family | Bead Happily Ever After

Sunrise Sunset

Posted on March 19, 2010 by crystal

Please forgive me if my recent posts have been heavy on the family stuff. I have just one more to finish the week. I’m guessing you’ll let me off the hook because today is my daughter’s birthday! 🙂

The song, “Sunrise Sunset”, from “Fiddler on the Roof” has the kind of lyrics that tug at the ole heartstrings of a parent. That tune was playing in my head as I looked at photos of her earliest celebrations. I don’t think she’ll mind if I mention she’s “thirty-something” today. 😉

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don’t remember growing older
When did they?

2nd birthday

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn’t it yesterday
When they were small?

3rd birthday

(Gosh, do those lyrics ever ring true!!!)

5th birthday

And all grown up

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

We love you a million trillion!

Mom & Dad
xoxoxoxoxo

Another Way To Say “I Care” . . .

Posted on October 1, 2009 by crystal

One of the “questions” for this week’s giveaway is to share a quote that means a lot to you, and there sure have been some wonderful ones mentioned in the comments so far!

They all make you stop and think (or giggle, thanks Carol!).

I’ve been trying to decide which quote I would choose if I were to answer the question. I must confess that I do love quotations (which is probably no surprise to you regulars who read my Friday Favorites posts).

Today though, as I was thinking about my favorite, all of a sudden one popped into my mind. It’s not famous. In fact, it may never have been heard by anyone outside of my family. It’s something my father always says just as we are about to drive away after visiting him and my mother. Our seatbelts are fastened and the motor is running. The car window is open, and Dad is standing nearby. We exchange some last minute thoughts, and then as he waves goodbye, he says: “Watch out for the nuts!”

On the surface, this probably sounds pretty comical, but he means: “Be careful driving home – there are crazy drivers on the road.”

We always giggle and immediately reply: “We will!”

The thing is though… Dad is really saying something else – something he would never actually say out loud, and that is: “I love you. Don’t let anything happen to you on the way home.”

He started saying it to us years ago. Since then, my siblings and our kids have also adopted it. We say it to each other all the time as part of a goodbye.

Isn’t it funny how a silly little phrase like “Watch out for the nuts!” can mean so much.

You’re Invited . . .

Posted on September 9, 2009 by crystal

Remember the wedding I mentioned last week?

Well, the photos are in, and you are cordially invited to the marriage of my sweet nephew and his beautiful new bride.

The Happily Ever After begins . . .

The ceremony was lovely.

Even though Tropical Storm “Danny” sent a generous dose of wind and rain to the east coast that weekend, he was not able to dampen spirits. I present the following photo as evidence.

The Groom with his Sisters

The Parents pose with the Wedding Party

The reception was a joyous fun-filled celebration, where the soft glow of lanterns set a romantic mood . . .

We Are Family . . .

There were flowers everywhere and they were absolutely breath-taking. I wish I had taken more pictures of them, especially the huge arrangement in the hallway! It was amazing.

For your dining pleasure . . .

The new “Mr. and Mrs.” glided across the dance floor and somehow inspired the most dancing by guests that I’ve ever seen at a wedding – or at any large gathering for that matter! It was heart-warming to see all ages and generations dancing continuously. Why even Sir Beads and Lady Crystal shook a tail feather or two! 😉

Can I have this dance for the rest of my life?

In the wee hours of the morning, the bride and groom were off on their honeymoon trip. Both are doctors and would need to be back at the hospital on Labor Day!

Leaving on a jet plane . . .

All in all, it was a weekend our entire family will always cherish. We spent quality time together, we realized how lucky we are, and we truly appreciated this special opportunity to shower our love on both the new couple and each other. 😀

May there be a wedding in your future!!

Weekend for Flowers – Friday Favorites

Posted on May 22, 2009 by crystal

Memorial Day Weekend – a time for remembering loved ones and countrymen, a time for family gatherings and picnics, and because it’s considered the opening weekend of summer – a time for planting flowers and gardens.

Here in New England, we do not begin serious gardening before Memorial Day as there’s still a possibility of frost up until then. In the next few days, we’ll spend some time working on our flower beds. 🙂

In honor of the season, I’m including a sweet vintage seed packet and a quotation with a floral theme!

I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. ~Emma Goldman

Wishing you rest, relaxation, and fun this weekend!

See you Monday with the new questions . . .

Special Corner

Posted on January 28, 2009 by crystal

Do you have a special corner in your home?

You know – a little spot that makes you smile when you see it? Maybe you’ve taken special care to decorate it exactly the way you want it to be.

It could be the cozy place where you curl up to read, or the sun porch where you have your morning coffee. For me, it’s a corner of our dining area that’s filled with things I love – art, dolls, and a bone china tea set.

(Double-click photos to enlarge.)

But the thing I love most about this corner is the tea cart.

It originally belonged to my great-grandaunt (my grandfather’s aunt). I love the fact that this little piece of furniture was used by a family member many decades ago. It represents the connection between generations – the circle of life. I treasure it almost more than anything else I own.

And of course, it’s wonderful that it fits right in with my passion for collecting teacups!

The rest of our house could definitely use some re-decorating, but this little oasis is still a breath of fresh air for me. 🙂