Sweet hand signing I love you

Perfect toes

Brier, with her bauble (pacifier)

Brier without her bauble

May I introduce...

Miss Brier Grace

Janie and Jack

I just love shopping for socks for Dulcie at Janie and Jack. Theirs are so sweet with their embroidery, bullion roses, French knot flowers and tiny scalloped edges. Holland wishes they carried socks in her size too but alas, they stop at size 6 - 8. They carry other lovely things as well but I'm especially enchanted by their socks and tights. Their gift wrap is so pretty too, boxes in a floral print with scalloped tissue paper and grosgrain ribbons.

Holland's Recital

Holland, tying her pointe shoe ribbons in the dressing room.

At Carolina's after her recital. I wish I had taken a picture of our
dessert, a Carolina Brittle Basket.

This isn't the best photograph but it's a sweet one.

After Dulcie's ballet recital...

Dulcie wondering if she wants to dine at Anson, 'the pink restaurant.'

Her nosegay and menu...

My little girl still needs her tip toes in the ladies room.

If you were wondering where we were tonight...

Rehearsal for a week of Lowcountry recitals...

My beautiful daughters in satin, sequins and tulle

Happy Mother's Day!

A friend asked and yes, the picture in Wednesday's post is of the gate opening to our backyard. Our fence and trellis is heavily laden with Confederate Jessamine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), a pinwheel shaped flower in white against green leaves. Each time I walk outside I smell the air, perfectly laced with its sweet Jasmine fragrance.

"Promise you won't tell anyone?"

~Mary

The Secret Garden

A Few More Easter Memories...

Dulcie

Holland

An Egg Hunt at Home

Easter Memories

The girls awoke this morning to find their Easter baskets overflowing with lovely things. Godiva chocolates (one shaped like a charming parasol), creamy roses and sky blue hydrangeas, Flower Fairy flower seeds, tiny Steiff bunnies (a paperwhite one for Holland and an apricot colored one for Dulcie), and a robin’s egg soap from Gianna Rose. I started a silver collection for them this year and each had an ice cream fork in Gorham’s Buttercup pattern in their baskets. Every southern belle needs one of those, wouldn’t you say? :) Holland also received an audio of The Secret Garden to listen to in the car while Dulcie received a storybook from Bunnies By The Bay. The best part is that the Easter bunny shopped throughout the year and when he found something he thought would be a sweet addition to a little girl's basket, he stored it in the linen closet. So other than the chocolates and fresh flowers, his task was very simple this year. Holland and Dulcie, as always, were very grateful for their gifts.

After church, we had plans to have brunch at The Harbour Club. This is where Mark and I had our wedding reception many years ago so it’s always special to go there. But during church, Holland wasn't feeling well. She and I ended up listening to the sermon in the foyer. After much thought she decided she needed to stay home. I insisted that Mark and Dulcie go ahead and and enjoy time together at The Harbour Club while I stayed home with Holland and served her chamomile tea and bunny shaped crackers. They brought us home something to eat though including several traditional Easter desserts! So, the day didn't turn out as we had planned but all in all, it was a special day.

Happy Easter, dear friends!

A Traditional Seder

Last evening our church gathered at the home of our pastor for a ceremonial Seder meal. As we learned about the rich tradition of the Seder, families sat together around a plate of traditional Passover foods which represented historical events...

Matzoh, the bread of haste, full of lines and piercings, just as Our Messiah was pierced for our sins. (Isaiah 53:1) Two were shared among the families while one was hidden for children to search for later.

Horseradish, bitter to remind one of the bitterness of slavery of the Israelites while in Egypt.

Charoses (apples, nuts, wine and cinnamon) which remind one of the mortar made by the slaves as they toiled in constructing buildings for Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

Parsley was used to symbolize hope and redemption, served with a cup of salt water, tears shed.

Four cups of wine (The cup of sanctification, instruction, redemption, and praise) were served throughout the evening

A charred bone representing the sacrificial lamb was shown as we listened to the story of the Passover.

It was a somber time in which I learned so much. I think I would like our family to honor this tradition every year. Afterwards, as always, our church had a lovely time of fellowship with one another. Holland saw a sweet girl she met at a Christmas tea party last year while I was able to visit with her mother and others. Perhaps you would like to make a Seder meal a part of your Easter traditions?

Days of Gentility

I'm so pleased with my daughters. Today, they accompanied me to my hair appointment. As I was being colored, shampooed, cut and styled, Holland and Dulcie sat in the crowded waiting area with the other customers who were awaiting their turn with the hair magicians. They were within my sight at all times. Each time another lady entered the salon to find no seats, my little girls stood up to offer theirs. I miss the days when this was not an uncommon gesture, when children sacrificed their place for their elders, when they respected their elders. I believe this isn't just a subject for Emily Post though. Scripture teaches this as well. How many places do we read of rising to one's feet as a sign of reverence? Showing respect to the aging brings honor to God. The instruction from Leviticus 19:32 is timeless. "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." I think, as parents, we need to go back to teaching our children to honor those who came before us.

Life is short but there is always time for courtesy.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Commitment to Loveliness

I love Emma's blog, Charming the Birds from the Trees. I thought I would begin participating in her Commitment to Loveliness. With two young ladies watching my every step, I want to show them the importance of caring for oneself, tending to home and the honor of having been created a lady. Would you like to join me? Each week, simply pick five things to add to the beauty and femininity of your life and post about them. Simple! Here are mine for this week...

1. To begin wearing a bit of fragrance everyday, even when I stay at home. The girls love it and it makes me feel special.
2. I would like to exude more the beautiful fragrance of my Lord.
3. I will begin spending time in God's word again...I've been so neglectful lately.
4. Increase the numbers of water I drink each day. I've done so well with this as of late but there are still days that I don't come close to the recommended amount.
5. Arrange some fresh flowers for our Easter centerpiece.

Thank you, dear Lord!

Rebecca is home.

Cinderella

Charleston Ballet Theatre is performing Cinderella this weekend. A few children were picked to be the roman numerals on a clock. They dance a very small part in the show but what an honor to be one! Holland is midnight, a most important number, wouldn't you say?

I feel guilty being at the ballet while my niece is in the hospital, while my sister and her family struggle with their many decisions concerning Rebecca's cancer. Yet, Holland has a responsibility which she signed up for before her cousin became sick. She will honor that responsibility and dance her best. I will take in the show and applaud and love seeing my daughter on stage at The Sottille Theatre and hopefully get lost in the magic of the ballet as always. However, I believe my thoughts will be with my family.

From my sister's pastor

After a second surgery last night to reduce swelling...

"Rebecca is still resting this morning. She is breathing on her own and is able to recognize mom and dad and respond to commands. The doctors are still monitoring her swelling but are pleased with how things went last night in surgery. Please keep praying today. Pray that she will be able to rest and that mom and dad get some rest as well."