.. and then she was 12

I can NOT believe that my little once shadow is 12 today.  

So far this is what I know about you sweet Prissy..

You...

* are kind hearted 

* are naturally beautiful  

* are very FUNNY and witty & have the best laugh

* are very much an artist

{my "keep" art box for you is overflowing- 

and I only keep the best!} 

* are my go-to fashion consultant

* are a wonderful baker

 {sorry that I only recently let you mess up the 

kitchen by yourself. please forgive me}

* are a great singer

{and can hear a song once and know it!}

* are very clever

* are very generous 

* are awesome at braiding 

* have a way of making others at ease

* are such a beautiful ballerina

* are easily embarrassed 

* got a new freckle yesterday

 {I'm gonna call her Francis}

*****

This is what I want you to remember sweet girl..

* I loved you from the minute I peed on the stick.. 

but when they handed you to me- we became soul mates!

* no matter where I am.. I'm your biggest fan

{day and night!}

* cast your cares on the Lord.. 

{believe it or not?  He loves you even more than me!}

* wear sunscreen

* always be gracious.. it serves you well!

* modest is hottest 

{I know... enough already}

* learn to forgive quickly

* be slow to speak... 

* when life gets tough- PRAY.  then shop!

* eat your veggies

* you don't have to have the newest or priciest-

{thrifting is way more fun}

* try not to compare yourself to others.. 

{it's a joy-stealer}

* set goals for yourself

* don't be in a hurry to wear make-up

* marry someone who loves you without it.

{a guy just like your Daddy}

* remember your actions, not your belongings - define you!

* you don't need to wash your hair everyday.. but you MUST wash your face!

* a few tiny bites of cookie dough won't kill you

* go to college and get a degree you can use

* be kind!  

* I ADORE YOU!!

your Momma,

Mountain Va-cay!

So... "we loaded up the truck and we moved to Beverly..."  Literally we couldn't fit another thing in the car as we headed to the mountains.  It was GLORIOUS y'all!  I adore the mountains.  And since I'm rather fair skinned... I'm much more of a mountain girl than a beach girl.

*****

First stop.. Mast General Store.  Where we were taken back to old timey sodas and candy.  The kiddos were sold for the mountains when Joey vowed "YES!  Everyone choose an iced cold beverage from the cool drink dispenser."  {I'm sorta a prude and don't let them have sodas... He's clearly the superior parent in their eyes!  I however take them to all of their dentist appts!}

*****

We mined for gems.  Cause we are clearly suckers.  Prissy found a huge ruby!  A-man got some of the prettiest quartz I've ever seen.

*****

My man got to let his hair down and grow the full glory of God on his face!  He has to shave everyday so it's nice to relax.  And this picture cracks me up because in his world... nothing says relaxing like windows down, arms out, and country music on the radio.  

P.S.  my hair loves the mountains!  70 degrees is the best!!!!

*****

Our cabin was amazing! We ate, hiked to the waterfall, dipped in the hot tub.

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played on the swing..

*****

biked...

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played a little Lincoln Logs!!

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And then repeated the next day!!

***** 

We made some wonderful memories.  Ones that I will cherish for years to come.  Prissy and I have decided that we could learn to love a place in Blowing Rock... or Banner Elk!  

Joey's favorite part- hiking Grandfather Mountain!

Mine- the food!  OH MY WORD fish and chips!!

Kiddos- candy cigarettes from Mast General....

 I have no words for this pic.  

happy marriage day!

My sweet A-man always says "marriage" instead of wedding.  Like- my wedding ring is a "marriage ring" and my wedding anniversary {which is today!} is in fact my marriage anniversary.

So..

Happy Marriage Anniversary! 

to:

 my bff, my mentor, my trip advisor specialist, my personal assistant, my confident, my advisor, my spiritual leader, my chauffeur, my talk-me-off-the ledge-er, my who-cares-what-they-think-er, my I-love-you-no-matter-what-er!

*****

I adore you more than I did 14 yrs ago {more than any wife ought to be allowed}. 

 And I love you never gonna stop!!!!

XXOX,

Happy July 4th....

Oh my word!  I've missed my little blog world and my two followers {counting Cooner}!  We had the best time on the 4th!  Here's a little recap...

*****

A-man won the 1 mile fun run.  Prissy opted out of the "all for 1 and 1 for all" mentality that Joey has embodied- to make us participate in said events :)  In her defense... her bestie broke her foot this week and Prissy has always been one to sympathize with the wounded.  Hence the sudden "need" for an athletic wrap on the morning of the race.  A-man was Presh!  He darted out {like all the other littles in the race}.  Then I called him back.  "A-man stay with Mama.  You will be happy you did."  "But the other boys are gonna win!" he said already holding his side.  In the end, he took my advice and stayed with me.  We passed those boys on the second turn.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't smile when we did!  Then he saw the finish line and panted...  "Mama.. don't pass me okay?"  I cried and slowed down.  He bolted to the finish and WON!!!!

*****

And speaking of winners....  Who else do you know that could produce this many flags in one trip to the attic???  Besides Cooner???

*****

Then again..  how many flags is too many for a parade??

*****

Joey said he was embarrassed to drive us... But then on the second lap of the parade, admitted that his embarrassment had in fact turned to pride.  Then somehow talked us into yelling "Happy Birthday America!" as we strolled past the judges.  SHAMELESS!!!

*****

SO FUN!!!! 

I'm so thankful for the freedom we have and these 3 monkeys to celebrate with!!!


*****

I love this cutie pie!
  Pollyanna is an American Classic.