Father Knows Best

For the man a few words, a simple Father's Day wish.



I love you.


I love the husband you are...



The father you have been,


The father-in-law you have learned to be,


And recently, the grandfather you have become.


But most importantly, the friend you will always be.

Dad, you are one of the two best fathers I know. Fortunately for us all, I married the man that recently became the other.



Happy first Father's Day, Bret! Gillian Grace is so blessed to have you as her Daddy.

Happy Father's Day! I love you both more than words can express.

Happily Ever After

I take you to love and to hold from this day forward...



for better or for worse...



for richer or for poorer


in sickness and in health


to love and to cherish until death do us part.


This is my solemn vow.


Tomorrow my parents will celebrate 40 years of wedded bliss.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Your relationship is an inspiration to me and to Bret. If we are able to experience half the happiness the two of you have shared, we will consider ourselves very fortunate.

We love you very much!

Flashback Friday

{Me, 1982}



This is how I roll!
{Or should I say rolled}




Today's the last day to enter the Brooks Boutique giveaway! Click here to win!

Car Trouble

On the way home from Gammie and Grandad's yesterday {I told you we visit a lot}, Gillian Grace and I had a major blowout on the highway.


Only it's not what you think...
{Or maybe after reading my previous posts and knowing GG's track record, it is...}

Blame it on poor engineering or my diaper changing execution, but for whatever reason Gillian Grace's diaper was simply no match for the massive pooptastrophe she had just minutes from home.

I didn't have to look to know what GG was up to in the backseat. The grunts and groans loud enough to make even the Incredible Hulk offer up a congratulatory high five were the only indication I needed to know that Daddy would be getting much more than he bargained for when he greeted us for hugs in the driveway.

As for the collateral damage, well let's just say my husband and I are far more capable than BP and together we were able to keep the spill contained to just her carseat.

Leave it to Gillian Grace to make even the most mundane of car trips exciting. It's just too bad AAA doesn't cover this type of blowout!




There's still time to enter the Brooks Boutique giveaway! Click here to win!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

The QUEEN gets a new throne...

Such a big girl!

{Thanks Gammie and Grandad for making sure Gillybean has a comfy place to rest her tushie when she visits, which is OFTEN!}

Don't forget...There's still time to enter the Brooks Boutique Giveaway! Click here for a chance to win!

When Mom's away...

....the kids will play.

And by kids, I mean these two...

My daughter

and

my husband.

While I was out this past weekend taking care of a few errands, I received the text message {pictured below} from Bret.

What followed can only be described as classic Daddy/daughter bonding. After all, there's nothing quite like an oreo to bring two people together.





Not only did I arrive home to find Gillian Grace cleaned up, oreo free, and wearing a completely new outfit, but the upstairs had been vacuumed and the laundry started.

I'm beginning to think I should run errands alone more often. Bret is a regular Mr. Mom. {Minus the kitchen rubber gloves, clothespin on the nose, goggles, and apron of course!}


Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom, 1983

Pretty sure when Bret videoed this moment with GG he didn't intend for me to post it, but I just couldn't help myself. Much like an oreo, this little snippet of father/daughter sweetness is just to hard to resist!

Miscellany Monday

{Since my computer is acting wonky, I wasn't able to load any pictures.}

{1} I was on the Interstate the other day on a return trip from my parents'. As I passed a UPS delivery truck, I couldn't help but wonder if he was hauling any packages bound for my front porch.

{2} Speaking of UPS, just last week as I was sitting upstairs doing a little computer work when I looked up from my laptop and out the window just in time to see a package tumble from the open passenger side door of a UPS delivery truck onto the ground. Luckily the truck came to an abrupt halt before the rear tires left their mark on the poor defenseless package. Seconds later, Mr. Brown was ringing my bell with none other than that nearly smashed package in hand. Knowing that the box contained a pair of shoes which had no doubt survived its close encounter of the flattening kind, I had to give him just a wee bit of ribbing for being so careless. His only retort, "Oh...you saw that did you?!"

{3} Do you ever feel like you're being watched? Or, are you a watcher? I'm both! I consider people watching a sport, but also know that if I enjoy wasting a few minutes here and there watching others, there's got to be other people out there that do the same. Translation, they're watching me!

{4} Hello, my name is Shannon and I am a Real Housewives junkie! I cannot get enough of watching the ridiculous fabulous women of NYC and NJ. But I must admit it's purely for entertainment, because these women are looney tunes with a capital LOONEY! Money can't buy you class...

{5} This week's Commenter of the Week is Amy from Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle. Amy is such a sweetheart! If you ever need makeup tips, she's your gal.

{6} Sheesh, makeup is expensive! I spent nearly two hours with a makeup specialist this week and a small fortune pepping up my look. Yea, she saw me coming! Sucker born every minute and all...

{7} Store your suckers, candy, and tasty summer treats in Brooks Boutique reusable snack bags. Click here to enter my giveaway!

{8} Summer is fun, but so crazy! There's just so much going on. Between planning GG's first birthday, family coming to town, and juggling everyday life, the next month will be busy! So if you don't see me popping by your blog as often as I have in the past, know I'll be back once things settle down a bit around here.

Hope your Monday is off to a sweet start!

Flashback Friday

Beginnings are always messy. ---John Glasworthy

{Me, Spring 1981}



It's become painfully obvious from whom Gillian Grace inherited her manners...

{Gillian Grace, Fall 2009}


Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all. Looks like Daddy is off the hook...this time!

Don't forget to check out my Brooks Boutique giveaway. Click here to enter.

May your messes be small, your cleanups easy, and your weekend memorable!

Have a good one, y'all!

Look who's walking...

I alluded to this huge milestone several posts ago but it's now official, at ten months Gillian Grace is W-A-L-K-I-N-G!

She took her first steps Memorial Day weekend, but with each passing day she is growing ever more confident and daring, taking more steps with each attempt.

And to think I thought I had my hands full when she started crawling. I've got a feelin' I ain't seen nothing yet!



Now run, don't walk to the post below to find out about the details of my newest giveaway!

New Giveaway!

I am so excited to bring you another great giveaway, courtesy of Brooks Boutique on Etsy.

Amy has many wonderful handmade accessories for you and your little ones. And if you don't find exactly the color or pattern you're looking for just email her, she'll be more than happy to work up a custom order specific to your needs.

Here's a little background on Brooks Boutique owner, Amy.

When I gave birth to my daughter several years ago, I found that many products I was looking for were too expensive or couldn't be found locally. I began to make these products one by one and over time, the variety and quality of my products grew. Friends and family began to ask me where I got my cute items. When I told them that I made them myself, they all convinced me to get a booth at local craft fairs. Eventually, the demand became so great that I decided to create a website to market these products and that is how the Brooks Boutique was born!

From bibs to burp cloths, car seat straps to adorable hair clips, you're sure to find something adorable for your little munchkin.


Amy is giving away a couple of her super cute reusable snack bags {pictured on the right of the above photo} to two lucky readers. These bags are perfect for summer family outings!

Here's how to enter {Giveaway ends 6/18}

Mandatory entry:

Follow Brooks Boutique on Twitter

or

Follow Brooks Boutique on Facebook

{Extra entry for following both}

Extra entries:
{1} Leave a comment telling me how you'd use the snack bags. A picnic? A trip to the beach?
{2} Visit Brooks Boutique on Etsy and leave a comment telling me about one other item that caught your eye.
{3} Tweet about this giveaway.
{4} Post a message on Facebook about this giveaway.
{5} Blog about this giveaway.

This is a pressure-free blog, only follow if you have seen something here that you like. And if you are deciding to follow, thank you and welcome!

Remember to leave a comment HERE for each entry. Please also include your email address. It makes it a lot easier to notify you when you win!

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

{More Beach Photos}















Life's a beach! Smooches, y'all!

Peanut Butter and Yum...

For weeks I've wanted to post this decadent dessert, but waited to get the thumbs up from the recipe's original creator, Amanda from Kevin and Amanda. I've made this deliciously sinful dessert twice and each time it has been a huge hit!

Best Ever Chocolate Cake

1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 package Jello instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips {or 2 c. chopped Reese's peanut butter cups}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a VERY large bowl (4 qt), mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice (I normally use two 9-inch pie pans).

For cooking time, I use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide. Be sure to do the toothpick check, and if it’s not done, check on it every 5 minutes after that.

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup shortening {Crisco}
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 c. to 1 c. peanut butter {optional}

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and continue creaming until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add peanut butter. Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.

If you're in a pinch for time, Duncan Hines makes a delicious buttercream frosting. Add the peanut butter, mix, and voila---Your very own slice of Heaven!

Just be sure not to not to over indulge, it is swimsuit season after all...

Move over Giselle B., there's a new Sports Illustrated swimsuit model in town!
{More beach pictures soon!}

Bon Appetit!

Miscellany Monday

{1} Birthday fever has begun! With only a little over a month left to plan Gillian Grace's first birthday party, I'm beginning to wonder if I'll get everything done. I cross one thing off my list, only to think of another to add.

{2) After months of waffling back and forth between several themes for the big day, I finally made a decision last week. I'll post more details as the planning progresses, but for now I'll leave you with a teeny tiny hint about the party...{Along with being one of GG's many nicknames, the theme is also a popular children's song.}

{3} Speaking of birthdays...Happy Happy Happy Birthday to good friends, Mrs. Gatewood and Tracey!


From top to bottom: My mom (Gammie), Mrs. Gatewood, Gillian Grace



At a school fundraiser, our friends Monica, TRACEY, ME, and Lisa---So Tracey, think it's time for a new pic?
Just remember ladies, age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it certainly doesn't matter.

{4} I have the most generous parents in the whole world. If you've spent any time at all reading my blog, you know that my parents make everyday feel like a birthday or Christmas. The best part is, we don't even have to ask; they just anticipate our needs {and often our wants} and deliver. Though they never ask for anything in return, Bret and I will likely spend the rest of our days trying to show them just how much their kindness has meant to us. Get out your umbrellas Mom and Dad, a shower of gratitude is forecasted for your near future!



{5} Rain rain go away! Since Memorial Day, it's rained practically everyday. It's time to let the SUNSHINE in...

{6} This week's Commenter of the Week is Liz from A belle, a bean, and a Chicago Dog. Not only do I enjoy reading her blog and count it among one of my many daily reads, but her comments always brighten my day!

{7} New giveaway begins this week!

{8} Gillian Grace has a new love...Cheerios! Mom gave me the best tip when she told me to string a bunch of Cheerios together {I use non-flavored floss} and let GG wear it like an old school candy necklace. I did this a few weeks ago and it was a hit! Not only did she love love love munching on the Cheerios, the necklace kept her occupied throughout most of our lunch. And the best part, the thumbs up and thank you from the Mellow Mushroom waitress for leaving barely a trace of crummies on the floor.

Have a yummy week!