Speaking of Eggs

The week before Baby M arrived, Birdie and I went to brunch. It was the last time she and I partook of an outing before her new little bundle arrived. I had every intention of posting this a couple of weeks ago and wonder if Baby M would, indeed, arrive the following week or two. Too late now! We are all aware of the outcome. Baby M made her appearance exactly one week after this brunch. :)

Birdie had the sweet potato pancakes. So yummy!

Birdie was ready to not be pregnant anymore but it never slowed her down. She worked up until the day she went into labor. Actually, she worked the second half on her day IN labor. Anyway, she wanted to go to brunch at, Another Broken Egg Cafe. 

It was fantastic! The decor is easily appreciated. The colors are soft and I especially loved the ceiling which had exposed duct work. I think that's called the industrial look? I like that look. The place was clean without smelling like cleaner too and that is always a good thing. And, their coffee was delicious! I'm so picky about coffee but the folks at Another Broken Egg Cafe know how to work a coffee bean.

The menu had offered plentiful delectable dishes but was not overwhelming which I appreciated. Y'all, I would have sworn I took a picture of the menu but it is nowhere to be found. Which means I lost it or the taking of it was only in my mind. Sorry. But y'all can look it over right HERE.

Our server was personable, helpful, and hilarious. We wondered if she wasn't somehow related to our crazy family! Choosing something from the menu was proving a daunting task for me so she jumped right in to help. Once she discovered I have more of a bland palette (by bland I mean, if you put a hot pepper or hot sauce on my food, I am not going to eat it), she made a few suggestions and I chose from those.

As mentioned above, Birdie had the sweet potato pancake.

While I opted for the biscuit and gravy. Which came with two eggs, sausage and potatoes. So, not just biscuit and gravy. Ha! The dish was NOT bland at all but there were no hot peppers or hot sauce. Both dishes were quite delicious, actually. Hot peppers would have spoiled it. For me, anyway.

The atmosphere, the cleanliness, the menu, the server, the food itself, the company, and the PRICES all together made for a most pleasant, savory brunch.

Will I go back again? You betcha! A+, Another Broken Egg Cafe!

It's Birthday Time

Happy Birthday, Birdie!

With lots of love from all of us!

Shower Time Again

There was another shower this weekend for the happy couple. This one was a Technology themed event. The Soon-to-be-SIL is a computer guru and my Birdie appreciates technology as well, so, here are some highlights:

Anna, our gracious and very talented hostess (and a techie as well) got quite creative with the decorations:

A 'Congrats' sign made with cable:

A vase made of keyboards:

 Lovely techie lights with tea light candles, mason jars and cables:

There were mouses (mice?) and telephones hanging from the upstairs railing:

So, of course, everyone thought pretending to talk on the phones would make funny pictures. Ah, techies and their humor.

Some lovely ladies--That's Doodlebug on the left, Margaret (a bridesmaid, good friend and one of the sweetest people you would ever hope to meet), Birdie, and Mackenzie (Birdie's BFF since they were three years old):

That's Anna (hostess, bridesmaid and truly wonderful person), Birdie, Caleb (Anna's hubby and all 'round great guy), and my wonderful soon-to-be-SIL.

And that is Miss Lola being held by Birdie. She is the adorable daughter of our host and hostess of the evening.

There were shots---

Gifts:

Toasts:

An audience:

Laughs:

And an interesting final shot series:

Yep, gotta love techies!

One of my favorite things about the lovelies getting married is getting to know their friends even better. Once the nest empties out, you hear about their friends and you even meet some. But you don't always get to know them closely like you did when your kids were growing up. During wedding preparations, you are granted this most wonderful opportunity.

I can honestly say that my girls have made marvelous choices in friends. They are fun, funny, kind, compassionate, caring, smart, involved young people whom I am privileged to know. If these folks are any indication of our future, I am not worried.

Well, except for that whole humor thing....

Thirteen days to the wedding! Stay tuned!

Hey! You! Guys!

It's ME! I'm testing at school and it's exhausting me. I don't have the energy to get on here and post anything. It's sad really. I have to wonder if younger people who do this have an easier time of it?

Anyway, I wanted to share a few photos of Birdie's most recent bridal shower. It was hosted by her BFF. They've been besties since they were three years old!

Hey- maybe all this wedding stuff in the midst of testing is part of my exhaustion! Yeah, that's it! LOL

The wedding is May 17- so we're getting really close now!

Here are a few pix of the shower:

We'll start with a toast:

Sisters! Breezy and Deanie couldn't make it from way out of town. Just another reason that children should never leave the town their parents live in. Just sayin'.

 Birdie's bestie! That's her mom in the chair and my mom on the sofa.

My mom, Birdie's bestie, and a bridesmaid--she was late because she had an accident on the way over. She wasn't hurt.

See? She's fine. Cutting up and laughing! See those Gerber Daises in the background? They were our party favors!

Birdie had just said that they keep losing cookie sheets. She said she knows it's weird, but true. The next gift? MORE cookie sheets. LOL

A feast!

These cupcakes were FANTASTIC! Yes, I ate one. And no, I do not care. It was worth every single bite!

Some of the loot:

That's SIL to be, Birdie and niece to be/flower girl who just celebrated her 5th birthday!

Hope y'all are doing well!

Someone is A Quarter of a Century Old TODAY!

And her mom is a slacker. I'm reposting Birdie's birthday post from last year because I couldn't outrun the stomach bug that DoodleBug brought home from her new job. UGH. SOOOOO---

It's BIRTHDAY time at our house! My Birdie is 25 years old today! 

Birdie has always, and I'm talking FROM BIRTH, been my easiest, most laid back, go-with-the-flow kid. She's my all American girl.  If she could live out of doors 24/7 and be surrounded by dogs and books, she would be happy.

She likes to think of herself as a regular Joe. Ordinary. But I know, and not just because I’m her mother, there’s nothing ordinary about Birdie. 

Birdie is our athlete. She played soccer for 8 years and loved every minute of it. Until high school when she disagreed with and refused to participate in the politics that are a part of soccer in our area and quit playing altogether. It was at this time that she discovered athletic training and became a student trainer all through high school, majored in it in college and then left us to get a master's degree in athletic training in TEXAS. But that’s ok. She’s back now. Besides, the fact that she refuses to participate in the crap that goes on behind the scenes to play the behind the scenes game is one of the things I admire most about Birdie. This kid is always on the up-and-up.

Birdie has a contagious laugh. She has what you might call a wry sense of humor. She loves old black and white movies and music that spans decades from the 1940s to the present day. She loves traveling and sports (especially soccer and football). She went to Ecuador after her senior year in high school and we thought she was going to just stay there. It might have been related to the fact that the World Cup was going on at that time.

She is loyal beyond belief to her sisters and has had the same best friend since the age of three. Birdie is independent and has better financial savvy than her dad and I ever had.  She loves decorating for holidays and celebrations and is the best gift giver of us all. Her gifts are thoughtful and perfect for each receiver. And, if you’re really lucky, it’s something she made.  

Halloween is her favorite holiday and orange is her favorite color. She was a pumpkin for Halloween 4 years in a row. And wouldn't let Mimi make her a bigger costume. THAT was interesting. As she got older, all of her birthday party themes were Halloween related.

Birdie has the patience of a saint (which she gets from her dad...stop laughing) and is creative in multiple ways. When she was little, Birdie loved to sit on my mother’s lap (Mimi) while she was sewing. Mother always puts her pins in her mouth and, one day, she noticed that Birdie was doing it too! Mimi never put pins in her mouth again whenever Birdie was around. Birdie pays attention to detail. While she was in Texas, Birdie taught herself to quilt.

She is strong willed and independent. She is my quiet child. The one who NEVER rocks the boat. She lives and loves purely and simply. She gets her feelings hurt but only a couple of us know because she doesn’t put herself out there when it comes to feelings. You really have to know her to know this side of her.  When she was little and rode roller coasters (which she has always loved- they are never  too twisty/fast/high for Birdie), her expression was the same as if she was just sitting there reading a book.

Birdie is a lot like my granddaddy especially in her practical jokes and that 'gotcha' giggle that is just like his. And the fact that they were both people of few spoken words. She also hangs up the phone when she's finished talking, often without a goodbye. Just like he did. They never knew each other, but he lives on in this one. 

She is never jealous or possessive. She never ceases to amaze us. Everyday with Birdie is a blessed day. 

Oh, and Birdie? Somebody loves you, it's ME! Happy Birthday my sweet Bird!

Since Birdie's love of music is so vast, I decided not to try and go through a ton of choices but, instead, chose her favorite Beatles song for her slideshow. Enjoy!

For some reason, I can't get the video to come up on the posted post. Sorry y'all. It's showing up on the draft just fine. Go figure.

Wedding Hell...I Mean Planning

The wedding business is a racket. A scam.

Weddings seem to have become a competition of who can throw the showiest event. It's about showing off and drinking and partying and spending money.

I'm not a fan. I wasn't a fan while planning Breezy's (though her's was easier--she knew exactly what she wanted) wedding and, while planning Birdie's, I've found that I am still not a fan.

It's like dragging me kicking and screaming all the way. And you can't even imagine how much restraint it takes on my part to keep my trap shut when a vendor utters something like, "You can do anything you like at our venue to make your love story YOURS." Gag.

But we mothers do things for our kids, don't we?

The last 4 Saturdays have found me doing something wedding related---bridesmaids dress shopping, venue touring, wedding dress shopping, florist consultation, DJ/photobooth meeting, caterer tasting, the cake....it's never ending.

And, while most of the people with whom we meet are very nice, I can't stand it when they spout stupid, rehearsed phrases that they use on everyone. Drives. Me. Nuts. ESPECIALLY when they make such a big deal out of it and then FAIL TO EMAIL YOU THAT CONTRACT INFORMATION.

Which really doesn't matter so much since the kids have changed their minds about the venue. Again.

And then there was the trip to Mens Warehouse to check out the tuxes. Which we found. We also found the PERFECT bow ties to accompany said tuxes which the groom purchased for groomsman gifts. And promptly received a call from the idiot clerk at Mens Warehouse the next day to inform us that the ties weren't available. WTH? HOW did he not have this information when we were in the store????

One of the best things about wedding planning in an empty nest? There aren't any little kids around to hear the words that are coming out of my mouth. Ha!

Oh and then there are  all the vendors you've contacted and set up appointments  with and given the date of the wedding which has now changed back to the original date which had to be changed when two of the venues were not available on the original date. Which means the vendors might not be available now. Good thing no contracts have been signed.

The husband? He's so helpful and supportive.

Him: What are y'all doing today?
Me: Shopping for bridesmaids dresses.
Him: Oh, well I heard on the news that Target is selling bridesmaids dresses and are offering really good deals on them.

Yep. Target. I've seen the dresses. They look like they're from Target. And then, on GMA this week, I saw that Target is offering wedding dresses as well. They showed pictures of designer gowns and then had models come out with the Target equivalents. These dresses were NOTHING alike and the Target ones looked like they were from Target.

Not that I am a supporter of designer brands, but I'm also not a fan of wearing a wedding gown that looks like something K-Mart threw up. It's a wedding NOT prom night.

We do have Birdie's dress. It was created by a designer and it did cost more than the Target dresses. Though is was under $500. Woot!

At this point in time I'm thinking that, since she has procured the dress, they could very well elope.

Or else someone needs to share their Valium prescription.

I'll keep y'all posted.

What's In A Name?

With GRADUATION under our belts, it's time to focus on a wedding!

Most of you know that these two became engaged a couple of weeks ago on May 3.

Most of you also know that Breezy is already married and her hubby's nickname is BestSonInLawEVER. Which, as hindsight often goes, was probably not the best thinking on my part. You know, having four daughters and all.

So now, I find myself faced with coming up with SonInLawToBe's nickname. Easy? Maybe.

In other families. But not ours.

In all honesty, the lovelies call the relationship between the two 'boys' a bromance.

That being said, BestSonInLawEVER does not want any future sons-in-law to have a name that one-ups his.

SonInLawToBe wants to one-up BestSonInLawEVER.

Don't worry. It's ok, as it really is all in good fun. HOWEVER, the nickname for the new son-in-law has to be good. Clever. Just right.

So, I put it up to y'all, my most delightfully creative, funny, clever bloggy buddies.

Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to come up with a nickname for the son-in-law to be.

Their newest 'thing' is photo bombing---here's BestSonInLawEVER who wants to pick the winner.

Here's SonInLawToBe, who wants to pick the winner.

I'm thinking the lovelies and I will pick the winner.

After all, the winds of hormonal stasis remains in the direction of the feminine.

There will be a prize for the winner to be disclosed at a later date!

I'm thinking I'll run this for at least one week.

Just leave your idea(s) (Yep, you can have more than one!) in the comment section!

[Facebook followers can leave their ideas on Facebook!]

Guess What?!

So, yesterday at school was a typical Friday. I spent the time wishing I was anywhere but school enthusiastically teaching my sweet students when, around noon, I got this text message (which I will quote for y'all since I have no idea how to capture the screen to post it here) from Birdie's boyfriend:

"Hey, are you guys going to be around tonight? I wanted to stop by for a chat. ;)

See the little winky at the end?

I sat there not knowing what to do! I checked with the husband but he's sort of a weird bird. He thinks he's being rational and calm but, in all honesty, what he does is rob me of the moment. SO----

I kicked my students out of the lab patiently waited for my class to end but it was taking too long.

I stepped out of my door and waved about like a maniac until I got my friend's attention in the office. She came running. (Because she thought I was having an emergency that involved students NOT one that involved a text message.)

She agreed with me that he was going to propose. And so did the 10 other teachers who saw the text.

I left school 20 minutes early. But 5:30 was still HOURS away.

I was about to bust wide open! The husband tells me to "not blow things out of proportion yet. They might be coming over to tell us they're getting another dog."

Really? Sometimes, men are just stupid.

So, instead of keeping it all to myself I told DoodleBug. We danced the dance of joy! We jumped up and down and squealed! And then I told her to "Shhhh! He can't know that you know."

Sometimes, I am stupid too.

Anyway, Evan showed up 30 minutes EARLY!!! And it went like this:

DoodleBug (running all around the house): What should I do? I can leave now, he'll see me!

Me: CRAP! I don't know! Go to your room- I'll tell him you're napping!

DoodleBug (runs into her room and closes the door and then opens it and yells) Talk real loud!

In walks Evan.

Idle chit chat. Idle chit chat. Idle chit chat.

Husband sits down.

Me (looking at Evan): Ok, spill it!

Evan: OK. Well, I just wanted to come by and ask y'alls blessing to ask Birdie to marry me.

Me (before he really gets the whole thing out of his mouth and while jumping up and down and hugging him) YES!!! When are you going to do it?

Evan: Tonight.

DoodleBug (busting out of her bedroom, runs into the living room yelling-) Tonight?! You're going to ask my sister to marry you tonight?!

He told us how he asked Birdie's bestie (they've been BFFs since they were 3 years old and everyone calls her my dark haired child) to help out and they had joked about her hiding behind a tree and taking pictures and then popping out.

We thought that was a great idea.

So DoodleBug and I went too.

And, no. I wasn't able to keep this news to myself. I called my dad, my mother, Breezy and Deanie!

Everyone was very good about keeping it a secret. Birdie had no idea!

They went to Waterfront Park, downtown Charleston, way down on the pier after going to Improv with friends. And, no. This is not unusual. Birdie is a Charleston girl. She's always up for a walk downtown. She loves this city.

Even with 20-25 mph winds.

And three homeless people sitting around. (Which would be my dark haired child, DoodleBug and myself.)

DoodleBug was lying down on one of the swings and, as Birdie and Evan walked that way, Birdie says, "Don't go over there. There's a homeless person trying to sleep."

After he proposed, Evan tells Birdie, "There are some people here to see you."

Birdie: What? People?

Evan: Don't worry. You know them!

That's Birdie and her Bestie (my dark haired child) in the picture above.

And that's the happy couple!

OH! She said, "YES!" 


And now- a favor---

I'm about to host a contest. We have to come up with a name for him. Breezy's hubby is BestSonInLawEVER and he is quite protective of his title (even though he ADORES Evan) SO it's time to come up with a name for our second son-in-law.

Start thinking about it now! I'll put the contest up soon!

Happy Weekend, y'all!