Surprise Party & Easter

This weekend has been long anticipated for a couple of reasons. If you have been following my blog for any time at all you know that I have a "Football Family" here in Arkansas. This group of friends was formed as a means to get together every weekend and share a meal, watch a little football, and just hang out. We rotate houses every week. Now that football season is over, we don't get together every Sunday, but we get together often! One thing that I LOVE about this group of friends is that we all come from varying walks of life, life experiences, ages, backgrounds and perspectives. But one thing that we all have in common is that we love each other and like to have a good time! This coming week (Apr 14 & 18) Kelly & Kara turn 40. We cannot believe that they have reached this life milestone already! Of course, we couldn't let this occasion go uncelebrated without a little twist and an element of surprise....so....we decided to throw a little surprise party just among our group of football friends. The funny thing is that the girls thought that no one was going to throw a party for them, so they planned their own for next weekend! Little did they know.....

The plan: Everyone meet at Ross and Courtney's (5 doors down from one of the birthday girls, so this could get a little tricky). Jim and John were to take the girls to a cystic fibrosis fundraiser in Fayetteville (there was no CF fundraiser, but charity events are a dime a dozen up here this time of year, so they would never know the difference). Jim was to text Courtney when he left the house and headed over to John & Kelly's (birthday girl #2). Courtney was to wait 2 minutes then call Kara and ask her to come over and check out an outfit that she was wearing to an event that night.

The surprise: All of the football friends would be standing in the kitchen when Kara and Kelly walked in the house. Jim and John had arranged for a car service to take us all down to Fayetteville to a piano bar that we love, Willy D's.

The result: 2 VERY surprised birthday girls! They LOVED the evening and had a blast! Actually, we all had a great night (and Easter morning came WAY TOO early....)

The tiaras

The birthday cake made my yours truly...Butter cake with vanilla buttercream icing.

Courtney talking to Kara...hoping she takes the bait :)

Kara walking in the kitchen....she was the first through the door

Kelly right behind Kara. Priceless face.

Jim & Kara, Kelly & John

(the men were so glad that everything worked out so well!)

The girls:

Courtney, me, Kelly, Kara, Julie, Jazmin, Heidi

The men:

Eric, Steven (Mike's brother visiting from Iowa), Mike, John, Ross, Paul, Jim

The Football Friends

Loading up and heading to Fayetteville...watch out Willy D's!

Kelly & Kara playing along with the piano guys....

Easter Sunday

This morning we awoke to torrential rains and thunderstorms. If it weren't Easter Sunday morning, I would have just continued to sleep all cozy in my bed. However, I could not do that on THE Sunday mornings of all Sunday mornings! I braved the elements and headed to church for 9 a.m. service. Much excitment and anticipation welled within me as to what the service would bring...especially after last week was so awesome! I hate to say this, but I was sadly disappointed this morning. The service was rushed, no traditional music/hymns. There was a lot of upbeat rockin' and rollin' of new songs. Where was "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" or Dolly singing "He's Alive"?? I even turned to the Christian station on XM AND radio....no dice. Bad music selections for this most wonderful Sunday of the year! This is NOT the way I was hoping Easter Sunday would go. Needless to say, by the time I got out of the service, I was soaked from my trek inside, disappointed by the service (which lasted 30 minutes!), and lack of suplimental music from the Christian radio stations. Bad start to a supposedly good day. Mercifully, I met my neighbors for brunch at Crabby's. AWESOME meal with 2 awesome families! Day is looking up.... Football friends lunch at Kelly's at 1:00. I am so looking forward to this time with my Arkansas family. With each passing hour, the day is getting better. By the time I left Kelly's at 5:00, I am in a great mood and the day has been wonderful. God is so good to me.

I struggle being away from my biological family during the holidays. When this day didn't get off to a "right" start, I really started getting sad. Being tired from lack of sleep from the night before, the tears seemed to come too easily. By noon, when my parents called, I was a basket of raw emotion. The one thing that I am most thankful for is that my Football friends ARE there and that we all have only each other during the holidays. None of us have our family close by and we take seriously leaning on each other. God is good to me!

Tonight as I post, I realize that I have had a fabulous weekend! Even though today didn't get off to the greatest start (or the one I anticipated and expected), God had a divine day planned for me. It's all about perspective and managing expectations. I expected today to go one way and God wanted it to go another....He wins!

The absolute best 5 minutes of today was when Erin showed me the dessert that she made for us today. She is 12 years old and LOVES to bake. She is really doing a lot of things on her own these days and I am so proud of her! (especially since I gave her a cake baking lesson one night....) Here is Erin and her strawberry cake. (strawberry is my most favorite cake EVER!)

Erin and the best strawberry cake

VACATION!

Have you ever gotten to the point where if you didn't take a vacation, you felt like you were going to lose it?? Well, welcome to my months of February and March! I have been working 7 days a week and 12+ hours a day. It's called "Mod Season" in the Vendor world of Bentonville. I LOVE my job, but the time does come when one needs a nice break...no Blackberry, no Internet, no computer, and more importantly...no meetings! About 2.5 weeks ago, a good friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to take a trip. Immediately I said "YES!" So...after a little research, we decided to go to Williamsburg, VA. Both of us have wanted to visit there for some time and there was no time like the present to take action.

Day 1 - Monticello.

The first day in Williamsburg, we decided to drive up to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville. It was only a 2 hour drive up the interstate and with rainclouds looming in Williamsburg, it seemed to be a great idea. Our plan seemed to be working until just before arriving in Charlottesville when the rain found us. Undeterred, we arrived at Monticello. The scenery up the mountain was breathtaking. Monticello sits on the very top of a mountain and if you've spent much time in the mountains, you know that when it's raining there is fog. Fog had settled all around Monticello and we could not see the town below and all the sites of the gardens. Despite the rain, Monticello was a highlight of the trip. A few things that I learned:

1 - I love European Parque floors.

2 - European window shutters that fold in/out on the INside of the window is a wonderful thing...and quite elegant. It's also a lot nicer looking than American blinds.

3 - Mulberry Row - the "road" around the grounds Monticello was a major industrial development in the days of Thomas Jefferson. There were woodworkers, nailsmiths, blacksmiths, gardeners of both produce and flowers/herbs and a smokehouse. These things were originally started as a means to provide for the residents of Monticello, but quickly became a source for the town surrounding it. These trades quickly became a way to financially support Monticello, also.

4 - Thomas Jefferson was a very interesting man. He had very detailed journals and business ledgers, but was no manager of money...odd, I know. He was in great debt when he died.

5 - Thomas Jefferson's book collection was the beginning of the Library of Congress as we know it today. His book room at Monticello is breathtaking....

After a full afternoon at Monticello, we drove back to Williamsburg for dinner. My friend, Mary Anne, has suggested that we have dinner at Barret's, downtown. We "happened" upon this restaurant as we were driving around and went right in....In a word? scrumptous! This restaurant was amazing. A definite "do again" place. The crab cakes were 2nd to none...and I know crab cakes!

Pictures at Monticello

Day 2 - Williamsburg - the Revolutionary City.

This is the very center of downtown and is closed to motor vehicles. It is 100% period style: houses, dress, actors acting a typical day, stores, taverns (restaurants), carriages, etc all in period style! It was like literally taking a step back in time and living it firsthand.

Here is the link to the pictures....words fail to describe this experience and pictures speak best.

Williamsburg I

Williamsburg II

Williamsburg III

Day 3 - Jamestown Settlement
This was my least favorite day. Jamestown was where the FIRST settlers landed in the very early 1600's (1607?). When I think of early American History, I automatically think of the American Revolution Era (1700's). The 100 years before that when the settlers first came to Jamestown, life was tough and strict under British rule. The main takeaway for me was understanding the conditions in which the early settlers traveled and survived just to have the hope of a new world. These flagships were small and carried men, women, and children shoulder to shoulder across the icy Atlantic seas for 4 months! At best, these conditions were inhumane. Actually seeing the ships replicated in actual size and layout, really hits home the understanding of what our ancesters were hoping for...

Jamestown Pictures
Powhatan Indian Site Pictures

Day 4 - Yorktown

This was the "I wish we could stay longer" place. Yorktown is quaint as it sits on the Bay and hosts all sorts of boats...sailboats, mainly. There is a small beach and a riverwalk that hosts the cutest shops, restaurants, and museums. Yorktown was pivotal in the American Revolution as that is where Cornwalis surrendered to George Washington.

At Yorktown, we went through a very interesting Museum: The American Revolution Victory Center. At this museum, we walked along a timeline that started in the mid-1600's and ended at 1777, a year after the Declaration of Independence. This timeline helped bring all that I had seen in the days prior full circle. It was quite fitting that I had started my "tour" in the home of the man who wrote the Declaration (and actually saw the desk in which this great document was created) and finished it at the "end" while experiencing all the happenings that brought this great country to and through that point.

Yorktown Pictures

Today, I am back at home. I have just cleaned my kitchen from lunch where I was surrounded by all my "Arkansas Family" today. I feel rested, energized, and thankful. Today has been good.

Before I close, I just want to reflect briefly on Palm Sunday. It's the day that many years ago, Jesus rode through the city as people waved Palms. They were excited that Jesus had come. Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week...the days leading up to Easter that represent Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, death, and Resurrection. Everything in the Christian life pivots on Easter. Without the happenings of this week, Christmas and any other Christian event would be unmeaningful and unimportant. In this single week, God brought all of his promises to light and gave each one of us hope. Hope for a future, hope that we are loved and hope that we each have a divine plan. I don't know about you, but I have been too busy. Too busy working too hard, too stressed and many other excuses to fully reflect on this season as I should. How can I be too "anything" NOT to reflect and be thankful for all that God is and has done for me?? I am blessed. I have a fantastic life. I am healthy. I have friends who love me. I have family who love me. And I take it all for granted. This week, I will be thankful. This week, I will mediate. This week, I will be all that I can be.

...and next Sunday, I will celebrate!

The picture at the beginning of this post is my favorite picture of the week. Such a simple daffodil and yet so beautiful. Someone (i.e. Mom or MEK) should use this in a painting....???

Below are the rest of my favorite pictures:

Guardsman at the entrance of the Govornor's Palace

Shoes of our "House Guide"

A tree at Monticello...so foggy and misty that everything was in a haze.

Cross monument at Jamestown representing the first settlers of this first city in the New World.

MIssissippi Family

This past weekend was the world's quickest and shortest trip to Mississippi! But, how could I miss the baby shower for my cousin who is having TRIPLETS??? This is a first for the Sullivan clan....many prayers are already being lifted for Josh and Elizabeth. One was answered last Thursday when Josh was matched at UMC for his residency! This means that they will have family nearby to help with the babies. God is so good! Elizabeth is feeling fantastic and looking great. The babies are growing and on target.

One of my very best friends in the entire world moved back to Mississippi from Portland last summer. It is SO wonderful to be able to see her when I come home, now. Lorrie and her youngest daughter, Hannah, spent Saturday in Meadville hanging out with their favorite friend...ha!

The sweetest time all weekend was when I met Charles Verne. He was born on Wednesday to Vista and Brett. Isn't he sweet???

The best surprise of the weekend was when Chris brought Callie to Meadville. Stephanie had to work all weekend in Jackson, so Chris decided to drive down with the baby. Mom had a wedding in Natchez Saturday afternoon, so Sarah and I had her all to ourselves! This picture was taken of Mamaw Sullivan and Callie at Elizabeth's baby shower. I just think it's the sweetest picture.

Another Arkansas Saturday Night....Gala style

This past weekend was a wonderful event...The Children's Museum Gala. My friends, Gina and Courtnie, are well connected to this organization and invited all of us to attend the Gala. Charity events are a dime a dozen here in NW Arkansas, but very few are as formal as this Gala. We all have been so excited to have a reason to get all dressed up. This night out has been a long time coming and we were not disappointed! The "icing on the cake" was that our table was front and center. Thanks to Jason, Courtnie's husband and chair of the gala. We had the best seats on the house to watch the dancers perform. The entertainment for the night was Dancing with the Stars. Local "stars" have been practicing a dance with a local professional dancer. There were many unique cha-cha's, mambo's, fox trots, waltzes, etc....I don't remember who won, but I know that we had a good time watching them dance!

Traditionally before any event, we all meet at my house beforehand. This weekend was no exception. Here are a few pics of us before we left the house.

Courtnie, Courtney, Steph, Julie

Ross warming up and getting ready to get his groove on.....

Jason & Courtnie

We didn't get to see Jason until the night was well underway. He did a great job at the Gala!

Courtney & Ross

Julie & Brian

As you probably noticed, I did not have a date for this Gala...it's a long story and not worth repeating. However, I have THE BEST friends and I ended up having a GREAT time with them. This night was a big step for me, though. I did something that I really wanted to do all by myself and did not let the appearance of things stop me. I had a great time with really good friends. I love you all!

Arkansas Saturday Nights

There are a lot of catch-ups in which I need to share pictures. However, I will only post about 2 here as I need to get back to work! Here goes....

This past Saturday Night, my Arkansas family went to Monte Ne Chicken (pronunciation: Monte'-Nay). This local restaurant is about 20 minutes from Rogers at the lake. Monte Ne is family owned and has been around forever! There is only 1 menu option: fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, whole-kernel corn (my fav), white bean soup, homemade bread with apple butter and cobbler for dessert - all served family style. This place is amazing...it's the only country restaurant I know that requires reservations and after eating the delicious dinner, I understand why!

The group (L-R and clockwise)

Courtney, Jazmin, Tommy (baby), Jason, Melissa, Carson,

Will, Keaton, Ross, Eric, Courtnie, and me.

Too cute not to post! That Tommy is so cute! He was not very happy and when I pulled out the camera to take a "fussy picture", he perked right up with a big cheezy grin...too cute!

This picture says it all....Keaton LOVES fried chicken and he was in Heaven!

A few weeks ago was girls night out. My favorite band, Boom!Kinetic, played at George's in Fayetteville. A co-worker hooked us up with a table and we had a fantastic night! The only person missing was Courtney as she loves them as much as me. In case you've not heard B!K play before, they are an 80's cover band and are awesome! They always have a vast crowd follow them wherever they play. If they come to a town near you, go hear them!

Ashley, Sarah, and Lindsey

Wendy, Steph, Nancy

Jazmin & Steph

A Wonderful Weekend at Home

This past weekend, I went to Meadville for a whirlwind visit. Thursday night I spent the night in Canton where I got some sweet one-on-one time with my niece, Callie. We, of course, had a nice little photo shoot the next morning so that Aunt Stephie could play with her camera :) On Saturday, my cousin Vista, had a baby shower where a good many Sullivan's attended. It was nice to get to visit with some of my aunts and cousins that I don't always get to see when I come to Meadville. (I also got to see friends and others that I haven't seen in a while). Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Elizabeth & Vista

Elizabeth is expecting triplets (Ian, Isaac, and Isabella) sometime between the end of April and mid-June. Vista is expecting Charles Verne any day now. We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of these babies! The Sullivan crew is exploding this year!

The Sullivan cousins at the shower: (L-R)

Stephenie, Stephanie, Kayla, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Vista, Leah, Kendra, Tanya & Tara

I LOVE this picture of Aunt Judy and Callie. Callie was laughing and verbalizing loudly!

Stephanie and Callie

I think this is the only picture I have taken of the 2 of them!

Callie is currently the very center of attention and LOVES IT! She'll do anything to make us all act like fools. She certainly pulls "entertainment duty" very well...

This is Callie's favorite place...the changing table.

Sassy (the dog) and Callie were just introduced. Both are getting used to each other in this picture. Result? Callie LOVED Sassy and Sassy was ok with her. Whew!

You can't really tell from the look on Callie's face, but she was laughing and talking to Papa Steve. Oh how she loves him....right after this "conversation" she fell asleep on his shoulder and woke up crying when he laid her down to nap. He held her for about 1 hour (her naps are usually about 1 hour at a time).

WAY TO GO, CRAIG!

Craig, my cousin that is a Senior at Briarcrest Christian School in Collierville, TN placed 5th in the State Finals for Wrestling. My family never imagined that Craig would choose wrestling as his "career sport", but we are so very proud of him. He is a well rounded young man and is a superb athlete across multiple sports (football, baseball, wresting, and basketball). His school won the state title for wrestling last weekend in Chattanooga. Link to the article is below.

Congrats, Craig-man!

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