Lola ~ My Little Helper

(The head-band slays me.)

Who needs shoes?

Dinner @ Easter

I don't get to snap many Pictures when I'm hostessing but did get a couple of our Easter dinner party. One of the table prep the night before (with huge help from Shannon since we get to practically redesign/reinvent the house to get everyone at the same table). We got to use Shannon's fun new chalk board paper for 'tablecloth' with great doodly art by her (I don't do doodles) white plates, green and black accents, and super fragrant Lilly of the Valley centerpieces (with Guinea-fowl feathers).

  Ready

  Set  Go

Whew! Everyone at the table at the same time, food ready at the same time~ served buffet style.  (looks like Ben is on a diet - it's called the "we have a baby now diet")
   
Dinner Menu~

::Turkey Roasts 
with wine sour-cream gravy 
or Pineapple glaze

::Fried Rice
brought by Olive

::Oven Roasted Asparagus
Prepared by Shannon

::Tropical Fruit Salad

::Lemon Julius 
brought by Heidi

::Rolls
With strawberry jam and butter
brought by Shannon

::Smoked Deviled Eggs
prepared by Casey

Desert Menu~

::Humming Bird layer cake
with cream cheese frosting

::Apple Crisp
with ice cream

::Spritz Bar Cookies
prepared by Drake

::Ice Cream Bunny Cake
Brought by Russ (via Dairy Queen)


We totally forgot to light the candles. Oh well, can't remember everything!

Ilex

Ilex, our first grandchild, turned 18 on Sunday. How do the years go by so fast? Really! I remember the day she was born. I couldn't believe how when I held that tiny, snugly swaddled bundle, in the hospital for the first time it was like a time machine suddenly, unexpectedly transported me back to the births of our own daughters. I was blindsided. I was not aware, even, that I'd forgotten . How sweet that strange, longing "in-love" feeling that only a mother knows (but can never quite put into words) when holding her child ( and then, it turns out, her grandchild ) for the first time. It's just part of the miracle.

We have enjoyed every day, month, and year as they have raced by. What an adorable toddler, then silly, talkative at 5 and 6,  a little bit tom-boy at 8,9, creative, artistic, gardener, babysitter at 12. Who would have ever guessed she would become shy and quiet, poised and graceful one day!   But she has become the most lovely (inside as well as out) young woman and we are very proud of who she is and are blessed to have her in our lives.
  

Trees Bejeweled in Spring Green