patience
has been the most difficult part of changing our habits.
i have discovered that routines and familiarity can lead
to resistance, especially on busy days.
but i am happy to say that even when the girls do not fully
understand why they can't have something or completely
comprehend what i am explaining to them, they have been
troopers. and i can see a change in the way they are
making their own choices.
which is the end goal~ to be conscious consumers.

we spent a fabulous weekend in new orleans,
learning about the history,
soaking up the charm and culture,
standing beside the mississippi river in awe if its enormity,
devouring the cuisine,
listening to its beautiful jazz,
meeting artists and shopping for treasures,
visiting the audubon zoo and
riding the trolley to and from the beautiful garden district.
i have many memories of the visiting the big easy and was glad
to finally share such a vibrant city with the girls.
if you have never visited, you should add it to your list of places to see,
you won't regret it.

since the only thing i seem to take pictures of lately are flowers and such
i decided to make fridays flower day.
have a lovely spring weekend.

a foggy morning magical walk
can often put things in perspective
for me and starts the day off right,
however,
lately it seems i just need to stay
grumpy.
think i'll go along another day and
meet my mood in the morning.
maybe it will be ready for change.

last weekend i turned

thirty-seven.

it was a great day.

a shared birthday celebration

with my college roommate,

burgers on the grill,

beers with friends,

indulgent presents, 

an enormous cake,

and our children developing their
own special bonds.

my new mccoy vase

camellias from the yard

spring is in full bloom here

all of our evenings have been spent in downtown mobile

celebrating mardi gras

                                                       waiting on the parade sunday
                                                                    joe cain day