A GREAT HONOR!!

Many of you know what a rocky month this has been for our family, to say the least!! About a week and a half ago amidst the throws of it all, I have to admit I was feeling a bit down. I hadn't really left the house in 3 weeks and Braden's personality had yet to make a full come back.

To preface this all, a few months earlier I had entered a cultural arts design contest through the American Mother Inc Association at the suggestion of my dear friend Carrie. I entered on the National level in the categories of Photography and then Graphic Design not really thinking anything of it. Fast forward to my "down in the dumps" week, I received a letter in the mail with the news that I had won first place on the national level for my graphic design entry. WHAAAAT! The news could not have come at a better time. I was thrilled!

Then, two days later, the President of the South Carolina chapter emailed me and invited me to SC Mother of the Year celebration down in Columbian, SC which took place yesterday. I won't bore with too many details but it was a FABULOUS DAY!! First a luncheon honoring various outstanding women in South Carolina at the Palmetto Club. I was seated at the head center table and felt like a faux celeb!! I made so many great connections and was even asked to help participate in design work w/ the association as well as illustrate a children's book through photographs?!!

Next stop, the Governor's Mansion. Another luncheon/tea with fabulous food and more honoring. This portion was mainly for the SC Mother of the Year, but again, I met many great people and had a wonderful time. I felt so dotted on and was handing out business cards like crazy.

Sigh... back to reality!! It was a great honor though and I am hoping to make it out to NYC April 30th - May 2nd for the national convention where they will hand out the national awards!!

Thanks for letting me share. The good news could not have come at a better time. I will add that Braden is doing well. He will have oral surgery within the next few weeks so we are just waiting to hear how that will all play out!!

I'm posting a picture of me from yesterday. I was talking too much to get any other really great ones (at least with my camera)

While I was busy on one side of town, Blake was on the other with the kiddies at the Columbia Zoo!! Lot's of funny pictures, had to post a few :)

Just monkey-in' around!!