Easter Photos

Easter was wet. We even had to have our Easter egg hunt inside. The rain broke for a few minutes, so I thought, "perfect time for a photo!" Unfortunately, no one was in the mood for a family pic- including me. I was gross from cooking in a hot kitchen, the kids were on a sugar meltdown and tired from getting up at 6 am to see what the bunny brought. Nonetheless, I gave it a shot.

Attempt #1. Elan refused to look at the camera even when Stephen was trying to convince him that Uncle Nate was making a hideous face.
Attempt #2: Resorting to the fact that Elan was not going to cooperate, I look a tad bewildered, but Anna makes the best of it and starts making goofy faces back. This family photo thing is not happening...
Attempt #3: Elan gets set free from the torture and Mac and Anna decide not to cooperate. At least it's a good one of Stephen and I!
Finally, I refuse to give up and pull out the big guns. "No Easter photo, No egg hunt. Your choice." Ha! It worked. Mama wins.
Because the weather was so awful, we couldn't play or eat outside. So, I had to set my tables inside. I pulled out my China, crystal, fancy flatware, and borrowed a beautiful linen tablecloth and napkins from mom.

Each spot had a treat. I used pink bags for the girls, and green for the boys. I used the darling tag from Free Pretty Things For You and tied them on with twine. The bags were filled with chocolate mints and Godiva truffles. They were a big hit!

So, I survived my first Easter hosting dinner and it was so much fun! Now, I just need to survive the big race tomorrow... Kentucky Derby mini/Marathon is in the morning. Kicking off Derby week with my running shoes on!

It's My Mom's Birthday...

And she looks better than ever! She has aged gracefully (and beautifully) and continues with all her hobbies, talents and activities. Mom is never bored, nor does she have enough hours in the day to complete all she wants to! I always joke (but not really) that she has more dates and things to do than I.

We are fabulous, aren't we? This was at my cousins wedding in February, 2009, and we had a ball!

Mom is a person that a stranger could meet, and five minutes later they will be best friends. She is welcoming, open, helpful, giving, positive and has a heart of gold. She loves her children and grandchildren (all 11 and a half of them!) more than anything in the world... and it shows. She has already been assigned a fabulous spot in heaven!

The entire crew: my 3 brothers and their families, and mine, including the big Wrig, gathered around mom and dad this past Sunday.

All the grandchildren with Mimi and Pops.

Mom is my best friend. I would rather hang out with her than anyone. She is a rock, so strong, spiritual and wise. She guides me and gives great advice. She gives me breaks with the kiddos and, well, she sews. She makes me the most divine clothing you will ever see... but not in a store! Mom is so super creative! She keeps up a phenomenal garden, and has even taken up oil painting in the last year- and she's really good!

Mom, happy birthday! You are so wonderful! I want to be just like YOU when I grow up!

Love you so much always,

XOXO

A Family Affair

Last night, my mom and dad hosted a beautiful and delicious dinner for me, Stephen, my three brothers and their wives. It was so much fun to sit, drink, eat and talk without the interruption of the 10 kids between us all. Mom is a fantastic cook and a wonderful entertainer- it seems to come very natural to her and I'm trying to follow into her footsteps!

I had my camera and tripod, hoping to get a good picture of us all together, and this was the best one. It was starting to get pretty dark by the time I took it, so the lighting isn't great, but we are together and it's a good memory!

My mom and dad... aren't they cute?

The pretty dining room table. Mom made all her arrangements out of flowers from her garden and she cooked all the food. The menu was to die for... tomato basil and pine nut salad, fresh, homemade bread, stuffed pork loin, carrot souffle, fresh vegis, and a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. YUM!
To add to moms talent in the kitchen, garden and sewing room, she can also add oil painter. She surprised all of us with an oil painting that she did herself. They were amazing... I LOVE mine!
My brothers and I with our treasured pieces from mom. The paintings were all scenes with lambs because she is a huge lamb/sheep lover.
It was a wonderful evening. Thank you, mom and dad, for always making everything we do together so special and memorable. We are so lucky...