Hello rovers.
I wish I could sleep like my two-year-old, hands thrown back, tank on belly, completely zonked out. But sleep is not great these days. The main issue is waking up at 4 am, which is really a little too early to just get up and start my day but late enough to fear going back to sleep because then, I may sleep longer than I want and I ask myself are those two hours really necessary? So then I lay there for an hour and by then it’s 5, and it’s really too late to try to fall back asleep so I just resign and get up. This is precisely what transpired this morning. Now the rain is falling, and I’m wishing I was back in bed. Oh well… too late for that now.
So the past few days have been a complete whirlwind. Hence the title, what day is it? Wednesday, in case you also weren’t sure. I’m going to back up to Friday… band night, not the marching kind, the garage kind.
The guys are big time now, with recording equipment that robbed us of our IRA and well, I mean, they’re big time so I imagine it won’t be long before it pays for itself. They have officially been kicked out of our house and into our garage which is better suited for them anyway.
They also were using my changing table as a bar. I snapped a few pictures of their spread but considering there were a few Southern Baptists in the band, I can’t show you what they were drinking or they’ll be called before church leadership. They were tempering their consumption with peanuts, Red Man, and Skoal. I’m wondering how their stomachs handle such poison, but apparently they’re much tougher than me.
I went out there briefly to snap a few pictures and then again around 1 am when I was awakened by a LOUD raucous, which was the music of their new friends. In quite a stupor, I threw on a robe, and in an attempt to petition them for a little peace & quiet, I made my way to the garage , which wasn’t hard to find… I just used my ears. I’m sure they were horrified by the sight of me, not nearly as horrified as I was of the sound of them. Anyway, I peek in the garage to find not only the band members but also 2 teenage guys who were wandering the neighborhood and just so happened to be in a band too and were showing their talent. I did confirm that these grown fathers knew better than to offer any of their substances to the young teenage men. Whew!
Saturday brought fun that I too could participate in…
These are our friends Jeremiah & Abby and we had the pleasure of spending time with them {& other friends} Saturday night. They currently live in Seattle {where Jeremiah is doing a year fellowship} but will be moving to town in a few short months. So to celebrate their impending arrival Jeremiah’s sister, Ashley, put together an incredible little gathering at their family’s farm!
It started with a horse drawn carriage ride, which started off completely benign but at some point took a turn for brushy, hilly paths that would give any amusement park a run for their money.
We were thankful to all still have full use of our eyeballs, despite several very close calls with whipping branches, and it was a good thing because there was quite a sight to behold post-ride.
Ashley clearly has a gift for entertaining… the whole evening was nothing short of magical!!
Abby and I snuck in for a few pictures of the dinner prep. This is one reason why I love her… would you say we are kindred spirits?
After appetizers on the porch, the sun set, candles were lit, and we made our descent to the table that was all aglow and waiting for us.
The food was absolutely incredible from appetizers of cheeses, fruits, & chutneys, to salads adorned with pomegranate seeds & Gorgonzola, to a main course of beef wellington, fingerling potatoes, apricot casserole, and yeast rolls, to a grand finale of pound cake with strawberries, fudge sauce, and whipped cream… really, it would be an incredibly hard night to top! And not to mention, the company was even better than the food and atmosphere! There are no shortage of storytellers in our group which always makes for a great night… and a few running jokes that the stories are still about to be wrapped up! Speaking of storytellers… Abby told her side of this story on her new {& beautiful blog} Storywood!
Moving on to Sunday morning… Justin and I headed out early, leaving the girls with the in-laws, but having the Rover in tow. Our final destination was Fairhope, AL with a detour to South Walton County, Florida to drop the Rover off with Erika, Chance & Sloane for a quick 24 hours. I was prepared for him to be a very sad little man, devastated to be separated from the mother that he loves more than life, but we buckled him in Erika’s backseat and he wouldn’t even look at me, I’m sure the video & headphones helped. Erika smiled and said, “I don’t think he’s going to miss you!” And that he didn’t.
He had an action packed weekend with his cousin Sloane and I got play by play text messages every 5 minutes and was thankful for every one of them! He also cried his eyes out when I got there and told him it was time to leave. I’d dare say the little man lived it up and can’t wait to return! When I got there to pick him up Sloane looked at me with the most puzzled look on her face and said, “Momma! Momma!” and then pointed to Erika… she was trying to figure me out. My clue that it’s my turn to have her for a weekend!
While the Rover was occupied Justin and I busied ourselves exploring every road in Baldwin County, Alabama. The purpose of our journey: to secure a house for our family for the summer. Justin’s work will have him in Gulf Shores this summer and we plan to spend it with him. Which is very exciting to me! Days prior, I scoured the internet looking for long term rentals {ie. not week vacation rentals} in Fairhope and with a handful of possibilities we set out on our search. Only to find 2 furnished homes with long term/furnished rental possibilities. My dear husband found one that he was completely smitten with…
I unfortunately didn’t share the sentiment with him. Now, as you can see, it’s accommodating but it’s just a little dated. It’s kinda like granny’s cottage in the woods with granny’s old furniture wrapped in fitted sheets with holes in them, and peeling up faux stone linoleum. Justin said, “We can get a couple dehumidifiers, a new sofa, pull up the rugs, we’ll get air cards for our laptops, and we can set off mosquito bombs in the yard! It will be great!” I didn’t really know what to say… other than I reminded him several times that you could smell the musty interior of the home standing 30 feet from the front door… and did he remember that I have pretty insane allergies? He said, “We’ll bring our own bedding and pillows!” His love for this place wasn’t because of the house… it’s because it was bay front and with sunsets like this, I can hardly blame him but I do believe I’ve convinced him that the search must continue… unless he would like me to be in a benadryl-induced stupor all summer. We came home empty handed but I’ve thankfully found a few more possibilities for us that he’s going to go sniff out for us. If any of you know of anything available… I’m all ears!
And before I go…
lots of new inventory at Honey Bee Tees!
armadillos
tortoise raglans
tractor raglans
pink lemonade
{new} bird dogs
and everything else has been restocked… have at it!
This is a typical two-year-old mugshot! 🙂
ps- If you buy a raglan, I suggest you wash it on cold {the first few times} as to not turn your white the color of your sleeves!
Shelby Baker
March 30, 2011 at 11:33 amCheck out meyerre.com! I’m almost positive they have long-term rentals. We rent from them every time we go to Gulf Shores! They’re very reasonable, and all of the places we’ve checked out have been really nice!
Abby Maddox
March 30, 2011 at 11:34 amDid this post take you 14 hours to put together? I only blogged about the dinner and it took me that long, so I can only imagine!
It’s so dreary here. I miss you. Can I please come back?
JM and Sloane together are so cute I can hardly stand it. I loved Erica’s comment on her blog about them helping each other find the Haley Center. I know it’s gonna go so fast…
All the more reason why we need to get to Dothan, ASAP.
Love, peace, and start packing your airstream!
Melanie Marsh
March 30, 2011 at 11:43 amwow! awesome post!
My Jack has the same sheets as Rovers. Beautiful dinner.
That garage band looks like fun and I LOVE your new shirts!
Ellis
March 30, 2011 at 11:53 amFairhope is in my neck of the woods (I’m in Mobile- I commented on your post about Mobile awhile back)! I don’t know if anything that is available in Fairhope, but my husband’s family rents out some condominium units in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach if you have a need for that. 🙂 We’re taking advantage of a condo this weekend!
I love reading about your sweet family- I have a 10 month old baby boy who already much prefers to run (I mean crawl) around without his clothes…
Now that I look (and feel) like a total geek, I’ll end this comment! 🙂 Have a great day!
Brittaney
March 30, 2011 at 11:57 amThe outdoor dinner looks magical. And the food? Delicious!
Now onto suggestions… Have you checked out the Ft. Morgan area? It’s in between Gulf Shores and Fairhope and has some lovely homes with some decent prices. If you’re looking for something different try Robertsdale or Elberta. Check the local realty companies down there as well. Here’s a few: Kaiser Realty, Meyer Realty, and Brett-Robinson. Good luck!
courtney c
March 30, 2011 at 12:11 pmMy boys have those sheets too:) Your blog is such eye candy. I’m in love with the tractor raglan and may need to be ordering 2:)
Becky
March 30, 2011 at 12:16 pmDARBS!!! while i have NO idea if i’ll get to make it to dothan for an extended stay…i KNOW we’ll be in gulf shores on vacation july 31-aug 7th. we MUST meet. even if it’s just to bring the kiddies along for ice cream! will you still be there then?? ps–i have FINALLY found a restaurant supply store around here and do you know that is part of what i’m doing on my birth”date”? roaming stores that i can’t take the kids to, b/c i need time to plunder!
Kate
March 30, 2011 at 12:16 pmAs always, love your pictures.
We ordered a couple of honey bee tees a few weeks back and the kids just love them. My little V will NOT get out of her grasshopper tee. Good luck finding a home and a little sleep. I know both of those can be unsettling.
Kate
March 30, 2011 at 12:17 pmOh yes, and I did want to ask where you found those ADORABLE sheets…
Julie Carter
March 30, 2011 at 12:18 pmOk. You really made my dream of possibly seeing you around town come true. You see Im from and live in Fairhope. Im just finishing up at Mississippi State and I will be here this Summer not to mention im a XO to boot!! (need a baby sitter?? i come highly recommended!!) live by the bay!!! i promise you wont regret it!!! bring bikes, running/walking gear, your camera, bathing suits… $$$ and your good!!! haha. seriously need a babysitter i would love too! Im 23 and would love nothing more to tell you all the hot spots in Baldwin County when it comes to antique and thrift stores galore!! You have my email so feel free to email me… i promise. it will be a summer you will never forget!!! (to say the least)
kat
March 30, 2011 at 12:25 pmWow what a magical looking dinner! Your little tractor shirt reminds me of the song “Tractor, Tractor.” Ever hear of it? Your little Rover would love it. All boys do. Youtube it up–it’s under Bugs and Slugs. Love your shirts!
HannahJ
March 30, 2011 at 12:33 pmYou are ONE busy little lady! First – that gathering looked AMAZING indeed…I’m hungry now after viewing all taht food. Second the pics of Rover and Sloan are too cute (I saw them on Erica’s blog earlier in the week too- you are so lucky to have a sister with children- it must be so nice for them to be growing up together!) and third- I just got my first HB Tees a couple weeks ago and they are just darling- such great designs- so soft- just lovely!
Jessica
March 30, 2011 at 12:35 pmI’m wishing I could take a nap like JM this rainy afternoon also. 🙂 That candlelit dinner looks amazing!!! Wow. I heard about Fairhope I think a few years ago now and have wanted to visit…I’ve heard it’s such a cute little town. Sounds like you will have a really fun summer!! That sunset on the bay is beautiful….can’t wait to see more pictures of your adventures there! 🙂 I’m loving the new designs and the raglan tees…and of course JM’s scowl – he’s cute even when he’s grumpy. 🙂
Lauren
March 30, 2011 at 12:40 pmOk, I’ve been enjoying your blog for a while now and finally must comment! Gulf Shores and Foley, AL have a special place in my heart. Although I am from California, we spent a month every summer visiting my Grandmama and the rest of my mom’s family in Foley, Summerdale and Gulf Shores. Just reading about your search for a place to stay makes me nostalgic. 🙂 Your blog, family and adventures are inspiring! xo
Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup
March 30, 2011 at 12:51 pmThat dinner party is absolutely stunning. It looks like something that could only be described in perfect detail by an amazing author. I literally am blown away by all the planning that went into making that dinner so wildly successful. Ahhhh — I’m definitely going to check out Abby’s blog! God Bless JM, he’s so wonderful. If only we could all be so innocent and drop everything on a dime for a nap 🙂
Megan
March 30, 2011 at 12:51 pmGood luck finding a house! I know what you mean when you speak of dated and musty houses…not fun.
Lauren
March 30, 2011 at 12:54 pmWow. Can Ashley plan my wedding? Course, I need to meet the guy first…but she is QUITE the planner!
stephanie
March 30, 2011 at 1:11 pmlove your posts. we are from the south and went to ut(knoxville). sometimes I look at your pics expecting to see one of our friends. southern boys all kind of look the same to me. all of our boston friends always say they “like bryan’s bangs” I tell them it’s a southern thing. I love them.
Meredith
March 30, 2011 at 1:32 pmI grew up in Mobile and we go to Gulf Shores every summer for a beach vacation. I wish I could help with the rentals, but I don’t know of any long term. Good luck finding one. I loved reading this post! It looks like you had a great weekend! What an AMAZING dinner party. I can’t even imagine!
Lauren
March 30, 2011 at 1:36 pmhahaha i LOVE your sentiments about the rental house. just sent this post to my husband to prove that i am, in fact, a normal person for feeling the same way about his family’s temporary cabin at the lake. last time we went, i wore a face mask all day and went on an intensive vacuuming binge. now to paint everything, rip up the floors and replace the mismatched furniture that came with the place….thanks for the ammunition 😉 good luck finding a place!
Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss
March 30, 2011 at 1:39 pmThe night at the Maddox’s house looks like it was amazing. What is Abby doing in the photo that you took from the balcony? Hugging the chair? Anywho— I’m ready for them to come back down South. We sure miss them here in Birmingham!
Hannah
March 30, 2011 at 1:47 pmI live in Mobile and while I don’t know of any places for rent in Fairhope off the top of my head you might check out http://www.vrbo.com if you haven’t already. I use this site every time we’re trying to find a place to stay in Gulf Shores. Good luck!
Oh, and the dinner looked like something out of a fairy tale, BEAUTIFUL!!!
Lindsey
March 30, 2011 at 1:53 pmi apologize on my husband’s behalf for the length and volume of the garage band. i, too, hope it will soon pay for itself or at least for our airstream:). what do you say to ending the trip in fairhope at your bay rental house? love the pictures, love the post and most of all love the friendship and fellowship.
Cait @ Hernando House
March 30, 2011 at 2:02 pmI woke up not knowing if it was Wednesday or Thursday, so I can sort of relate.
That dinner party is completely stunning! And that bay view! So jealous.
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co
March 30, 2011 at 2:19 pmWhat a gorgeous and absolutely inspiring setting! I can’t wait to host a dinner party like that! How fun!
Mary Lanier
March 30, 2011 at 2:43 pm1-My husband was in a band in college and I spent numerous weekends in Nashville with him and “the boys”. Since we were in college I was spared from the garage music! 🙂
2-That dinner party was one for the record books! Wow, you guys could have been in a magazine!
3-This summer will be such a memorable one! Even with all of the smells! And I am selfishly looking forward to your posts!
Amber Murphy
March 30, 2011 at 2:43 pmThat dinner, WOW!! I photograph my food and table settings as well but they never…EVER look that Amazing!! She’s gifted : ) Hope there are still tractor t’s in the store when I head over there next, my little man will love it.
Regina
March 30, 2011 at 3:20 pmI would love to do dinner parties like that! Everything was stunning- but I think it would all blow away up here 🙁 I’m so jealous!
Kelley
March 30, 2011 at 3:32 pmI may send my ukulele-playing 5 and 6 year old your way! They’d love to hang out with a rogue group of ruckus-making guys!
And that table setting is something I could only dream of. How stunning!
Love the new raglan tees-can’t wait to have a look!
Hamptontoes
March 30, 2011 at 4:11 pmWhat an amazing eye you have behind the camera! I love the shots you captured! That china is amazing…love it lots!
Kristi
March 30, 2011 at 4:33 pmI love the lemonade shirt, too bad I don’t have a girl! On your big wheels shirt, what size is your son wearing?
Tara
March 30, 2011 at 5:15 pmGranny’s cabin must have been pretty terrible to pass up with those fabulous views! Also, every time I see a picture of your niece I think she is a dark haired version of your Paige…so cute!
Melanie Malone
March 30, 2011 at 5:16 pmDarby, you have quite a following among my little group of buddies here in Fairhope. I think you would totally love spending the summer here. You should definately get a house on the bay, so we can come over and fish off your pier. Just kidding! I will ask around and email you anything that looks promising. I am partial to this town, but Baldwin County has lots to love, you definately won’t be bored.
Rebecca
March 30, 2011 at 5:58 pmYou Southern people
Rebecca
March 30, 2011 at 6:00 pmYou Southern people ROCK! Look at those place settings and that table! Absolutely gorgeous.
At least I can claim that I am half-Southern. It makes me feel a bit better that I’ve got some culture in me. 🙂 My Mom was born and raised in Mobile. I love it down there!!
Fairhope holds special summer time memories when we visited my grandparents. 🙂
Rebecca
[sorry for the above comment; I accidentally hit the enter button before I was finished typing.]
Tegan
March 30, 2011 at 7:00 pmDarby, I loved this post. Maybe because sweet Abby and Jeremiah were in it, or it could have been because it made me laugh out loud when you couldn’t post pictures of the adult beverages due to the souther baptist! Having grown up Souther Baptist who turned into a PCA girl, it was just too funny! I’m so excited that you guys will spend the summer in Gulf Shores..what a dream! Dave and I are planning a weekend in Dothan w/ J and A when they finally get home, so hopefully we will get to catch up with you guys! Much Love to your family!
Lauren
March 30, 2011 at 7:14 pmI lived in Dothan for 10 years and am now living in Fairhope. I’m a huge fan of your blog! I even drove down from Auburn to Dothan so I could come to your yard sale (that’s embarrassing). I actually bought a great Anthropologie comforter that now lays on my bed! Anyway, I’m 21 so if you need a babysitter feel free to ask. Also, if you’re looking for a great church with an awesome kids program, I would recommend First Baptist Church. I know you attend the Presbyterian church, but we have a few Dothanites at our church that you probably know. Good luck and welcome to Fairhope!
JulieJ
March 30, 2011 at 8:00 pmOh. My. Gosh. That party. I pored over the pictures for longer than I care to admit, and I’m going to again when I’m done typing 🙂 Truly a magical evening, I’m sure!
Thanks for sharing your life with us. Keep writing; I love reading it!
*Julie
christi @ grey umbrella
March 30, 2011 at 8:14 pmsounds like the summer is going to be a blast for your family!
have you tried color catchers? you put them in your wash and they catch the darker color so they don’t bleed into the white.
love the party photos — WOW!
Heather
March 30, 2011 at 8:25 pmLove reading your blog, and so excited that you will be in Baldwin County! I live here, and we always try to make it down to the beach to stay once during the summer (more if we’re lucky). My advice would be to get a house on the lagoon, that way your kids could play in the water practically right off the back porch! And don’t get a house right in the middle of Gulf Shores, try to get one in Fort Morgan, Orange Beach, somewhere out of all the congestion of the summer traffic and tourists. Bring lots of sunscreen, hope you enjoy your stay here!
Katie@ Noodle and Boof
March 30, 2011 at 8:59 pmSloane and Rover together in the chair is too cute for words!! I could eat them up! Good luck with the long term furnished rental. What a fun summer!
cat moore
March 30, 2011 at 9:38 pmWow! What a beautiful dinner outside! I’m sure the weather was great, too! love that pic of Rover sleeping. I love how he always has a truck/hourse/automobile/farm animal in his hands. 🙂 such a boy!
Amanda
March 30, 2011 at 9:39 pmReally wishing someone would invite me to a party like that…the only parties we get invited to have inflatable bouncing houses…
melody
March 30, 2011 at 10:30 pmBeautiful dinner setting…like a magazine spread…
Love the armadillo tee…makes me think of ‘Steel Magnolias’ and the ‘bleedin armadillo grooms cake made with gray icing’ 🙂
Lindsey
March 31, 2011 at 8:06 amI agree with one of the post above that you do have a following here in Fairhope! I’ve lived her my whole life and lived on the bay for half of it. Would love to email you links for local real estate firms so you can check out their website. I’ve also seen a few signs recently about short/long term rentals (with bay access) so i certainly don’t mind sending you the contact info. They tend to pop up around this time of year. There is so much to do here during the summers it’s a magical time, jubilee’s cooking out and so much to see! Please let me know if you have ANY questions!
stephanie
March 31, 2011 at 8:24 amdaphinrealty.com, algulfcoastrentals.com, baleau.com, and you can search long term rentals on remax. there’s a great long term market here…saw some sweet little cottages in fairhope the other day…the non musty kind. 🙂
jessica
March 31, 2011 at 8:46 amI live in Fairhope, AL!! that is too cool you are staying here for the summer. Try Fairhope Cottages for long term rentals or Cricket Reality. Good Luck and maybe I’ll see you around!!
rachael s.
March 31, 2011 at 8:52 amFound this beauty. https://www.southalabama-coastalareamls.com/default.asp?content=expanded&search_content=results&this_format=2&mls_number=171888&page=1&query_id=107088854&sortby=1
It’s been for rent since January, they may likely be willing to rent for the summer!
meaghan
March 31, 2011 at 10:28 ami’m so embarrased that i comment so rarely. i think you get SO many comments i assume you can’t read them all….cause i don’t think i could!!! i LOVE that the guys are having a beer/band fest in the garage! awesome! and HOW GORGEOUS was that dinner!!!! i’m totally gonna do something “like” that. loosely based…
Jami
March 31, 2011 at 10:33 amWow…I am so impressed by that dinner party! I think I’m going to have to step up my game! 🙂
Jen
March 31, 2011 at 12:13 pmGreat post as always!!! Good Luck on your rental search and speaking of rentals… I know you lived in Tallahassee from previous post and wanted to ask if you knew of a small rental or friends needing a respectful, Christian professional they would like to rent a room too. Just started job with FSU and didnt want to go back to “college living” Thanks for your help!! All the Best
Pam
March 31, 2011 at 12:22 pmI forgot how much I love your blog! It’s been awhile as I’ve fallen behind on my Google Feed Reader.
Your kids are just the cutest things — especially little rover man.
Plain & Fancy Living
March 31, 2011 at 12:23 pmThe dinner party looks amazing. I love outdoor entertaining, using the candlelight to create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Thanks for sharing!
Caroline
March 31, 2011 at 1:36 pmHey Darby! I’m a freshman at Auburn, and a Chi O! I’m from Fairhope and I’ll be there this summer so I hope to see you around! If you need a babysitter let me know!
P.s. I LOVE your blog.
Snekcip
March 31, 2011 at 1:57 pmLoving this post! Everytime I come to this blog I leave w/a warm fuzzy feeling! Such an epitome of normal life w/a fun, informative or inspiring moments sprinkled in w/gorgeous photography. Nothing pretentious! Makes me wanna “go out on the porch and sip a glass of ice tea”!! Finally, that dinner part was just amazing. She seriously has missed her calling for an amazing PARTY PLANNER EXTRAORDINAIRE!!
Ivonne Loving
March 31, 2011 at 3:19 pmHi! My son has the same sheets. I am saving up for the Rover Tees 🙂 Gosh, I love the special dinner and Abbey’s blog is just plain beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Kate from Party Resources
March 31, 2011 at 3:28 pmThe dinner al fresco is amazing!!! Holy cow! Love it!
Hannah
March 31, 2011 at 3:43 pmHello! Is your single guy friend still single that you “advertised” a year or so ago on your blog?! I thought I saw him in the pics from the dinner photos.
Clover@farrbetterlife
March 31, 2011 at 3:50 pmyou guys have the most amazing social life!
Jill
March 31, 2011 at 3:54 pmDarby y’all will LOVE living in Fairhope for the summer… I am from Fairhope and my husband I live here during the offseason {he plays baseball}. My sister is Julie who commented way above… you should really call her sometime to watch the “rovers”, she’s the QUEEN of babysitting around here! Fairhope is so family friendly and there is always something to do. Have so much fun this summer!
Becky
March 31, 2011 at 3:55 pmI spy Cowboy JOSH!!!
The Mom
March 31, 2011 at 5:00 pmOh so happy that you will be living in Fairhope this summer with your man beside you. Sure to be a time for making lots of new friends and many new memories to treasure. I am already praying for just the right house that you can readily, quickly, and easily turn into a home. And perhaps there is a view right around the corner. I am going out on a limb here, but if the work for your hubby goes on and on, stay for the fall semester and enroll your kids in school. They are young enough for a great adventure. It’s probably one of the few times in life that you can do something like this. Open yourself up to the possibility and don’t be afraid to dream. And, of course, as always, let the dear Holy Spirit be your guide! Blessings to you!
Janet Boudreaux
March 31, 2011 at 6:11 pmI love the ragland tshirts and the lemonaide ones! A tip for the ragland tshirts – soak them in water and salt for a while before the first time you wash them. It really does work- any time I have a dark color I do that and wash it regularly after that and they never bleed!
Caroline
March 31, 2011 at 11:17 pmDarby ~ I must tell you that your post about looking for summer lodging in Fairhope really struck a cord with me, and I just can’t shake it. I am embarrassed to admit that I am quite jealous that you and your family are going to have this fabulous opportunity. You see I am a native Mobilian transplanted to Birmingham yet I spent my summers “over the bay”. I cherish the memories I have of those summers, and I long to give that experience to my children. {We have had glimpses, and hopefully we will have more because my oldest boy was born with the bay in his blood.} It is my magic place and always will be. I hope you and yours will feel the same! You might try Mike Ford Realty and possibly even reconsider Granny’s Cottage if it provides bay access and is reasonably priced. Feel free to contact me because I could speak volumes on this…
Carrie
April 1, 2011 at 9:02 amI laughed hysterically at the “Southern Baptist” comment and the random teenage boys finding their way into the band. Sounds like our garage on any random weekend. And the new tees are precious!
xoxo,
Carrie
Today's Letters
April 1, 2011 at 9:11 am(insert new favorite picture of rover here).
xoxo
Holly
April 1, 2011 at 9:47 amA suggestion for your summer rental…have you contacted local realtors to see if they know of anything promising? I spent so much time searching on the web for our 6 month rental (home renovation), and it turns out that I found the PERFECT spot by contacting a realtor who handles many of the listings in our neighborhood. She knew of this amazing 1911 duplex in our ‘hood (see pic on my blog) that rents via word of mouth (no Craigslist or “for rent” signs in the yard) and referred it to us. Made me feel silly for all the time I spent trying to find something on my own! Hope this help you too!
Tara
April 1, 2011 at 9:50 amWowzers on the dinner! The only thing missing was a pic of you.
Courtney Cloud
April 1, 2011 at 10:22 amYou are going to love Fairhope!! My husband and I are both from Baldwin County…we both say that Auburn was the only place we could move to and be happy! Look for a house in the fruit and nut district!! Love your family…Love your blog!
shannon reppard
April 1, 2011 at 2:40 pmahh! john martin is too cute in his big bed with his truck! do tell, where are those cute sheets from? we just moved my twin rascals to their big beds, and it has been quite the adventure to say the least. jm is so dear–love the picture! and, what a fun dinner party–looks like y’all popped right out of southern living–i LOVE it! happy friday to y’all!
ABBY
April 2, 2011 at 9:02 amWOW!! That party could not be more magazine ready. How much fun.
I just loved reading all about it. I do hope you find something not so granny cottageish!ha!
Alison
April 2, 2011 at 9:31 pmYou are going to love Fairhope! You and the kids will have so much fun and truly enjoy life on the Bay and all it has to offer! My hubby and I grew up on the bay and will be there lots this summer! I will keep my eyes and ears open for a rental.
carolyn
April 2, 2011 at 9:34 pmmy hubs and i visited fair hope for our anniversary years ago.
it’s the only place that we’ve ever considered never leaving. we adored it! hope you do too- can’t wait to see your home away from home this summer.
enjoy!!
carolyn
Jill Tatim
April 2, 2011 at 11:36 pmJust wanted to share a quick tip for the raglan shirts. Try adding a cup of vinegar or a cup of salt the first time you wash them. It will help “set” the color so the sleeves won’t run. Great blog post as always!!!
angela
April 3, 2011 at 1:21 pmas always, i love everything about this post! that party is fabulous…the outdoor table setting is o.m.g. wonderful!!
Whitney
April 5, 2011 at 8:37 amWow. So much to say. Your friend Abby is beautiful! The outdoor dinner looked like a dream! I would love to recreate that one day. And the summer at the beach! How wonderful! I hope you’ll get to see your sister a lot!
CHI
April 5, 2011 at 12:56 pmI say put your money in an airstream and live it up this summer
Beth
April 8, 2011 at 9:47 amSoutherners really know how to entertain! Nothing even close to that night would even be attempted in the Northeast, I’m pretty positive.