february's fab mama-jama is...

my girl mary.  i've mentioned this lovely lady several times in my blog posts, and i have been wanting to introduce this special friend to you for months now!  i was going to set-up a surprise afternoon get-away to her favorite restaurant (mai's) and flower her w/ peonies.  but w/ childcare issues, sick babies, sick mamas, daddies gone...it just wasn't in the cards.  i finally decided to surprise her anyway...a simple flower arrangement and dinner at her house (children playing, hubbies gone) had to do.

i know this all sounds like i'm courting my girlfriend, ha...and yes, i am, lol.  every woman knows how wonderful it is to have close girlfriends that you can always count on...someone to vent to, someone to ask for advice, someone to welcome their home to you b/c you just have to get out!  girlfriends understand hormones.  they understand the daily to-do's of being a mama.  and even if they don't understand they're always there to listen and support you.  my girl mary is that and more.  she's a devoted wife, loving mother and still nurtures her friendships.  i know friends come and go, but there are some that are in for the long haul :)

funny thing is i met mary in kindergarten!  we even grew up in the same neighborhood.  we were friends then, but as junior high and high school came around, we ran in different circles.  it wasn't until a few years ago when she and her husband moved back to the area that we became the friends that we are now.  we chatted, and we clicked.  she enjoyed the same things i did.  we found humor in the same things.  and we just felt at home around each other :)

waving at the camera at my (11th?) birthday party

on our way to see justin timberlake in concert (pre-babies)!

anyone who knows sweet mary, knows what a kind, caring and loving woman she is.  her dear friend racheal knows...

Mary has been one of my closest friend for over a decade. So many of my greatest memories include Mary. She is caring, funny, and nurturing. She is a wonderful mother to her beautiful daughters and an amazing wife. She loves the Lord and is a great example of what it means to be a woman of God. When she asks how you are doing, she genuinely wants to know the good and the bad. She is willing to talk through the tough things or just sit back and listen. She is a great friend. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. I love you Mary!!

meet mary...

*what did you want to be when you "grew up"*

Honestly, I never thought about what I would be when I grew up.  When I was in junior high and high school I thought it would be fun to be an interior designer...does that count? 

*what is your best memory of your mom?*

There are so many wonderful memories that include my mom, but the one that keeps standing out is when she cared for me after I had my wisdom teeth removed.  Those of you who have undergone this procedure know how unpleasant the recovery can be, and my mom jumped into action to make my experience very positive.  She even made ice packs out of tube socks!

*what do you do to relax?*

My methods of relaxation have evolved over the years.  Since having children, the way I like to relax is to watch some guilty pleasure television (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and enjoy a cool glass of Chardonnay.

  

*what is your favorite activity w/ each child?*

My favorite thing to do with Abigail is to get her up in the morning.  I love opening her door and seeing that beautiful, pacifier-filled smile beaming at me.  We share some hugs and kisses and then begin our day!

My favorite thing to do with Loralai is singing her a song at bed time.  After my husband reads her a story, she always asks for mama to sing her a song or say a prayer with her.  I just LOVE that time together!

*you're a super friend, who always has the right thing to say and do for those in need...where do you think that comes from?*

My parents have always given me invaluable advice and counsel, and in addition to their words of wisdom they would reference scripture that pertained to my specific circumstance.

*what do you enjoy doing most for your friends?*

I truly enjoy giving my friends unexpected gifts.  Whether it be tangible gifts or acts of kindness, I just love doing things that make my friends smile and feel special!!

*what could a friend do for you that would just make your day?*

I love when my friends set up unexpected occasions to spend time together.  

and how awesome, she happens to have a business that allows her to party w/ her friends!

*what is your favorite part of selling stella & dot?*

...having an excuse to hang out with other women and share the fun jewels that S&D has to offer!

if you're interested in hangin' w/ mary and her jewels ;) contact her at maryweatherall@hotmail.com or check her website out at http://www.stelladot.com/sites/maryweatherall

marrrrry, you're a beautiful woman, inside and out!  your natural caring way is such a wonderful example to your sweet girls, and i just know they will grow to be beautiful young ladies like their mama :)  you put up w/ all my quirkiness, and you laugh w/ me in all my silliness.  and you always offer prayer anywhere and anytime time i need it!  i pray that you know how much i and many others appreciate your kindness and generosity.  your welcoming hugs, welcoming front door and welcoming love are only a few reasons why i love you girl!  thank you for being you!

oxox,

sandra