One week ago we were shocked at yet another attempt to defeat us...us...all of us. As children of God, we are all wonderfully and beautifully connected -- those in Boston that suffered unspeakable pain, those that are enduring the loss of a loved one, and those that ran, swiftly, toward the explosion. Towards it. They ran towards and into the chaos.

We are all connected.

They did this to us. Yet another unneccessary act of cruelty.

We are all terribly affected. We are all saddened. And we will continue to pray for Boston. 

(artwork via Lisa Kokin)    

I get really antsy every year when we get knee deep into April. It's the same way a lot of folks feel about the November/December holiday season. But for me, this season is much more emotional, more hectic, and more demanding than the holidays. The reason this happens is a combo of the following: 2 track meets in a different city each week, 2 baseball games a week, play practice almost everyday, prom, 4 sports banquets, graduation, State track meet the same weekend as the play, and did I mention clients?? I could go on, but I would need to put the computer down, drink a glass of wine and then come back to you later. And quite frankly, 10 am is just too early to start drinking. 

So, because it's been a minute since I have shared some photos of my kiddos, please indulge me. 

Maris was selected to play in the Blue/White Invitational Game in Asheville. 10 girls were selected out of the western part of the state to compete. Her team was victorious.

Jack is having a great JV baseball season and is growing like a weed. He is thrilled that he shot up 1" in March. So patiently he has waited to enjoy his growth spurt. He constantly stands directly in front of me and puts his hand on top of his head to test his height compared to mine. He wants nothing more than to stand above his momma. It's a coming!!      

This was hanging in his locker last month:

Seriously, how cute is this???

I can't believe my baby is going to the prom this year. But, he is so excited and we had a great time picking out his tux. His sister is less excited that her baby brother will be attending {with one of her friends!}  

Speaking of big sister...

Maris was awarded All Conference in Volleyball at last nights awards picnic.

This team got to play one last game together at the picnic. A few tears were shed when the seniors recalled the fun times this group has shared together over the years. It's hard to believe I won't be cheering at a volleyball or basketball game any longer.

But we still have track..

And she is holding her own! She is currently 4th in the State in the 100 hurdles!   

Cherishing my last days with my senior and thoroughly loving witnessing my freshman blossoming into a young man!! I am a thankful mama!!

Have you seen this gorgeous living room that Lauren Liess just completed? I kind of feel like she's my designer doppleganger.

 The natural elements -- linen, seagrass, raw woods, and the gorgeous geeens are my happy place, but I also think there is another great technique Lauren utilizes and that's the feeling of 'breathing room'. The curtains are taken all the way up to the ceiling to not create any divisions in an already fairly busy comination of window styles. 

When you walk into this space, you face the fireplace. Instead of blocking that view with a sofa, she used a pair of open woven chairs that offer additional seating, but, allows an unobstructed view of the whole room. Sometimes, it isn't possible to apply this 'open concept' if your room functions differently {say, TV watching, the size of the room, or the location of a feature wall }. And sometimes, in design, we actually place a sofa, with a console behind it, to create a division in the space.      

But, in this instance, it is just the icing on the cake, the moss between my sidewalk, the creamer in my coffee..you get the picture...I love it!

To see more of Lauren's project visit her at Pure Style Home 

{all images by Helen Norman via Pure Style Home}

Have you ever had one of those weekends where you just need another day or three to process what you just experienced?? I am fortunate enough to have just returned from that weekend. 

Darlene, Angela, moi, sheila, Myquillin, Edie {pic borrowed from Edie}

None of these girls I had ever met, other than Angela, and yet I could tell you where they live, what they looked like, their amazing talents, and what the inside of their homes look like-- before I ever met them. I have been reading their blogs for such a long time. And so, when we met, I felt like I was hugging a friend.

We stayed at Angela's cottage in Waynesville and the weather  and the accommodations couldn't have been more perfect.

And let me just say, I could sit and listen to Edie talk all day. She is exactly as you would think her to be if you are one of her blog readers. Exactly. And Myquillin has the best laugh ever and is so incredibly funny. Angela is beautiful and soft spoken and gracious. Darlene is confident and open and has great stories. And Sheila is simply stunning and exudes grace and kindness. 

We shopped in Asheville, we exchanged beauty product ideas, food challenges, blog ideas, recipes, camera suggestions, and hair how-to's. We shared struggles and accomplishments, offered advice, cried, laughed, and holding hands, we prayed together.   

It was exactly what I needed and it was all orchestrated beautifully. Being able to ask for help to shoulder a burden(s) is such a gift. Trusting other women is a gift. Edie shared this passage with us:

The other women are sharing their pics and stories of our weekend on their blogs this week if you would like to visit. They all write so much better than me, so enjoy their insights:

The Painted House

Life in Grace

Fieldstone Hill

The Nester

 I hope your weekend provided you a chance to relax and allow you to enter this week refreshed!