I will never forget. . .

September 11th, 2001 for as long as I live.

At the time Jeff and I were both working at night and I woke up about 9am to the sound of my phone ringing off the hook.

It was my mom in tears, telling me to turn the news on.

I was dumb founded and I just stood there weeping, in total shock.

I remember climbing back into bed with Maddie and Jeff and just holding them tight to me while I watched the news. I wept for days.

I worked in the billing dept and I was able to listen to music while I worked but instead I was glued to the news. It was like I couldn't tear myself away from it.

I just remember feeling so lost that day and for days afterwards.

I was also so relieved that Maddie was so little and was unaware of what was going on because I honestly had no idea as to how I could answer any of her questions because I had so many myself.

I will NEVER forget.

Our family portrait. . .

This was our first family portrait. Quite lovely, isn't it?




We actually had this done when Maddie was itty bitty and we were at Carowinds.

I can remember as a kid, watching someone do these and wanting one done so very badly.

So of course, when I saw these I just had to have one!

As cheesy as it is, I do love it. It suits us, we are quirky like that.

I will have to say that Maddie was a much cuter baby than she looks in that pic! But, that is a good likeness of Jeff and I.

Anyhow, I thought this was good for a chuckle. :)

It's a P.O.O.P.I.E. Par-tay!!!

The Nester is hosting a P.O.O.P.I.E. Party today and I am RSVPing! :)

You can read all about how this works and what a P.O.O.P.I.E is, from The Nester herself.



Ok here are my contributions to this event. . .



This lovely piece sits atop a bookcase. Isn't she purty?? She was actually $$ many moons ago and was passed down to me from my mom.

I have had her forever but I think it may be time to replace her with something a little more current.




This is one I do happen to like.

I got it super cheap at Kohl's a few years ago and I love the colors of the flowers.




Oh and please ignore all the dust! I didn't realize how bad it was until I saw that pic. ACK!



I also just bought this wreath on clearance at Belk's this wk. It needs some work but I do like her bare bones and I couldn't pass up the deal.

Maybe I will take a page from The Nester's book and redo her and post some after pics soon!





So, I am an official P.O.O.P.I.E. and proud to admit it!

At least, I know I am in good company! :)

V is also for...

Vera Bradley! I just picked up *the* cutest chocolate brown hobo at TJ Maxx by Vera Bradley. It's a perfect fall purse!

I have carried Veras for the last couple yrs and her stuff holds up so well and is well worth the money. I always love to see what new prints she comes up with.

This is the purse I picked up! It's way cuter in person and I love it.

Have you ever looked at her home accessories? Omgosh, her stuff is gorgeous.

How cute is this rug? It does not match my decor at all, but I love it!

Seriously, super cute stuff!

Ok, I am off to find a new wallet for my cute new purse! :)