




My sweet babies have grown into beautiful women! This is their story (& mine as well). My blog exists in honor of the late Karin Faulkner who taught me how. Enjoy the journey through Leia's & Annie's youth.
How sweet and bittersweet it is to have Annie start her very last "first day" of Montessori school today! It's the very last year of the Montessori method for any of us, but what a wonderful way to start my sweet Annie's education, ... especially because this year Mountain Sun Community School moved to the much more natural setting of Keystone Camp! Now Annie will be surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and other barnyard animals! Annie is in heaven! ... but Mamma still gave Annie that special "Kissing Hand" to keep Mamma with her throughout the day. Now whether she is at circle or inside wearing her new "Annie" bunny slippers, playing outside or even eating some special heart-shaped chicken nuggets (a surprise lunch from Mamma), she can know that Mamma's love is with her always.

















Due to all of her love and support for Sevierville, Tennessee, the community erected a beautiful bronze statue of Dolly Parton in front of the town courthouse. I remember watching the dedication ceremony on TV in the late 80s. Anyone who knew me during my grade school and high school years, knew that I was a HUGE fan of Dolly Parton. During my visit to colleges in high school, Mom and Dad took me to Sevierville to see this statue. It was a highlight for me. (See bottom picture of me at 15.) As we were on our way to Dollywood, we took a wrong turn and I saw the courthouse from far away. I asked Brian to return so that I could see Dolly once again. 

These few days before Annie's school starts afford me some special time with my baby love. : ) Today Annie and I spent the morning at Chuck E Cheese (which was totally vacant except for us, of course), ... and where my favorite "game" continues to be "Chuck E's Sketch Pad" which simply takes a picture and Chuck E "draws" your portrait. Always a great memory of the visit. Then Annie and I went over to Mina's house, ... Mina is Annie's friend from school who has lots of barn animals. Annie got to hold the baby chicks and collect some eggs!!!



