A Partridge in a Pear Tree Birthday Love

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to take pictures. I only bought an iPhone so I could finally use Instagram. Over my sad-foot-surgery holiday I did my best to put our tree up before I went under. This little grouping of partridges made me realize I had a fantastic Partridge Family all of a sudden. My buddy Marge made a great statement recently that back in the pre-Instagram days no one would take a photo of their meal, have it developed and save it in an album. So funny. So true. Although, I wish to I had taken a camera to my 25th birthday dinner at Citronelle in DC. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, they make the mundane and small details in life seem okay to document. Great for an over sharer like me, annoying for anyone who could care less to see another brunch or sunset shot. For the latter, you can stop reading now. Anyone else who cares about the little details and great gift giving...keep reading.

So my darling little partridge collection for our tree started our first year together. I'm sure I've written about it on this blog before, surely. I knew it...read here.

It's grown a ton since I first wrote about it in 2010.

Figs and pears are our jam, literally at Stone Hill Farm, and this partridge thing became hilarious after the fact that Eric didn't even remember saying his favorite song was the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Mom gave us this cute partridge this Christmas. I mean, it's fun to hunt for part of a collection but I love getting such thoughtful gifts. 

Okay, so flash back to December. Cold, mid-December two full weeks after my foot surgery. I hadn't been out of the house in what felt like forever. E. took me on a date to see The Hunger Games fire whatever in Harbor East. We walked past the window decorations and I FREAKED when I saw this "Twelve Days of Christmas" display at City Sports. Naturally, I took a photo. It was the "Seven Swans a Swimming" Day of Christmas, the 7th Day. How appropriate for E. and me who love the number seven and married on 7-7-07. The "lords a leaping" are RAVENS players. Each ornament was hand knit. It was incredible.

I snapped a close up of the Partridge in a Pear Tree for Instagram and said "Want this partridge. Big Time."

Fast forward to my birthday three weeks ago. My dearest Nette came to town from Atlanta and I wanted to surprise her with a visit from our cute friend @WendyCinDC. We had a very small dinner at Woodberry Kitchen. Wendy pulled out a gift and insisted I open it at the table. I squeezed it and said something about hoping it was a Barbie. Isn't that what you wanted as a little girl? A new sparkly, fresh Barbie. Well, this blew new Barbie out of the water. Wendy, an avid follower of this blog and my Insta-feed, who, don't forget lives in DC, tracked down the Partridge in the Pear Tree at City Sports!!! She called the shop and they gave her the artist's name who made the ornaments. Turns out it was Sue from Lovely Yarns in Hampden where I took a knitting class three years ago. Wendy called Sue and said something along the lines of, I'm looking for the Partridge in a Pear tree from your City Sports window display in Harbor East. Sue then replied something like, Are you sure? I thought the partridge turned out kind of funny looking. Wendy then explained that it was for a friend who has a partridge collection named Nelle Somerville and could she buy the partridge. Sue then exclaimed, Nelle?! I know Nelle. I'll just give you the damn thing. Not only did Sue hook Wendy up with the most thoughtful gift of all time, but she wrapped the present and brought it to Woodberry Kitchen since Wendy couldn't get it before Lovely Yarns closed!!! I MEAN. Isn't that just the limit? 

Even Eric couldn't really follow the story because we were all squealing so loudly and I was just so overcome with JOY. So I pulled out my phone and showed the table the progression of photos to try to explain it all.

And that my friends is the story of the most thoughtful gift I have ever received! E. and I went to stop in at Lovely Yarns to see Sue last weekend and she was on vacation. We left her our fig preserves and pear chutney with thanks and love! 

Sue, I can't wait to squeeze your neck and thank you in person for such a lovely birthday surprise.

Wendy, I seriously cannot thank you enough for your dedication to blow my mind with this gift. Your gift is generosity of spirit. God given girlfriend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Nette, I love that you flew away from your baby girls to be with me for the best girls weekend ever. Thank you times a million. 

E. thanks for the gorgeous dinner, incredible birthday cake and fancy new sheets. You are my favorite.

Baltimore, you make me happy at every turn. Thank you for your small town everything and for the fact that everyone knows everyone and that this little exchanged happened because of you. I love you!

Todd Cole turns 40

We celebrated our best man's birthday a few weekends ago in Maryland. Actually, a TON of weekends ago. Anyone still out there? Sorry for the quiet but have had some fun stuff happen as of late. More on that soon. Back to Todd.  I love how his mother kept this invite that his dad drew 36 years ago.

Warren and Todd Cole (can't just say Todd...it has to be Todd Cole to the tune and vibe of Outcast saying "ICE COLD").

Todd makes fun of me because I take pictures of food and post them on Facebook. I don't mind. I don't read all the smarty pants newsy posts he puts up either. So there.

His mom hooked it UP in the food department. I was too busy enjoying the baseball sized crab cakes to remember to photograph them. The cakes were all from Ms. Desserts. This yellow cake with chocolate frosting reminds me of the cakes from Pollyanna. Is that weird?

How great is the biddy on the drums?

I sampled at least three cakes, have mercy. 

Kev and Charlie

Todd Cole's adorable family! His mother Carolyn and sister Kelly.

In most pictures of Todd Cole, he is pointing. Article A. our wedding. 

I asked all the friends at the party to point for the photo. The result was priceless! 

Wishing you many more happy returns Todd Cole. Thank you for being such a great and true friend to my Charlie. I think his nickname stuck because you laughed so hard. 

In other Stone Hill Farm news, E. and I are both WORKING full time, within three miles of home. We couldn't feel more blessed, challenged and encouraged by our new work. Thank you all for your prayers, patience and friendship over this past year. It has brought many new adventures, great introductions, deep reflection and rest. I personally feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle my new gig with such energy. I waited for the right fit which was very much worth it. Thanks again dear readers and friends.

Crafternoon

Better Homes and Gardens, February 2011 page 26

Is anyone else dying to have a crafternoon? My Martha Stewart Living magazine and Better Homes and Gardens arrived this month both with creative ways to have a Valentine's card making afternoon. It has been grayer than gray in Baltimore and these color filled tables with watercolor paints and paper just does my weary winter soul good.

I'm not that organized to have thought of this before this weekend and I am now running out of time for V-day. I've been crafting a bit by my lone bone for a fun swap that Twist of Lime has organized. Thanks cute Wendy. Can't wait to show you what I sent to Atlanta from Baltimore for Your Tasty Town Treats swap. Do you see the Berger Cookie's peeking out of the box?

Next year, all my crafting buddies, in celebration of my birthday let's do this! That means you Mary Moran from Maine. We may have to have this craft party in Jamaica since I'm turning 40 next year, but let's do it, rum punch and all. E. is taking me to dinner tonight in celebration of my 39th year. Can't wait to see him early on a school night. Very thankful for so much in my life.

10-10-10

 

My goddaughter B. is turning three on 10-10-10. This is a Happy Birthday letter to you precious girl.

Did you know you were in our wedding on 7-7-07? Your beautiful mother was carrying you.

"For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb."  Psalm 139:12

B. your Momma is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. I was her maid of honor and she was mine too! We have been through so much together. And honey, you came at a time when we all needed a lot of joy!

We all miss your Grande Anne like buckets of wild crazy missing-ness. She was the most elegant, fabulous creature. I can't wait to tell you and your sister more about her when you are a little older. Did you know she was a queen? She even wore a big fancy collar with sparkles and jewels and a crown. Every Christmas you will find tiaras on your tree. These are to remind you of your wonderful grandmother. I gave them to your Mommy. They also represent Christ's love for you. He wore a crown once too. 

Nell

Your Uncle Charlie and Aunt Nellie love you to pieces.

You came to see us when you were a bitty baby at Stone Hill.

We even played in the hammock.

In our jammies.

It has been such a joy watching you grow up. Can you slow it down a bit girlfriend?

December 2008

We bought you a dogwood tree for your Baptism. Your parents planted it in the back yard. It is our little measuring stick of how well and fast  you are growing.

Easter 2009

Your Mommy sent me this photo of you cleaning off your hands for the picture on Easter Sunday near your tree.

10-10-09

Do you see the top piece of green tape, Miss Thing? It hasn't moved. Little one, you are growing so fast it hurts.  I might have to kiss your face off.

You are showing me how tall you are, you smart thing you.

10-10-09 

Your parents love you very much sweet girl. I was so lucky to get to visit you last year for your birthday. Do you remember getting your tricycle?

You are so polite and inquisitive. Do you remember we played with chalk outside and pretended to find a snake in our cement, make believe garden? "Oh no...a Sa-nake!" We locked it behind a fence with our chalk drawn fence. We played hopscotch. Any time we asked you a question you'd answer, "Shu-wa." Sure. I can hear your little voice in my head now. Is that crazy?

 Spring 2010

You love a good story too. Were you getting sleepy? We had a big day when you came to visit us at Stone Hill this spring. We had a party for your Mommy and you got to play with all of our beach house friend's kids. We had a big ole time didn't we Honey?

That's Mommy and H. and our friend McMommy and little Birdie.

I loved having my girls for four whole days. Can you come back soon?

Please ma'am?

You have a special wedding coming up soon too. Can't wait to see you and H. in the photos. Who is getting married? Do you know?

Now look at you angel girl! How much you have grown. Sweet B. we love you so much and are wishing you a very happy third birthday. Take good care of your Bitty Baby and your precious sister H. We can't believe how big you are, and what a sweet girl you've grown up to be. 

Love,

Aunt Nellie and Uncle Charlie


P.S. Kiss and hug your Mommy really big for me, okay sweet girl. I love your face!!!

Thanks Nette for taking the last shot today. Too cute for words. And the Silly Bandz. Ha!