A Summons.

For the second time in my life, I received a Summons for Jury Service. The first time was when I was in college and was excused. This time I was thinking, oh my, am I really going to have to do this. And of course it is not local. That would be to easy. I am to report Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 8:30 am in Columbia at the United States Courthouse. I am all about doing your duty as a citizen but, um, just not now please! Before I started making plans in my head, I thought I should read through the paperwork and see what all had to be done and fill out the novel of a questionnaire. What did I find on the Jury postponement request form...."I have active care and custody of children under ten years of age." Yes, Anderson, age 8 months! Read down a bit farther and it says "Requests are not automatically granted." Well, I guess I will be calling the
1-800 number to check my status!

Smocking 101.

My long time pal Katy agreed to teach me how to smock--she is a great teacher and I mean it when I say she has the patience of Job, because I am a slow learner and might have issues with comprehension! I think I have asked her a million times "is this right?", "how do you do the knot again?", "how have I messed it up this time?", etc. Her hubs, Chris, plays here on the island (he is a musician) and this past Saturday evening Katy came with him and hung out with me while he did his show. I started my first outfit for Anderson after practicing stitches on a practice pleat so I was SO glad to have her here for support!

The first smocking project!

I am starting with a VERY easy geometric design. I hope to graduate to picture smocking!

The orange lines are the guidelines. You pull them out after you are done.

I have worked some more on it since I took these pictures and I am now about 1/3 of the way done! I am excited for the finished product!!

What goes up, must come down!

The simple law of gravity that Anderson and I practiced all day yesterday! Poor little guy learned how to pull up to standing, but could not get back down--which did cause some real crocodile tears! All weekend he did not nap well and would play for at least an hour at bedtime practicing his new skill and subsequently getting all upset and worked up. And all weekend, Brad and I went up to his room and would help him get down only to have him right back up (I know all of you seasoned parents are chuckling a bit). My good friend from Beaufort, Katy was here Saturday evening (another post about that and what we did coming soon!!) and she even had to get in on the action. We both certainly got our workout using our "stairmaster" since the nursery is upstairs. After he finally went to sleep on Sunday night, I decided that Monday I was going to teach him to bend his knees and use the crib slats or whatever was available to ease himself back down--and that is what we did! All day, when he would pull up I would help him bend his knees and get down. I was not more than a reach away the entire day! But we got results, and last night after the bedtime tutoring session I walked out of the room and watched him on the monitor bend his knees to ease himself down! Success! Here he is this morning in his pack-n-play---I am so glad that he loves to play in it. I think he loves the soft boundaries and he can roll around/fall over onto the mattress and all is good!

Wondering if the camera is a body part since it is attached to me constantly!

There he goes bending his knees and walking his hands down the side!

Life as an 8 Month Old!

Anderson is quite the busy body these days and there are many pictures to prove it! Brad and I feel that all of these new things have happened overnight! There are MANY firsts to report....

He has been sitting in a high chair for several weeks and now he can finger feed himself cheerios and all sorts of yummy things!

He can now sit in the restaurant high chairs and the shopping cart seats--this picture makes it look like he is terrified! I think he was in awe about the seeing the world from a new view. Thanks to his buddy Harper (and his momma Amanda!), who let him borrow his high chair cover at the Wild Wings a couple of weeks ago b/c I did not have Anderson's since we had never even used it yet :)

He can sit up and play with his toys while keeping his balance!

He is doing the famous "combat crawl" to get around. But he does get up on all 4's and rock and will get some reciprocal arm/leg movements before landing face first or on his belly. At that point it is back to what he knows will get from from point A to point B quickly--the combat crawl!

Trying to get to me holding the camera--for now, I am still quicker!

Last Sunday (4/19/09) I put him in his crib for bedtime and about 10 minutes later I was in the linen closet in the hallway outside of his room getting something for my momma and heard him making some noises/sounds I did not recognize. I decided to take a peek and look what he was doing....


He pulled up to kneeling! At that moment, we went ahead and lowered the crib down! Anderson was happy to stay up later and play w/ BeeGee and Big Daddy who were still here from bringing him back home after the Heritage weekend.

Now he has found even more to explore since he started pulling up to kneeling!

It sure doesn't stop there. This morning I walked into this!!!!

THE BOY IS PULLING UP TO STANDING!!! I was shocked. I mean, I knew it was going to be the next step--but not 5 days after learning how to pull up to kneeling. He was just laughing and so proud of himself! Now that he was learned this move, it is all he does when he is put in his crib. The problem--- he does not know how to get down. I cringe when I hear THUD, and know that he has fallen from standing. I am going to have to start working on getting him to bend his knees and ease on down so that he does not end up with a concussion!

Later taking a snooze and using the crib bumper as a pillow??!!!

One Reason To Go To The Heritage!

Camillo Villegas. Ladies, don't turn down an invite to attend a PGA tournament unless you have done your homework and know he won't be there. Otherwise, don't miss it. I would say a good portion of the female population wasn't too far behind him! He sure gave us a show in the 17 green hospital box!

Spidey (cropped photo I took)

This was the uncropped photo I took!

Commentators also call him "spiderman" b/c of this move! I was able to get the shot, but had to do it quickly b/c they said cameras were not allowed and I did not want to get mine taken if they were strict about it! I'm such the rule follower :)

Anderson spent the weekend with BeeGee and Big Daddy so that we could go to the tournament and boy did I miss my little buster! It was a gorgeous weekend and we enjoyed what some call "chamber of commerce" weather. There were events going on all week leading up to the first round staring on Thursday. Brad and I were able to get there Thursday early evening to catch the last few groups coming down the 17th hole. Friday our trusty babysitter, Alex, was not feeling well when she came over so I sent her home to get some rest and Brad went on without me. Poor Alex, come to find out she had a sinus infection that was turning into bronchitis--yikes!

The Heritage is always a fun time! Here are a few other illegal photos I snapped....

Boo Weekly--2 time former tartan jacket champ

The Harbour Town area where we parked.


Harbour Town Lighthouse


Elizabeth (Brad's boss lady) and husband Randy walking w/ a group on final round.

Papa Love.

Friends and family gathered the past couple of days to celebrate the life of Papa Love and pay respects to such a great man. Wednesday afternoon, I drove up to Charleston for the visitation and so many came out to express condolences and perhaps even tell a story or two about how Papa had touched their heart. I drove back to the island that night and the next morning (early!) myself, Brad, and Anderson packed in the car and drove back up to Charleston for his funeral. It was a fantastic service and Pastor Al did more than we would have ever expected. It made a difference to have a pastor who knew papa on such a close personal level to lead the service. It was very evident that they had personal relationship and shared many memories. Randy, who worked for meme and papa at the Exxon station downtown for 14 years, made some remarks about papa during the service. He shared stories of generosity, compassion, and love he had for so many. I remembered many of those stories and could hold my head up proud. After the service, we made the drive down highway 17 to the National Cemetery in Beaufort where papa is buried and will rest (along with my Papa Trimmier who passed away in 2002). The military service is so powerful and when the bugle plays... it is hard to keep it together. After the graveside service, we had a small luncheon at my parent's house organized my some of my parent's friends. Papa will be missed, but there is great comfort knowing that he is with his Father in Heaven.

I am so thankful for all of the love and support from everyone---it really does help!

In My Next 30 Years.

Yesterday, I turned 30. The big 3-0 as my daddy said. He asked how I felt about it and....I must say, it was one of the most fun ages that I have turned. Now, just for Big Phil (dad), who is rarely left without words in reply----I had a good one for him. It is kind of a game and I get a huge kick out of leaving him w/o something to say. My reply to him..."how does it feel to have a 30 year old?" Well, he just laughed that laugh that said I got him! Silly, I know. But one of those simple pleasures! He did ask if he could eat my birthday cake (ice cream cake at that) that my sweet momma bought for us to have on Easter Sunday for a miniature celebration--and if you read the previous posting, my Papa passed away Sunday so we did not have cake. Sure, go ahead...you are really doing me a favor b/c evidently my metabolism is going to start slowing down now?? Who volunteered for that study is what I want to know.


As I mentioned, I thought turning 30 was great! I had one of the best days. Anderson was so sweet in the morning and took a long nap so I could get showered without rushing (a gift in itself)!!! Our trusty babysitter is on spring break and by the time this week is over, she will have been here just about everyday. She came over at noon and I spent the afternoon doing anything I wanted and topping it off with a pedicure. Love that. Brad and I enjoyed a dinner out complete with chocolate fondue and a cappuccino martini! I received such nice gifts from the major categories....clothes, shoes, money, jewelry, and birthday cards! I LOVE birthday cards :)--perhaps one of my fav parts of a birthday! So much generosity that I truly appreciate!



So many of you that I have talked to have wanted to know what Brad brought home for this birthday...well, he is quite possibly the best gift giver ever. This year....something for the right hand to remember 30!

I also found myself wandering in thought about what my life has been until now. I have enjoyed a great life and have nothing to complain about at all! I have the world's best husband-- who treats me better than I deserve, a healthy baby boy who is my world, a fantastic church, close family, and quality friends that I am lucky to have (oh, and there is always room for more!). With that said, I feel that I have not always been the best person. I have hurt my share of feelings, said hurtful things, participated in senseless acts, and generally have been mean at times often without even knowing it. I just pray that in my next 30 years I do not lose sight of what I learned in my first 30 and generally continue to grow into a person that I can be proud of!

Unforgettable Easter.

To say that Easter did not go quite like I had imagined is an understatement. Everything was going along as I would think a "normal" Easter Sunday would go......

Anderson explored his Easter basket and enjoyed all the goodies the Easter Bunny dropped off on his visit to our house!

He played with all of his presents until he was exhausted! He also was sent a Pockets of Learning toy from from Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Daniel, some money from Nona and Grandaddy(Brad's parents), and some cutie clothes from BeeGee an Big Daddy (my parents). The Easter Bunny also left Anderson some new wheels for shopping outings w/ mommy---will post later!

We dressed him in his Easter outfit--he had the most adorable seersucker shoes too!!

Then it was off to church where we enjoyed a powerful Easter message, and then headed back home to get changed, feed Anderson, and pack up the car for an afternoon down in Beaufort.

We did, in fact, pack the car but we drove to Ravenel instead as we got a call with the news that my grandfather had passed away at 10:00am.

Unfortunately, my sweet grandfather had been ill for quite a while. He suffered a series of strokes that progressively wore him down and he has required total care for the past several years---provided by my strong and unwavering Meme along with some support services from hospice. Although his passing was expected (at some point), you can never quite prepare yourself for the fact that his life here on earth is over and he has been called home.

My Papa Love was a great man, very generous, and a faithful Christian. He always put others ahead of himself, served in the National Guard, and was a successful businessman. He (along with my Meme) owned several service stations in the Charleston area and many who are in this area most likely stopped at the Exxon on the corner of Calhoun Street and Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston before they retired about 10 years ago. He was always giving back, never asking or wanting anything in return, and was even nominated and received the Charleston News Station Channel 4 News "Hometown Hero" award for his commitment and service to the community. There is peace in knowing that he is in a much better place than here and that he is with his maker in heaven where there is no illness, pain, or suffering. It was very fitting for him to have passed on Easter Sunday....he will be terribly missed and he would want everyone to remember one thing....He is Risen Indeed!

What's in your Easter Basket!!??

I love Easter! It could have something to do with my birthday being near Easter and the warmer weather (usually!)...even though the first day of spring has past, I always feel that Easter is the unofficial beginning of the season. Easter dresses, Easter eggs, Easter baskets....I just can't get enough. Needless to say, I have been so excited about doing Anderson's Easter basket and have been hunting for the perfect Easter bunny gifts for weeks. I got so caught up in filling the basket that I nearly forgot to get one. Then, of course, I tried to get a 16" diameter from pottery barn and they were sold out. I could not find another 16" for anything, and you better believe I hunted far and wide. I ended up getting him a 10", but it is not nearly big enough for what I wanted to put inside! It appears that we will have some serious spill over!

Here is a sneak peak of some of the things the Easter Bunny will be leaving Anderson! Some of my favorite products from Alex toys, Crocodile Creek, Infantino, Taggies, and I had to stick the SaraBear diaper caddy in there! It is great tool to have...especially since his room is upstairs! Aren't these dinosaur bath squirters adorable???!!!

Hope you had a fantastic Good Friday!