Thank you teachers!

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This week is Teacher Appreciation Week not last week like I thought.  There are so many wonderful teachers that make such a positive impact on our children.  Their patience, nurturing spirit and kindness teach so much to little souls.  I am so grateful for the wonnderful teachers in our lives.  This celebration of teachers has even caused me to think back on those incredible teachers from my youth.  It is amazing how a great teacher can stick with you for life!

waiting for rain

Today, my girl wore her rain boots around all day just waiting for the big rain we promised her last night.  The rain never came last night and I had told her that it may rain later today.  Well, after nap-time, the rain came.  It was only a drizzle but it was enough to make the tiniest puddles for boots to stomp in.  She was delighted and stayed outside stomping in the cold rain until we insisted that she come inside.  It is so funny how little bodies never seem to notice the temperature (hot or cold) when they are enjoying the outdoors.

a royal day indeed...

My kids were so captivated by the royal wedding, we decided to have a royal tea of our own...4-year-old style.
Royal attire was donned.

Royal iced tea and canapés were prepared.  

{Hot Warm tea was quickly banned by the big girl who was afraid of burning her tongue.}

The table was set and girls were giddy to partake in a most royal tea.

Tea was carefully poured by "her majesty."

Everyone drank from tea cups for a change...not sippy cups.

Tea was followed by a highly civilized royal dance with twirls and a final curtsey.

Royality

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My kids and I are super excited to watch a real prince and princess get married tomorrow.  I don't think I will be up at 5am for the LIVE event but I do hope to catch some reruns throughout the day.

We look forward to watching our favorite chef (Princess Diana's former chef) on Oprah tomorrow!

Perhaps we will whip up some English canapés and tea for the grand event.

click on the titles for the recipes courtesy of Darren McGrady -- The Royal Chef

Bread and Butter Pudding

Croques Monsieur

Goat Cheese and Salmon Crepes

I hope you enjoy a most-royal day!

Sitting close to you

Sometimes after a long week, it just feels good to sit next to your sister in the old chair and watch your favorite show (Angelina Ballerina).  Nothing else matters but being close, shoulder-to-shoulder, and cuddled together -- thankful we are all together!

No more

This

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and all of these

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 saved some very important people to us today.

You hear it all the time but you never quite appreciate it until it saves the life of someone special.

Someone ran one of these

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and was doing this

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and it happened.  

Please don't talk while you drive.  The consequences aren't worth that call.

You'll never forgive yourself if you harm an innocent family.

UPDATE:  These people were some close family members.  Thankfully, everyone is alright.  Thanks for your care and concern!

Magnolia

I have always wanted a magnolia tree in our yard.  The over-sized creamy white blossoms that hang from waxy leaves in late spring and early summer are incredibly romantic and seem to just fit with this lovely time of year.

Along with sweet-tea, BBQ, peaches and mint juleps, this could be the best of the south.