After August

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.

I love the cool nights and sunny days. I love opening the windows and letting nature and the sounds of cars on the street and kids playing enter each room of the house. I love knowing football tailgating is right around the corner.

I hate that theses beautiful days mark the end of the summer. I hate that long days are becoming shorter and shorter. I hate kissing another summer good-bye.

This time of year always makes me feel a little panicky. Like I didn't take full advantage of my favorite season. I didn't have that picnic at My Old Kentucky Home. I didn't take Lizzie to play in the fountain at Tyler Park. I didn't read enough on the deck swing. We never had that summer party with bocce ball and grilled corn.

How come summer comes and goes so fast? I will have to take comfort in the few days we have left. Maybe I can swing a picnic with the family in Tyler Park? I will keep you posted.

Summer, I will miss you till next year.

(Summer Time Pleasures by Levi W. Prentice, this painting and other work can be found here)

Hydrangea Bouquet

Got to carry this beautiful bouquet in my friend Andrea's wedding this past Saturday.

I love weddings and this one did not disappoint.

La Maisonnette Obsession

Okay, so fellow blogger Stephmodo and her family are in Southwest France renovating this little gem, La Masionnette. I am obsessed and must rent this little cottage sometime in the near future. I have my mother and husband on board for the trip... any other takers?

See more about Stephanie's awesome life adventure at her blog.

Fine China

The Indian Tree, Late 19th Century - Maternal Grandmother

Opal Innocence, Lenox - My wedding china

I have a soft spot for china. It most likely steams for the many Easter, Birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners that were spent eating comfort foods off various patterns belonging to family members. I have been quite lucky to inherit two different sets, along with an almost complete set from my wedding registry... and one day I will be the host to family members scraping their forks over my china.

Beach Babes

How sweet are these pictures? I can't stop looking at them, it brings back so many memories of growing up with my sister Heather. This is why when people ask if I would like a boy or a girl next I always reply GIRL. Some people question why I don't want a boy... I would love a boy, but I would also love a sister for Lizzie. I love my sister.

Little girls playing together on a beach.
Location: Atlantic Beach, FL, US
Date taken: June 1954
Photographer: Lisa Larsen

More of these photos on google image search

Fall Must Have

REALLY love this Gap Sweater. This one is going on the list. It will also be perfect for early morning walks on the beach in October.

p.s. I am not trying to wish away summer. I love summer. I just really need a vacation and that is not going to happen until October. Plus, this cardigan has perfect little pockets for seashells.

Nashville

Had a great time tonight. It was one of my closest friends, Andrea's bachelorette party. We had a really great time. Brought back memories of my own bachelorette party. I had seven bridesmaids and only 4 made the Nashville treck... but we had a blast. Thanks for the memories!

Camping

Now, this is my kind of camping. I absolutely adore everything French... even majored in it just for fun. Check out more on this beautiful French countryside camp ground on Belle Maison's fabulous post.

Great Project

Check out this great post from Design*Sponge for these trash to treasure wine bottle torches! Absolutely love this idea.

Eddie's Trip

Beautiful girl who visited the clinic.

Kenya hut.

Home visit.

Eddie has returned from his medical mission in Kenya. Here are a few of his pictures... what a rewarding trip. It is so easy to get caught up in life that we forget how lucky we truly are, and how much we have that we don't really need.

Shower Curtian Love

Kinda in love with this Anthropology shower curtain. I don't think I could use it in our bathroom now, but I do have a daughter who would love it... maybe for her one day bathroom. Yes, said daughter is only 19 months old, but I already know how she feels about home decor.

Checkout other cool shower curtains at Anthropology.

Where is this kid?

So, I just finished mowing the lawn at 9:30pm. After running out of gas, semi-breaking the mower, and having to recruit my best friend's husband over to trouble shoot the backyard is mowed. I am a little embarrassed that I know so little about lawnmowers and yard cutting, but it has been one of those chores I have simply boycotted. We shall see how the front yard does tomorrow... can't be any worse. I am sure I left plenty of mohawks in the back that will need touched up, too. I think I need a lawn boy for when Eddie is away. Do kids even do stuff like that anymore?

picture from here

Baby Shower

I am having a baby shower at my house this Saturday. Lindsay the mom-to-be and I have been friends since the 6th grade. I am so excited for her and John. Look at these beautiful settings I will be stealing... I mean borrowing from!

Sweet Baby Room

I have an antique baby bed that I purchased when living in LaGrange, KY right after college. I have wanted to turn it into a settee... but this is calling Lizzie! It will be the perfect toddler bed.

Kenya

Eddie is on a medical mission in Kenya, Africa for the next couple of weeks. Miss him already, but to pass the weekend I am visiting with my sister and her family. While I don't know exactly what the village Eddie is camping in looks like... I hope he gets to see some of Africa's beauty that surrounds the poor and destitute he will be treating.

Bess Eddie and all those he meets.

Bike

To be in this moment. Doesn't she look carefree beautiful and so completely uncomplicated?

One day this will be me again... via