Val's Shower

This weekend, I hosted a baby shower for my dear friend Valerie Natale.

I found a nice venue in The Bricker House in Lemoyne, PA.

I hosted an

afternoon tea.

About 30 guests joined in the festivities.

The invitation prompted the guests to wear their best tea party hats. some guests embraced the requests. For those that "forgot" their hats, we had an array to offer them.

The tables were decorated with teapots and fresh flowers.

Instead of just a cake. I opted for individual cupcakes in tea cups and saucers. My mom decorated each cupcake as a one of a kind,

the designs were very whimsi

cal.

The fare was a cold buffet of cranberry almond

chicken salad sandwiches, bacon and spring onion wraps, fresh fruit,

scones, pumpkin bread, etc...

The guests also were invited to savor 3 unique

teas or enjoy fresh Mango Mandarin Punch.

I wanted to capture the Lady of Honor and her husband, who also

attended the shower, with all of the guests that attended the shower.

By far, my favorite photo was that of each of the guests standing in front of the venue making silly faces.

I hope that Val had an enjoyable time. We are so blessed to share this special journey with she and Jim. we cannot wait until January 17th when Baby Natale makes his or her debut.

I wonder

Dear Audrey:

Sometimes I watch you without trying to catch your eye. I do this on purpose.

If you know that I am watching, you will certainly try to oblige your mama's gaze with a smile.

You are like that. Always watching. Curious. happy.

As I stare at you, I wonder. I wonder what color your hair will finally resolve to be, or your eyes. Are they hazel or are they brown? I wonder if you will like to sing, the way that I do. Or will you love the color pink? Will you love the feel of the slippery creek rocks under your feet like I did as a little girl? Will you be a daredevil like your daddy was?

I pray that your life is filled...filled with promise...filled with rich friendships that span the course of your life, filled with only the blessings that God can provide. I wonder who you will become.

A Mother's Prayer

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

Baking with Gram

We went to my parents this weekend. My mom scheduled Audrey for an Old Time Photoshoot that one of the local churches was sponsoring. We arrived to dress Audrey in a lace gown. The photographer added a hat and strands of pearls, some great props and TaaDaa...a cute bunch of pics.

Today, after my mom got off of work, she sliced up some apples and made apple dumplings to enjoy throughout the winter. Audrey sat in her rocking seat atop the table and helped Gram make apple dumplings.