Sunday, May 22, 2011

Cassie & Charlie

My best friend, Cassie, and her cute little boy, Joshua, who I like to call Charlie, came to visit this weekend.  I could write a gazillion words about their visit but nothing can describe how fabulous it was to spend time with both of them.  

Sweet memories were made.

The first of which was Charlie's first visit to the alligator park and petting zoo.  He was very excited but also quick to make sure that his mom and I understood that the alligator's would in fact NOT be eating him. Once he set the ground rules, the fun could begin. :)





We also had a fun afternoon walking around outside Norton Art Gallery and taking pictures.  That Charlie is a cute kid and his mama is gorgeous so picture taking was a breeze!


FYI: I'm pretty much in love with Charlie.  He is sweet, charming, hilarious and an all-around fantastic kid.  And, like me, he can't eat enough M&M's.  They don't make 'em any better than that!




Is it just me or does he look like a Charlie? 





Charlie also experienced his first crawfish boil.  Much to the dismay of his mother, he LOVED them! He said, "I eated those bugs!" Indeed, he did!






Cassie had a first this weekend too.  She actually held a crawfish! Maybe one day I can convince her to peel it or maybe even eat it.  Probably not.  But, maybe!


I seriously adore this girl and cherish her friendship.  Sometimes, well, most of the time, it's difficult not being able to see one another very often but we've somehow managed to make our friendship work in spite of the long distance and I am so grateful for that.



Triple. Love. Her.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Kudos, Sister!


This weekend, we celebrated my sister, Jennifer's, college graduation.  She has worked extremely hard and we are all so very proud of her accomplishment.  

My sister is not only one of my favorite people on the planet but she has also been one of my greatest inspirations.  She is beautiful, intelligent and courage personified.  

Early in her adult life, she made some decisions that landed her in a place in life that wasn't working for her.  She easily could have become overwhelmed and wallowed in the heartache and disappointment of it all but she didn't.  She didn't because she is courageous and an overcomer.  She took inventory of her life and then began making decisions to better her life and the lives of her children.  Having the courage and tenacity to make changes in her life that has made her a better person has also impacted many others. Not only has she changed the trajectory of her life and in doing so, her sons' lives as well, but she will change the trajectory of the thousands of children that will be blessed to call her their teacher.  





Graduation looks good on her, don't you think?

Jennifer is an amazing woman.  She is a wonderful wife, a nurturing mother, a leader in her church and community and the most fantastic, supportive sister ever created.  I am so blessed to have her in my life and am so honored to be her sister.