From Rebecca's daddy...

"Just spoke with the doctor. The doctor removed a tumor the size of a lime. The tumor was sent for testing. Results will be available near the end of the week. However the doctor believes it is medulo blastoma and is likely cancerous. If so, she will start on radiation and chemotherapy. Survival rate is 70 percent. We are doing fine. Thank you for your prayers and your support."

Prayer

Please pray for my beautiful niece, Rebecca, today. She will be having major surgery this afternoon. Rebecca had been feeling sick for a few weeks and Saturday, after being taken to the emergency room, the doctors found a tumor. I will post further information about her when I can. Thank you, my friends.

A St. Valentine's Day Quiz

In honor of St. Valentine's Day, I thought I would answer these questions from An Old Fashioned Girl.

1. Where did you meet your hubby?

We met in a restaurant at the seashore in Jacksonville, Florida. I was with my best friend and her friend, Collin. Mark thought Collin was my beaux and when Collin went to ask Mark if he'd like to be introduced to me, Mark thought he was coming to fight him for watching me.

2. Who asked who out first?

Naturally, Mark asked me for a date first! :) I'm too old fashioned to have asked him. He asked for my telephone number which I wrote down on a slip of paper just before he walked me to my car, like a true southern gentleman. Mark still has that paper, now very worn and aged but such a special keepsake.

3. What do you remember most about him?

I thought he was handsome! I knew he was in the Navy from his haircut. As we were chatting that first night we met about being in the Navy I told him I didn't think I could ever marry someone in the military. He replied 'Well, I haven't proposed yet.' I remember blushing terribly!

4. What did you do on your first date?

On our first date we went to L & N Seafood at Jacksonville Landing for dinner and then to romantic Cafe Carmon in San Marco for dessert. For our second date, Mark took me to a hot air balloon race.

To finish the story...A few months later, Mark moved to Maine to finish his time with the Navy and the rest of our courtship was long distance. It was difficult but he made it very romantic. This was before e-mail and so we hand wrote letters to one another. I remember anxiously awaiting the mailman everyday to see if there was a letter from Mark and the disappointment if there wasn't one. I still have those letters. Mark also sent the sweetest CARE packages to me from his travels.

5. What was your favorite thing to do while dating?

We did all sorts of different things. Mark is a renaissance man! One evening we would go to the ballet or a play. The next we would do something not quite so elegant such as go to the greyhound races. No matter how wonderful the date was, my favorite thing was after he left and I could just think about our time together and look forward to the next!

6. When was your first kiss by your sweetheart?

On his sofa...he missed.

7. Who said I love you first?

Mark! I would never say it first. I remember wanting to though but I refused to be the first.

8. When did you first realize that you loved him?

Truthfully, I knew the night we first met. I knew he was going to become very special to me. I told my mother and my sister so the next morning.

9. How did he propose?

At the Charleston Airport when I flew in from Atlanta to attend his Law School graduation. We knew we were going to be married but he was taking too long, in my opinion, to propose so I told him before I set foot on the airplane that if I didn't have a ring, I wouldn't go to the ceremony. He greeted me with flowers and the most beautiful engagement ring.

10. What do you remember about your wedding day?

In a nutshell, I remember how beautiful my mother was that day and how she smiled the most beautiful smiles at me as she watched us having our wedding pictures taken and cutting that first slice of our basket weave wedding cake. I remember how loved I felt being given away by my daddy and how he had shown such fatherly love a few months earlier when Mark and I had cancelled our original wedding date. I remember my sisters being there to share in my happiness and my precious nieces. I remember the disappointment of finding out as I walked down the aisle that the person who had promised us a wedding video hadn't followed through with it. I remember the tenseness with certain family. I remember knowing that Mark and I had eloped days earlier and that selfish tears from someone wouldn't change that. I remember the happiness that comes from marrying your best friend.

Secret Santa

I'm so far behind in things, as always. One is posting about my Secret Santa. Yes, from December. If you have read my blog the past few years, then you will remember that every Christmas, some of my best friends from around the country and I play Secret Santa. A husband draws names for us and sends our recipient to us via email. This year, my dear English friend Rachel, who lives in Virginia drew my name. She is the author of The Jacobite Rose and is such an artistic lady. When her parcel arrived and I saw her name on it, I knew my box would be filled with lovely creations. I was not disappointed! Filled with individually wrapped gifts, I could hardly contain my excitement as I opened each one.

There were two handknitted tea cozies that were as beautiful as could be. Rachel knows that the girls and I love tea almost everyday, throughout the day, and I'm certain she knew we would use these. One is cream with holly leaves and berries on it...I can't wait for Christmas to come around again. The other is pink and white, perfect for everyday in my pink kitchen! She also knitted the most elegant cranberry colored snood with tiny glass beads sewn into its soft mohair. I hope to be able to wear it one day to church or to the ballet, someplace very special. Along with these things for me, were included two sweet ornaments, a mouse and a teddy bear. Holland & Dulcie believe they were created for them. ;) I do permit them to play with them sometimes, and they so tenderly do. An owl bookmark made from felt was yet another gift. Perfect for an Autumn read, don't you think? Between Holland and myself, we always have several books opened so bookmarks are invaluable to us. Wondering who gets this one! A pretty handsewn tote bag in a Christmas fabric was still another gift. I am picturing visits to the library with it or as a festive place to hold Christmas sewing. I felt very loved as I saw how much work Miss Rachel put into these lovely gifts just for me! Gifts I will certainly pass down to my daughters and to their daughters after them. Heirlooms to come.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Rachel. I will treasure these gifts made by your hands forever. Please forgive my tardiness in sharing about them and know that it doesn't reflect my gratitude for all you have done for me. You are a very special friend to me and I treasure you! (Pictures to follow when we get a new printer.)

Miss Jessica

Holland and Dulcie with my beautiful first niece the day after Christmas. Holland has always reminded me of Jessica as a little girl. Holland was so charmed with her cousin that she relinquished her tiara for Jessica to wear while together. Dulcie kept calling her Miss Jessica. :)

Tea with God

I was just looking at my blog while the girls finished their cinnamon buns and tea and Mark was at Lowe's and I read (skimmed, really) the Children's Catechism question (Question 119) toward the bottom of my blog. It asked 'What do we pray for in the fifth petition (of the Lord's Prayers)?' I honestly didn't think about it but just went straight for the answer. 'That God would pardon our sins for Christ's sake, and enable us to forgive those who have injured us.' (emphasis mine) I believe God has spoken to me on this new year's morning over my cup of tea. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you will help me to forgive, as you have forgiven me. Help me to not harbour grudges but to model for my girls what I have tried to teach them over the years. Help me to show them true christian character and to not be hypocritical as I face this trial. In this moment of truth, I pray that I will please you. Amen.

Happy New Year!

I wish God's rich blessings on each of you during 2009! Our New Year's evening began with oysters. As he has always done, Mark shucked mine for me. I'm so blessed by him in so many ways. Spoiled, too. The girls made cards for me on the paper napkins at the restaurant. More blessings. We came home and I made an eggnog punch. I served it, followed by some Godiva chocolate covered toffee popcorn (too much sweets, I know) while the girls watched Kit Kittredge, a DVD they received as a Christmas present. Dulcie and I fell asleep during the eleventh hour to the sounds of nearby fireworks. Mark fell asleep earlier (smile). I will have to ask Holland in a few hours if she was awake to ring in the new year. I'm so thankful we were all together though. Thankful for my family. Thankful for my friends.

2009 isn't beginning the way I thought, the way I hoped. Disappointment and sadness are peeking through but they will not shadow my blessings. Once I met 8 people. 6 of them became my best friends. I call that a blessing, wouldn't you? Leaving the old year is bittersweet. It ended on a sour note but 2009 is a new chapter. Steel Magnolias comes to mind...delicate like the Southern Magnolia but strong as steel. That's what I want for my little southern belles. That's what I will be this year. Amy of A Snip of Goodness, chooses a word for her new year. I like that almost more than having a theme. I wonder if I could pick two words,please. Steel Magnolia.

At Home with Grace

Today is New Year's Eve, the day I have traditionally shared my theme for the coming year. God revealed it me a while back and I’m just very happy with it. My theme is At Home with Grace. Sound familiar? Ten years ago when I was trying to think of a name for our homeschool, I saw one of my books titled Mothers & Daughters at Home. I loved the thought of staying at home with my beautiful daughter, spending time together making memories. We did pretty well those first five years. Then, along came Dulcie. I didn't do nearly as many special things with her. Does any mother with her second and subsequent children? Holland and Dulcie share the middle name Grace so it just seemed perfect to name our school Grace at Home, reminiscent of that book on my shelf.

This past year or two, things have just gotten away from me, life is passing us. Our time spent away from home is far too great but I don't see that changing much. However, the time we do spend at home has increasingly become more stressful. Even our time in the car isn't as special as it could be for us. Scripture tells us that children are a gift of the Lord. I believe this and yet, I often live to the contrary. This year, I am seeking to change the nature of our time together. I decluttered many things from my life in 2008 but I want to do more. For example, my time chatting with friends on the computer will be limited so that I can focus on my gift of Holland and Dulcie. My time devoted to my little women will be more intentional. There is so much I want to accomplish with my girls before they marry and move away from home. The window I have to do so is becoming shorter and shorter. Our days are not a dress rehearsal. I do not want them to be a day to get past just to reach another, a more special day. I want each day to be special, memorable, time well spent. Not that every day has to be a tea party day but I do so want to find joy in the small things and to create lovely moments everyday with my girls. I see how quickly time has flown by for my sister and her three daughters. But I also see how close their family is and how my nieces are devoted to their family, much the same way I am to my parents. I want this for myself and my daughters. So much time has already passed and well, I would do it different if I were given the opportunity. I don't want to have that same thought ten years from now though. I want to look back and be able to say that I am pleased, to know that God is pleased with me as a mother. I want this year to be a Creative Memories year so to speak, full of shared moments preserved in our hearts, quality time, quantity. I want to make the most of each moment I have with my beautiful girls. It is my prayer that I can keep first things first. My first love will always be God. I want to obey him as he spoke to me to keep Holland Grace and Dulcie Grace, my gift of daughters, a priority each day. I want to honor him as I focus on my daughters at home. At Home with Grace.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to my lovely and cherished friends! I wish you all a beautiful day with your loved ones, celebrating Jesus' birthday.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my parents' 50th wedding anniversary! It's been a hard past few years for my mother but God is faithful and she is doing better. My daddy has been by her side through it all. They are a beautiful example of the sanctity of marriage. I am so thankful to them for all they have done for my sisters and me and the love they have shown to their granddaughters. I wish I could have been there with them today but my sisters and I are planning a belated celebration. I sent them a large, beautiful Christmas poinsettia from Calyx Flowers to show them that I am with them in thought today, if not in person. God bless you Momma and Daddy. I love you dearly!

Saint Nicholas Day

The girls awoke this morning to find clementines, natural candy canes, and chocolate coins in their shoes they left on the marble hearth last night. There was also a ring of tiny ornamental balls which jingle! Now, with their every gesture, I hear the faint sound of jingle bells heralding in the Christmas season.

The Red Shoes

Have you read the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson? It centers around a peasant girl who is adopted by a rich elderly lady. The girl tricks her mother to buy her a pair of red shoes, which she wears to church every Sunday and doesn't listen to the priest. When her adoptive mother dies, the girl attends a ball instead of the funeral and there begins to dance. Once she begins, she never ever can stop. Then there is a dark part to the tale but in the end, the little girl confesses her sins of vainness and well, I don't want to spoil the story for you so I'll permit you to read it for yourself while I go to warn Dulcie to listen in church tomorrow while wearing her new red shoes...

Tea for Two?

I saw on my friend Jill's blog, Praiseworthy Things, that Teasta is offering two complementary samples of tea. The girls and I drink tea almost everyday and are always wanting to try new flavors. I ordered an Earl Grey Cream, because I love Earl Grey but have never tried the creamier version. It has oil of Bergamot in it. Also, I ordered a wild blueberry green tea. You may want to visit Teasta while the offer is good. Also, The Republic of Tea always sends me a sample along with their newest catalog. If you want to try different flavors of premium teas, ask for them to add you to their mailing list. Jill, thank you for allowing me to piggyback your past two blog posts. :)

The Grinch

Charleston Ballet Theatre is presenting The Grinch this season as part of their Children's Series. It was held at their small downtown studio instead of one of the performing arts auditorium which made it seem more cozy. The scenery was simple but the dancing as always, was superb. Holland is performing in the shows this weekend but she wanted to see one too, so I took her and Dulcie to one of the shows this past Saturday. It was wonderful! This particular performance was just for the families of the Charleston Ballet School and we had front row seats. Perfect seats! I think Holland enjoyed watching her friends dance and I know she liked being a spectator for once instead of always being on the stage. After the show, there was a Who-Pie party where naturally, pies were served. I caught Holland sneaking a second slice, by the way. ;) The professional dancers were there to greet the audience which is always fun. We took pictures of some of our favorite dancers. Below is one with the Grinch and his faithful dog, Max. I'm hoping to get a good picture of Holland this weekend in her Who-Girl costume. If I do, I'll be certain to post it.

Autumn Swap

Holland, Dulcie and I recently participated in an Autumn Swap within a group of other mothers with daughters. My friend Kim from Graceful Girlhood, and her sweet daughters, drew our name. We were so blessed by their gifts.

After receiving our parcel, we didn't open it right away. I wanted to wait until we were able to truly enjoy the time together opening it and not be rushed because of ballet or school or this or that. Finally, we opened it Thursday. My girls were beside themselves with anticipation! The box was over the top with lovely and creative things. Kim had crocheted each of us the most charming teacup and saucer and the girls have been having tea parties with them ever since we opened the box, along with the faux pumpkins and gourds that we will use on our nature table. The teacups were beyond adorable. Holland & Dulcie have been enjoying them with their dolls and we may hang them on a tiny Christmas tree in our homeschool room. Kim made a commonplace book for each of us, just like the ones Thomas Jefferson and Ralph Waldo Emerson kept, to preserve things such as special recipes, lovely poetry, proverbs and prayers, thoughts we want to remember, etc. Sometimes I see a new word that I want to tuck into my memory but often forget it. This will be the perfect place to write down those words! Dulcie's book is almost filled already (giggle) but Holland and I are being more discriminatory with ours. We each received a personalized bookmark (something we will certainly use as we all love books). We also received a pretty recipe card of our own. Holland will soon start her own recipe collection and this will serve as her first one. I told Kim I was saving Dulcie's for another year until her penmanship improved a bit. :) Kim also made me a CD with other recipe cards and stationary, etc. on it. I told her that I felt like I had been given a treasure box! Oh and she made each of us the sweetest tiny gift enclosures. As we first saw them, we knew which one was for each of us, almost as if Kim and her girls knew us as well as we know ourselves.

We will treasure these gifts for a very long time and will always remember your kindness. Kim, Boogie, and Boot Scoot, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your sweet gifts. You have given us a very special memory for this favorite of seasons. We will always remember your thoughtfulness.

The 12 Days of Holiday Homemaking!

What a fun way to welcome the holiday season! My friend Jill told me about this. Would you like to join us in these free downloads from Seasons at Home? Visit Joyous Home for the 12 Days of Holiday Homemaking!

Today, our tiny family of believers began the process of becoming a formal church by signing a petition to give to our presbytery. Each founding family member was asked to write their signature on this paper which will one day be a historical document for our church. Mark and I looked on as each of our daughters penned their name, first Holland and then, Dulcie. We watched with pride as Dulcie carefully wrote her first name. Then, we watched as she began to write what we thought was an F for her last name. Dulcie had another thought though. To our chagrin, she drew a heart! Oh dear! Perhaps one day, her great grandchildren will find it endearing.

Raising Maidens of Virtue

Holland and I began reading Raising Maidens of Virtue penned by Stacy McDonald this week. It is a beautifully written and charmingly illustrated book that has opened the door for discussion between mother and daughter in our home. The first chapter presents an allegory between beautiful flowers in a garden and how we are often faced with the temptation to not be content with the roles God has given to us but instead look to the ways of others with jealousy and seek to leave behind the perfect will of God for something far less. I was surprised to hear Holland answering the questions at the end of the chapter and putting the written words of Mrs. McDonald into her own sweet ones. She understood how the discontentment of the fence dwellers was a metaphor for what many young girls in our world face as they set aside the joy our ‘Gardener’ planned for them to pursue worldly desires. It is my wish that Holland will continue to blossom in her biblical beauty and femininity and I pray that my young maiden will be blessed by this book as we begin reading the next chapter.

Greetings to Autumn!

I saw this website at Kim's blog, Graceful Girlhood. How fun! Why don't you go and create your own magazine cover?

Hospitality & Plagues

Today the girls and I are helping to prepare a dinner for our dear friends who just arrived home after adopting their second daughter from China. We left early this morning to pick up a cookie bouquet which I thought would be festive and I also needed some gruyere cheese from Whole Foods. That is Holland's favorite cheese and we are going to add it to some creamed potatoes. After putting some fresh baked bread into a basket and whipping up some orange blossom butter to go along with it, we should be ready to meet the newest member of our friends' family.

We did have our Bible lesson this morning. We read about the ten plagues God sent upon Egypt and to help Dulcie remember, we made origami frogs that actually jump!