Tulips

My wonderful husband got me tulips for Valentine's Day. I was messing around with my camera and took these pictures of them today. These are the straight, unedited pictures that I took.

Loralye

Loralye got to spend her first night ever away from her mommy - and chose to spend it with us!! I kept her on Sunday night so her mommy and daddy could have a very much needed night away.

I think Harley has a new best friend!!

Here Harley..here is your bite

I wasn't feeding the dog - I promise

Harley...where are you??

I'll just squeak his toy -maybe that'll bring him back

Yay!! It worked

Tayler couldn't decide whether to give the dog toy to the dog or me

I wonder what is outside of this Loralye sized door

Go get it

Give me a kiss

I love Harley kisses

and Harley loves kissing me

I really do love my Aunt Phyllis

Even if she won't put the camera down

I even perfected the Aunt Phyllis eye roll!!

Oops...forgot one...

I forgot a picture from our Hot Springs trip. Bryan said it was imperative that I add it.

Did we go in......or not???

My best friend

Most of you know Michelle, her name is usually followed by the phrase: "my best friend since the 2nd grade". I always feel the need to qualify that, so whomever I'm talking to knows how important she is to me. As if that statement could somehow explain it all. There is no way to describe our bond, our shared memories, or the place she holds in my life. It is a bond that no matter distance or circumstances, will never be broken. Life has tried to break it, but failed.

So this week was my birthday. I got a very unexpected gift delivered to my door. First I read the card, which made me cry. This is very unusual - I'm the sentimental mushy one - she is not. Once I finished reading the poem, I opened the box, and again cried. Below is a picture of what I found. It is an eternity band (stones all around the ring) - with 29 stones in it. 1 for each year we've been best friends.

Here is the poem that was in my card. She collaborated with her step-dad Will to write it for me. I don't believe it could have been said any better!!

I could think of a thousand blessings,
That simply would not have been,
Had not that special person been there,
Whom I call, my sister, my friend.

I think back to that time in the 2nd grade,
And how my life was changed back then,
When God introduced me to an angel,
Whom I call, my sister, my friend.

And oh the times we've spent together,
In my memory they never will end,
Of endless summers I've spent with you,
Whom I call, my sister, my friend.

In my heart there is a special place,
That I visit again and again,
A place for that special someone,
Whom I call, my sister, my friend.

On your birthday, I send you this band,
To always be worn on your right hand,
With 29 stones, to reflect each year,
You have been with me, forever so dear.

You wear yours, and I will wear mine,
Forever and ever, till the end of time,
And I promise, that you will always be
My sister, my very best friend!

Hot Springs getaway

This past weekend, Bryan and I were able to get a weekend away. We drove to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Neither of us had ever been there. It was beautiful! We stayed at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, it is a historic home built in 1884. It is now owned and run by a couple named David and Rebecca. They were the best! They made us feel at home and made our entire stay very memorable. I can't say enough about them or Wildwood, but I will say we will be going back and will most definitely be staying at Wildwood each and every time. The home has such an amazing history, which was partially shared with us by Rebecca.

Here is a link to the brief history on their webiste: http://www.wildwood1884.com/tour_and_history.html

The house was built by Prosper and Sarah Ellsworth - these are the doors leading into their home

This is right inside the front doors

The beautiful staircase

Looking from the front room into the Gentleman's Parlor

The ceiling in the front room

Some of the amazing hand-carved designs in the wood all around the house (most was carved by Sarah herself)

The ornate hand carved fireplace in the Gentleman's Parlor

The Gentleman's Parlor

The Lady's Parlor

The former Servant's Kitchen

Formal Dining Room

The Butler's Pantry, now the Snack Pantry (notice the blue door to the right)

This is in the dining room - the mirror in the middle is a "pass thru" to the butler's pantry, the "blue door" is the other side of the mirror

The DumbWaiter

The Speaking Tube - went from the Servant's kitchen to the Butler's Room

The Patio in our room

Our view from our patio

Our room - The Rose Room

Moon as seen from out of our window

View from on top of Mt. Riante - looking toward Hot Springs

This piece of property is for sale - we want it for our retirement home!!