Happy Birthday, Stister!

My "stister" hit the big 3-0 last week! It was so much fun to gather with our whole family and a lot of her friends to celebrate this milestone birthday...and she was definitely surprised!

The whole family!

My brother-in-law's cousin had a condo in Jersey City that he let us use with an amazing view of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty. There was lots of food, friends, and good times.

Party time!

When I asked Kyleen what she wanted for her birthday, she said she would love to have something I made. I knew she also wanted some placemats and napkins, so that's exactly what I made! I wanted something to go with her Fiestaware dishes in Peacock and Scarlet and I LOVE the Amy Butler fabric I found for the placemats! It had both the teal and red and a pop of yellow, Kyleen's favorite.

The finished product!

I love the way they turned out! It was the first time I've ever used piping, and it really wasn't too difficult! I used a different color of piping for each placemat. I also made some coordinating napkins and I really love the fabrics I used for them too! I had a lot of fun creating a table setting using the linens, dishes, and some other decorative items she had around the house! Kyleen folded the napkins and I think it's just so cute and colorful! It helps that these are some of my favorite colors. :)

Love the pewter pieces and yellow candles!

Yellow napkin! 

Red napkin!

If you know my sister, you know that this is so fitting for her bold personality! I'm so glad she loved the linens and that I've been able to make so many fun and special gifts lately. Happy Birthday, Kyleen! I love you!

Happy Birthday, Hubs!

Marcus is 25 today! In the words of his favorite band, the Beatles:

They say it's your birthday!
We're gonna have a good time!
I'm glad it's your birthday!
Happy birthday to you!

Marcus, I'm so glad it's your birthday and that I get to celebrate with you! You are the love of my life and I can't believe I'm so blessed to be your wife. I love you more today than I ever thought I possibly could. You have filled my life with so much joy. I am so proud of the man you are and the man you are becoming. You are my best friend. I love you!

Tour of the distillery this weekend!

Quarter of a Century

That's how old I turned on Saturday! I had such a great time spending the day with the hubby. He made me feel so special, and it was one of the best birthdays yet.

But, I've been celebrating all week. That's normal, right? I mean I am a quarter of a century old!

Here are the highlights-

• Mom and Nunna (my grandma) visiting. After a full day a shopping (on my day off!), we headed to Eastland Cafe for a yummy early birthday dinner.

• Manicure and pedicure on Wednesday!
• Massage on Saturday morning!
• This card my dad sent (sad he couldn't make the trip with Mom and Nunna).

Yes, it's for a 4-year-old.

• This precious little print Marcus gave me. He looks just like Max!

You can purchase one for yourself here!

• The jelly roll (in Jovial by Moda) I received in the mail from a friend. Can't wait to start a new quilting project!

• Fall in Nashville. We have seasons, y'all!

This is the pretty tree in front of our house! Aren't the colors gorgeous?

• Dinner at The Melting Pot!

Happy Birthday to me!

Marcus and me all dressed up!

• All the sweet phone calls, texts, and wall posts from the most wonderful friends and family!

Like I said, this birthday was so perfect and I'm so thankful for everyone who made me feel so special and loved! 

I hope you'll all come back tomorrow for an exciting post. I can't wait to share it with you!

March Madness

No, this post doesn't concern my bracket, which to quote a friend, "looks like a page from the New Testament where Jesus talked a lot."

It is, indeed, a mad, mad world. March has been no exception.

We started the month by welcoming our newest niece, Clare Isabella, into the world! She was actually born on the last day of February, but Marcus and I spent the last part of his spring break in Seattle, visiting his brother and sister-in-law and our three (THREE!) nieces.  Marcus's parents joined us, and we all had a great time.

Meet Clare!

Abby, our oldest niece, with a rousing rendition of B-I-N-G-O! Little Lucy is dying to join in the fun.

We spent our first day roaming around the Pike Place Market, then had lunch at Salty's on Alki Beach, where we had dinner before Marcus proposed! It was fun to return to the scene of the event and remember such a momentous occasion in our lives!

After our trip to Seattle, we returned to Nashville and welcomed a new addition to our own family!

Meet Max Womack!!

We (I) have been wanting a dog for a long time, and after much prayer and preparation, we finally felt like we were ready.  Max was adopted from a wonderful organization called All-American Dachshund Rescue.  His mom was found pregnant on the side of the road in Arkansas and was immediately brought to a foster parent in Brentwood.  Melissa (the foster) kept Penny (Max's mom) in her care and saw Max and his three brothers and sisters come into the world.  Max was the first-born pup and he and his brother were the only two to survive.  We feel so blessed to have been able to give a forever home to a pup who otherwise might be wandering homeless and hungry, or not even alive.

It has been a crazy two weeks! Potty training is probably my least favorite thing in the world right now, and it's not fun waking up at the crack of dawn to let the little booger out! It's totally worth it, though, when he comes and curls up in your lap and falls asleep. :) We are looking forward to all that lies ahead with our new family member!

In the midst of all the craziness, we took some time last week to celebrate Marcus turning 24! We really enjoyed having friends over to the house to enjoy the beautiful weather (and the super moon!) and feast on Marcus's favorite meal that his mom cooks, sour cream chicken enchiladas! I must admit, I was pretty impressed for my first attempt.  And of course, no birthday party would be complete without a delicious chocolate cake!

Happy Birthday, Marcus!

March, you have been good to the Womacks! We are looking forward to a fun April and the arrival of warm weather, a visit from my parents for Easter, and a fun-filled summer!

Stay tuned!!