One awesome birthday weekend!

This year, George decided to make my birthday extra special as it was a big one, the big 4-0. It all started on Thursday night, when he and the kids gave me my presents the night before my birthday to start off the weekend with a bang. They spoiled me with my favorite things -  fig tree for planting, Grantchester DVDs for watching, a cookbook for reading, and a basket of Garden & Gun's handpicked southern goodies for cooking and eating. I have to admit, I couldn't have been more surprised or happier. 

On my actual birthday (the 1st), I took off work and George took me to Thomasville where I visited my favorite store, The Bookshelf, and got some beautiful coloring books for adults. George and I went to the Q Cafe, but because he was still suffering symptoms of the stomach flu that had moved through our house, I got no pictures and we cut our visit short to go home and rest for the evening. 

The celebration continued that night at the University Center Club where George had made reservations for the Steak and Lobster Dinner. 

We had a fantastic dinner and I went home with balloons and great memories with my family. 

Finally, tonight, George took me to Aprons again for a Cajun-inspired post-birthday/pre-Mother's Day Brunch. The brunch was a four-course meal of Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Guava Barbecue Shrimp with Manchego Cheese Grits, Oil Poached Rack of Lamb with Mint Jam, and New Orleans Beignets. 

In all, George and the kids made my 40th so special, and I'll never forget how they made me feel. Best birthday yet!

Derby Day at Aprons

Tonight was date night at Aprons, and the theme was Derby Day in anticipation of that iconic mid-spring event. George and I enjoyed crab cakes, hot browns, burgoo stew with fresh hoecakes (reminded me of Granny), and red velvet cupcakes with candied mint leaves.

It was an awesome pre-birthday date, and as always, a delicious time.

Gone But Not Forgotten, Charlie Chaplin style

Today, Danny's class performed the annual 5th grade Gone But Not Forgotten presentation. Each student chooses a person in history and complete a poster and speech about that person. When Megan was in 5th grade, she had chosen Rosalind Elsie Franklin, who took the first x-ray pictures of DNA. Danny decided that he wanted to learn about Charlie Chaplin, so he chose him for his project. This morning, he dressed in his full costume before school.

By the time I got to his class for his presentation, he had lost his mustache due to an extremely nervous upper lip.

But he performed beautifully, and I was one proud momma.

We love you, Granny.

Early on Tuesday after Easter Sunday, my Granny passed away. When we visited in January, 

Granny and I had a good conversation in which she told me she was ready to join my Pee Paw in heaven. So when I heard she had passed, I was less sad for me and my family than I was happy for her. She is now where she wanted to be for so long and her suffering and loneliness is over. We love you Granny, and we will miss you. I thank God that my kids got to know you and develop a relationship with you. 

Easter Blessings

Easter brought a morning of happiness for the kids, who are now officially too old to hunt for eggs. After a morning of opening baskets

and church, we had a relaxing day contemplating the love that Christ showed when he chose to give his life for us. We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday!