Anna Frances: third verse, same as the first

We had the nicest weekend in Washington, DC. Saturday night we said goodbye to the rectory under Stuart and Fran's (she's behind Marge in this photo!) care, for a kid blow out party. Alison and Stu threw a fun party and I played my first game of Beer Pong. I kind of wanted to break into the auditorium and break dance. Sunday, we lucked out and hit two birds with one stone for Stinger's little sister's baptism. Anna Frances was a pro! She smiled the whole time.

Marge's bestie from childhood is Frannie's godmother and it was so fun seeing her little girls in their southern  bows and lace. I loved getting to know Elizabeth when we were bridesmaids in Mary Margaret and Scott's wedding. Follow her fantastic shop on Instagram here. She has the best taste. We giggled how "close" we feel that we get to spy on each other on Insta. It's weird, but I love it.

The big girls taught Hastings how to be Marilyn Monroe. How cute is her facial expression? I swear I'm so in love with this kid.

I loved being here for one of Stuart's last baptisms at Christ Church. I cried of course, while Anna Frances just looked in awe at the candle and tried to touch Stuarts face. It was absolutely perfect. Psalm 139 is such a good reminder of how we were knit in our mother's womb by God. That He cares about the tiniest details in our lives. Don't ever forget that little child of God. You are precious and marked as Christ's own in baptism forever.

Godparents and parents with Stuart and little Frannie.

Elizabeth and Chris' family with the Plums. Godsisters. I took a million other photos but will let them use the best one for a Christmas card, perhaps.

I love the baptism window at Christ Church. I also love that we have made it to each and documented all of the girls baptism's here and here on this blog. As Marge said, "Same song, third verse."

Couldn't you just eat Fru Fru and Woodie up with forks? They were the sweetest girls too. This is the place where you take photos to show how much you've grown if you grow up at CCGT. I just love it the most. 

The buffet was simple and perfect. I brought Kinderhook Cheese Stamps for Marge's Daddy. They are a Baltimore staple but are now being sold in Dupont Circle. I see the Kinderhook babes at Union Graze often.

I found the neatest gift for Marge and the girl babies when I was in Seaside at the Central Square Records. See the little bag hanging on the radiator? It is has an image of Alice in Wonderland and the entire book is printed on the front and back, the words making up the image. They had lithographs prints as well as the bags with Moby Dick, The Jungle Book and more. Such a fun idea for art in a kids room. I also adored the women who manage that shop. Follow their feed here.

The details of her table were so beautiful and I'm obsessed with her china pattern. It was a much smaller gathering this year. Having three littles under three is stress enough I'm sure. So keeping it simple worked beautifully. It was so nice to get to talk to Scotty's dad and hug on his sweet Momma Kim too as always.

Two of my favorite girls in the whole wide world. Oh how I love this picture. Stinger looks so much like her daddy.

I gave her a fresh box of crayons as any fairy godmother should. Is there anything more simple and delightful? The weather was glorious so the kids hung out outside.

Already coloring in the lines at three years old. She's a genius I tell you.

There were precious crosses to decorate as well. I wrote "Stinger" on one side and Hastings said, "You know, that's not really my name." Haha! The honesty of a child.

After three of these baptisms we finally got a great shot together too.

It was great seeing Lynda as always. We shared Destin stories. Their families were just at Rosemary Beach two weeks before our trip! Next time I'm hoping we can all be down there at the same time.

Hernal loved the wrapping paper from the big girls.

Granddaddy George

Elizabeth's gift, which I need.

Woodie

Stinger being so, so patient waiting for her cake. "Playing" the tablecloth.

At different occasions on Sunday, Marge told me how good of a friend I am to her and how happy she was that we were there. Scott said the same thing to me and Eric. Isn't that what friendship is all about? To be loved, supported and reminded of how much we are loved. At that moment I felt their words as a reflection of God's love in my own heart. May sound cheesy or obvious but I was overjoyed by their words. How blessed and lucky we are to have such beloved friends. 

We love y'all with our whole hearts, truly. Praying you feel as loved as we did this past Sunday.

P.S. Uncle Charlie was with us, but I didn't bombard him with photos this time. 

Baby Hastings' Baptism

October flew by and another huge highlight was becoming the godmother to this precious angel girl, Baby Hastings. Mary Margaret and I met at Christ Church, Georgetown oh so many years ago. It is always wonderful going to church with her and this was such a joyous occasion.

I have witnessed so many baptisms at this font. One child I remember was sitting in front of us. Lucie is now 14! I could hardly believe it. Seeing our priest bless Hastings and welcome her into the Body of Christ was so emotional. Scott and I of course had tears in our eyes. We cry. I love that! Eric and Mary Margaret are the quiet, soulful ones who I'm sure had similar emotions but not as evident. Hastings looked so beautiful in her gown and bonnet. Her godfather is their dear friend Chris.

Back on Capital Hill Marge pulled out all the stops for a gorgeous brunch. 

I need the recipe for this grit casserole. It was divine!

They also served a perfect sausage breakfast casserole. Ohmygosh it was so good.

Hastings had a wardrobe change and wore this family gown from Scott's family. Both sets of grandparents were in town. Scott says I remind him of his mother Kim. Such a compliment as she is so joyful and fun. At their wedding, Eric and I were newlyweds and she gave us a set of Christmas ornaments with our initials. So thoughtful. I'm sick I didn't get a photo of Marge's family members Lynda, George, Rebecca and Robert. Too many Bloody Mary's and fun conversations I guess. We loved getting to know Robert, Marge's sister's new husband. His father is a photographer so he was snapping shots as well.

I did get to steal a few minutes with my precious goddaughter. Isn't she such a beautiful child? I know I'm biased but seriously! She is such a pretty baby girl.

We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim His resurrection, and share with us in His eternal priesthood. BCP page 308

I love baptisms. It helps reaffirm everything I believe. Our priest Stuart always adds a line, "You are marked as Christ's own forever." Amen!


It was wonderful being part of your special day Baby Hastings. I look forward to walking with you in Christ and giving you spiritual guidance along the way if needed. Just remember we all have faults and are not perfect. Christ makes it possible to feel whole, complete and affirmed. He died for YOU! Look for affirmation in Him, dear one and believe. Marge and Scott, thank you so much for the honor of this role. Love you so!

Baby Hastings

After my very busy week the first thing on our agenda was to get to DC as fast as we could to meet Hastings. We brought Marge, Scott and Ms. Lynda dinner and had a wonderful visit with the baby girl. Isn't she just a lamb?

She is perfect and was wearing the dress Lynda brought Mary Margaret home from the hospital in over thirty years ago.

We became fast friends.

Eric was next to hold her. I love how she is checking him out. It makes me swoon seeing Uncle Charlie with a tiny baby in his ginormous hands. 

 Marge looked amazing after having the baby only nine days earlier.

When Hastings dozed off I got a tour of the nursery. I spy the Kalamazoo book and a few of our other gifts!

Marge's inspiration for the room started with this precious mobile.

She had this same style crib when she was a babe.

Her glider has blue and white stripes and the green rug is from Pottery Barn. All the neutrals work so well together in this room.

Lynda added the hand made skirt and preppy yellow ribbons.

Marge was so thankful to have her mother's help these last few weeks. They have the best system where the baby sleeps in this narrow Moses basket and is delivered to Marge in the middle of the night when she is hungry. Lynda, you are a rock star!!!

We had fun looking at Hastings' first few outfits she's worn already. Is there nothing more precious than a tiny smocked dress?

This bassinet was her daddy George's. 

Scott is adorable with her. He was whispering sweet nothings about tilling the fields with her Daddy when she grows up so she too can have great vegetables.

It is clear that Scotty was so appreciative of Marge during this whole pregnancy and delivery. They are too cute for words!

Lynda it was wonderful seeing you. Hope to see you more and more while visiting your first grandchild.

The guys can't wait to teach her how to play soccer and Marge, Lynda and I were just tickled pink the baby turned out to be a girl.  

We love you guys. See you in a few weeks with another dinner in trade for holding the baby.

I didn't take a photo of the Chicken Broccoli casserole but here is the easy, easy recipe:

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Breast meat from a rotisserie chicken, skin removed and cut into big chunks

3-4 cups pre-cooked brown rice

2 cups steamed, fresh broccoli

2 cans of cream of chicken soup

Juice of 4 lemons

Zest of 2 lemons

1 cup of mayonnaise

1 small bag of shredded organic white cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add chicken, rice, broccoli, soup, lemon juice/zest, and mayonnaise to a large shallow tin foil cooking pan (easy clean up). Toss together until completely coated. Feel free to add more lemon juice or a little more mayo if it isn't wet enough. Toss in the cheese and mix again. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly. You don't need salt due to the sodium in the soup but feel free to add pepper and lemon pepper if your heart desires.

Marge sent this photo (my fault it needs to be rotated) after dinner.