Our Visit to Laurel, Mississippi

This past March we made Diaz Family history when we traveled with our (two children) by car from Georgia to Texas for a long weekend.  Having prepared ourselves for the worst, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived and realized we had beaten our anticipated 14 hours by 30 minutes.  Our children were rock-stars and we completed at least one full Harry Potter on Audible during our drive.

Fast forward to this past week, when we were on another adventure to Texas.  We decided to split our trip out to Dallas in two by stopping in Laurel Mississippi for a day to visit the HGTV's town of Home Town.  I was a little apprehensive about splitting the drive into two days.  Were we tempting fate by having our children spend not one day, but two (in a row!) in an uncomfortable car seat?

We arrived in Laurel on a Sunday evening and after checking into our Airbnb, we decided to explore the historic town.  The ride to the downtown area was like stepping back in time!  The homes were like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting; a piece of the past frozen in time.

Once we arrived in the city, we were greeted by proverbial tumbleweeds as it was COMPLETELY shut down on this Sunday evening.  It did provide some amazing photo opportunities since we didn't have to share the landmarks, sidewalks, or streets with anyone.  We did run into Pearl's (of The Pearl Diner) son, who graciously offered us some water before we went on our way.  We made a list of the stores we would visit the next morning and headed back to the developed part of town to introduce the children to Hibachi (very un-southern, I know).

The next morning we started our adventure with gooey sticky and cinnamon buns from Sweet Somethings Bakery.  The buns were about as large as the children's heads and the entire place smelled heavenly.

From there we made our way down the street per Chris' request to the Southern Antiques store.  The main floor featured plenty of non-antique farmhouse decor but the upstairs bosted a whole floor of antique dealers' booths.  I know I'm not alone when I say I love picking up pieces and dreaming of their stories.

After the antique store, we stopped in at Loblolly Boutique + Crescent Line Toys where it was the children's turn to dream of all of the fun they would have with all of the many toys they were mentally adding to their Christmas wish-list.

Finally, we made our way to Laurel Mercantile Co.  The painted building and vintage Chevy told us we had arrived!

It was fun pouring through the kitchen goods, flannels, and vintage plates and quilts.  Every area of the shop had descriptions and notes from Erin Napier, the founder of the store and star of the HGTV series, Home Town.  The first sign I read explained their mission to manufacture as many of the products in the USA as possible.

Our half-way-to-Texas-Laurel-trip was rounded out by a visit to Phillips Drive-In, where we were sent on our way to Texas with one of the best chili-cheese hot dogs washed down with a rootbeer float.

My prediction on the two days in the car for the kids being a bit much was completely correct (please show me a 4-7-year-old who can feel the difference between a 7-hour and 13-hour car ride), but well worth the detour.  The quaint "City Beautiful" is well on its way to being revived and we look forward to visiting again on our next voyage to Texas.

Ta-da-flop: A look back on 2018

Sometimes you need a break... and sometimes that break is a 5-month break.  Or maybe it's not that you need a break and maybe you're just broken.  Broken from relationships, from expectations of others and yourself.  Maybe sometimes the brokenness becomes so heavy, the pieces weigh you down and you stop seeing beauty. 

So many of my posts are about finding beauty in everyday living, and yet, it seems that every year, I go through a season of drought, where life is bla and redundant and oh-my-goodness-why-did-we-sign-up-for-12-years-of-carpool. 

This past December, I discovered a quite odd correlation between what I'll call my "bla" season and the liturgical calendar our church follows.  Many of you have heard of different church seasons, whether you realized it or not.  ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, and even LENT, and EASTER are all actual seasons of our church that have been celebrated for thousands of years. 

Guess what liturgical season coincides with my personal "bla" season... Get this.  It's called ORDINARY TIME. 

While "Ordinary Time" is not as widely known as "Christmas" or "Easter," it's actually the season that dominates much of the year.  There are few weeks of this time scattered throughout the various months; however, the big chunk of it comes from the end of May all the way until December. 

I think part of growing up is being able to look back and assess what you did right, what could have been better, and perhaps just what the heck is going on?  What's interesting though is that because most of the year consists of this Ordinary Time, most of these accomplishments (and the work put into them) happens in just plain, ordinary days.

So, without further ado, I give you my less-than-impressive 2018's 18 accomplishments (which, by-the-way, were made in Ordinary Time).

Guys... I just clicked over to that post and was SO INSPIRED for just a moment, because I forgot it was mine... and all of the things I thought I would do in 2018.

I didn't completely flop 2018.  I did actually accomplish a lot.  I met many goals.  And instead of beating myself up about what I didn't accomplish, let's focus on what did get done.

Ta-da!

I read 17 books.  It's not 25, but it's the most I've read in YEARS.  Like, since-before-I-went-to-college-then-had-babies-years.  I'll post about them all sometime.  Maybe.

I ran a half-marathon.  And I actually enjoyed it.  There were parts that were difficult (and I DID walk part of mile 11) but I finished it and I haven't been that proud in a while.  Of course, there's no way on this PLANET I could have completed that without my people.  Watching my (our) kids during all of the practice runs (Chris), motivating me in the crappy weekly runnings (Colleen & Renee), giving me a reason to not forgo my long Saturday runs (Mary Beth), and being there for me at the finish line (Chris, Fiona, Eliot, Craig, Lisa, Roger, Renee, and Mary Beth).  I thank God for the strength of lungs and legs and hope to do another one this year.

I played in a recital.  The first by myself since forever.  And it was an easy piece I loved and had played before. And it was beautiful and the audience was just as transfixed by its beauty as I was. 

I learned a lot about myself this year.  About my weaknesses and strengths.  And while I KNOW there is still plenty more to learn and grow in these areas, I'm excited to bring on 2019 and all of it's Ordinary Time. 

Linger Moments No. 8

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  Whether your upcoming weekend is one filled with activities or has the promise of being a relaxing weekend, you are invited to take a moment to linger before heading to the end of the week.

1. Flora Forager

I stumbled across this Instagram account a few years ago and completely fell in love!  Bridget Beth Collins is a floral artist that used flowers, foliage, sticks, twigs, moss, mushrooms, and so forth to create magically whimsical art.  Some of my favorite creations of hers are her castles, her mermaids, and her winter scenes.  Check out her books and prints on her website and definitely follow her Instagram account for daily doses of beauty and magic.  Thank you to Bridget for the use of the above picture!

2. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's FREE Concert at Piedmont Park!

The first outdoor concert of ASO's I heard was years ago when Chris and I were dating.  They had come all the way to Alpharetta to play at Will's Park.  We packed a picnic of Rachael Ray grilled swordfish and tuna steaks and set off to watch these world-class, Grammy-winning musicians play in a covered horse arena (that is also used for rodeos).  This year, ASO offers another FREE concert at Piedmont Park on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 7:30.  If you've followed my Instagram account, you know how in love I am with our orchestra and their music.  They will be performing Bernstein's Overture to Candide and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.  Additionally, some "crowd favorites" (my favorites, as well!) of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Variations on a Rococo Theme, and the 1812 Overture.

3. Gourmet Sandwich Company Premier Catering

Speaking of sandwiches... y'all, this one has my vote as the best sandwich in Alpharetta/Roswell/Milton area.  Heck, it has my vote for the best salad, too!  At this point, I've had the Gourmet Sandwich Company cater at least a dozen music teacher events and we have never been left wanting.  My favorite sandwich that is offered is definitely the "Lab Experiment."  Founder/Owner Travis puts turkey, bacon, tomatoes, gouda, and avocado on a JALAPEÑO-cornmeal bread.  It is ahhhh-maz-ing.   

Summer Preview!

Last week was the last week of the children's school and after a nice long weekend, we have begun to settle into our summer schedule.

After my oldest started school, I realized quickly how sacred summers would become.  Precious days upon days with no schedule and no obligations.  The first summer came and went beautifully.  However, as she and my youngest started to get older I quickly realized that some structure would be required to ensure we all stayed sane.

All throughout the school year, I find myself saying, "Well if we didn't have school/homework/school events, we'd have time to do this [insert activity]."  Before school ended, I decided to list out those activities and create a "summer schedule" that would allow us to relax, but also give some structure to our days.

Some of the activities I wanted us to incorporate into our daily activities were baking, riding bikes, visiting parks, and having playdates with friends.  I do continue to teach piano during the summer and am very fortunate to have flexibility in when I schedule those lessons.  Additionally, the children have four weeks of swim lessons that we can schedule our activities around.

Finally, I really wanted to incorporate more chores for the children into our days.  They are all about lists and responsibilities.  They're even about getting things done when it's on said list and not just me telling them to do it.  Again, the school year (and waking up at the LITERAL crack of dawn) makes being consistent with chores difficult.

What I have found through creating this schedule is that our days are quite simple.  I think loosely following it will give us the satisfaction of accomplishing many things, but without feeling like we're running all over the place.  There are so many chances in this loose schedule for us to relax and connect.  I am so looking forward to having my children home this summer and creating memories with both of them!

Fiona's Art Club Rock Painting Party

Very few people can say that they have never been inspired by Joanna Gaines and our recent Spring Break Rock Painting Party was no exception.  In the recent Magnolia Journal, Mrs. Gaines showed beautiful pictures and detailed particulars about a party her and her girls threw for some friends.  The party was hosted in the new "Garden and Potting Shed" which I am certain is decorated better than any of the living spaces in my home (don't get me wrong- I love Fixer Upper and own all of the Gaines' books and magazines and have made the Pilgrimage to both the "Shop on Bosque" and the Silos... but let's call it what it is, people.  It's really more of Botanical-Flower-Arboretum slash Gorgeous-Girlfriend-Creative-Hangout-Spot).

Around the same time, Fiona decided she wanted to start an art club where her friends could come over and do art projects together.  This child is so creative and is not only a visionary but a doer.  It's really remarkable to see the wheels spinning in her head and to see her ideas come to fruition.

Since the kids were out of school, and my husband's recent outdoor project was near completion, we decided to throw a "Rock Painting Party."

Our city (and many cities, I'm sure) started a community project of painting, hiding, and finding rocks.  The kids absolutely love it and we decided to have some friends over to paint some of our own to hide (or keep).

Y'all, this was such a huge hit and fun treat.  It was one of the easiest art projects I've ever put together which literally just required rocks, paint, and paint brushes.   Friends were asked to bring a smock to cover their clothes.  We found a bag of smooth river-type rocks at Home Depot for under $15.  I know we probably could've gone out and found our own rocks but personally, I prefer the smooth, polished look of the paint on the river rocks.  We spruced up our paint supplies with a few new colors and bought a 24-pack of assorted brushes.

Before our friends arrived, I put out some easy refreshments the kids could put in cups and chilled a few bottles of rosé for the moms.  The kids had an absolute blast and were so creative with their rocks.  Eliot found a new love for all things red and we finished the rocks with some outdoor lacquer protectant spray.  The rocks dried pretty quickly so most friends were able to take them home that day.  

 

Any chance to visit and catch up is a luxury most days and to get to do it while our children were creating was an added bonus.  I can't wait to see what project Fiona decides to do for her next Art Club Meeting!

In Pursuit of the Arts

If you've been around my blog or any of my social media accounts, you know that I'm a lover of the arts and specifically music.  Recently while ushering an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert, I came across a page in Encore Atlanta that peaked my interest: a whole page of events geared towards children!  I wanted to take a moment to share these upcoming events with you.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Upcoming Family and Education Events 

Musical Mondays (for children 5 and under)

Next Date: Monday, March 5, 10:00 am

Also available: Monday, April 2 and Monday, May 7

From Encore Atlanta: "A new hands-on music education experience for early learners and their caregivers to explore fun, engaging ways to make music together with movement, instruments, singing and more!"

Music for the Very Young (for children 1-5)

Next Date: Saturday, February 24, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am 

Also available: Sunday, February 25, Saturday, March 10, Saturday, March 11

From ASO's website: "Bring your little ones along as we set off on a journey to discover Music Around the World. We will have a blast as we move and groove to the music of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.  Join us as we explore the difference in melody, harmony, rhythm, dance, instruments, and more!"

Seuss at the Symphony (Family Concert)

Sunday, March 4, 3:00 pm

From Encore Atlanta: "Join Sam-I-Am and the gang as we meet Seuss at the Symphony!  Watch the timeless Dr. Seuss tale, Green Eggs and Ham come to life on stage along with Richard Einhorn's My Many Colored Days, and selections from Aaron's Copeland's Old American Songs." 

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra "Crescendo Concert"

Sunday, March 18, 3:00 pm

From Encore Atlanta: "Enjoy the future of classical music with the region's most talented young musicians.  Tickets are only $12 and provide a great introduction to classical music for the novice, or an affordable family experience.  

January's Ta-Da's!

In keeping with my 2017 "Ta-Da!" theme, I'd like to offer my January 2018 "Ta-Da!" list!  A "Ta-Da!" list is a list of things you've accomplished.  Looking back at accomplishments is a great way to keep momentum in achieving the goals you wish to reach.

Daily

I feel like I'm about 50/50 on my daily goals.  I haven't been as consistent at writing down the things for which I am thankful, but I do feel myself thinking them throughout the day.

I've actually been getting to bed earlier, which helps EVERYTHING.  Not quite at 8 hours, but working my way there.

My prayers have been pretty consistent while my daily writing is hit or miss.  I feel like I've been doing a pretty decent job of getting pictures and stories on social media outlets.  I'm very proud to report to you (and my dentist in a few weeks) that I've only missed maybe two floss days!

I've done great at drying the dishes after each wash and seeing a clean sink when I walk into my kitchen is a reward in itself.

Weekly

We've done pretty well with the weekly movie nights with the kids... so far we've watched (or re-watched) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Coco, and The Little Prince.  These times are so precious and I really hope we can keep it up!  Chris and I have been OK with our date nights... most of the time it's either a double-date or a group date.  We're trying to get better about intentional time together so we'll see how February goes!

I've been decent about getting in the running and yoga and have enjoyed the weekly hot baths to help recover from the long runs.  Finally, I've been consistent in speaking to my parents weekly, which I've enjoyed.

Monthly

My monthly goals are some of my favorite goals and I can almost check all of them off!  

 This month I finished two books- Gone Girl and Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff.  We also finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone via audible, which was fun to listen to as a family.  We haven't had an official "date night" to discuss it, but we have discussed it at great length as a family.  We haven't gotten our entire family together for a dinner, but we have visited with most of our family one-on-one at least.  There were no races to report for January, but I've got one already finished for February and more scheduled for March and May.  Finally, one of my favorite monthly goals that I've accomplished is having coffee (or lunch or dinner or drinks).  I was able to have coffee with a dear friend and spend time catching up.  I also worked in two dinners with other friends.  I've got one lunch on the calendar for February and hope to squeeze a few more coffees in as well.  As a stay-at-home mom, I'm learning that these social interactions are so important for me and I am truly enjoying them.