"I HEAR THE DRUMS ECHOING TONIGHT"

Do you remember that old TOTO song, Africa? Well, I have been humming it for a few days now. Our 3rd son, Adam, is on his way to Ethiopia as we speak. He and his best friend left this morning to spend 2 month with the Cherokee Gives Back Foundation. There is no doubt this will be a life changing experience for him. Adam, our sheltered child, who went to Cary Christian School, then to Hampden-Sydney College. As his brothers said, there are no bow ties or seersucker suits in Africa! I am so amazed at his willingness to leave his comfort zone. I love the way he is willing to stretch himself, and I am so proud of his strong faith. He has a blog "Send Me."

As for the rest of us, we have learned so much in the last week. We are filled with hope and gratitude. Joe will come home on Wednesday. Prayers are needed and appreciated. Maybe one day I can share the journey with you.

Changes

We have had some life altering changes in the last week. Surfice it to say that life is what happens when you are busy doing other things. I don't know what people do who have no faith. Our faith has sustains us through this time. I thank God for the grace, peace and comfort he gives. In other news, we have a new puppy! He came home on Sunday. He is another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We missed our Kobie so much, that we took the plunge. He is such a joy. It is hard to believe that 6 lbs of fur can bring that much fun into our lives. His name is Linus. So far, he is a wonderful little dog. Anna is having a ball in England. This is her last week of "class", then they are off traveling. Can't wait to see her! Adam is almost done at Seagull. He will be home on Saturday. We are just enjoying the good things about every day, and thankful for our wonderful family and friends.

Daddy's 84th Birthday!

Today is my Daddy's 84th birthday! This picture when he and Joan went to visit Adam at Hampden Sydney. I think he looks fabulous to be 84. He is quicker then I am and just a delight to be around. Daddy was born to into a large family in western North Carolina. He was the 11th of 12 children. Despite his humble start, he was able to get an appointment to West Point. He went there and then also went to UNC and got his masters degree from the University of Colorado. He and my mother were raised in a Presbyterian orphanage. He says that it was a good place, they were safe, educated and taken to church. He met my mother there, and they were married after he left West Point. He became on officer in the Air Force, and there he began his love of flying. He has flown B49's, B52's, C141's and some little plane in Viet Nam that he doesn't talk about. Daddy has been awarded may medals and honors in his long career. He is never afraid of anything, I guess being in combat will do that for you! The thing I am most proud of is the way he took care of my mom when she was sick. Here is this big, forceful, powerful man lovingly caring for his dying wife. It was a wonderful tribute. He met a wonderful lady 3 years after my mom's death. They have been married for 5 years. In that time Daddy has battled cancer 2 times, once enduring a horrible whipple surgery. He has survived. Joan has taken such good care of him and he has the best attitude. His faith has also played such a big part. I never thought I would see my Daddy going to Sunday school, but he not only does that, but goes to 2 church services most Sunday's. I love this about him. I feel very lucky to have this man as my father, and I love him very much. Happy Birthday Daddy!!

NEW YORK CITY!

We are packing like crazy to get Anna off to Europe to study for a month! We are going to New York Thursday morning to have a little girl time before she leaves! So exciting!! We love the city and can't wait to go. Have alot planned, including seeing 2 plays, Hair and Next to Normal. I saw Hair YEARS ago when it first on Broadway. We are so excited to see Next to Normal. It won the Tony this year and the music is so hauntingly beautiful. I am sure we will cry!! Anna also wants to look at grad schools, NYU and Juliard. Also hope to get a little shopping in . She leaves Saturday for London, so I will take her to JKF. Then return home on Sunday. Fun times.

In other travel news, Adam is definitely going to Ethiopia in September. I am a little apprehensive, but he really wants to go. Cherokee Gives Back, take care of my little boy! We had both Joe and Boomer here for Sunday dinner, what fun! Boomer's apartment is flooded, OH NO! Joe was here looking at condo's. Shanty Joe is going to become Condo Joe! It is quite exciting!

Name Change

We have had an eventful week. If you have children, you know "eventful" isn't good. My husband thinks I should change the name of my blog to The Worried Mother. Doesn't have a preppy ring to it. I am a mother, we worry, that's what we do best.

We spent the weekend at the Blackberry Farm. It is possibly heaven on earth. What a beautiful inn. Every detail was attended to. The food was fabulous, our cottage was beautiful, and the whole property was amazing. I highly suggest it for a relaxing get away. Only drawback, they don't have any cell service, due to their location.


Our cozy cottage, the Blue Heron.

Cute Chapel on the grounds.
Free range chickens!

Almost everything eaten on the Farm is grown or made on the Farm! Wonderful getaway!

God Bless America

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to everyone! We missed the family reunion, but are going to a friend's house to celebrate and watch the fireworks! I always think of my Daddy, the Air Force pilot, on holidays such as this. His devotion to this county, like many before him, enables us to be free! What a wonderful gift our servicemen and women give to us! We should all be very grateful!

Our Normal

We are getting used to not having a sweet dog to build your day around. We went and looked at puppies on Friday, but definitely don't want a "rebound" dog. We will just wait until the time is right for us again. Anna and I will start moving her stuff into her apartment this week. That should be fun! It is nice to know she can stay there until she graduates -No moving for 2 years-YEAH!!! After 3 boys, it is fun to decorate a daughter's apartment!
These flowers from my garden have made me smile this weekend, hope they make you smile also!

Pictures

I found some pictures of Kobie. He truly was the sweetest dog in the world. Here he is with one of my sons (for his Christmas card this past year!).
Anna and I finally left the house today. We got her a few things for her time in London. Now we are going to look at some puppies--is it too soon?

Sweet Kobie

We have had a rather traumatic few days. Our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel got sick on Friday and after surgery and a horrible weekend, we had to put him to sleep Monday. It was just so sad. We all loved that dog. He was the perfect companion to each of us. No matter what we were doing, he would just sit there (or lay with us). He had the sweetest personality and could sense when one of us was upset. He will be greatly missed. Even Don, a known dog hater, loved that dog. All our pictures are on the other computer, so when I figure out how to add them I will.

Success

My sweet son (HSC graduate) just helped me upload the pictures of the luncheon. I do think it turned out nicely. Please call A Dozen Eggs if you need any cookies. They were so easy to work with, thanks Dave, and they came packaged so beautifully. They tasted good also!

Busy Bee!!

Wow, where has the time gone? Between our 3rd son graduating from Hampden-Sydney (best school in the nation!!) and 3 weddings, my head is spinning. I had the privileged of directing the wedding of dear little girl a couple of weeks ago. She went to high school with my 2 youngest, and my daughter was in the wedding. What a sweet young couple. We also hosted the bridesmaids luncheon the day before. The bride seemed pleased, and I think everything looked beautiful! We ordered the favors from A Dozen Eggs. They were adorable.

aaaghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I evidently have a mouse in my kitchen!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess he came in with my newest college graduate! GROSSS!!!!! There is nothing more disgusting then a mouse. This is the thanks I get for a $120,000.00 education.
On the brighter side, when I get this mess cleaned up this will be my treat to myself www.hobointernational.com ! Have to have some type of inspiration!

Lazy Blogger!

I am probably the laziest blogger around! We have had a busy month, with a college graduation (third son) and our daughter finishing her 2nd year at school. Now, all of their stuff has surfaced back here, and they think the living room is code for storage!!! I am about to scream!! Since the economy is so bad, college graduate is going to work at summer camp and then head to Ethiopia to do mission work. Daughter is home until July, then going to study in Brighton, England. What happened to summer jobs at the drug store and trips to the beach?? Seriously, I grew up in an Air Force family, and it's nice to see my children have the travel bug!
Daughter and I did some shopping last week and we are in love with Hobo wallets!! She got one and now all I can do is think about getting one myself! They are so useful, and come in pink!!
I am in the middle of making new panels for our den. We are having a dear friend's bridemaids luncheon next Friday. Must get busy!!
As Memorial Day comes and goes, please thank the men and women who protect us--like my daddy did! Thanks Daddy!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! We had an awesome weekend, complete with a beautiful worship service yesterday. The music was beautiful! We had everyone home, but #1 son, who couldn't get away. #2 son's birthday was yesterday (25!!), and we took him and his bestest out for dinner Saturday night. It is so great to see these children (as I call them) grow up!! Bugster had to sing at her for-pay church job, so she came home later in the afternoon! She is home today, so we are going shopping before she has to go back to school. All in all, a great weekend. I now need to clean, clean, clean. I also need to start cooking, as I have about forgotten how!! I love the Annie's Eats blog, she has the best recipes! Have a great day!

Manic Monday!!!

I do wish it would clear up! It has been raining since Friday. We need it, but COLD AND RAIN?? Come on, it is almost Spring. Funny thing happened yesterday at church. I had to make a presentation, looking for volunteers. Wore a cute Lilly shift (hot pink and black print-like Hopsy) with a turtleneck and tights. I looked very cute if I do say so myself. The thinking was: if I looked cute and excited, how could the congregation not be excited to join my committee! Well, after worship, someone asked me if I had on an APRON!!! This is in the South, land of Lilly!! oh, well, you can't account for good taste!
I am off to Target!

80 Degrees to Snow!!!

We have been down in St. John all week soaking up the sun and relaxing. Leaving tomorrow and just saw it will be snowing when we get home!! Seriously, snow in the South, in March!! So much for global warming!

Happy February!

I must admit, I am not a very committed blogger! But, I faithfully read other blogs. I especially enjoy Monograms and Manicures, Clemsongirl and the Coach, and all of the empty nesters out there!

With the economy what it is, I am trying to be frugal, but the new Lilly things are calling my name!!! My daughter and I both love Lilly. We are going to a meeting next week, and one particular cute dress may just have to go with me!!

I have been purging our house. We have so much and could do without alot of it. It feels good to clean out and declutter everything.

We had a nice Valentines Day- no gifts, just cards and a nice dinner out!

FREEZING!

It is freezing here! We woke up to a beautiful snow yesterday! I love snow days, even if the children are all gone! It is so nice not to HAVE to do anything. I read all day and watched tv. No matter what your political party, it is an exciting time for our country.

Still looking for a desk for my sewing room. Looking is half the fun!

Welcome 2009!!!

2009 came in with a bang. I chaired the Debutante Ball, on the 3rd, and could tell New Year's Eve that I was coming down with a wicked cold. As they say, the show must go on!!! I managed to hold it together until Sunday, and then became really sick. It is just now starting to clear up! So, I lost a whole week of cleaning up after Christmas! Our house is a wreck, not to mention the comings and goings of 4 adult children! I have major cleaning to do!! The good news is that son #2 moved into his own condo over the weekend! We have loved having him here this last year, but I know he was ready for his own place! Now we have to get used to an empty nest all over again!

I spent the better part of yesterday cleaning out my sewing room! Sweet husband promised me a new sewing table if I could make room for it! Now I can't decide what to get! I need something that will hold a sewing machine and embroidery machine! I keep looking at the Pottery Barn office furniture? It looks so nice, but don't know if it will be functional! I am open for suggestions on tables!!

I am in a preppy swap!! Hopsy over at Monograms and Manicures is hosting! I need to get out and start looking for surprises!