An Open Letter

Dear Chapel, Eli, Conor & Jude -

Last week, we lost a huge part of our family. Parker, your beloved friend, passed away. I want you guys to always remember that in the 3 years we knew her, she never once disappointed us. She was a dependable, loyal, honest and gentle soul. Parker was so very patient with each one of you, always encouraging and always finding ways to entertain you. To me, Parker was irreplaceable. She was my friend that greeted me at the beginning and end of the day with a smile. She never had a harsh word and always put a positive spin on the events of each day. As you grow older and time fades and you think back and remember Ms. Parker, I hope you remember the times she spent with you and the wonderful things she taught you and know how much she loved you. Little things, like strolling you around the block, playing in the back yard, taking you to the Children's Museum, letting you walk the dogs and water the plants, making cupcakes with you, taking you to karate and the library and the sandy playground. And when you do, I hope these memories bring a smile to your faces as big as the smiles you brought to hers.

East vs. West (Playgrounds, of course)

For those of you who know Folly, you know there is an East Side and a West Side. Those of us who live on the east side are much cooler (just kidding). But we east side dwellers do have some new bragging rights. Just in time for summer, Folly Beach has added a new public playground that is two short blocks from our home. Previously, we always played on the west side playground, which is also nice but at times crowded. Having said that, we have been to the new play area three times so far, and each time we are the only ones there. I kinda feel like it's our little secret right now, as it has not been highly publicized that it is open. The bright colors and structure make it completely Folly - I already envision us making good use of this over the next few months!

SUGAR, SUGAR, & more SUGAR

Chapel celebrated her July 18th birthday at school yesterday, on May 18th, because with a mid-summer birthday, she gets the short end of the stick when it comes to class parties. She requested I send in cupcakes. Remember when I made cupcakes for Eli's class party in April? I had these two handy helpers....

Not having time to this week for the homemade variety , I relied on something much less labor intensive, and honestly much more delicious than I have ever whipped up. Sugar.

Located downtown, this old fashioned bakery was as much fun to hang out after school as it was to enjoy the delicious treats they had to offer.

Eli with his chocolate chip cookie.

Conor and Jude in the courtyard enjoying mini cupcakes.

Carefully escorting the goods home.

And here the dozen for class.

Followed by Chapel carrying the box with the additional 3 needed to round it up to 15.

Everyone LOVED the delicious treats - and mom, well she enjoyed getting out of making them and the outing that went along with picking them up. Sugar did not disappoint!

Summer Styles

Chapel has been begging to get her hair cut for ages now but I always insisted she get a trim, not wanting to go any shorter than shoulder length. Brett has been insisting Chapel is old enough now to make this decision without me so that combined with her telling all of her friends at school she was indeed going to cut her hair left me no choice. So we Googled short hairstyles and these were her top two fav's....

Can you guess the style to which I agreed?

Getting started....

The final result! Is it not AWESOME???

Of course my big man also decided to go short....

And was so pleased with his results he even went so far to add Joel's glasses for his his photo op. Love his sense of style.

I'm actually lovin' how much easier the upkeep of these shorter styles. With summer and the beach and pools around the corner, I am thinking I am going to appreciate short hair even more!

Weekend Round Up

What an epic weekend! It would take at least 5 blog posts to give all the details. Unforutnately, as you can tell from my sparse posts of late, time is not on my side. So I will break it down and share the highlights of our great weekend with our friends and my great Mother's Day with my family.

Part One - Headin' To a Country Weddin'

One of my best friends from Clemson, Mary, was married this weekend on a hunting plantation in Clinton, SC. Brett and another dear friend Kelly Smith, officiated. What a reunion of old friends - we stayed up late every night laughing, talking, reminisicing and exploring this extremly unique wedding venue. Getting together with old friends reminds you of being young and makes you feel better about getting old.

Working hard after the rehearsal dinner to get the venue decorated.

And working the next day to tie the bows.

Brett & Kelly showed no signs of wedding jitters.

Mary and Andrew say I Do.

Mary and the girls.

Brett and Robert.

Part Two - The Barker 4 On Their Own

Well, they were not exactly on their own but they were so excited to be going to Papa and Gigi's for the weekend WITHOUT mom and dad! Can you believe that??? Chapel and Eli, especially, always ask to visit without us. Now, I know exactly how much they are catered to and spoiled when I am there, so I can only imagine what goes on when I am not! Whatever magic Papa and Gigi have, it works. All four came home exhausted and asking when they could go again. And mom and dad really enjoyed having them there - they called me last night and were missing them already.....

Lots of land and places to explore on the 4 Wheeler.

Ladybugs to catch.

Outdoor picnics.

Tuckered at the end of the day.

Getting dressed.

Headed to church.

Part Three - A Perfect Reunion

We all met back home on Sunday - Mother's Day. I was ready to squeeze my babies and my own mama by then. The kids came home with their arms full of presents the made at school variety and the ones Gigi helped them pick out. Each kiddo presented me with a little bag when they arrived home. Chocolates, a card, candles and body scrub. All my fav's.

Chapel gave me the sweetest little note. She's so thoughtful!

Conor and Jude gave me these handprints they made at school.

Eli's school project was this painted pot with flower.

Papa and GiGi gave me this beautiful rose bush, which we planted that afternoon.

Part 4 - Behind Every Good Mom.....

There is a great dad. I am so thankful Brett is my partner in life and that he works so hard for our family. Spending this weekend with him at the wedding was so nice, we seldom get time to ourselves and it when we do I realize exactly how much I appreciate him.

He told me to pick a new swimsuit for Mother's Day (guess I've been very vocal about my need for swimwear) and I am currently trying to pick between these two.

Brett likes this one....

But I am partial to this one.....

Easter Pictures - The Big Reveal

I have been dying to post these photographs but wanted to wait until I mailed all of my (late) Easter cards featuring them before I revealed them on the blog. In my mind, if you guys see them here before checking your mail, then it ruins the whole surprise when you go to the mailbox! So by now, most of you should have received your pictures and because I printed several shots and mailed them to different folks, here are the best of the best so you can enjoy them all.

Just so you know, these were taken by the talented Kayla Jones with Kayla Jones Photography. The location was actually SPROUT (can you believe it?) and we had so many customers take advantage of our Easter Portrait Sessions that Kayla was able to book the whole day! The thought process behind these were based on capturing kids in their new Easter clothes - just like my mom used to do when I was little. I just love them and love the fact that the kids were all so well behaved for their mini photo session!