A Family Gathering

Wes' grandmother is the namesake for the newest Walker grandchild. Fittingly, she wanted to meet this sweet baby girl. That's how this Walker weekend got started. Wes' dad drove to Camden on Friday morning to pick her up, stopped in Conway on the way back up to get Susie, and then the three made it to Fayetteville late in the afternoon. Side note: The trip was made longer when Tommy got to Camden and Mema wasn't ready. She had fallen asleep watching American Idol Thursday night and hadn't finished packing. Oh, those 87 year olds and their reality TV. We also had an in-depth conversation last night along with Tommy about how Brad and Emily will end up together on The Bachelor. Back to the weekend...We all gathered at Benton and JB's for pizza that night, and it was in typical fashion. Lots of kids. Lots of food. And as always, a ton of love and laughter. Whitlee opened up several of her birthday gifts including a Barbie bike and lots of other things she absolutely loved. Mema got to hold little Marion, handsome Ty, and got her second fix of Reese. Last night, we gathered here for the Razorback basketball game and spaghetti (thank YOU, Susie--it was DELICIOUS!!), and the group photo shoot. Ha. A memorable few moments for sure. Picture this: 7:00 p.m. A bit past bedtime for Reese. A bit past dinnertime for Ty and Marion. A bit past anytime the older kids wanted to be told to sit on a couch and smile. But we HAD to get a picture of the eight grandchildren with Gran and O'Pa and one with 8 of Mema's 15 great-grandchildren with her. Chaos ensued. I rushed to grab our Flip camera, and with only 30 seconds of film left, I got what I could. Enjoy the pictures and the video. I think you will.

Mema with Reese on Friday night. I don't think you could ask for a sweeter, more loving Mema. I love any time I get to spend with her. I can remember so well the night of our engagement and listening to Wes tell his Mema the big news on the phone. She calls us all on birthdays, anniversaries, and just to check in from time to time.

Walker bros.

The gathering of the crew for the photo shoot.

Oh, it looks pretty peaceful, doesn't it?

Reese didn't make a peep the entire time. Look at those eyes...she was so so so sleepy.

I don't know why, but the video was really sharp and clear but uploaded very blurry. I think you will still get the point. Audio was what we were going for here.

It's a Great Day to Partaay.

March 1st is a big day for birthdays. On Tuesday, my dad turned 61, and my adorable niece turned 5. One of my discipleship and cell group girls also shares the birthday, right along with Justin Bieber. It's a big day. This coming Saturday was going to be W's birthday party, but as it got closer and closer, the weather forecast just didn't cooperate like we had hoped. Today, however, was beautiful. 70 degrees, nice breeze, and we could see the sun. JB made the greatest decision to have an impromptu birthday party for the newest FIVE year old. She made a few phone calls, sent a few texts, and voila! The party always shows up for JB and her family. After picking W up from Mothers' Day Out, JB told W it seemed like such a good day for a birthday party in hopes that W would totally go along with it. Let's just say she loved the idea. W even got to pick out all of the party supplies. Princess cake. Balloons. Bubbles. Sidewalk chalk. It was a fabulous birthday party, and I just want you to see the love and laughter that surround this sweet girl. I'm so glad I got to make the party. This time last year I would have had to miss the last minute party.

We got the text to get into party mode. Reese woke up from her nap, and I had to explain our new plans for the afternoon.

The party is about to get started.

Balloons and gifts. What more could you want?

Baby sister.

Cousin Ty.

The third "baby" in the Walker crew...except Reese doesn't really look like a baby compared to the other two.

"Happy Birthday to You"

Cake fun.

Yummy cake.

After we got home, Reese was a bit tired. She lost a sock in the car ride, took a cat nap, and told me she was ready for bed. Five year old birthday parties are quite exhausting.

What a blessing it is to have family so close and family I love to be with so much. I wish we could spend even more time together than we do...so I'm looking forward to a big Walker family weekend starting tomorrow as soon as the work day is done.

WWWW. Vol. I

I have several things to say about WWWW. It is a GREAT motivator. As soon as I finished the post last Wednesday, I got up and really started looking through my closet. I have lots of outfits that I can't wait to wear when the weather really starts getting a bit warmer and I don't have to nurse every three hours. I had never realized how much breastfeeding gets in the way of fashion. I wouldn't trade it though...you will just have to see my collection of white nursing tanks and other tops that either have a deep neck or buttons over and over again for a while. I also know what to look for when I hit two rounds of outlets in the next month after looking through my closet, and I now want to be a bit more creative with what I wear. Not only is WWWW a great motivator for my wardrobe and wearing more of what's in it instead of letting it all just sit there, but it's also great for getting things done around here. When I stay in pajamas, I can easily just stay lazy. That's me though. I know plenty of you can get going without a change of clothes, but I have to change something that I'm wearing and brush my teeth before I can get busy. I also realized I need a bigger and better mirror. I have good mirrors in our bathrooms, but the rooms aren't big enough to get a full body shot. My wrinky dink full length mirror will have to do for now.

I think I'll keep this going. (Especially seeing that I'm in a zip-up hoodie and polka dot pajama pants right now.) And as promised, it's WWWW for me to make it more interesting for the readers.

Miss Reese. Target shirt and pants along with a headband from Under the Elms on Etsy.

RRW in Gap skinny jeans (my personal fave), a Polo from Auntie LC, and another headband from Under the Elms on Etsy.

Sweet Pea in her Juicy outfit from Suzanne Smith. It was a great outfit for her car ride down to Conway. So super soft and comfy.

B-Dubette in her Mudpie birdie outfit.

Okay, on to my outfits...

An afternoon with my discipleship girls.

Cardigan- J.Crew Outlet

Shirt- Gap Outlet

Jeans- Seven for All Mankind/Mason's

Shoes- (you can't even see them, but they are my favorite flats from the Privo store in NYC)

Rainy day and a trip to Gymboree class.

Vest- J.Crew

Scarf- Street vendor in NYC

Shirt- Gap

Jeans- Rich & Skinny/ Mason's

Boots- L.L. Bean

Road trip to Conway day.

Cardigan- J.Crew Outlet

Shirt- Shirt store in Aspen, Colorado

Jeans- Seven for All Mankind/ Mason's

Flats- Rocketdog/ Wilkinson's in Conway

Date Night in Little Rock

Jacket- Lefler's in Conway

Shirt and hair clip- J.Crew Outlet

Jeans- Rich & Skinny

Flats- Rocketdog

Cold day with a doctor's appointment.

Sweater- Victoria's Secret

Yoga pants- Gap Outlet

Shoes- New Balance store

Bible study and errand day.

Top- Target

Headband- J.Crew Outlet

Leggings- Walmart

Boots- Born/Dillard's

apples, pencils, and a baby girl.

As you saw the other day, my mom threw the cutest school themed shower for one of my great high school friends this past Sunday. Having been a teacher for 28 or so years, she knew a thing or two about how to pull this one off for Christin, a first grade teacher. Before I get into the shower details, I must say that I can't wait for this baby girl to arrive. Christin has done a fabulous job of keeping the name a secret and keeping everyone guessing as to what this sweet pea will be called. This sweet girl will be welcomed with LOTS of love, and I'll be so ready to get down to Conway to meet her!

So, my mom has thrown some amazing showers and parties, but she has never brought her profession into one--or at least not that I know of. I knew it would be super cute once she told me what she was thinking. When she hosts a shower, I just step back and let her work her magic. Sometimes I think ideas out loud with her, and I normally get called in for the lettering of any sign, tag, etc. However, I told her that she would be much better at this one because she is so used to writing elementary style. She used white cake stands, basic school colors, and threw in lots of great school supplies in a very creative way. It turned out very fresh, simple, and happy. Every little detail had so much thought behind it as always, and I was again inspired to work a little harder and be a little more creative at the next party I give.

Little Key Lime Tarts...a very fresh and fun treat.

Apple cookies from Ed's Bakery. YUM.

Chicken salad sandwiches surrounded by math flash cards, "G is for girl" signs, and a brown lunch sack.

Delicious brownies with the same signs. Notice the composition notebook and scrapbook paper under the cake stand.
Water bottles with "it's a girl" sleeves that mom made. I didn't get a picture of the punch bowl...she used frozen apples to keep it cool. So smart. And so cute.

My mom likes to make sure there are lots of personal touches, so she gathered school pictures of Christin and Chris when they were kids to display at the shower.

The super cute and simple invite.

Vintage globe, children's books, scissors, and pencils on a sweet old school desk chair.

The table before food arrived.

I loved the old alphabet cards she hung from the chandelier.

Sweet front door. This is one of the many things that I have learned from my mom in the party planning world. Do something special to the front door. It's a wonderful greeting and gets everyone even more excited to enter.

A little display of more vintage school items and simple fresh flowers in my FAVORITE aqua mason jar. I also LOVE the G is for Girl cards. Perfect!

Take Two

It finally happened this weekend! Our anniversary date had taken a "snow check" back at the beginning of the month as we were getting two feet of snow, and this weekend the plans finally came to life. Wes and I spent the night away by ourselves for the first time since the arrival of sweet girl back in September. And I should say that it was quite the success. We made it to Conway by 6:30 on Friday night, and we all crashed fairly early. Mom and I did some fun shopping on Saturday morning, Wes, Reese, and I made a few visits, and then it was time. Wes and I left for the big city and had an amazing time. We stayed at The Capital Hotel which is a must if you are ever in the area. We checked in and had a few hours until dinner time. I took an extra long bath, got ready slowly, and then we enjoyed a glass of wine at the hotel bar before heading to Brave New Restaurant. What next? Our first movie since September, and good thing I chose the flick. We went to see The King's Speech, and then it won the Oscar for Best Picture the next night. Good planning on my part. And a fabulous movie I might add.

Anywho, we had breakfast at Ashley's the next morning before heading back to see sweet pea. Such a fun reunion! And the fun wasn't over! One of my great friends from high school is having a baby girl in a month, and my mom hosted her shower at our house yesterday afternoon. I absolutely loved getting to catch up with friends I don't get to see nearly enough. So, after a full weekend, we loaded up the car in the typical fashion. A bit more coming back with us than going down on Friday. Mom packed us some frozen meals for this week in a cooler and sent me back with more smocked dresses for Miss Reese to wear now that the weather is turning, some really fun new clothes she had picked up since I had seen her the last time, and dinner to go. What. A. Weekend. I think we need to do this again. SOON.

B-Dubette on Saturday before we left her with Mopsy and Popsy. She was pretty great.

Breakfast at Ashley's at The Capital.

The super cute school themed baby shower. Christin is a first grade teacher at the same elementary school I went to when I was a wee little one.

I have LOTS of great detailed shots, but I may do a specific post about it later.

WWWW

Okay, so I think I need some motivation to get out of my oh-so-comfy workout pants, nursing tanks, and cardigans/zip-up jackets. Anyone with me? I don't follow too many blogs of people I don't know, but one of the ideas I've seen on a stranger's blog is What I Wore Wednesdays. You take pictures of yourself every day and then post them all on Wednesdays. Oh my. I'm kind of nervous right now just thinking about it. I mean, I love getting dressed up and putting outfits together, but I haven't had to do it daily in such a long time, and I'm a bit afraid my wardrobe isn't "in style" anymore. Plus, I have to nurse this baby every three hours or so, and that makes things a bit tricky. I'm going to give it a try, but I'm not promising that it will go well or that I'll remember each week. And I'm not going to post a picture of my outfit right now because I'm still in pajama pants, a nursing tank, and a zip-up jacket. See? I need this challenge. To make it even that more exciting, I've turned it into What WE Wore Wednesdays. I'll photograph Reese AND me. So fun! She ends up in her pajamas often because she needs something on her feet while she sleeps, and she kicks off her socks with ease. Footed pj's are her version of my workout pants and cardigan. With that said, I'm going to go get some "real" clothes on right now. Well, after I attempt to feed Reese some green beans and pears and get her down for another nap.

Anyone want to join me in this silly project? Maybe I can get some outfit ideas from you fashionable ladies.

Guests

One of my dearest friends, MP, is counting down the days until her husband comes home from overseas. I think we are in the low 70's at this point. I don't know Tim's official title, but he flies those big C-130's delivering all sorts of things to places these things need to go. This is his second deployment, and his first was during their engagement. Now they are happily married, and MP is holding down the fort with their new beagle, Ellie, until he comes home. I absolutely cannot imagine Wes being gone that long, and MP has been so honest in how difficult it is for her to have the love of her life gone for months at a time. Our moms are great friends as well, and we have talked to Ms. Pattie and MP about a fun trip up here to do some shopping and eating for quite some time. It finally happened this weekend!

MP, Mom, and Ms. Pattie met Reese and me in Fayetteville at Riffraff around 10:30 on Friday morning to start off our day together. We each made a fun purchase, and then we headed to a fun flea market before eating at one of my favorite's--Hammontree's. We strolled down West Avenue after lunch going to a few more sweet stores, and then Reese declared it was naptime. It was so fun just to lounge around together for a few hours at the house, and of course it was really good for Reese. We then strapped her back in her carseat for round 2--northern NWA (my hood). Off to Signed, Sealed, and Delivered we went. These women went crazy in there! As I nursed Reese out in the car, the ladies did some damage to their wallets. And of course Mom got me something. This really fun spring bunny got me so ready for the flowers to bloom and the sun to shine long enough for me to bust out the shorts and sandals. Mom couldn't wait to show off Bentonville, so we drove around showing Ms. Pattie and MP some of our favorite places. I think Mom secretly wants to move up here. :) We had dinner at Table Mesa and then settled in for the night. After some homemade bran muffins and fruit on Saturday morning, I left Reese with Wes, and we all found lots to love at True Treasures. I came home with a white stoneware bottle, an old white window, a green candelabra, and two of my favorite French Market candles. The Conwegians (Conway folks) made a few more stops after dropping me off at home and then headed back to central Arkansas. It was such a wonderful time. Mary-Phillip is one of those people you just love to be around, and I hope this short trip helped her spirits while Tim is away.

The weekend didn't stop there either...I stepped in for the high school cheer coach and coached a game on Saturday afternoon, and then our great LR friends, Bradford, Carrie, and Walker, come over for pizza that night. We mostly speculated how our Florida trip will turn out in a month and a half. During the first week of April, we are heading to the beach together, and it's going to be interesting. I'm just glad we don't have too many expectations.

Okay, that's enough I guess. We didn't take one single picture this weekend besides Reese's five month pictures. We were all just having way too much fun being together, and I enjoyed showing off the place I now call home.

Happy Monday. And Happy Presidents' Day.

(Just because I don't like posting without a picture. This is Mary-Phillip and me on her wedding day last June!)