Hello World!

Hi Everyone!! I finally have a minute to introduce you to my newest Baby Love Two! Our little pink bundle of precious baby love finally made her arrival on March 16th. Here's our little Sophia Ellen,

Yes, my Baby Girl and Favor'est Son in law blessed me with the honor of naming little Sophia with my name. And yes, I did tear up as any joyful Nana would. Little Sophia was almost born in the backseat of her parents car which would had been just like her Nana being born in the back of the car! She took her time in getting here, but when she was ready, wow! A few pushes later, and here she was. Perfect, healthy and just beautiful. Mama and Daddy are just over the moon and can't stop smiling as they exude pure joy.
Sophia is tiny and oh so quiet. Her birth weight was 7 pounds, 2 ounces. Doesn't she look even smaller with her Daddy's hands around her? Baby Love One, Jackson, is not so sure about his new little sister as he told his parents to "put back" and "stop it" with Baby Love Two. Whada' ya' expect from our little Baby Love? ;))

The family has adjusted very well and all are doing great. Little Sophia is moving right along on her growth chart and even Baby Love One is adjusting to having her around. 

Our visit with them was of course, entirely to short, but I'm thankful to have been there with them to adore and love on them all. Welcome to our Family Baby Love Sophia!

xoxo,

Nana

We have a Giveaway Winner!!

Hi Girls!! so hope that you all are having a great day. I'm writing from the hospital where Baby Mama & her baby girl are doing well Details later with pictures.

I wish that I could give something to each of you, but well, you know how that goes. So on with the winners name!! the name is, Jane at Janes junk!

Congratulations, Jane !!!! Yay! The Giveaway is yours! I so hope that you enjoy it! I will have to wait until I get back to Tennessee to mail it to you, but consider it on its way to you! Soon, you'll be able to serve tea for your friends in this beautiful teapot!! Woo-hoo!!

That's a wrap, ya'll. I have to scoot off of here and get about the business of Nana. Thanks everyone, have a great day!

xoxo,
Ellen

It's a milestone Giveaway!

I had this post ready for several days now, but am adding a bit of news to it as we have had excitement over the weekend. My Baby Girl has been in labor since Friday night. She left the hospital under doctors  care and was at 3-4 centimeters along. She has a doctors appointment today and I'm waiting to find out when the doctor is going to induce labor. So either tonight or early tomorrow, I'm outta' here for Baby Loves' birth that will be scheduled for either Tuesday or Wednesday!!! Praise God!! 

Before I do, however, I did promise a little celebration because you really are special to me. If it was not for all of you who take the time to pass through here everyday, well, what's the point of having a blog.  I have met so many amazing, creative, thoughtful and personality plus people since I started blogging. You all make life so much more interesting to say the least. To celebrate reaching 100 people who have signed the Wall of the Beautiful and Chic, I'm giving away a little something.

The giveaway includes the teapot which is from the Flea Market Collection of Home Essentials, the Willow Tree picture frame and a little plate with its own stand, which reads, "We get by with a little help from our friends".

It's been a journey getting here. So often I've asked myself, what's the point. Then along comes the most unexpected comment of whom the writer of the comment directly encourages me to keep going - and I never told anyone about my doubts.

So when I found this plate, I knew I had to include it as well. 

To participate in the Giveaway is really easy. Leave a comment to throw your name in the hat for the drawing as I will be drawing a name on Wednesday March 16th. 

I won't twist your arm to follow, but if you do add your name to the Wall as a new follower, that'll get you the bonus of your name in the hat twice. If you blog about the Giveaway, well that'll get your name in the hat again as well. Because I've got a mountain to move , I'm going to be out of state , a few things to do, like cuddle Baby Love One & Two, I kindly ask that you comment for all of the above so I know who and how many times to add your name to the hat. 

Easy enough right? I'm off of here, got much to do before getting on the road. Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

Ellen

Faith & Friends Friday, 4

Good Morning to all! I hope that everyone is having a good day. I don't know about you, but my heart is rather heavy this morning with the news of Japan and the potential threat to Hawaii and our West Coast. So please bear with me. I'm distracted in my thoughts as my heart is with those in this situation. Let's not forget to pray for them.

Thank you to ALL of you who visited me in this past week and especially thank those of you who slowed down long enough to leave your most amazing, funny and encouraging comments!! I really appreciate you letting me know you were here! A special shout of thanks to those of you who signed the Wall of the Beautiful and Chic who are now following me on this journey of life. Thank you! In celebration of reaching 100, I have a giveaway that will start on Monday so you'll have to tune back in for that Celebration!

I also want to thank Denise at The Pink Postcard for featuring my bed this week! I introduced you to her in last Friday's Faith & Friends episode and was pleasantly surprised by her choice of featuring my bed make over!!  Every week she host the Transformations & Treasures linky party. If you've not been there to link in or visit, you have gotta go. There's some pretty amazing stuff over there!

Someone else to be sure to visit and say hello to, is Laura Lynn over at Enjoying the Simple Things. Yes, I've talked a few other times about Laura Lynn, but if you've not been there or haven't been lately, you are really missing out. You have to read what she wrote yesterday (Wednesday quotes on enduring life's trials). Her writing talent will take you right into the moment she is writing about with such detailed visuals. She writes with and about substance and integrity with such a pure heart. After reading her post yesterday, I was literally in tears. You'll have to read for yourself. It was THAT great!


Someone else to go and say hello to, is Sherrie over at Vintage Affaire. She has a love of vintage things and has the lovely blog to prove it. Her blog has lots of pictures with her vintage finds that she picks up from a variety of places. She's like so many of us, loves the "junk" stores. She set a beautiful table earlier this week with her stunning finds. You'll swoon over it, really!

 For more chippy paint and vintage treasures, you'll not be disappointed over at Alaina's house, Arbor House Lane. Her home is comfy and well loved with things from yesteryear. Lots of chippy, happy paint, creative ideas and a few how-to's abound over at her house. She generously throws open her door and welcomes you in!

While your out and about, stop in and say hi to Bonnie, The Hopeless Romantic. Her blog title very accurately sums up her homes' look. She has wit & humor that flows throughout her personality. Her home is hopelessly romantic with it's shabby chic look, ruffles, pink and if you love cherubs, she has that too. I don't know how she did it with a house full of guys, but Girl Power to her shabby chic home!

One more thing. Earlier this week Danielle at My Blessed Serendipity Life answered the call to join in  the Pay If Forward Challenge. When I read about it in Danielles' posting, I signed up to join in. I really love and am excited to be a part of something bigger than myself in Paying It Forward. It's a challenge. Really something we should make a part of our daily lives anyway. Not to receive anything back. Not to receive attention or credit. Unselfish love, simple as that. I love that, don't you? I am making this challenge to all who read my blog, but the FIRST FIVE PEOPLE who comment on my blog to accept the Pay It Forward Challenge, will receive a handmade gift from me. In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining Pay It Forward 2011. Then you in turn, send out a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment.
It's like ripples in the water, the love is spread & spread & spreads more by paying it forward. Who wouldn't want to be a part of the rippling effects of love?

So, even though 5 committed people need to comment that they accept the challenge, it doesn't mean you can't leave a comment just to say hi.  'Cause I love hearing from you and going a' vistin' over at your place too.

Well, that's a wrap for today. I hope to hear from all of you and see you again soon. Don't forget to come back Monday and be a part of the 100 Celebration! Have a great weekend. Love to you all!

xoxo,
Ellen

Happy Anniversary to Baby Girl & Favor'est Son in law

Today marks a big milestone in the lives of my Baby Girl and my most Favor'est Son in law.
                                                   It's their 6th wedding anniversary!!

As Baby Girls' Mama, I can hardly believe it ! Baby Girl and my most Favor'est Son in law are the most  precious couple I know. Six years ago today, they joined their lives and have blended together beautifully. They have achieved many milestones in just these short six years. Some of which is, they both have their Degrees, bought their first home a few years ago after moving from NC to MI  (courtesy of the Marines), had Baby Love and are due any day with Baby Love Two.

It has been nothing short than wonderful and amazing to watch these two grow in their marriage and lives. They are truly an example of what faithful, committed love should be and reap the fruit thereof. They learned early on how to respect and regard each other with kindness and mercy. I praise Daddy for answering this Mamas' prayers from way back when Baby Girl was a pre-teen, in regard to her future husband. Everything I prayed for, my Favor'est Son in law was and is. They have been and are growing to be. Favor'est Son in law lives out what a Man should be in  loving and caring for his wife and family. Baby Girl lives out what a Woman should be in adoring and regarding her Husband. 

Together they have made a life that would literally take your breath away in awe. It was not all easy, but they worked together through the hard times and have come out on the other side as much better people and a stronger couple for it. 

I truly give thanks to Daddy for this precious couple, precious family. May the love they have only grow deeper and more fruitful for the next 60 years as Daddy continues to pour out His rich blessings into their lives.

Happy Anniversary Baby Girl & Favor'est Son in law

xoxo,

Mama