Not "Nancy", but Just as "Fancy"

Oh how I miss my mama!  What a wonderful visit we had last week!  The parental unit arrived Wednesday afternoon just in time to go with me to pick Riley up from school.  She let out a squeal when she saw them waiting with me in the car!  I'm not sure who smiled more!  Mom and Dad went to eat lunch with her at school on Thursday and then checked her out early.  She felt so important because of her early dismissal!  The girls went to the Old Town Collierville Square and did a little browsing (a really neat place) while sweet Poppy mowed the yard!  (I'm as spoiled as Riley is...I know).

Mom and I enjoyed a little girl time on Friday when she treated us to manicures before a little shopping!  I'm not complaining (too much), but it has been an eternity a while since a day has been "about me".  I won't lie, I relished every moment!  Thanks mama! ;)

Mike had been asked months ago by a vendor he deals with to be guests at the Tennessee/Ole Miss game.  We were thrilled because we had heard that tailgating at "The Grove" was truly an event.  Since Miss Riley was in good hands with Grammie and Poppy we headed down to Oxford for the day on Saturday.  WOW!  I thought people in Knoxville knew how to tailgate before we were exposed to sophisticated little Oxford!  YIKES!  Seas of tents and canopies covered the beautiful campus and those people were a serious class act.  Buffet tables with silver serving dishes, centerpieces, lighted chandeliers (no, I'm not kidding), plasma televisions with satellite hookups and huge smokers cooking tons of bar-b-que.  Our host had the food for the game catered by one of the Memphis in May BBQ judges.  Before moving here that wouldn't have meant much to me, but believe me when I say, "it's a big deal."  The pictures don't do it justice.  It's an experience!

I only thought I knew what "Fancy" was while I was in Oxford.  True "Fancy" was right back at home in Olive Branch.  Riley and Grammie held a Fancy Nancy Tea Party complete with ensembles (that's fancy for outfits) and a tablecloth, candles, cookies, etc.  I'm all for imagination and a little grandparental indulging, but c'mon...I draw the line at this...

ESPECIALLY when "this" is allowed (I'd go as far as to say she was encouraged) to go INSIDE Wal-Mart to pick up a few needed crafting supplies!  The top and sweater are actually "good clothes" provided by sweet Aunt Liz.  Although you can't see it here, the shrug has beads sewn onto it and our girl loves her bling!  Notice the TWO skirts, AND the dress-up shoes.  Yep, those are plastic dress up shoes!  It's as if my parents don't know me at all! 

Not hard to see who was "running the show" while Mike and I were cheering on the VOLS!  The same little 44 inch person who runs the show here everyday!

A Decorating Tip

I became overwhelmed with some sort of nameless emotion tonight as I reached for my refrigerator door.  Upon further thought, I realized that this emotion isn’t nameless…In fact, to put it into words, I’m downright lucky, fortunate, loved, privileged, and blessed beyond comprehension.  What is it about the month of November that makes people (myself included) FINALLY realize every month should be lived with a thankful spirit?  

Every “masterpiece” Riley has proudly toted home from school, sweet notes I’ve received in the mail from my fabulous mama, pictures of those that Mike, Riley and I hold dear, as well as school calendars with dates for those priceless Kindergarten events that will only occur once all pepper our Kenmore side-by-side with love.  All that "stuff" is so important to me!  I'm a lucky girl indeed!  

I remember when Mike and I were putting our first house on the market and a  realtor suggested we clear our fridge of its “clutter”.  Sheesh...I suggest the exact opposite.  I say cover that sucker up!  Stainless, black, white, avocado green (more incentive to cover it up) - whatever yours might be, just cover that thing up!  C’mon, I dare you!  Make yourself smile…mine makes me utterly giddy.