A Sweet Sunday Afternoon

I hate that I haven't been blogging more! There are tons of excuses & to feel justified in my abscence I'll play the preggo card, or blame it on working or that my computer is out of hard drive space & I can't upload any pics or videos.....
Back to our sweet Sunday afternoon. It went a little like this: church and a little gumbo, then a little nap & snuggling on the couch with Mary Stewart & Matthew (& curious George, our favorite show). The weather was wonderful so we went for a walk!



Mary Stewart LOVES being outside. I can't wait for spring! We needed a sweet snack so I made cupcakes.



Mary Stewart approved! Matthew went on to ice the rest!



Notice the heart shaped plain cupcakes for Mary Stewart? My attempt to be cutesy. Speaking of cutesy did you see the peppermint patties Darby made? Some of you know exactly who I'm talking about but if you don't check out her blog:
www.flythroughourwindow.com
It's on the agenda to make this week!
Cheers to sweet Sunday afternoons!
- Posted using BlogPress my iPhone

Sweet As Tupelo Honey

Sweet as Tupelo Honey. That she is. Rachel Donald that is. My newest sister in love!

Yesterday was sweet Rachel's birthday (yesterday being last Friday! I'm a little behind)! A very special one.... her first one married! Having a cold on her birthday isn't so sweet.

As soon as I met Rachel, I knew I wanted her in the family. I love my relationship with Rachel because it feels so natural. There is no agenda or pressures and it doesn't matter if we talked yesterday or two weeks ago, it's just natural. We are people people and she loves so well.

If you know my husband, you know he loves to pick on you (especially if he likes you), and that he can be what he likes to call "honest" and I like to call "harsh". He loves to pick on Rachel... and I love that Rachel has 2 older brothers and will dish it right back to Matthew.

Then there is sweet Rachel's love for Mary Stewart and well that makes my heart melt too! I was shocked to see the depths of her love for Mary Stewart when we opened a precious LSU outfit for her for her birthday (Rachel is an Ole Miss Alum).

Rachel, we love you! We are thankful you are in our family and your love for us! Thank you for being my sister in love, but my friend too!

Happy Birthday!!!

P.S. Rachel is a great writer. Check out her blog......

Happy Birthday Dee Dee

September is full of birthday's in our family, We had Anna Mae's on the 10th, Paw Paw's 80th on the 13th, Dee Dee's is today the 15th, and Sweet Mary Stewart on the 30th!

Most of you know Dee Dee but for those who don't, here is a little bio!

Dee Dee is Matthew's mom and Mary Stewart's grandmother and Papa's wife of 31 years. Dee Dee loves all things that sparkle & bling (shoes, jewlery, etc) and her phone is never very far (as a mother of 4 and a full blooded Italian, she always has something to say!). She is wonderful in the kitchen and continually amazes us with meals from the Big Green Egg (the best bbq pit EVER). Oh and we can't forget, Dee Dee is a shopper (but we don't mind, especially Mary Stewart who seems to benefit from her Dee Dee's love of a good deal).

Today as we celebrate Dee Dee, we are thankful for her love for our family. When most people think of their mother in law, they roll there eyes. I am thankful I have a mother in love. One of her dear friends Ms. Karen put it best when she said Dee Dee always brings you back to truth. That is what she does for me. Not matter the circumstance or what I want to hear, Dee Dee brings me back to the truth of scripture. She does that for all her children. It is probably why they love her so dear and get so frustrated with her too.

Thank you Dee Dee for your love for us and for always bringing us to the truth.

And as Dee Dee says, "Lord Will" he will bring us many more birthdays to come!

We wish we were in Baton Rouge to celebrate with you.

the big sixty!

Sixty years ago today, this man......

married this woman.....

There is so much to say about this oh so precious couple I don't even know where to start. Over the past year I have been in Baton Rouge several times and have had the joy to stay under the same roof as Anna Mae and Paw Paw. There is always something delicious being cooked and some kind of pie in the fridge! My laundry is done every day and the floors are so clean I would eat off of them! Then there is the humor! It's exactly what you think about when you think large Italian family. Have you ever seen "Everybody Loves Raymond"? There are definitely some similarities. But at the end of the day I am always in awe of what a sweet blessing they are to so many.

I have never met another couple who is so generous! They would give you anything you need and not ever think twice about it. I have seen it displayed countless times! My favorite of course is when we have been blessed with an ice chest full of the BEST cooking you can find!

When I am in Baton Rouge my bedroom is next to theirs. I love to lay in bed and hear them say their prayers together (no not eavesdropping, just such a sweet memory I hold). I can't help but to think that those such prayers may have something to do with the fact they are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. I do think their strong faith is in direct correlation with their strong marriage! Thank you Anna Mae & Paw Paw for being such an example and blessing to us and for establish such a legacy!

We LOVE You!!!

When I asked Anna Mae what the secret is she said, " Jesus, keep him in heart at all times, pray a lot , the older I get I pray more & take the good with the bad and sometimes there will be lots of bad."

Mary Stewart wearing Anna Mae's Wedding Gown!!

Paw Paw & Mary Stewart

How could you not love this sweet Anna Mae?

Happy Birthday Ashley Donald!

No, No, it's not my birthday, it's Ashley Donald's birthday! Yes there are two of us! What are the odds of two brothers marrying Ashley's? Matthew's younger brother Nathan married a sweet girl Ashley about 3 and half years ago. We are often referred to as "nathanashley" or "matthewashley" all in one word. So Wednesday was Ashley's birthday, and due to our travels, I am running a few days late.

Ashley has such a sweet heart. It seems there is always a gift for Mary Stewart when Ashley is around! I find that Ashley can be such a "worker bee." When given a job, she is going to see it through. Odds are though you won't see Ashley per say. She is a behind the scenes kinda girl! I am jealous of her scrapbooking tools and talents! If only we lived closer so she could impart some of her skill on me!

I am thankful that Ashley is a part of our family. When Nathan was about 10 years old he was diagnosed with RP (link over & read about it as defined by wikipedia), an eye disease. RP is degenerative disease and no one quite knows how it will play out for Nathan (however the Lord has been so kind and gracious and we continue to pray). I have been so encouraged at Ashley's love and care for Nathan and her commitment to him and especially their future. I know I have already started praying for Mary Stewart's mate, and it is no coincidence that God joined Ashley & Nathan! Thank you Ashley for your love for Nathan! I am so glad I have you to share my name with!!!

Happy Birthday!

Ashley, Rachel, Randi, & Me!

Ashley & Nathan with Sweet Mary Stewart!

Three of A Kind!

We have been a whirlwind this summer! I have been meaning to post these pictures for some time but we have been so busy.

At the end of July Mary Stewart and I made a last minute trip to Baton Rouge. When we are there we always try to get together with her cousins. Two of Matthew's cousins had babies last summer too! It is so fun to see them together and to watch them interact. It is so sweet that Anna Mae and Paw Paw have 3 great grand children! Wow what a legacy! Marlie is the oldest, she turned 1 on June 26. Then Jax on August 3 and Mary Stewart will be one on September 30.

This last visit was so special because it was baby Jax 1st birthday! He shared his day with us!

These babies are Three of A Kind!

The birthday boy Jax!

The Grandma's and the babies!

Marlie & Aunt Lilah, Jax & Aunt Elaine, Dee Dee & Mary Stewart

And Two Shall Become One

This weekend is very exciting for our family. The anticipation of Brian and Rachel's wedding is here. Brian (Matt's youngest brother) is dear to our hearts. As you may recall, Brian has lived with us on two different occasions. Rachel too is oh so dear, and as time passes I realize we have more and more in common.

What a sweet celebration this weekend will be, filled with sweet friends and family. I get giddy when I think about all of Matthew's siblings and spouses (The Ashley's!) and my sister and brother in law too being together all weekend. Can we say "Get So Excited!"

The same minister, Ketih Berger, who married Matthew and I, is also marrying Brian and Rachel. Keith was the RUF campus minister at LSU, and I cherish the time I was under his teaching. Looking forward to this great reunion as well. I know of at least 6 couples who will be here this weekend that Keith married! Wow!!

I am so thankful for Brian and Rachel to be united as one! Rachel lost her mother to cancer her senior year of high school. I know she has longed for the place to call home and to make hers. What a sweet blessing God has given her in marriage. Not only to find a place to call home, but a place to make a home with Brian.

We would covet your prayers as many of us travel this weekend. We pray for a sweet weekend that would glorify God and that we would truly celebrate in his graciousness.

Don't worry I am brining my camera!

Cheers to Brian and Rachel!!

Better Late Than Never..... Happy 4th of July

So I'm a little behind to say the least, but Happy 4th of July! For the past few years Matthew's family on his dad's side have all gathered together to celebrate the 4th. at Carters Lake near Ellijay, Georgia. This year it was a small crowd, but a great weekend!

We enjoyed Camp Donald and Carters Lake. Carters Lake is North Georgia's best kept secret. The water is clear and the scenery beautiful.

Here are a few pictures......

Mary Stewart makes a great Captain!

Enjoying Carters Lake

Jeff, Amee, & Reece Caroline

As always it was a great time with sweet family, wonderful food, and a beautiful backdrop!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's 50 something birthday (Yes I know which one, but isn't is rude to tell a lady's age?). This is year as I celebrate my mom's birthday, it's a little bit different now that I am a mom. Though Mary Stewart has only been with us for a short time, the place a mother has for her children is so sacred. I am beginning to see a glimpse of that same love, a mothers love, my mom has for me. I have always appreciated my mom, but it's now that I can begin to understand her perspective (I do know I have a long way to go still.....).

I dread the day when Mary Stewart is too cool for me, or the day she starts to sass or roll her eyes (those were my tendencies) at me. Hopefully I will always hold a special place in her heart, as my mom holds a special place in mine.

The other day on the christian radio station they were talking about mothers and raising children. They quoted a book (of course I can't remember) saying that a mother has done her job when her children no longer need her. My mom has always said she made Holly and I too independent, where we don't need her. Looks like she has been successful!

There is a part of us that always needs our mother. A mother offers unconditional love, always.

So here is to you mom! Happy Birthday. We love you!

Happy Birthday Nathan!!

*Due to our trip to the beach & my power cord dying, this post is over due!

Today (Saturday) is Nathan's 26th birthday! Nathan is 2nd in line in birth order of Donald children (Matthew, Nathan, Brian, Randi).

Here is a little back ground on Uncle Nathan! He is also married to an Ashley Donald. Nathan has a passion for working with children and is a Director for the YMCA. He and Ashley recently moved to Beaumont, Tx for Nathan's work. They don't have any children yet, but a sweet dog, Beaux. Nathan is the only sibling of Matthew who has never lived with us ( I know, how did he get so lucky? )

Nathan is truly one of the most genuine people I know. It is so apparent his love for people when you are talking to him. He has such a caring and playful spirit. As I have seen Nathan encounter hardship he is never one to wallow in self pity. The saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." That is sweet Nathan. I look forward to watching Mary Stewart adore her Uncle Nathan (& aunt ashley)!

Nathan we wish the miles between us weren't so many, but are so excited for you and Ashley's opportunities is Texas.

We wish you a happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Uncle B!

Today we are celebrating Brian's 23rd birthday!
We will be eating crawfish, of course (crawfish are one of Brian's staple foods).
Uncle B, as Mary Stewart affectionaly calls him, holds a special place in our hearts. On two different occasions Brian has lived with us. The summer after his freshman year of college he came and worked in Atlanta and then of course this spring while doing his internship. He is a great house guest and I have loved having him in our home.
It has been so great to watch Brian over the past four years mature and become a young man (Do I sound like an old lady or what?). I have loved watching the Lord work in his life, from his involvement with RUF, to his summer at Alpine, and now with his relationship with Rachel. I feel so privlidged that we have gotten to share this with you as you have been in our home and even your weekends while at Alpine. It has been so encouraging the way you have thought things through as you have dated Rachel and the love you have for her. I look forward to many years together with ya'll and are excited for Mary Stewart to have you both (ecspecially when you move to Atlanta one day!)

Randi, Lizzie, Brian

Me, Mary Stewart, Brian, Anna Mae & Randi

Dee Dee with her birthday boy!
Mary Stewart enjoyed banana's while we enjoyed crawfish!

We love you Uncle B! Cheers to a wonderful year!!!

Going to the Chapel......

In August Brian (aka uncle b) and Rachel will be going to the chapel! We are delighted to have her join our family. This past weekend we celebrated their engagement with an announcement party in Tupelo, Mississippi. But before I spill on the wonderful party, here's a little background.........
Brian and Rachel met about a year and half ago when Brian was a counselor at Camp Alpine and Rachel a counselor at Camp Desoto. Some mutual friends set them up on a date and well the rest is history.....
When I first met Rachel I was immediately sold! Someone once described her as a "mini you" referring to me, so naturally I love her! I love Rachel for many reasons but particularly because she loves and adores Mary Stewart and the fact that she can roll her eyes at Matthew when he is picking on her and even better she fights back!
Rachel grew up in Tupelo, MS and is a senior at Ole Miss (doesn't God have a great sense of humor... Mr. LSU marrying Ms. Ole Miss). Brian proposed in January and they have set the date for August 14, 2010.
So on to the party.......
When the party was scheduled for this past weekend, it was perfect for so many reasons. First the LSU/Ole MIss baseball series was going on in Oxford and it was Double Decker weekend. The weather put a kink in many of those plans but God was kind to have the rain stop and the sun shine for the party Saturday night. Rachel's family friends hosted a wonderful party. It was so fun because most of Brian's groomsmen were able to come! We had a great "Louisiana" group. I have so enjoyed getting to know some of Rachel's sweet friends and her family. We (especially Mary Stewart who loves getting showered with gifts from nathan and ashley) were excited to see Matt's brother Nathan and his wife Ashley (yes two ashley donald's in the same family ). They recently moved to Texas and with us in Georgia our visits are few and far between! It's always so fun to have all of the siblings together!
We are thankful for such a beautiful weekend .....

The Family

Ashley, Nathan, Brian, Rachel, Randi, Matthew, Me!

Matthew & I

Mr. Vic, Rachel, Brian, Ms. Diana

Matthew, Todd, Eric, Elliott

The Baton Rouge Gang

Matthew, Me, Holly & Elliott

Ms. Diana, Ashley, Randi, Kim, Holly & Me

Congratulations Brian & Rachel, we love you!

Check out Brian & Rachel's website!