This morning my Sister-in-Law Liz called and asked if Mickey and I would be Jackson’s Godparents. She and Charlie have really honored us with this beautiful request and we were more than happy to accept. Jackson is being baptized on Sunday, April 27th, and we will have the honor then of officially becoming his Godparents. That is just so exciting and amazing!

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 30th because that is 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins from 5p-10p!

Participating Baskin-Robbins stores will have this special promo going on in honor of America’s firefighters. In some locations, patrons will be given opportunities to donate to their local fire charities.

Sounds like a winner to me!

Is there anything sweeter than a baby’s tiny little hands and feet? Oh, I just love to look at them.

I took these shots of our nephew Jackson over the weekend and I couldn’t resist sharing.

Look at his precious little feet!

And, his sweet baby hands…

SWOON!

Really, y’all…how precious are those little tiny toes and fingers? All so perfectly formed by God. It makes my heart smile just to see these sweet pictures and I had to share them here.