Happy Birthday Mary Stewart

Happy 3rd Birthday Mary Stewart

We are thankful for your sweet & loving nature and the ability you have to make us all feel so loved and special.  It warms my heart to see you love Anna Caroline the way you do.

You certainly are a social butterfly and love all things princess so a princess breakfast was in order.

It is evident you are loved.  We are thankful for our family and friends who continue to pour into you.

Oh how you have taught me so much.  You continue to bring me to my knees for God to grant me the wisdom to love you well, to nurture your spirit, to raise you in home that loves the Lord first, and of course some days it's for extra patience (sadly you get your dramatics from your mother).

My do you love your daddy and boy does he love you.  There certainly is a sweet bond there.  There is something to be said for the way a daddy loves his little girl.  I pray for you both and that bond continues for the years to come.  I know there will be days where a daddy's love will be the one thing that will fix it all.  Very parallel to the way the Father loves us.

You are so fortunate to have such a large extended family that loves you so!  We are thankful that you have been able to know and love your great grandparents.  The saying "It takes a village" is certainly true. You are so blessed to have so many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and "adopted" family to embrace you as you grow.

Thank you Mary Stewart for the privilege of being you mommy.  May I never take it for granted what a blessing and gift you are.

 

A Belated Birthday Blog......

December is lots of fun for us! Two of my favorite girls have December birthdays & I am way overdue with their birthday blogs. I can't even begin to describe or convey what these 2 ladies mean to me, but here is a shot.

Let's start with my dub......

On December 14, my dub, aka Randi Marie (Matthew's sister) turned 22. Now I know you are wondering what is a dub, she was too the first time I deemed her my dub.... But it's one of those special things that well only dubs share........

When I first met Randi she was just beginning high school had short curly hair and braces.....now she has turned into an abosolutely beautiful young woman. It has been fun to watch her grow up and she has been kind to include us along the way. I love hanging out with Randi because she makes me feel young and kinda cool. She keeps me up to date with the cool music, whats going on at the delta house & most recently the cutest ddd shirt, and just what I need to know. I love that she indulges me. Randi has spent the last 2 summers in Atlanta with us and it has been such a joy to have her around. I love that as the youngest with 3 older brothers she is tough yet she is such a girl! It has been sweet for me to see the way she adores Mary Stewart. Randi, you hold such a special place in our hearts....you are much more than a sister in law, but a sister to me! Happy belated Birthday Dub!!!

Then there is Holly aka Hattie to Mary Stewart.

Holly is my younger sister by 3 years. I know that all siblings have there stages, but I can't really remember a day when I haven't absolutely adored my sister. Matthew thinks our house is a shrine to her (so I have a lot of pics of us.....). I remember in high school having a conversation with a bunch of my friends on how the 2nd sibling is the coolest. I won't mention names, but for most everyone in the group it was true. I remember walking away thinking, that is so true...... The sweet thing about our relationship is that the sibling rivalry doesn't exist. We have never been jealous of the other. I can call her and she totally gets me. I love that our husbands love each other. I love that she too adores Mary Stewart. There is something so sweet as a sister, I think it is because there is a little of each of us in the other. Hollybug we love you! Happy Belated Birthday!

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 Sweet Mary Stewart!

About this time a year ago, Mary Stewart had been with us for about 2 hours, we were getting moved to the postpartum wing at Piedmont and finally I was going to be able to eat!!

Oh my, that seems like yesterday, really it does.

Words can't describe the joy of motherhood. For me Mary Stewart has been another example of Christ faithfulness to Matthew and I. With every smile and giggle and Mary Stewart's evolving personality, I am constantly in awe that the Lord would choose to bless me so immensely.

I can only hope that time will slow down so that we can savor every day with this sweet child.

11 months was good to you, here is a glimpse:

-You cut another tooth! You have a total of 6.... this last tooth was a mean one....

-Back to 2 naps. We tried 1. What can I say, your not a great napper.

-You love cow's milk! I am thankful we haven't had any problems transitioning to cow's milk, but then again you will eat or drink anything!

-We are slowly giving up the bottle, and again you have been wonderful! You don't even seem to notice.

-You aren't walking yet but are so close. You will stand and balance at times and are quite confident walking as long as you have 1 hand on something.

- What a daddy's girl you are becoming. It is so sweet to see how you two adore one another.

You will stand at the back door looking out and calling, "da da" all afternoon long!

So how do you celebrate a 1 years old birthday? Well, I have anxiously waited all week for Mary Stewart's birthday. Matthew and I were up early this morning reminiscing this day last year. It was such sweet memories. Mary Stewart's day looked about the same except for a few things.

This morning she opened a present from Matthew and I as she enjoyed her bottle. Then at breakfast she had her birthday balloon on her highchair (this is a birthday tradition in Matthew's family) and sprinkles in her yogurt!!!

She got a new pink special sippy cup for today! Matthew came and met us for lunch and when the owner found out it was Mary Stewart's birthday, he went 2 doors down and got her a pink cupcake!

Mary Stewart LOVED her cupcake. This afternoon she was showered with love and gifts from her Dee Dee, Papa, Uncle Nat and Ya Ya.

What a blessed little girl (and tired too! she was asleep before her head hit the pillow).

I am thankful for such a wonderful day!

We look forward to celebrating Saturday with her official birthday party.

Happy Birthday Mary Stewart! I love you!

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.

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!

PaPa

Yesterday, July 14th was Papa's birthday. Papa is Matthew's dad, my father in love, and Mary Stewart's grandfather. On his birthday we salute Papa with our "Ten Favorite Things We Love About Papa!" In no particular order......

1. Papa loves music. Just spend a day with him at Camp D & you will know what I mean.

2. There are 2 sides to Papa: Business & Play

3. He is the man behind Camp Donald!

4. How he puts up with, oh I mean loves Italians!

6. Papa likes fun toys (especially fun cars!)

7. He is the only man we know who gets really really giddy about sleeping on his porch (yes on his on free will)!

8. He somehow always manages to get that dessert!

9. Who else has the gift of speaking Labrador.

10. Papa's rules: 1. Papa is always right 2. If you think he is wrong, see rule #1.

There are oh so many things we love about Papa, but perhaps in this house, what stands out is the legacy he leaves to us daily in Matthew. How fortunate we are to have a husband and father who has had such an incredible example as Papa.

Thanks Papa for you ever continuing graciousness to us!

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!!!

10,220 Days and Counting

Today is Matthew's 10,220th day of life, or his 28th birthday. Unfortunately Matthew had to travel for work this week and isn't here to celebrate today with Mary Stewart and me. However I do think he got to play golf which is always a bonus for him, and we got to finish off his birthday cake! Here is to celebrating my wonderful husband on his day...........

There are lots of reasons I celebrate you, here are a few:

I love that you love the Lord and that you chose me to be your wife. I love the way you get so silly with Mary Stewart and how you can out shop me, the way you are annoyingly good at any sport you pick up, that you allow me to be a stay at home mom. I love that you will take me on date nights and I love your buffalo chicken. I love that you have goals and that you love to cuddle. I love that you are a great provider and love the way you make me laugh too. I even love the way you budget and that you are so family oriented. I love that you are punctual and that you love the mountains. I love that you love history & architecture and that you are a dog lover. There are lots of things to love about you, but mostly I love that you love me!

I can't wait to spend your 20,000th day with you and look forward to the 1,000,000th day!

Happy Birthday Matthew!

uncle ears

Everyone should be so lucky to have an "Uncle Ears." Uncle Ears, whose real name is Elliott, is married to my sister fabulous sister Holly (also referred to as Hattie by Mary Stewart). I have known ears somewhere between ten and fifteen years. He and my sister were in essence high school sweethearts (there is a great breakup story behind this...). I know Mary Stewart will look forward to the days when she will go to Uncle Ears house and look at the cows, ride the horses, play on tractors and annoy Eliza (this is their dog). Today is Ears birthday, February 23. Ears we hope you had a great day! We are thankful for the way you love the Lord, love Hattie and love Monkey Soup (this is ears personal nickname for Mary Stewart).

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Birthdays are always a great time to reflect on a person. I love birthdays! It's a day to truly celebrate a person's life (& to be treated like a queen or king....still trying to convince the husband of this). Today is my father's birthday. He has seen JFK shot, integration, several wars,the rock & roll era (which he enjoyed), the raising of two daughters, the passing of two parents, and oh yeah the Saints winning a Super bowl! We as a younger generation have a lot to learn from the generation ahead of us. On this day I celebrate a man who has an incredible work ethic. One who I wanted the man I married to emulate (& I have been blessed with a husband who does). A man who wanted his children to have opportunities galore in their life. Since having Mary Stewart, I have had a glimpse of desiring great things for my child. This is something I have always seen in my dad. So I thank my dad for the great desire he had to want to better his children & grant them new experiences ( a lesson I am confident he learned from his father)....We celebrate you dad, the maker of super dad toast (secret family recipe), corny jokes, and lover of raw oysters! Happy Birthday!