Memories of Memorial Day 2009

Small basket arrangment by Me. Picture by Me.

Memorial Day was a blast! We had fun putting together the flower arrangments and we are streamlining the process quite well, it didn't take near as long as it has in the past and we had lots of family to talk to and exciting marriage announcements from cousins, lots of little ones running around and I got to have a great talk with my cousin who like me, struggles with infertility. It was great to talk with her and get her perspective on the whole process of childbirth or wanting a child.

We came home worn out and ready to be back in our own space. But we enjoyed all the family and a little of the good food :). And I cried during Taps (you know, the bugle song - hormones! and memories!)

The very beatiful arrangment for my grandparents grave, created by Sister 2 (M).

Picture by Husband.

Wreath for the Fallen Soldier. Picture by Husband.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Large arrangment by Sister, small basket arrangment in background by Me.

Every Memorial Day, my family heads south in a rather sizeable flock to show our respect and love for those that have gone before. We visit cemeteries spanning southern Utah and deliver flower arrangements that we congregate to make the evening before. These are not your run of the mill "mums in a basket" type of arrangments, they are well put together and artfully designed and executed by various talented family members. The culmination of the flowers is the arrangment for my grandparents grave site. My sister makes this arrangment and it is OUTSTANDING every year! I have so many childhood memories of this tradition, most having to do with rain on Memorial Day which seems to happen every year. We frantically run around staking down the arrangments so they don't blow over and it is hysterical EVERY year. We all gather after the cemetery train and have a family reunion/lunch together and then we disperse to our respective towns and homes. I look forward to this every year and miss it when I don't live near enough to attend. This year Little will be big enough to traipse through the grass and witness and experience some of the magic of being with so much family.

I'll post pictures (probably courtesy of The Husband) of the events when we get back. Have fun and remember those that have served our country and given their lives for our freedom and show those you love just how much you love them!

Inspiring Thanksgiving

I decided to put together an idea board of inspiration for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Yes, there are lots of food items, but isn't that what Turkey Day is about? All of these things make me feel like autumn and the beginning of the holiday season. What do you think? Also, to all those who were sad when Victoria Magazine ended a few years ago - They're back! See the links below.

Credits: Votives: Pottery Barn, Cinnamon Decor: Hostess w/the mostess , Poached Pear: Victoria Magazine, Pear Gallette: Victoria Magazine, Eggnog Cheesecake: Victoria Magazine, Pumpkin Centerpiece: TheKnot.com, Fritatta: DominoMag, Fruit Centerpiece: TheKnot.com, Bark Rim Salad Bowls: Pottery Barn, Burlap Favor Bags: TheKnot.com, Buffet Setting: TheKnot.com.