Tea is Served

Earlier this week, my friend MN came over for a tea visit. Our place isn't exactly together yet, but presentable enough. I made a pear-almond upside down cake, some tea sandwiches, a little salad, and tea, of course! And I had wee tea ready for our little ones as well. It wasn't exactly easy to eat in peace with the little monkeys dangling from us, but we had a really nice time. Tea is so fun. (The upside down cake recipe is in Vegetarian Cooking For Everyone, in case you're interested. I didn't fan the pears right, but it was sooo delicious.)

Fireside Chat

Oh my, time sure does fly when you're having fun. And I'm home in Atlanta, so time is whizzing by! I'm sorry not to be posting regularly. After dinner, clean up, bath time, reading... I'm tuckered out. But here's a bit of what I've been up to down south, in the ATL. Right now, kicking back fireside at my mom's, sipping hot cocoa.

Last week we had a great Thanksgiving at the hubber's mom's house. The leaves above have all made their way to the ground, but when we first arrived, the leaves were so bright and fiery. 

We re-visited a few of our favorite places. Star Provisions is where lots of gourmet goodies live in Atlanta, and where we got our Thanksgiving turkey. I bought one of their smores cupcakes. It was quite tasty. 

I took a few morning walks with Lois. 

I've spent a lot of time with my family, including these three adorable monkey's (my nephew's, my sister's kids). It's practically impossible to get three boys 5 and under to look at the camera and smile--at the same time. I must have taken at least 50 pictures just in this position, with candycane props. Still, this was the best I could do. I don't know how family photographers do it. 

Speaking of photographers, I got to spend some time with my top favorite photographer, Greg Miller. He's the real deal. 

I've seen a lot of pretty Atlanta days and nights. Even the bad weather is good weather to me just because I'm here.

We've had fun visiting with friends big and small. 

And I've been trying to get lots of sleep, not very successfully though, because I'm too excited to be here! But I should try to sleep now. Nighty-night. Just realized I have all these big pictures of myself in one post! In case you weren't sure what I looked like, well, there you have it. ME.

Birthday

Over the weekend I celebrated a birthday! Party girl! I haven't been great at updating my blog regularly so it will be a surprise to know that I celebrated my birthday at home in Atlanta. We're here for one week visiting our families and then we're heading to the beach in South Carolina for a week. It's so nice to be home! Andrew's mom had a little family cookout for me on Sunday and we had a great birthday. Here are a few pictures from my big day. (I didn't have time to make my own party hat before we left, but I had to have at least some paper, store-bought party hats.)

Party dress and shoes. 

For the tiny tot too. 

Andrew's sister, Jessica and Me. 

My sister, Page, me, Lois and my friend Jill. 

Me and Andrew. 

My friend Megan, me, my sister, and Jill. 

Birthday girl!! I love birthdays!

Festive Breakfast with Lisa

This morning we had Lisa over for a yummy breakfast.  She'll be with family for Christmas, so we wanted to see her before Christmas and thought a festive breakfast this week would be fun.  Also, Lisa is re-opening her shop, The Pickled Hutch, in Pacifica, so we wanted to celebrate.  Andrew made yummy waffles, poached eggs, and bacon.  It was delicious!  I used our leaf-etched, platinum-rimmed china, my favorite star etched glasses, some of my favorite blown glass salt and pepper shakers (I collect salt and pepper shakers), and some cute tea cup embroidered napkins.  I liked the contrast of the fancy plates with the casual napkins. Here are a few pictures of what's in our tummies now. It was nice to have a real breakfast, at the table, and with a good friend.

My Starry Night

I went through a painting phase about 10 years ago.  It was really just an attempt to paint phase.  Believe me, I'm sure I didn't do anything spectacular.  My uncle, an artist (specifically a painter), said one of the best ways to learn and practice was to copy the masters (uh, or try to anyway).  So that's what I did.  I tried to copy a few things and put my own spin on them.  Here's my version of Starry Night.  I was also going through a mosaic phase, hence the beads and glitter.  I think the beads and glitter make my Starry Night look extra sparkly.  I gave this to my friend Josh and pretty much forgot about it until recently when he reminded me of it.  He emailed a picture of it to me.  I love it and want to make another one now.  I keep looking at the picture thinking, I made that?! Even though it's just a simple copy of a really famous painting, it still surprises me that I actually created it, and that I totally forgot about it.

Ava's Rule

 

Winter may be approaching here in the states, but summer is on its way in Australia, which has prompted Ava's mom, Sheye, to create a postcard called "Ava's Rule"--a reminder to be vigilant of your children and teach them not to enter a car alone.  Please share this with anyone you know who has small children.  Click on the postcard to view it larger.  And you can read Sheye's blog post about Ava's Rule here. 

Anniversary

Last night we celebrated our anniversary. Six years! Seems like yesterday. We didn't have plans to go out, but when Lisa offered to sit with Lois so we could, we decided to take her up on it. We had a leisurely dinner at Incanto. Here's a picture of our desserts taken with my phone. Yes two desserts! And the waiter put candles in them. We had a wonderful time. Thanks, Lisa!

One!

Today Lois turned one! We had a great birthday picnic party. Perfect weather, great friends, and lots of fun. I can't believe how big Lois is now. She's growing so fast and starting to look more like a little girl than a baby. She's also on the verge of walking and talking. She's saying momma, dada, hi, and baby but never really at the right times yet. These are just a few words we say all the time that she's starting to repeat. She's also starting to walk around furniture or with a little help from mom and dad or with help from a big toy that she can push around while holding on to it. She loves to play with other babies and kids and thinks our cat, Sophie, is one of them (or just a fun, furry toy to chase around). Lately she also holds the remote up in the air and aims it at the TV. We must be watching too much TV around her! And she loves music. Sometimes when we play music she puckers her lips and throws her head back and forth, just like a little rock star. She's so cute, especially when covered in cupcake. Here are a few pictures from her big day. Happy birthday Lolo!