Bathing Beauty

Sweet Ashley sent a text with this picture of Ellie practicing for her beach trip; hope she finds her shades before then!

You know there are more...

Not Quite Football Season

Recently, thirty-four rookies took the field for the first time wearing their new NFL jerseys. They looked like NFL players, but did they have all the right moves? Upper Deck awarded an autographed Michael Jordan jersey to the rookie with the best touchdown dance (seen at the 1:37 mark). Be sure to notice (at the 3:50 mark) who won it! Goooooooooo DAWGS, Sic 'em! Woof, woof, woof!

Our New Normal

Plan B

We had a great visit with niece Rachel last night, although there was an issue with her car (as in it stopped making forward progress), fortunately less than an hour away. On our way to pick her up, I was reminded of the time my car died and my folks made an eight hour round trip to get Kate and me home. There was also the time Worth's truck died, thankfully near a town where the sister of a friend lived...all to say, it happens.

Despite the glitch, we were so glad to see her, as it's been WAY TOO LONG since she's been here. Her sweet uncle got the "Plan B" car ready to go, packed her a lunch, and this morning she was on her way to her dad's. Love you, Rachel!

A Day for Remembering

Most Army Brats spend some of their growing up years in the D.C. area and E.W. and I are no exception. This photo of my dad at the Tomb of the Unknowns was taken by Kate two years ago when we took a trip back to the area. This Memorial Day we remember those, who like our dads and brothers, served in our country's military, and thank them for our freedom.

Weekend Well Spent

Kate and Jay were here this weekend; by the time we added friends and more family into the mix...well, it was just plain fun!

At the End of the Day

Good friends, great discussion, fried chicken, snap beans, macaroni and cheese*, deviled eggs, sliced tomatoes, biscuits, pecan pie, and a phone call from Jackie Lee Miles, the author of this month's book...well, the Bluestockings do know how to enjoy an evening!

* this recipe was in the book and OH MY WORD the fabulosity of it! Hint: it involves, in addition to the standard ingredients, half-and-half, heavy cream, and sour cream.

A Drive By

Nephew George had to come to town today so he and his uncle enjoyed having lunch together. Then he got put to work repairing sprinkler heads and helping set up the bench E.W. won at the Bulldog Club last night! While he was here, our niece Rachel called and she's going to be coming through town Monday and spending the night! We are getting in some good aunt & uncle time these days.

Now...off to the kitchen to get ready for the Bluestockings to arrive! More on that later...

One Million and Counting

Yesterday was a huge day for Compassion. You can read about it HERE, HERE, and HERE. This morning's Fox & Friends covered the big news, too!

I'm blessed that Patricia is my one in a million. Do you need a blessing?

Eight Months Old!

For an action shot of the most beautiful grandbaby on the planet (and I say that with no bias, you understand), click HERE.

Back Where She Belongs

Had to add an afternoon update to the previous post...

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

We're not sure if Miss Scarlett had quite the adventure that Sassy, Chance, and Shadow had, but after TEN DAYS, she's BACK HOME, none the worse for wear! Putter checked her out and pronouced her acceptable. She has earned a rare day inside, though, to sleep off whatever her experience might have entailed.

Welcome back, Miss Scarlett!

Stand By Me

Thanks to my friend, Bryna, for sharing this version of a classic. Here's what she said when she sent the link: "The music just brings me home to all the Motown we listened to growing up." Yes, it does.

Get Up and Go

She's on the move! Life is about to get even busier. :)

The Women on Either Side of Me

One of my favorite pictures, taken after Ellie's baptism this past weekend...my daughter and my mother. I am extraordinarily blessed to have them on either side of me in the circle of life.

Miss Scarlett...

... We're missing you.

Little Girl in a Long White Dress

As promised, a great evening of tailgaiting preceded the main event. The Low Country Boil was delicious and the company even better. A lot of folks drove a long way to be together and it was so worth it. We enjoyed being with Worth & Ashley's B'ham crowd as well as getting to spend time with friends and extended family.

A little afternoon entertainment:

What a privilege to be reared in a Christian home. Ellie is so blessed and we were all happy to be a part of her big day. The words spoken by the Very Rev. Frank F. Limehouse, III reminded us that life is difficult but that by teaching Ellie to rely on God, her parents and all who love her will give her a powerful defense when life's tough moments come. Wish I could do his words justice.

Here's a short video clip of Ellie getting ready and below that, some pictures of our day. How blessed we are to be grandparents of this sweet baby.

If you haven't seen enough pictures of our weekend, head on over to the B'ham Bowers for more!

Anticipation

This weekend family and friends will gather for Ellie's baptism. It is sure to be a sweet and solemn occasion and we are honored to be a part of her special day.

However, anyone familiar with the M.O. of our group knows that nearly everything we do involves tailgating BEFORE the main event, whether it's a football game......a golf tournament...

...or Christmas! It should come as no surprise, then, that in advance of Ellie's big day Bowers and Tifts, relatives and friends, and of course, the guest of honor, will be found under the tents......enjoying Worth's Low Country Boil and some beverages...

...and doing lots of talking and laughing. Can't wait!

Off They Go

Elena and Coach Kate, ready for today's meet!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful daddy anyone could have. Thanks for always doing the right thing; I'm proud and grateful to be your daughter.

A Backyard Full of Girls

You should have heard the giggling and squealing! 

It was quite marvelous.

There was also a great deal of merriment later when fun with the Arenas family and a celebration of Kate's new job moved inside!

And THAT'S Another Bulldog Point of Pride

Big day for Bowers and Bulldogs!

Kate learned that she has a full time position in the Gymnastics office and Rachel was asked to design graphics for the Red & Black's weekly First & Goal in the fall (check out her graphic from today's article on the tennis team).

Congratulations to this pair of cousins...and that's another bulldog point of pride! Or two!