first steps!

Tonight, Calder took her first real steps. She's been taking 2 or 3 steps off and on for the past few weeks, but this time is was the REAL DEAL! So funny because I started walking right before I turned 14 months too.

And this was Calder earlier tonight. She LOVES music and dancing — and head banging. It cracks me up everytime!

Such indescribable JOY to watch this precious child change and grow every day!

Designer Bags

All three of these quotes seemed to go together for me. Love them and gosh, don't we all hate perfect and boring :)! I can't relate to perfect, but this quote always reminds me to be authentic and MYSELF. Nothing worse than trying too hard!

Wednesday Words

A M E N ! So easy to forget but so important remember.

the BIG 3-0

I keep hearing the Tim McGraw song "My Next 30 Years" in my head. Bruner turned the big 3-0 last week, and I think I need to come up with a list. 

It's weird how 30 used to sound so old, and then you get there and it's like...so what? I've got a lot to show for these 30 years! 30 starts to sound younger and younger every day!:) I have to remind myself I'm not there yet, but will be soon in September.

I couldn't think of anything special to give Bruner for his big 30th birthday. I wanted to give him something he'd keep forever and then it hit me...a portrait of Calder! It wouldn't be a big or fancy portrait, but instead a simple, sweet watercolor by the amazing Susan Woodard, an artist based in New Orleans. I blogged about her recently (see this post) and just adore her style.

I contacted Susan and after sending her several different picture options, we decided on this one. This sweet photo was taken by Chelsea Francis Photography back in November.

And here's the magic she produced. This pic doesn't do it justice but it'll give you an idea. Calder's watercolor is hanging in the kitchen and even though it's "faceless" — we can still tell it's our boogie from a mile away!

Since our Birthdays, Valentines and Anniversary's always fall together (why is that always the case?) we decided we were due for a much-needed getaway—just us two. We splurged (for us that is) and booked one night away at The Grand Hotel over the bay in Point Clear. 

it. was. wonderful. 

We ate amazing meals at Master Joes Sushi and Camilla Cafe, took long walks on the bay, pampered ourselves to a 1-hour massage (Bruner's first massage ever), and just enjoyed being together without a care in the world. It was perfect, and one night was all we needed. I woke up missing my Calder-bear bad! My Dad came in town and kept Calder for the night, and they just loved every minute of their short time together. Granddaddy spoils Calder and gives her pancakes and ice cream for lunch! But, that's what grandparents are for, right? It's so special to see such a tight bond between my parents and sweet Calder. They really do love each other to pieces, and it's surreal when I step back to think about it...

So much has changed in a year and we are so, so grateful. Stay tuned for "My next 30 Years" list...hmmm...where to begin??

Credits: Photo of Bruner & Calder taken by Amanda Roberds Photography

Happy Mardi Gras!

We've been busy this week with Mardi Gras! We had a blast (and Calder did too!) but we're looking forward to much needed down time.

 
Dropping off Calder at JoJo and Mack-daddy's before the Dragons ball last Friday...

having fun at her school parade!

Watching the floral parade on Saturday after the IM's barn party. She looks so much like Bruner here! I could kiss those lips right off her face!

And we had a great time at the OOM street party on Sunday. It's always one of my favorite parties and the fried oysters and shrimp are out of this world! My mom came in town all weekend and kept Calder so that was VERY helpful.

Here's a dorky picture of us before.

Throw me some beads ... daddy! Photo courtesy of al.com.

And here we are at the IM's ball Monday night. I love getting dressed up but I'm ready to go sans-makeup for a while too!:) My normal attire is a t-shirt and ball cap...so this is mighty fancy!

 

That's it for now. It's hard to get back into the swing of things but it sure is fun having Fat Tuesday off down here in Mobile...

all you need is less

This becomes truer to me everyday. 

Calder's procedure went well this morning—she got tubes in her ears and we're praying this makes a big difference for her! We are so thankful we caught this early and she hasn't had ear problems for too long...but you always worry as momma right? Love my little girl more than anything in the world and this quote is so true, especially when you really get down to what matters in life.

love my best girl friend!!

Super Commercials

My favorite part of the Super Bowl is the commercials. I love football (but not pro-football...just college football) so I entertained myself with the half-time show (Beyonce=amazing) and the commercials. I'm working on several different commercial ads right now, and I can't help but be inspired after I watch these two videos.

Oprah's Jeep commercial and the Dodge Ram "God made a farmer" ad were the clear winners for me. The Dodge Ram "God made a farmer" ad definitely reminded me of my Ole Miss friends and their family farming traditions. Neither of these videos were funny or crude—but instead, they were powerful and struck a personal cord with people. And a result, they were effective and left you wanting to watch more.

I do think Taco Bell takes the award for the funniest. I agree with Bleacher Report. They may be old, but at least they can drive, get into clubs, get tattoos, and enjoy a late night Doritos taco at Taco Bell. And they are so old that the cops can't do a darn thing to stop them without looking like complete jerks. Suddenly senior citizenship doesn't look so bad.

And I have to mention the half-time show again. Seriously, that girl can dance! I just love her and she was so fun to watch!

Ok..so what were your favorites?? Please share!