A Red Cottage Life

A CupCake

2011-01-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

"When you look at a cupcake, you've got to smile."

~Anne Byrn~

Tonight, as I was going through pictures of my cousin's wonderful wedding weekend, I was reminded of what a fantastically fun weekend it was. And I am sure in a future post, I will share more details about it. But tonight I have a sweet tooth and when I came across this picture I knew I had to share with you.

First of all, you should know that I love cupcakes and have had many in my day. But this cupcake, it was heaven. The cake was a graham cracker cake, topped with a layer of chocolate, then, instead of icing, toasted marshmellow goodness (that stuck to the tip of your nose :)) topped it off.

OH MY! SIMPLY AMAZING!

So tonight, I am grateful for yummy treats (and that there aren't any of these sitting around my house because they would all be eaten.....BY ME....and I am certain that would cause a tummy ache!).

Wishing you a yummy treat~

~M~

On Gratitude

2011-01-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

Every Monday (well most Mondays) my closest friends (The Nine) and I exchange a "Grateful List." In it we tell the five things that we are most grateful for that week. We have slacked off during some periods of our lives but have managed to keep it going for the most part since we met in college almost 10 years ago. Of course the lists vary, during tougher weeks sometimes all we can muster up is "that I am still alive" and other times the lists go on well beyond 5 things, including things like our families, pets, warm weather, cold weather, Christmas lights etc.

The point is that we try to take time out to think about what we are grateful for and share them with each other. It is the very core of our friendship and the very thing that I believe has kept us so close even as we have moved all over the world (currently, we live in 3 different cities in GA, Washington D.C, Alabama, Texas and Scotland) and started families, careers, completed grad school, etc. and yet, we still get together at least once a year and e-mail on a weekly basis.

In that spirit I have decided to change the purpose of this blog (maybe it will also help me blog more ;)). Of course, there will still be stories and photographs but the purpose of the blog will be to share things that I am grateful for. I believe it will also make me be more intentional about being grateful. And I encourage you to do the same. Keep a grateful list. It will change your life if you allow it. It has certainly changed mine and I believe taking that time to think about what I am grateful for, makes me the happy person I am today.

And so, today, I am grateful for Nature. Sometimes we need a reminder to slow down a bit. And with the ice/snow storm here in Georgia....we have had no choice but to slow down.

My Beautiful, Deserted, Icy Street.

Wishing you the joy of knowing true gratitude and slowing down,

~M~

Just Because...

2010-08-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

I realized that I haven't posted a picture of Faith Anne in awhile and wanted to be sure you knew she was still alive! This picture makes me laugh because she looks so serious, like she is really concentrating on something, maybe on trying to be good!

Wishing you a Terrific Tuesday!

~M and Faith Anne~

NAMI WALK

2010-08-22T21:11:00.001-04:00

A few months ago a very dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Instead of feeling sorry for herself she decided to get into action. Some of her loved ones, including us* :), are joining her at the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk September 18th to raise awareness and erase the stigma attached to mental illness.

If you would like to support this amazing cause, click here to donate! (Every little bit helps!!!)

We couldn't be more proud of my amazing friend and her willingness to use her voice!!!

*Us refers to M and Faith Anne....that's right I just read on the website that Doggies are allowed!!! NAMI WALK HERE WE COME!!!!

Wishing you friends who inspire~

~M and Faith Anne~

War

2010-07-26T20:24:00.003-04:00

Dear Ants:

You have forced us to declare war. And while you may have won a few battles, please know that we will win the war. Consider this your notice and move out of my kitchen....ASAP. If you do not, we will take whatever means necessary to remove you from our beloved home.

Sincerely,

~M and Faith Anne~

Wishing You a Pest Free Home~

~M and Faith Anne~

A Friday Favorite

2010-06-25T06:48:00.001-04:00

Life is about the simple moments.

Momma, Daddy, Hannah, and I recently took a trip to New York City for an extended weekend. It was a fantastic trip and I loved every minute. The picture above is one of my favorite moments.

Hannah and I were inside the fantastic smelling Magnolia Bakery picking out cupcakes for a snack (we chose the red velvet with cream cheese icing and chocolate with chocolate icing....YUMMY, EXCELLENT choices!!!). We also ended up with highly recommended banana pudding that we immediately inhaled with Momma and Daddy.

While in the really long line with tons of people, Momma and Daddy were snapping pictures of us. This one is my favorite. We ~~look~~ were so happy....Hannah and I were laughing at them taking the pictures, people were bumping into us, and it was just a little, delightfully chaotic.

I don't know why I remeber that little moment so well, but I think it's because we were all together enjoying a spontaneous moment, doing what we do best in our family: laughing, enjoying life and each other.

So yes, seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building are great....but don't forget to pay attention to the simple moments and joys ~~on your next vacation~~ today.

Wishing you a Delightfully Chaotic Moment with a Fabulous Family~

~M~

Eric Bibb

2010-06-15T21:51:00.000-04:00

I think I am in love. Really. I love everything about this guy's music!! It is bluesy and meaningful and down right fantastic really.

Listen to the song above, called The Cape. Aren't they lyrics amazing and something that every parent/teacher/mentor/social worker :) would wish for their kids?!? I think it will be my new mantra!

And after you listen, then google him, you tube him, and visit his website at www.ericbibb.com. You won't regret it. I promise!!

Wishing that you will always trust your cape~

~M~

*Thanks to my Daddy for introducing me to Mr. Bibb!!*

**There will probably be lots more Mr. Bibb music posted in the coming weeks!*

Weekly Words

2010-06-14T23:40:00.001-04:00

"Your own life is your greatest adventure."

~Zen~

Wishing you the sheer joy in knowing just that~

~M~

Happy Summer!!

2010-06-01T22:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Summer!

I don't know about you but my kids sure are glad school is out and 2 months of freedom are ahead. I haven't decided if I am excited about that or not. I will let you know when I post about "Happy Fall."

My plans this summer: Work, but not too hard. Lay out by my parents' pool. Visit dear friends. Celebrate Father's Day, Momma's 48th birthday, the fourth, and every other day. Attend lots of Cookouts. Make some blueberry, strawberry, and peach preserves. Bake a lot. Take Faith Anne to Bark at the Park to see the Brave's game. Go to our little farmers' market downtown and see a few "Flicks on the Bricks" on Friday evenings.

And somewhere in between all that, I will be trying to assure that my sweet angelic teenagers stay out of trouble!

What are your plans for the next few months?

Wishing you a SPLENDID SUMMER~

~M and Faith Anne~

Weekly Words

2010-05-02T22:29:00.004-04:00

*Photo Taken By Amos Lingenfelter*

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

~Ruth Ann Schabacker~

*Click here for a picture of the super cute and super talented photographer*

Wishing you fun while "untying the ribbons"~

~M~

Jealous

2010-04-29T06:00:00.002-04:00

This is Mr. Bill (yes, this Mr. Bill), his wife, Ms. Kelley, and their children, Sam and Molly.

(Their daughter Amy is not pictured and Sam's friend-I can't remember his name :(-is added at the top left.)

I should tell you that I have only met this charming family twice in the past year and a half.

But they just have a way about them. You only have to meet them once to know that they are, as my Daddy says, "Good People."

So, why am I jealous you ask?

They invited Momma, Daddy, Hannah and I to dinner tonight.

Hannah and I are unable to make it. But Momma and Daddy get to go.

They get to have a good dinner, with good company, in a beautiful house with a great front porch.

So I am jealous. Green with envy.

Oh well, now they will just have to have another dinner, maybe on a weekend, and invite us all again.

HINT, HINT Anderson Family!!!

Wishing you "Good People" in your life~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-04-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

Look at my Faith Anne and her sweet smile!

Doesn't she look so joyful in this picture?!?

Wishing you the Simple Joy of a Sweet Smile~

~M and Faith Anne~

Another Beautiful Drive

2010-04-27T21:06:00.001-04:00

Today, I spent over 3 hours in the car for work. And it was a gorgeous drive.

I think Faith Anne and I may start taking a drive on Sunday afternoons. She would like that. And so would I.

Maybe we will run into more sweet little guys like this.

Don't you love the way he is looking right at me?!?

He talked to me too....mooooed a lot.

He was adorable and sweet.

A great surprise in my day!

Wishing you a Sweet Surprise on a Beautiful Drive~

~M~

**For my previous post on a long drive for work...click here.**

Monday Memories

2010-04-26T22:45:00.000-04:00

The Memory:

**Now, this was taken AFTER I pressure washed the driveway and all the dirt ended up all over the pots...come on! You didn't think it was THAT bad did you!?!?**

I don't have an explanation for the leaves though.

And what will hopefully not become a memory:

Don't you think that is soooo much better!?

It was my sister's suggestion to take out some of the pots and use them in other areas of the yard.

I think she was....errr...not wrong. :)!

And for goodness sake, don't tell her that. We would hate for her to think she was "not wrong" too often....it might go to her head!

More before and afters comin' your way in the comin' weeks!

Wishing you FUNTASTIC FLOWERS~

~M and Faith Anne~

Through A Dog's Eyes

2010-04-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

Do you want to feel all Warm and Fuzzy??

Come On. I know you do.

WATCH THIS...

Click here to get more information on this wonderful organization and go here to see the film Through A Dog's Eyes in full.

And have tissue handy.

And hug your dog extra tonight.

Wishing you a Warm and Fuzzy Weekend~

~M and Faith Anne~

Weekly Words

2010-04-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

"Come into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher. "

~William Wordsworth ~

Wishing you a Happy Earth Day~

~M and Faith Anne~

A Prayer For Children

2010-04-20T22:30:00.003-04:00

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Last April I posted this. This year, my Aunt Jan gave me a great "prayer" from a newspaper clipping she had. I have no idea what newspaper, what year, or who wrote it. But I do know it is awesome. I thought I would share it with you.

A Prayer for Children
By: Ina Hughs

We pray for children

who put chocolate fingers

everywhere,

who like to be tickled,

who stomp in puddles and ruin

their new pants,

who sneak Popsicles before

supper,

who erase holes in math
workbooks,

who can never find their shoes.

And we pray for those
who stare at photographers

from behind barbed wire,

who’ve never squeaked across

the floor in new sneakers,

who never “counted potatoes,”

who are born in places we wouldn’t be caught dead,

who never go to the circus,

who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children

who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,

who sleep with the dog and bury

goldfish,

who hug us in a hurry and forget

their lunch money,

who cover themselves with

Band-Aids and sing off key,

who squeeze toothpaste all over

the sink,

who slurp their soup.

And we pray for those who never get dessert,

who watch their parents watch

them die,

who have no safe blanket to drag

behind,

who can’t find any bread to

steal,

who don’t have any rooms to clean up,

whose pictures aren’t on anybody’s dresser,

whose monsters are real.

We pray for children

who spend all their allowance

before Tuesday,

who throw tantrums in the

grocery store,

and pick at their food,

who like ghost stories,

who shove dirty clothes under

the bed,

and never rinse out the tub,

who get visits from the tooth

fairy,

who don’t like to be kissed in

front of the car pool,

who squirm in church and

scream in the phone,

whose tears we sometimes

laugh at

and whose smiles can make us

cry.

And we pray for those

whose nightmares come in the

daytime,

who will eat anything,

who have never seen a dentist,

who aren’t spoiled by anybody,

who go to bed hungry and cry

themselves to sleep,

who live and move,but have no

being.

We pray for children

who want to be carried,

and for those who must.

for those we never give up on,

and for those who never get a

chance.

For those we smother,

and for those who will grab the

hand of anybody

kind enough to offer.

And so, this month and always: Love a Child. Hug and Kiss them. Let them know that They are the Only Them on the Planet and that They Matter. Pray for Them.

And while you love the children in your life, remember that there are many, many, many children in the world, in your country, in your state, in your city, in your neighborhood, and perhaps even next door that need:

Love. Hugs and Kisses. Someone to tell them that They are the Only Them on the Planet and that They Matter. Pray for Them too.

Wishing Love and Happiness to ALL the children of the world~

~M~

A "HouseLift"

2010-04-19T22:07:00.001-04:00

Well friends, after a few weeks of no internet...something about the incorrect IP address (whatever that means)....I have much to blog about!

Faith Anne and I weren't the only ones who needed Spring to hurry and get here. The Little Red Cottage desperately needed some refreshing...a HouseLift if you will....

Here is the before shot. I am a little embarrassed....but what can I say...during the winter months (except Christmastime)...I do little to cozy up the outside of my little home.

Please take time to notice my poor poor pots to the far left of the picture.

Aren't they so sad?!?

You can also notice Faith Anne sticking her head between the rails on the left of the porch. I think she enjoys doing that because she knows that it freaks me out!

Before I show you an after shot...I should tell you that I have a new found love. Maybe a new career. We shall see where it leads....here's a hint....

Yes! I am in love with pressure washing! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

(My neighbor actually wrote my name...my handwriting is not that good on paper...let alone with a pressure washer.)

So if you need something pressure washed...I am your gal!

Anyhoo, back to the after shot.

Are you ready...

It is a little bit of a shocker....

Here we go....

Isn't it FANTASTIC?!?!

I do love the yellow door and the ferns, and the flowers...most of which I have managed to keep alive and even thriving :)!

I will post more "close ups" of particular areas in the coming weeks.

That's what Faith Anne and I have been up to in the past month....

What have you been up too?!?

Wishing you a "Happy HouseLift"~

~M and Faith Anne~

Weekly Words

2010-03-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

courage does not always roar.

sometimes courage is the quiet voice

at the end of the day saying,

"i will try again tomorrow"

~mary anne radmacher~

Wishing you the courage to always "try again tomrrow"~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-03-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

Faith Anne

After a rough couple of days at work....

She is my joy today.

I just love my sweet sweet girl.

Wishing you the simple joy of

a sweet puppy after a hard days work~

~M~

Monday Memories

2010-03-22T21:59:00.001-04:00

Have I mentioned that I love Christmas time?

Well, in case I haven't lately, you should know that I do love Christmas time. A lot.

I also love baking...

Put the two together....and add Momma and Daddy to the mix.

It is almost more happiness than I can stand.

But that is just what we did in late December.

We baked lots of cookies and decorated about 50 of them.

And we wore fun Christmas aprons too. Daddy included.

It is one of my warmest holiday memories from 2009.

Wishing you a warm holiday memory~

(on what will hopefully be the last cold Monday for a long while :))

~M~

Weekly Words

2010-03-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."

~Pau (Pablo) Casals ~

I love this. LOVE THIS. It is so true. If we can accomplish this, I believe that we are well on our way to solving a great deal of the world's problems.

Wishing you the joy of knowing that you too are a miracle~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-03-17T20:54:00.000-04:00

Well Hello Mid March!!! What did you do with February and the first half of March?!?

Goodness, how time flies!

This Week's Simple Joy:

Spring Is In The Air!!!

I cannot tell you how excited I was to see these GORGEOUS BLOOMS

on the Maple Tree in my front yard!!!

It is a sure sign that Spring is coming!!!

And if you ask me...it is about damn time!!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend of planting Beautiful Blooms~

~M and Faith Anne~

Weekly Words

2010-01-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes. I'm out of control and at times hard to handle, but if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

~Marilyn Monroe~

I first read this quote on our family blog, when my sister posted it. I love it. Not just for women and not just for "romantic relationships." I think this should apply in every relationship (romantic, families friendships, etc.) for girls and boys and men and women.

Wishing you people in your life who deserve you at your best~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-01-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

I was going through some pictures and I found this one of my PawPaw on Christmas Day. It brought tears to my eyes. Isn't he so joyful? I just love this picture! And my PawPaw!

Wishing you great picture of a very joyful PawPaw~

~M~

A New View

2010-01-26T12:00:00.004-05:00

Do you notice anything?

YEP!

That is a wooden swing hanging on a rope. From a tree limb.

It is delightful. And charming.

Oh! How I Love A Swing, Hanging On A Rope, From a Tree Limb.

So here is the story about how this came to be...

Momma and Daddy asked for my Christmas List.

I included a wooden swing hanging on a rope, to hang from the tree in my backyard. (I also included in the list that I would like labor to be included~pretty smart heh?)

Christmas Morning, I found said swing in with some other gifts.

One Very Cold. Let me say that again. VERY COLD. day in January, Momma and Daddy came to hang the swing. That method didn't work. So we tried again, this past Saturday (you know before we were almost all flooded by all the rain on Sunday) with the blue straps you see in the picture above-ordered from E-Bay. And my sweet Daddy, who is afraid of heights, climbed the ladder, again. And my sweet Momma helped him by making common sense suggestions from below. God Bless Her and My Daddy. I honestly don't know how they would have made it without each other. So we they did it. They hung my swing.
Here are some pictures to show you how good of a job they did...

Oh! How I Love A Swing, Hanging On A Rope, From a Tree Limb.

How Delightful. And Charming.

And WHAT A VIEW!

Wishing you a lovely new view~

~M~

Monday Memories

2010-01-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

This is was the the view of my backyard from my bedroom window.
(Yes, I am aware that my backyard needs lots of work. What can I say? I am a social worker, who works for the state, who is furloughed...yep I would say it is going to take a few years :))

Tune in tomorrow for the reason it's not anymore...

And...here's a hint....

Wishing you a Merry Monday~
~M~

Weekly Words

2010-01-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

"Think about your particular assignment at this time in your life. It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children, it may be to be a grandparent, it may be to care for and relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own. Our assignments are varied and they change from time to time. Don't take them lightly. Give them your full heart and energy. Do them with enthusiasm. Do whatever you have to do this week with your whole heart and soul. To do less than this will leave you with an empty feeling."

~Marjorie Hinckley~

Wishing you a full heart at your current "assignment"~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-01-20T06:30:00.001-05:00

This Cutie and his Sweet Mom (who I work with) moved in across this street over the weekend!

Couldn't you just eat him up!

(Yes, he is at my house in this picture. Yes, those are sprinkles, lots of sprinkles on cookies, before lunch. Yes, at M's house you pretty much get to do what you want-so long as you are not harming yourself, others or doing permanent damage to M's home. I am not their parent, therefore it is my job to spoil the hell out of them. And if I must say so myself....I do it quite well :))

Nice Neighbors and Another Kid in My Life to Spoil....

Does it get any better?!?

Wishing you the simple joy of a nice neighbor with a sweet boy to spoil~

~M~

On Working With Teenagers

2010-01-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

In case I haven't mentioned it lately; I am a social worker.

(so that's not my official title but that is basically what I do so to keep it simple that's what I tell people)

I am a social worker that works primarily with teenage girls in the foster care system.

Have I told you about the joy it brings me?

I do love my job. And I do love my kids.

But honestly. Sometimes they can drive me crazy.

In case you need proof, I give you a portion of a phone call I received one afternoon from one of my kids.

D: "Ms. M I got another cell phone taken away again."

Me (in not so nice, not so patient tone): "D! You just got two cell phones taken away from you! And I asked you yesterday when I saw you if you had another one!...."

D: "Ms. M! I didn't have one then! I bought it after you left!

Crazy I tell you.

Crazy.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Wishing you a career that drives you CRAZY~
~M~

Monday Memories

2010-01-18T22:03:00.001-05:00

One day last summer, when Faith Anne and I were at Momma and Daddy's for the weekend, we heard an ice cream truck go by. And we ran outside and Momma and I jumped up and down and yelled and screamed like little kids until the ice cream truck came back. (And I think Daddy may have yelled and screamed some too.) Then we realized that none of us had any cash. So we did what any good parent would allow their children to do (even if they are grown :)). We raided Momma and Daddy's "Romantic Getaway" Piggy. This is a picture of the aftermath. Poor Piggy.

As I recall though....we had a great time eating our ice cream and talking to the really nice ice cream lady who patiently waited while we raided the piggy bank.

(Hopefully it didn't cause too much of a delay in the next romantic getaway....)

Wishing you an unexpected treat and parents as cool as mine~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-01-13T06:30:00.006-05:00

Today's Simple Joy:

Running across great pictures that make you laugh out loud.

Like this one of Dazi Mae at my house.

Late November 2009.

Wishing you a good laugh over a great photo~

~M~

Monday Memories

2010-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

I do not have a 10 karat diamond tennis bracelet.

I have something much more valuable than that.

A simple. beautiful.

charm bracelet that

Momma and Daddy gave me years ago.

Honestly, I don't remember what the occasion was...

probably Christmas or a birthday.

But I can tell you this:

You know the question,

"What would you save from a fire assuming all people and pets made it out?"

For me, my charm bracelet would be it.

And what does that have to do with a Monday Memory you ask?

Every charm holds a memory; in most cases, holds many memories.

There is the Pooh Bear Face from the dance competition in Disney World that Momma and went to with Hannah. Instead of going to the parks we went hotel hopping to many of the Disney Hotels and had SO MUCH FUN!

The Silver Flip Flops are representative of our many trips to Seaside and Rosemary Beach Florida. Some of my most fond family memories are from those weeks at a beach house. Doing absolutely nothing.

Just looking at my Statue of Liberty charm brings back memories of all three times that I had the privilege of visiting New York City. The most memorable is the trip that Momma and Daddy surprised up with one Christmas while I was in high school. We loved experiencing NYC right after Christmas and into a new year. It was a blast.

The horse and buggy from the Amish Country, The Red Bus from my trip to England with Blair to see JM during the summer of 2008, the musical note for my 10 years of piano lessons and flute playing in high school band, and of course a big sister charm, 'cause that's my most important role in my life to date, the RCL charm that reminds me of my 26th birthday when my sister gave it to me and of all my experiences in my little red cottage since college, etc.

I love my charm bracelet. I love it even more when friends, family, "my kids," or a complete stranger asks to see my beloved charm bracelet and asks about a certain charm. Because that means I get to share a wonderful moment, a wonderful memory in my life.

Wishing you flood of memories on this 2nd Monday of 2010~
~M~

Weekly Words

2010-01-10T21:50:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of quotes. Quotes about life, love, happieness, etc.
So every week, at some point, I will post a favorite.
Here's the first!

Wishing you lots of fun CREATING!!~

~M~

**Image from here.**

Nap Time

2010-01-09T19:05:00.002-05:00

Wishing you Restful Weekend~

~M and Faith Anne~

Personality Differences

2010-01-08T22:02:00.011-05:00

Faith Anne, Hope Eigh, and Dazi Mae got to spend lots of time together over the holidays.

And they loved their time together.

And I was reminded of how different their personalities are.

This first picture shows Dazi Mae (at right) and Faith Anne's (at left) reactions at first hearing the word "treat."

And the Second Picture.

The Second Picture shows what happened about 1/2 millisecond later.

Faith Anne just takes after her Momma and makes sure that she enjoys the very little things in life!

Wishing you sheer excitement at the word "treat"~

~M~

Winter Weather

2010-01-07T22:15:00.022-05:00

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.

~John Ruskin~

Wishing you and yours a warm night in~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2010-01-06T22:00:00.002-05:00

On New Year's Eve some of my favorite kids agreed to spend the night with me.

We had a BLAST.

I will post a blog about all the fun later....

(I have to get one of the mom's permission to post pics of her sweet boy.)

In the meantime...

Today when I got home from work I found these two sweet sweet cards in my mailbox.

From these two cuties.

I can't think of a better simple joy on a bitter cold day.

Can you?

I captured this sweet moment of the brother and sister

during our fun filled New Year's Eve together.

A and L~

YOU MADE MY DAY!

And I should be sending you a thank you note for coming.

We will have to have another spend the night party soon!

I love you lots!

~M~

Wishing you the simple joy

of a child's thank you~

~M~

Don't Be Fooled!

2010-01-05T19:56:00.007-05:00

These two may look sad and like they are very mistreated...

But don't be Fooled.

They are Rotten.

Spoiled Rotten.

Do you notice that extra tag on Faith Anne with the little pink rhinestones?

Hope Eigh has one too.

Do you see what it says?

"My Nana & Poppy Love Me"

Do you understand what my sister and I are up against

when/if my parents have "human grandchildren"?

I think we are in big trouble.

Wishing you a "Nana and Poppy"

that love and spoil rotten~

~M and Faith Anne~

2010 and WE'RE BACK!!!

2010-01-04T21:08:00.000-05:00

Happy 2010!

Faith Anne and I hope you had a

Wonderful Holiday Season

Full of Family, Friends, and Pure Heavenly Joy.

(we certainly did!)

We also wanted to let you know that we are back to blogging so check back often!

Wishing you love, happiness, and yes, peace in 2010~

~M and Faith Anne~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-10-14T22:15:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago I was on the last leg of my near 1000 miles of driving for work in three days.

Now, don't get me wrong. I Love Driving.

Driving is when:

I clear my head.

Sing Really Loud.

Enjoy The Peace.

But on this particular day. I was tired. Tired of driving. And more than tired of the very dreary weather that I had been driving in for nearly the entire 3 days.

But then, then I came across this

awesome sea of yellow...

that went on and on and on and on.

and I thought: My goodness, what is that?

So I decided to take a detour and get a little closer.....

and found the

awesome sea of yellow

to be an

awesome sea of sunflowers

So I took some close ups.

And drove around the block.

and found that it went on and on and on

beyond the railroad track

and

even beyond the kudzu!

Wishing you the simple joy of a

Detour

and an

Awesome Sea of Yellow~

~M~

ps: yellow is my favorite color...because it is such a happy color....don't you agree?

Monday Memories

2009-10-12T10:30:00.002-04:00

A & L. Two of my favorite kids on the planet.

I love love love them.

These were taken sometime in mid 2007

on one of our many "dates" together.

I also love love love their parents for trusting me with their "precious cargo."

What a gift.

Wishing you a Merry Monday and the

blessing of children~

~M~

**By the way~as this is posting I will be picking A and L up in Huntsville (I cannot wait to hear all about their weekend) on my way home and taking them home where their Mommy and Daddy will be anticipating their arrival...I will be sure to take a few pictures of them and share them with you...they have grown up so much in the past two years!**

Nashville

2009-10-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

You thought I was gone forever didn't you?!? NOPE!!! There has just been a lot going on in this Red Cottage Life...so much so that I haven't had a chance to blog about it!

Tonight I am wrapping up my last visit in Nashville with my dear friend Blair (one of The Nine) where she is currently working on her Masters of Divinity at Vanderbilt Divinity School....yes I hang out with super smart people (wait until I finally get around to an explanation of The Nine and my High School Friends)...no that does not mean I am super smart...:)!!

We had a FANTASTIC time as always!!!

Below are some of my favorites of Nashville and of my trip this year...

I absolutely love love love this restaurant....and I will miss it DEEPLY next year when Blair is not in Nashville anymore...I had that meal last year and this year...AMAZING MEAL!!!

Probably my favorite person that Blair met in Nashville.

Khette is one of the most genuine people I have ever met and her laugh is infectious.

A tree at Vanderbilt in front of a GORGEOUS Chapel.

The gooses (yes, I am aware that it should be geese but I like the way "gooses" sounds better...okay??) that always greet me at Blair's apartment complex...

Me being ultra silly....

Blair looking to the heavens for some help for me....

She does this alot...I wonder if it because it is habit from her training to become a Methodist Preacher...of if it is just because

she thinks I need serious help...

Finally....

This year...

We decided to take some "senior portraits"

(at least that's what it felt like when we were taking them...)

Blair's Senior Portrait

My Senior Portrait....

So here's to Nashville and three wonderful weekends....

and more importantly here's to the wonderful weekends ahead...

Wishing You a Wonderful Friend in a Wonderful City~

~M~

Wedneday's Simple Joys

2009-09-23T06:30:00.001-04:00

Oh how I wish computers were

"scratch and sniff!"

I have three Tea Olive bushes beside my front porch...

And oh my, the wonderful aroma that greets me when they are in bloom!!

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

(and to make it even better...they are very low maintainence. I haven't done a thing to them-except cut off blooms to put in mason jars :)!-in over three years...and they are still alive and kickin'...pretty cool eh?)

May I also suggest...

This is a really simple way to bring joy to a neighbor.

Go out to your yard, find a shrub with blooms, some flowers, anything, and cut a few blooms.

(people, if I have living beautiful plants in my yard...

all of you do too :))

Put them in a mason jar or old can.

Take them to someone you love.

It is simple.

And brings joy.

And if you do it on a Wednesday...you will be providing a "Wednesday's Simple Joy" for someone...ring a bell?!?

And as a bonus...

Just because she is so stinkin' cute....

A picture of Faith Anne....

Wishing you the simple joy of a Tea Olive in a Mason Jar

(and a cute Faith Anne too!)~

~M~

Monday Memories

2009-09-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

Happy is Back!

I know. You are wondering, "What does that mean?! Did Happy ever leave?"

Well sort of. Happy is a bear that my sweet family gave me when I went to college.

(Remember my post on change....)

It was not just any bear though....

On the afternoon of August 24th, 2002 (God, I am getting old), the summer before I left for college, I came home to find a tiny box tied with a pretty yellow ribbon (yellow is my favorite color). Inside were three recorders, one with a message from my Daddy, one with a message from my Momma and one with a message from my baby sister.

I think I cried. Okay...I know I cried :)! And then, I think I looked a little puzzled.

My Momma explained that the tiny recorders were from Build a Bear and that we were all leaving that very minute to go "build a bear" together.

And that is just what we did. We picked out a bear and then we built it.

Can I tell you how wonderful it was? My sweet family each put a tiny heart in my bear in addition to their tiny recorders. They even made a wish, kissed the heart and as I recall, a little dance was involved. We stuffed the bear and fluffed the bear.

Then it was time to name it. I could think of no better name than "Happy." When I think of Home that is the first word that comes to mind "Happy." So that's what I named it. I even have a birth certificate for my sweet Happy.

Now, I know you are also wondering why "Happy is Back. Where did Happy ever go?"

Well, poor Happy. Happy survived four years of college. By my fourth year, I had pressed the recorders so much that they stopped working, all of them, completely. But I still loved my Happy; Coke stains, tears, trips home, trips back to college, and finally a move here, to the little red cottage, Happy had been through a lot with me. Somehow, Happy wound up on a top shelf in my closet and that's where Happy sat for about three years.

Until recently, I rediscovered my bear that had been through so much with me.

A bath, a few stitches, and a new pretty red ribbon later...and...

Happy is Back!

(If only we could convince sweet Faith Anne not to love Happy so much...:)!!)

Wishing you a Marvelous Monday Memory,

~M~

Rain Rain, Went Away!

2009-09-20T20:00:00.001-04:00

After nearly an entire week of this....

And yes, even more of this....

Faith Anne and I looked out of our kitchen window today...

and found the most AMAZING THING....

THE SUN!!!!
(and on Sunday...how appropriate)

We rejoiced! And went outside! And enjoyed...

Our Flowers...at least the ones we haven't killed yet!

And we basked in the sun! And Faith Anne posed for this picture...

I think the sign suits her well...don't you?

And as we were going inside we saw the most amazing sunshine rays...

and we noticed something in the upper right hand corner...so we zoomed in...and

saw the most beautiful spider web...

Don't you agree that it is a beautiful spider web?

Then we came in a took a nap.

What did you do today?

Wishing you a Sunny Sunday!~

~M and Faith Anne~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-09-16T22:30:00.015-04:00

This Wednesday's Simple Joy is...

"A Perfect Saturday Evening"
and much more!

Have I mentioned lately, how much I love my neighborhood? Well, in case I haven't...

I love my neighborhood!

Saturday evening, after cutting my grass, (Yes, I do cut my own grass~a lot of the time~with a pushing mower, although it is self propelled) my sweet neighbor, Dana asked if I wanted to join her on her front porch for some chattin' and daquiri drinkin.' Since I can think of no better way to enjoy a cool Saturday evening I, of course, said yes.

As we were chattin' and daquiri drinkin' we smelled something wonderful cooking! And about 15 minutes later our neighbors Conrad and Alex brought us some beef ribs. And they smelled AMAZING! Dana remembered that she had some fresh green beans and tomatoes that our neighbor Ms. Tucker picked from her vegetable garden.

So we had the most amazing meal provide completely by our neighbors...

See....

I cleaned my plate!

After eating the really late dinner (it was like 10PM!) Dana and I took Alex and Conrad a daquiri in appreciation for their sweet gesture and then went back to porch sittin', daquiri drinkin' and chattin' until midnight.

Wishing you the simple joy of a wonderful meal

and the

greater joy of wonderful neighbors~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-09-09T12:00:00.001-04:00

Remember last Wednesday when I gave you a simple joy that did not cost you a dime?!? Remember how excited you were?!?

Well guess what people! I have another simple joy that will not cost you a dime!

Are you ready?!?

It is called the "Ha Game!!"

Now I know you are wondering what this is...don't worry I am going to explain it to you...

Here's what you do:

First of all you need at least two people...but I think it is best when you have at least four and the more the merrier....play with 100 if you want!

The first person lays on the ground. The second person lays their head on the first person's stomach. The third person lays their head on the second person's stomach and so on....

Then the first person goes "Ha." The second person goes "Ha. Ha." The third person goes "Ha. Ha. Ha." The fourth person goes "Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha." And so on...when you run out of people it goes back to the first person who continues the "Has." For example. In this case, we had four people. So after the fourth person went "Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha," The first person would then go "Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha." And then the second person would go. And so on.

Seems easy enough right? Well yes...BUT the object is to do it WITHOUT LAUGHING!!! And people...this may not sound like it would make you laugh...but I PROMISE YOU WILL!!! It is soooo damn funny.

Please play. Play with your family. Play with your friends, your co-workers, anyone really. (I have played with my family of four, a group of 9 friends, and even a group of 30 band members.) It breaks up the tension. Provides some joy. You will have so much fun...it will cause you to skip! And is there anything more joyful than experiencing not one...but TWO simple joys in one day that do not cost you a DIME!!!

And you know I never leave you without awesome pictures!!!

Playing with the fam probably around 2004
(obviously I was taking the picture)

I wish I had more pictures. We have played

it lots. I just couldn't find anymore pictures.

A series a shots of me and some of The Nine playing "Ha."

Blair took the pics.

Wishing you the simple joy of a game of "Ha"~

~M~

*Please comment after you play and tell me about your "Ha" experience! You can even e-mail me pictures! I would love to see them!!!*

Sister

2009-09-08T16:42:00.007-04:00

On February 13, 1985, a short 17 months after I was born, my parents gave me the greatest gift I have ever received. My sister, Hannah. Of course, I don't remember her birthdate nor do I remember my life before she came into my life. And thank God for that.

Hannah is everything that I am not. Literally. She is tall with blond straight hair and I am short with brown curly hair. Growing up: She was very easygoing. I was very high stress. She was hilariously funny. I was very serious with no sense of humor. She was messy. I was neat. (We shared a room until I was in fifth grade I think. We nearly killed each other.) She was even keeled. I was hot tempered. She was popular. I was not. School came easy to her. It did not come easy to me. She had "boyfriends" beginning in like 4th grade. I did not. She was gutsy and brave. I was cautious and timid. She liked change. I did not. She moved at what became known to the family as "Hannah Speed" known to the rest of the world as extremely slow. I did not. She was a dancer. I took piano lessons. And I could go on and on and on and on.

But we share many of the same memories.

Every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember (even after we had separate bedrooms) we have slept in the same room, both staying up into all hours of the night anticipating Christmas Day. And all the birthdays and other holidays we have celebrated with each other. (I think I have said before how big holidays and birthdays are in my family.) The vacations. The numerous piano recitals she sat through and the numerous dance recitals I sat through. The many movies that we have seen together. (My favorite part of seeing movies with Hannah are the impressions she does in the weeks and days after the movie.) All of our family dinners and game nights. And I could go on and on and on and on.

As we have grown older, a few things have changed. Hannah has become a little more high stress. (Grown up responsibilities tend to make even the most easy going person a little more stressed right?!) I have become a little more easy going. (I credit that to my career choice...I am forced to put thing in perspective daily) A lot has remained the same. Hannah still loves change. I still do not. She is still gutsy and brave. I am still cautious and timid. And I could go on and on and on and on. Most importantly though...

She was, from the moment she was born, is, and always will be the great love of my life.

Wishing you a great love in your life~

~M~

*To get my mother's perspective on our relationship click here.*

Monday Memories

2009-09-07T22:51:00.005-04:00

"The Nine"

(Stay tuned later this week for the story of "The Nine")

BR: Jane Marie, Me, Margaret, Court, Amber, Blair

FR: Katie, Laura Loo, & Noe

Noe's Senior Recital

Spring 2006

Wishing you wonderful, talented friends~

~M~

Monday Memories

2009-09-03T23:19:00.006-04:00

I am aware that today is not Monday. However, my dear father has informed me that not having a Monday Memories was unacceptable. I thought the Doggy Daughters was sort of a Monday Memories but was informed that it is not. It MUST have Monday Memories as the title. So this is Monday Memories on Thursday.

Me, Hannah, Donald Duck, and Some Random Boy

Disney World

September 1991

Wishing you fun family vacations and even more fun family photos~

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-09-02T22:33:00.009-04:00

Today's Simple Joy will not cost you a penny

and can done right where you are this very minute!

Fabulous...right?!!?

Want to know what it is??

It is....

SKIPPING!!!

I know you are wondering why skipping...

It is because for one brief millisecond skipping allows

you to be completely in the air.

No Worries.

No Stress.
Just You.

In the Air.

Thinking about Absolutely Nothing.

And try skipping without smiling/laughing.

If you succeed...leave a comment and let me know!

Nearly Impossible People!

And even better....

Skip with others...

This weekend, Momma, Daddy, Hannah,

Hope Eigh and Dazi Mae

were visiting me and Faith Anne for

"The Red Cottage Life Experience"

and we all skipped around

Faith Anne's Home Town.

And had SO MUCH FUN!!

And because I know my readers
(all 12 of them :))

we do have pictures of us

skipping through town

for your enjoyment!

I wouldn't leave you hangin!!!

I did not get any of Hannah for some reason...

But don't worry...I will!

So without further ado...

Doesn't it look like fun?!?!?!?

Now why are you still sitting here...

Off you go!

Skip away!!!

Wishing you the simple joy of a "hop and a skip"~

~M~

Doggy Daughters!

2009-09-01T21:38:00.015-04:00

My Faith Anne turned three today!!! I cannot believe it!

Faith Anne

December 2006

Nana and Poppy's Home
(yes, Faith Anne does call my parents Nana and Poppy)

Isn't she soooo super cute!?!

I wish I could explain how much she has enriched my life...

but that would be impossible so you will just have to take my word for it!

Faith Anne

August 2009

Her Home

And because her sister-cousin (sister because they are supposedly litter mates and cousin because my sister is Hope Eigh's Mom), Hope Eigh, shares the same birthday and entered my life at the same time....here a before and now picture of her.

And just because she is just as cute as Hope Eigh and Faith Anne....

I give you Dazi Mae!

(Nana and Poppy's "Doggy Daughter" aka Hope Eigh and Faith Ann's Aunt)

Happy Birthday Faith Anne and Hope Eigh!!!

Thank You Dazi Mae for being such a wonderful Aunt!

Wishing you the joy of "doggy daughters"~

~M~

OH NO!!! IT'S AN INVASION!!!

2009-08-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

It seems that mine and Faith Anne's backyard has been invaded! By these....

You Guessed it!!!

MUSHROOMS!!!!

See....

I think they are beautiful....

And if you must experience a backyard invasion....

I am

Wishing you one as peaceful as this one!

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-08-26T19:53:00.006-04:00

Remember when you were little and you and your siblings absolutely positively COULD NOT WAIT until Santa or the Easter Bunny came? Or when your parents had maybe been out of town and they were coming home? Or what about that birthday party your mom said that your friends were coming to....just to celebrate you?

You know that feeling right?!?!

The very absolutely cannot wait, all I want to talk about, been planning for and anticipating for what seems like FOREVER?!?

That feeling. That feeling is this week's simple joy.

I TRIPLE LOVE THAT FEELING. REALLY!!!

Always have! See....

I found this picture of me as a "tiny tot" from my picture wall to prove it to you! See how excited I am?!?!

By the way...I have that feeling right this very minute!!! Faith Anne and I have been planning a fun weekend in Faith Anne's hometown for Momma, Daddy and Hannah (yes Hope Eigh and Dazi Mae will be joining us as well!!) for well, a long time!!! And it is finally here! In less than 48 hours!!! HOORAY!!!

Wishing you the simple joy of that feeling of pure excitement and anticipation-

~M~

Monday Memories

2009-08-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

I'm Back! My computer had some difficulties last week but we are up and running again!

Hannah and Me!

Early Spring 2006

My House!

The day I signed a contract....

See how much it has changed in three years!!

I will be posting before and after pictures in the coming weeks!

Wishing you the joy of making a house a home-

~M~

Monday Memories

2009-08-17T21:15:00.012-04:00

Florence, Italy
Summer 2006

One of my most Favorite places in the world.

With some of my most favorite people in the world....

Daddy, Hannah, Me, and Momma

(And this just happens to be one of my favorite family photos too!)

I think I speak for everyone when I say this was the

BEST FAMILY VACAY EVER!!!

Wishing you a wonderful vacation with a wonderful family-

~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-08-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

I am not a change person. Never have been.

As a junior in high school, I informed my parents that I would not be going to college.

"Really?," they asked, probably much calmer than they felt.

"And what is your plan, then?"

To which I replied, "To be a high school student and live with you forever."

I was totally serious.

My whole life, I have been a homebody and we are a very tight knit family. I had great friends in high school and informed even my dear high school counselor, Ms. Waldrop, that I didn't need new ones. The thought of moving away from home completely overwhelmed me and frankly scared the shit out of me.

After realizing that my friends were not going to be in high school with me anymore; and that probably, living with my parents for the rest of my life was not very productive, and let's be honest, a little, well a lot, of counseling with Ms. Waldrop, I decided first, to go to a local university and then by the start of my senior year finally decided on a small private college 45 minutes from my home town.

In the months, weeks and days that led up to my moving to my new “home” for the next four years I dreaded the ending of my childhood. Dreaded leaving home. Dreaded the entire experience of college. And the tears. There are not words to describe the tears that were shed.

We are talking breakdowns:

In Bed Bath and Beyond. Yes, in the middle of the towel aisle while shopping for my dorm room, no less. My sister was probably mortified.

In the kitchen during “one of my last meals EVER at home” (because I would never be back…I was so dramatic),

And don’t even get me started with the day I moved to college when I begged my parents to “please not leave me there.” (because it was soooo terrible)

It was a tough time. And my poor family. There is a special place in heaven for them for putting up with me that year…

Somewhere in the middle of all that “emotional turmoil” my Sweet Aunt Jan gave me this little decorative plaque that she had for years. You will notice the scratches and marks on it. It has lived a good life. After all, it as survived four different dorm rooms and a move here to my little red cottage (it might as well be 80 years old).

And through all of that, the message stayed the same;

“You cannot discover new oceans—
unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

The plaque now hangs above Daddy’s old desk in my little red cottage, with letters from dear family and friends hanging above it. I look at it every morning. And when I do, I remember when Aunt Jan gave it to me. She gave me a hug and whispered “always remember this Meghan Baby.”

Aunt Jan (and Momma and Daddy and Hannah and yes, even Ms. Waldrop);

I do remember.

Wishing you the simple joy of a daily “life lesson reminder”-
~M~

Monday Memories

2009-08-10T07:00:00.003-04:00

Hannah and I

Christmas Eve 2008

We always get PJ's on Christmas Eve.

(Thanks Momma and Daddy!)

These were my favoriteve EVER!!!

Wishing you fun, cozy pj's-

~M~

Market on Main

2009-08-08T14:45:00.000-04:00

Faith Anne and I made it to the downtown Market this morning...

Even if we were 45 minutes later than we had planned to be.

At the end, we ended up with treats for Faith Anne
and little jars of homemade corncob jelly, honeysuckle jelly, fig preserves and peach jam for me.

See...

Not to shabby for our first market and $11 eh?

Wishing you fresh doggy & people treats!

~M and Faith Anne~

By the way...

For another perspective of the market...

Click here for pictures my friend Lindsey took a few weeks ago.
she is an AWESOME photographer...
www.lindentreephotography.blogspot.com is her photography website.
Not to mention has a very cute family...remember these kids that I mentioned in this post...
She is the lucky mommy!!!

Flicks on the Bricks

2009-08-07T22:39:00.002-04:00

In case, you haven't already figured it out,
I live in
"Small Town America."

I LOVE IT, for many reasons, but mostly because of the people and quaintness of cute little towns.

Read on for a small example of this...

The Chamber and Downtown Development Association are hosting

"Flicks on the Bricks" (hence the title of the post :)).

Every Friday night in August, they will show a movie outside in the fountain area, right smack in the middle of
"super cute downtown."

(And did I mention...it is completely free?!?)

Friday August 7th: Madagascar 2
Friday August 14th: Fly Me to the Moon
Friday August 21st: Game Plan
Friday August 28th: High School Musical 3

They have done this before, but Faith Anne and I have always had other plans.

Tonight we had nothing to do so I packed up a quilt, snacks for both of us, and lucky for all of you...a camera!

We had a delightful time and Faith Anne was soooo well behaved!!

(She even let me take my co-worker's son to get an ice cream cone while she stayed with his mom...and yes she might have gotten an ice cream too :))

(That is another reason to love "Small Town America!" You never know when you will run into a friend!)

I think we will head back next week.

There was the $1 popcorn with sodas for 50 cents provided by the Amazing Surgermeyer's Sweet Shop and Ice Cream Parlor. Come on people...does it get any better than that?!?!?

Faith Anne and I enjoying the show...

The view of the fun...See all the people?!?!

Thanks to the Chamber and Downtown Development Association for making this happen!

Super Cute!
Tons of Fun!
And it didn't cost me a dime!

(well, except the ice cream cone for a sweet little boy and Faith Anne's half scoop)

Off to bed...getting up early in the morning for the
"Market on Main"
(another reason my sweet downtown is super cute!)

Check back late afternoon on Saturday for pics from the market!

And whether big city or small town

I am
Wishing you love for the place you live-
~M~

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-08-05T12:00:00.003-04:00

This Wonderful Fresh Pineapple

Thanks Katie!

(Too bad blogs aren't "scratch 'n' sniff!)

Wishing you the surprise of a free fresh pineapple!

~M~

A Note to Mr. Bill...

2009-08-04T12:00:00.001-04:00

And No! Not this Mr. Bill!

Mr. Bill that carpools with my Daddy.

Mr. Bill that lives in this

cute house in my home town.
(Don't you love the front door and rocking chairs!?!?)

This red cottage chic does love a front porch!

Mr. Bill that is married to Ms. Kelly.
(I think that Ms. Kelly might have something to do with the really cute house)

And has three amazing kids named Sam, Amy, and Molly.

Did I mention that Sam is only 14 and left Sunday-flew by himself-for a huge boy scout leadership thing in Utah??

And Amy and Molly...met them briefly on Sunday...very beautiful and sweet young ladies...

Look out Ms. Kelly and Mr. Bill...better start locking the doors...teenage years are coming and that means boys will be knocking!!

Now that I am sure I have made myself perfectly clear what Mr. Bill I am talking to...here's my note to him...

Dear Sweet Mr. Bill-

You are a GREAT artist.
Daddy showed me the drawing you did of Momma from that picture of her when she was a little girl.
It is amazing!

Thank you for picking Daddy up every morning (really really early) so that he does not have to drive the mile to the ride share.
He enjoys your company. I know because he told me.

And Most Importantly,
When it is your turn to drive the van to work-
Thank you for getting my Daddy there safely.
Momma, Hannah and I appreciate that about you most of all.

I enjoyed meeting you, Ms. Kelly, and your gorgeous girls-
It is nice to put a face with a name!

Your Friend,
(because a friend of Daddy's is a friend of mine)
M.

Wishing you all a "car pool partner" as cool as Mr. Bill-

~M.~

Monday Memories

2009-08-03T17:20:00.002-04:00

Daddy, Momma, Hannah, and me

Probably Late 1986

I love these pictures...

Look how happy we look!

Plus...please notice my Daddy's glasses...classic....

Wishing you happy childhood memories~
M.

Family Fun Weekend!

2009-08-02T20:30:00.005-04:00

The Kirkland Family (Kirkland is my mother's maiden name) has decided that every first weekend in August will be family fun weekend! This past weekend was the first one ever and boy was it fun!!

It all started Friday with baking a Paula Deen Gooey Butter Cake with my Momma...mmmmmm...YUMMY!!!

Yes, my mother does need wine when baking with me...after all, I can be difficult. And yes, that is ONE POUND of CONFECTIONARY SUGAR....don't even get me started with how much butter is in this thing!!!

Before and after it came out of the oven....it was FABULOUS....maybe I will make one to take to the office this week!

Baking is hard work and it can make a girl hungry! So, Momma, Daddy, Hannah and I met up with some more of the Kirkland clan for a FABULOUS seafood dinner at Butler's Mill. (I couldn't find a website...but click here for the white page listing.) If you are ever in Graham, AL...go here! AMAZING restaurant. Be sure to call ahead for their hours...

The only thing better than the food...was the company and have I mentioned how much my family likes to laugh!!! See below for pics of laughter and the beauty around Butler's Mill.

After a good night of rest we all met up at Tanner State Park and spent the day laughing, eating, and relaxing. According to my Aunt Jan, we do all of these really well, especially the relaxing part. I think I agree with her!

All the furry members of the family that made it..except Puff Mutts...he was inside.

L to R: Hamilton, Dazi Mae, Faith Anne, and Hope Eigh

Momma, Daddy, Hannah, the puppies, and I all decided to take a walk around the lake...

while the boys played mini golf...

L to R: Jeremy, Robert, Josh, Aaron, and Matthew

(It ended in Matthew's head being shaved)

And thanks to these cooks...

L to R: PawPaw, Ginny, and Daddy

We had some amazing food!!

I could have posted hundreds more pictures, but frankly this post is getting long! We all had a great time and below is a picture of the crew that made it to Family Fun Day!!!

(Mr. Mitchell, Ms. Paulette, and Ms. Doris also came but left before the group picture...we sure did enjoy them though!!)

BR L to R: Momma, Daddy, Uncle Micky, Uncle Richard, Aunt Jan, Uncle Dick

MR L to R: Cody, Ginny, Nanny, PawPaw, Aunt Beth

FR L to R: Me, Jeremy, Drew, Aaron, Matthew, Josh, Hannah, and Robert

Wishing you fun family times-

Scary!

2009-07-30T12:32:00.006-04:00

Dear Auntie Katie,

I have a bone to pick with you!

THIS

IS SCARY!!!!

Please do not let Mommy borrow it...EVER AGAIN!!!

I do not like it!

Wishing you would come get this monster from my house-

Faith Anne

P.S. Tell Mrs. Reynolds and Nobby that I said hello!

Wednesday's Simple Joys

2009-07-29T22:15:00.018-04:00

For as long as I can remember my Daddy has said "it's all about the little things." And Momma and Daddy raised my sister and I that way. Don't get me wrong. We did the big things too. Like our vacations to places like New York, Disney World, and Italy, or Christmases that Momma and Daddy always overdo (hey we aren't complaining :)).

But I can promise you that Hannah and I have just as many, if not more, joyful memories in "little things" like the following:

Dinner together as a family, nightly
(a requirement in my parents' household and no t.v. on either)

The tiny, super cute, 1000 square foot house that we grew up in

(M & D are still there-no, square footage has never been added-except the deck)

Sharing a tiny bedroom during our childhood

That we didn't kill each other while sharing a bedroom of any size for any length of time

"Deck Parties" after football games in high school

Birthdays

(Birthdays in our family were and are a huge deal)

Going to "take your daughter to work day" with Daddy

The very few times that Momma kept us out of school for a surprise day of fun

Baseball games

Sunday Afternoon Drives

Momma and Daddy being as much in love today as they were on their wedding day over 28 years ago

Of course having each other to grow up with (most days anyway :)!)

And the laughter. Oh my goodness the laughter....

I think you get the point. There is as much, if not more joy in the "Little Things."

And in my Red Cottage Life, I live by that philosophy. I refuse to wait on big things to make my life joyous. I will not wait for a $100,000 yearly salary, a $1,000,000 house, or even a husband or child to make me happy. (My goodness, in my career field we all know the 3rd and 4th thing are never going to happen :)) And what happens if I never get married or never have a child.

What am I supposed to do-be miserable my entire life? That's silly!

I am not saying never be sad, never mourn a loss, never get frustrated with life...we all have our rough spots!
What I am saying is...try, everyday, to find the joy in the "Little Things." And sometimes it is all about improvising and many times it works out better than what you originally thought you wanted.
For example, instead of that $100,000 salary; I do what I love. I know, cliché right? But so true! Instead of that million dollar home; my home feels like a million bucks because it reflects me, some would say SCREAMS me. And since I am not in a position to have children right now....I borrow these munchkins sometimes (much less often than I'd like) and Dear Lord, do they bring the joy...

As for the husband, I hope one day we find each other. In the meantime, I surround myself with awesome friends and family. And I have been known to call on a friends' husband to catch lizards, help me chase down Faith Anne, or other random things like that (right, husbands of the nine?!?).

Wow-didn't know I had that much to say about the "little things!" Who knew??!!?

So, in honor of “it’s all about the little things," I will be posting a “simple joy” every week (much like Monday Memories).

We shall call it "Wednesday's Simple Joys"

Faith Anne will start us off...

Her Simple Joy: A Stick
(notice the basket full of toys, right next to her, that she is completely ignoring)
Pure Joy, for a good 30 minutes, I tell you!

Wishing you the "simple joys" of life,
M. (and Faith Anne)

Monday Memories

2009-07-27T12:03:00.002-04:00

Aunt Joyce's and Uncle James' House

View From Their Backyard

De Funiak Springs, Florida
July 2009

Wishing you a view as peaceful as this one-
M.

Reconnecting...And it feels so good!

2009-07-26T21:56:00.004-04:00

The Reunion was great! Lots of people came and it was good to catch up!

Especially with some of the people in the picture below. (I am sad we all couldn't make it...) These were my best friends in high school. Yes, you counted right...there are 10 of us. And the things we did "back in the day." There are too many to list here but we had a great time talking about many of those times as well as talking about what we are all up to now...

I found this old photo on my picture wall...

The memories that come rushing to my mind when I look at this...

Good thing I don't have to share them all in one post!

BR L to R: Heather Marie, Casey (aka "KK"), Lindsey, Jennifer MAC

FR L to R: Ashley, Me, Jennifer (aka "Griffin"), Anlea the "Anster," Amanda, & Maria

Band Banquet

Senior Year

May 2002

Please notice the teary eyes. Oh my goodness, the tears we shed that night.

Who could have guessed how successful we would all become?

Here's to reconnecting and turning over a new leaf.

I am going to start doing a better job of staying in touch with these dear friends.

I may even see a gathering before our 10 year reunion...

Wishing you many memories to share with old friends-

High School Reunion

2009-07-25T12:02:00.003-04:00

There are 13 years of memories in these yearbooks and tonight I get to hang out with old friends that share in those memories. Friends that knew me when I was five! I cannot wait. I have been bad about staying in touch and I am hoping to reconnect.

I'll tell you how much fun I had tomorrow!

For now-Faith Anne and I are off to spend the afternoon with our sisters!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend reconnecting-

Peace Puppy

2009-07-24T19:57:00.005-04:00

Notice anything different about this sleeping beauty???

Yep! She has a new collar. A Peace Collar! She loves it & says to the world...

Peace World! Peace!!!

(Yes, Auntie Hannah. The bow stays. That did not and will not change!)

Wishing you Peace and Love-

M. (and Faith Anne)

Monday Memories

2009-07-20T18:20:00.017-04:00

l to r: Faith Anne, Me, Momma, Dazi Mae, Daddy, Hannah, & Hope Eigh

"Bark in the Park"

Atlanta Braves Stadium

Summer 2008

We are ready for Bark in the Park 2009 coming up September 6th!!

Question is . . . are they ready for us?!?!?

Please notice my mother's shirt says "Ask Me About My Granddogs."**

**Yes, we are completely obsessed about our dogs...and baseball!!**

By the way, we had an amazing experience...click this link, https://secure.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/bark_at_park.jsp to learn more!!

Wishing you the joy of doggies and baseball-

Job Perks

2009-07-15T21:37:00.013-04:00

People often ask me and my other colleagues why we do the work that we do. Social work is, after all, a job not very well known for its "job perks." We work long, hard hours with little pay. I don't say that for people to say, "poor social workers." I say that because it is a fact; we know what we are getting into though and no one is forcing us to do the work we do.

We have our reasons.

No it may not be a big payday and we may not live in big houses. We have our own job perks. Job perks that we would not trade for a million dollars. They may not happen very often but they are so big that they can keep us going for months at a time and when we think we cannot take anymore...another job perk will come along, much like the letter below from one of my kids. There is little better than knowing, without a doubt, the work you do is making a difference. I am not spinning my wheels; well at least not everyday.

I stated that there is little better that knowing you are making a difference; but if I know anything it is that these kids are the biggest job perk of all...at least most days :)!

The letter below was written by one of my kids (I have typed it exactly as it was written to me). She has come a long way in the 2 years that I have worked with her and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.

Dear Ms. M.,

For you to have put up with me for as long as you did was very surprising to me! I did not want to give you a chance because I did not want to take the time to talk to you or just get to know you. At the time I was not very open to change at all. But some how you pushed your way through! Not many people would have did what you did they would have gave up on me a long time ago but you stuck by me.

With the things that have recently happened I have learned to deal with change in any shape, size, or form that it may appear. You are truly a blessing not only to me but to the other case loads you have, you do not have to do the job that you do, but do to the heart that you possess its not hard to see why I have grown to like you. Now don’t get all mushy on me but you probably did that when I gave you the letter to begin with. I really need to say thank you!!!! At the beginning of our relationship I would never had picked you to be my case worker but now I would not have it any other way.

At time you still get on my nerves and I know for a fact that I still get on yours but we are still able to work out of difference and still put up with one another I strongly believer that you came into my life at the right time I have not idea of were I would be without you. That is why I say again thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a strong women and a great role model, I can only hope to be able to become that strong. You have become a very important part of my life without you I couldn’t have did everything I have done in the past year.

Now that we are able to communicate it feels so much better. Yet I still need to apologize for all the hurtful and ugly things that I have said to you in the past. I truly am sorry and if I hurt you in any way I am sorry. Thank you for sticking by me even in those times, not many people would have done it.

You are something else!!! I mean that in a very good way. You are unique in your own way even if you constantly loss your cool points with me you can always gain them back. You have earned something with me that a lot of people haven’t my trust and a little love. THANK YOU!!!

Always,
C.P.

By the way..."cool points" are points my kids give me when I do something "cool," such as let them listen to their music in the car (so long as it does not degrade anyone, have any profanity, etc), take them out to dinner, when I say something cool, etc. They also take them away when I do such things as dance (or attempt to dance), say something "un-cool," dress like an "old lady," etc.

Wishing you job perks as cool as mine,
M.

Monday Memories

2009-07-13T20:48:00.005-04:00

Bath, England

June 2008

A Cute Little Park

With AMAZING Views

(not to mention the most incredible Honey Ginger ice cream)

Delightful I tell you. Delightful.

We could have sat in these chairs for days.

Wishing you a Merry Monday,

The Fourth

2009-07-08T23:34:00.013-04:00

I know, I know. I am no good at keeping up with a blog. I will fill you in on what I've been up to later.

For now, here are pictures from the fourth.

THE PARADE:

Dazi Mae and Faith Anne watching the parade. They were very interested.

Faith Anne and I at the Parade. I love this little girl!

The BEST part of the parade. I could be biased This is my alma mater. Although I will say numerous people said that they were the best band for sure!

THE COOKOUT:

The pinata that was busted. Lots of good candy came out!

My sister's baby, Hope Eigh wondering why she isn't getting some of the AMAZING food!

My sister, Hannah, and I. Doesn't her hair cut look really cute?!?

My cousin, Josh, tuckered out after all the festivites!!

THE SPARKLERS:

Me playing with sparklers. They are sooo much fun!!!

Momma and Daddy taking a turn!

Hope everyone had a GREAT fourth!!!

Wishing you the fun of the fourth all year long,

30 Feet Up and a Zip Line Down

2009-04-11T22:53:00.017-04:00

I have been MIA this week. For good reason though. You see, I have been with my kids attending various events with my kids through an awesome program in the GA Foster Care System called the Independent Living Program. This program teaches our kids life skills like, self confidence, cooking, how to buy/rent a house, money management and the list goes on. I could write forever on this program, but as you can tell by the title of this post that is not the point of this post.

Monday's ILP event was teambuilding and self confidence. We went to a boy scout camp and the kids did a ropes course and team building activities in the morning. I had court so I met up with the kids during lunch. And after lunch...

You guessed it! We climbed a 30 foot pole and zip lined down...

Now I have confession to make. I was so looking forward to this. Really. Just ask my Daddy. I was psyched. But there is nothing like being 30 feet in the air and seeing how high that really is to sober up some of that excitement.

So that is what happened. I climbed up and froze. Literally. I could not go. I sat on the little ledge thing for like 6 minutes while my kids yelled things like "Come on Miss M. you can do it!" "Miss M. you are brave, come on just jump off." The whole time I am thinking "damn it...how in the hell did I get myself into this situation!" But I did it. I had to. After encouraging my kids and telling them that they could do it...and all of them did...I could not very well climb down the pole now could I.

So look at the pictures below really well; because frankly my friends, I will not be doing this again. (The pictures are sooo much better larger-the lighting that day was terrible-I tried to make them larger as you can probably tell in the first two pics but it just distorted the image so I decided not to enlarge them-I think you can get the idea though :))

Picture #1: Me Climbing the pole. Notice me hugging the pole. This should have been my first indication that this was not a good idea.

Picture #2: Me sitting on the ledge where I spent quite some time. I know why they make it so little. . .if it were bigger people would just stay up there and never come down. I should also point out that at this point the man hooking up my harness to the zip line is telling me over and over again that the line can hold up to 60,000 pounds. I could have cared less. I was 30 feet in the air.

Picture #3: Yes, I finally decided to "zip down." Notice my mouth is wide open. That's because I am screaming bloody murder. In fact, as soon as I got down my kids kept saying "Wow, Miss M., you screamed louder than anyone!" One of my kids even told me "I am so glad you don't yell as loud as you could when you get upset with us for doing things we shouldn't!"

Picture #4: Still Screaming.

Picture #5: Coming to the end. Yes, the ladder is how we got down from the zip line. That's another story for another post. . .

Yes, friends. I made it down and survived! In all seriousness, I am glad that I did it and I really will not be doing it again :)!

Wishing you the thrill of a zip line,
M.

Our Kids

2009-04-05T10:00:00.014-04:00

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

There are few things in my life that I am more passionate about than children. Very Few. I believe in the very core of my being that children really are our future.

I could fill this post with all kinds of statistics on how many children are abused and neglected (and trust me-it is a lot) but I won't. You can google that.

Here is what I will tell you:

In my career working for Family and Children Services I work with abused and neglected children (primarily teenagers) every day. The following are word for word some of the questions my kids have asked me:

"Miss M., do you think anyone will every love me?"

"Will I ever have somewhere to live forever?"

"Why doesn't anyone like me enough to take me out to eat or to a ballgame?"

So I am passing the questions on to you, not just for the month of April but throughout the months and years ahead. Will you make sure they know they are loved? Will you provide a home where they can live forever? Will you become a mentor and make sure that they know they are valued and loved and liked?

It is our responsibility after all. Yes, I said OUR responsibility. And if you think it is not your responsibility, you are sadly mistaken friend. If we don't take care of these wonderful children, children that just need a shot at life, a chance to show who they really are now. . .we and they will pay for it later. These are our future lawyers, doctors, child advocates, small business owners, military personnel, hair stylists, and the list goes on. If we do not nurture them NOW, let them know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are loved NOW, and care for them NOW, their futures could be in jeopardy. And if I know anything it is this: If their future is in jeopardy, then most certainly our future is in jeopardy.

So I challenge you to do your part. Wear a blue ribbon this month. Donate to organizations that help and support these children and foster parents. Offer to cook dinner for a foster parent and their families. If you are in a position to, become a foster parent. Be a mentor. Get involved. Do something. Know the reward of knowing these kids. Because I promise it is sooo worth it.

Yes, these children, these amazing, wonderful children are going to change the world. It is up to us to be sure it is going to be for the better.

To find out more about the Children's Memorial Flag pictured at the beginning of this post click here. If you want more ideas of how you can help or to get statistics about child abuse and neglect in your own communities, the internet is full of information. I am also happy to assist you in efforts to get involved. Just send me a message and let's get this conversation started. NOW. Not later. After all, all of our futures depend on it!

Wishing you the awesome joy of getting involved and knowing these children,

Monday Memories

2009-03-30T21:30:00.036-04:00

If you know me, you know that I like to take pictures. Okay, let's face it you don't even have to know me that well to know this.

In fact when you walk into my house there are two walls of pictures. . .

. . .not to mention all the other pictures throughout the house!

So I decided that I am going to copy this friend's "Photo Friday" idea, only twist it a little and make mine "Monday Memories."
(Don't worry, she won't mind. . .she loves me. . .at least enough not to care if I copy one of her ideas!)

Without further ado. . .at "Auntie Amber's" request. . .I present a few pictures of Faith Anne!
(You did not really expect something different for the first Monday Memory did you??)

Faith Anne
First Weekend Home
December 2006

Faith Anne
Home

March 2009

Wishing you many happy "Monday Memories,"
M.

House Guests

2009-03-29T15:07:00.006-04:00

I figure that you have read the "About Me" and will get to know me better as I post so I will just jump right in!

Faith Anne and I have house guests. They are camped out literally on our front door. . .and it looks like they are going to be here all Spring.

That's right, a little bird couple has made their home in my metal hanging basket on my front door. And as you can tell by the pictures below the metal basket is not empty at all. These birds have made a pretty impressive nest by bending my red flowers down a bit and building on the back of them. I think I should also mention that my sweet neighbor has counted 4-5 eggs in the bottom of the nest. Yes friends, we have house guests for the next few months at least.

So if you happen to be dropping in for a visit. . .don't use the front door. . .use the door on the side of the house. . .an adjustment we are still getting used to!

Wishing you many house guests this Spring and Summer-