Wow, it's been a bit. So much to catch up on - hope you all are doing well! Let's see, when we left off, the Jr.'s new love was coming for a visit (and was nervous about meeting us)! We chatted for a bit, and then played games. We played "Uno", "Taboo" and "Cranium".
Hannah is such a sweetie. She was nervous at first, but we got her to chatting and laughing in no time! We all stayed up until midnight
playing ping pong, being silly and doing a lot
(A LOT) of laughing! (Needless to say, the Sr. and I were pooped on Sunday :0)
Music to my ears - when the Jr. got back from taking her home, he said
Hannah said she had a great time, and didn't know why she was even nervous in the first place :o)!!
Oh, and my birthday present had arrived! When we were at Biltmore for our anniversary, we saw the original canvas of "The Waltz" painted by Anders Zorn in 1890 (purchased by George Vanderbilt in 1893). And, I fell in love with it.
So, that adorable, super sweet, and super studly husband of mine ordered a replica painted on canvas, and set in the same style frame:
Isn't it B-E-A-utiful? It's now hanging over the mantle above our fireplace - and I adore it!
Let's see - what else . . . I was having one of those downer, PMS, tired days, and so the McStudly came home for lunch yesterday and brought me these
just to brighten my spirits a bit. So lovely having bright, springy flowers on a gray, Missouri winter day - and can't wait to repurpose that pitcher :0)
Not only that, he encouraged me to take a good rest, veg out, watch chick flicks all afternoon, and enjoy some stitching
So I did! I love it when a girl gets lost in the music and sings her heart out like me :0) And, hey, I hadn't even thought of using the remote as a mike - until now (giggle)!!
And, if that's not enough - well, he brought home dinner so I didn't have to cook! What a doll - I know!
McStudly - I'm running out of ways to tell you just how much I love you and appreciate you.
So, I'll just say this - "It's not that I can't live without you . . . it's that I would never even want to try" - my sweetest of miracles from God.
I've been cooking up a lot of goodies that I found on Pinterest:
Like this Strawberry & Candied Pecan Salad with a Honey Vinegrette and
this Baked Fontina (with home baked French Bread)!
I make no apologizies for spending hours on Pinterest! It is FULL of B-E-A-utiful things, and well it being a non-goal oriented activity -it nurtures my feminine side -and the boys are really enjoying the food.
Oh, oh, and I almost forgot - so Pinterest led me to a new favorite blog called The Dating Divas. They have all kinds of great ideas to keep the romance going in your marrige - TOO FUN! So, I saw these Valentine Mailboxes on there today
and went right to shopping for my guys! I ordered them each a mailbox - and starting February 1, I'm going to "mail" them a special note (telling them all the good things about them, how much I love them, etc. and include a little treat in there)! I'll put the flag up and
they can get their Valentine Mail each day before they go to school / work :0)!! I got pink so I could use them for Easter and Christmas, too! Heck, I may use them year round as wonderful as my guys are :0)!!
This week for the Stitch Along with Vickie, I stitched the beauty block
primarily because I'm so grateful for Pinterest and getting to look at all those beautiful things - and for all of the beauty I get to enjoy in this world!
You see, beauty is everywhere. It's all around us - in young love, and old love, in laughter and games, in making pretty meals, in flowers, in chick flicks, in small acts of kindness on a rough day, in embroidery, in art . . . our hearts just have to be open to Receive it.
TTFN,
Kelly
slow down, it is only 6:45 in thte morning I can't understand you when you talk so fast! LOL That was jam packed with everything, but I have to say my favorite was the pics of you, your boys, and Hannah!! I am so glad she had a great time! Hello, as if you wouldn't be a great time!! LOL
Those mail boxes are just cute as can be!! How fun! I know my Boy would hav e ablst with little notes... hmmmm my mind is (trying) turning. Kinda early in the morning! I will think about it later! Have a GREAT day!!
Posted by: Josie | January 27, 2012 at 04:48 AM
What a doll Hannah is! Fun was had by all...YIPPEE! Salad looks yummy. Your birthday gift is amazing...what a sweetie! No Pintrest for me so far...I'm afraid I'll get lost in a black hole and never come out...LOL!
Posted by: Carol | January 27, 2012 at 05:15 AM
I just don't know if I should laugh or cry.
Hannah is a brave young lady - does she know how many people have now seen her adorable smile. Then we get to the picture which is the most beautiful and precious gift besides his love and flowers and care for you. Does he have an older brother????Way older?? Love the mailboxes. I was cleaning house and in a crappy mood and you just made it vanish into thin air. Thank you so very much. Meet you on pinterest,.
Posted by: Peg | January 27, 2012 at 05:49 AM
Your Mister McStudly needs to hold seminars for the husbands of the rest of us!!!!! (P.S. I Love You is one of my favorite movies!)
Posted by: Jean | January 27, 2012 at 06:29 AM
The picture is an awesome expression of love. You are both so truly blessed to have each other. Hannah is a lucky girl to have found a young man from such a wonderful and loving family. McStudly Jr certainly has a fabulous role model.
I'm glad to see you are living life to its fullest or in "Oprah speak," finding your authentic self. Is there anything that woman isn't an expert on.
Posted by: KatieQ | January 27, 2012 at 09:10 AM
Oh Kelly, isn't it an incredible blessing to have husbands so loving, generous and caring? Your birthday present is WONDERFUL! I understand why you fell in love with it! :)
Posted by: Denise :) | January 27, 2012 at 09:15 AM
You all seemed to have had a great time and Hannah looks like she is a very nice girl. Love the painting, McStudly is so sweet to you which is the way it should be. You lucky girls! The food looked great too. You were so lucky to have been so pampered yesterday.
Posted by: Cynthia Gallegos | January 27, 2012 at 11:28 AM
What a fun time at your house! So happy, welcoming and caring :-)
Posted by: Michele | January 27, 2012 at 01:06 PM
Your painting is so beautiful, what a wonderful birthday present. I also love the pitcher holding your flowers. I have a small collection of pitchers. Hannah must be a doll, she looks like she is having so much fun. Have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Patty | January 27, 2012 at 06:06 PM
Hi Kelly,
Your posts always brighten my day. There is beauty everywhere, thank you for reminding me when I have had an especially stressful week.
Posted by: carol broughton | January 28, 2012 at 06:25 AM
Ohhh, first can I have some of your food? Next, I'd like your quilt, ha! You guys are great, isn't it fun to see the kids grow up? I am at the other end of the story with a young guy experiencing his first heartbreak. It's all part of life. I seriously don't know what the males in my house would do if I bought them anthing pink?! But I am trying to invite my hubby to eat out with me.We'll see how thaat goes,hmmm. I love your happy blog, it'ss just so much fun!
Posted by: Cathy | January 28, 2012 at 09:00 PM
Oh, what a sweet and loving message today!! I think you better keep that man, and be really good to him. He's so thoughtful and kind, and knows what makes you happy! Hannah is adorable, I know she loved being with you sweet folks, your son is darling also. I love the little mailboxes, will have to look for them, great idea. Your painting is lovely, enjoy it. Keep writing in your happy, personal way..
Posted by: Dianne Mitzel | January 29, 2012 at 04:36 PM
Looks like a fun night, and a very nice young lady. :) And what a sweetie that husband of yours is, first the beautiful picture and then the lovely flowers. :)
Posted by: Kris of Dandelion Quilts | January 31, 2012 at 04:47 PM