Southern Living

"The South, for the most part, has assimilated just fine into the so-called modern world, but we happily remain more firmly grounded in traditions than other places. We make no apologies for expecting a certain nicety in our communications, a certain graciousness in our homes, and a certain indulgence at our tables." 

--M. Lindsay Bierman, editor of Southern Living

As it begins to get warmer I can feel the summer inside of me. To me, the true essence of the South is drenched in summertime. I think I speak for all of my sisters when I say we love the South. We are so grateful for the sticky-sweet summer nights of catching fireflies in our front yard and the days and days spent selling lemonade on the roadside. 

Our childhood was enchanting. We spent whimsical years taking nature walks and singing around the piano. I have only begun to realize how blessed we were. Our mother taught us to love reading and all things musical as we grew up. She often tells us that our childhood was "a blur," what with the four of us being born in just over 3 years. (Just think about that for a minute!) But boy did we play. She taught us that an imagination is of immeasurable value and we grew up creating and laughing. For those of you who know our mother, I'm sure you will agree; she is the epitome of grace and charm. She is a woman of God who stands on convictions and poise. She is a "Southern Belle." She is a gracious hostess, a gifted musician, a delightful cook, a constant servant, an ever-present encourager, a joyful laugher, and a gorgeous woman. And we are so lucky to have her for our mother. :)

As I close my freshman year of college, I feel a sort of loss for this carefree time of joy. Memories of such sweet summers will forever be near to my heart. I can't wait for the days when I have children of my own and can offer them half of the magic my childhood contained. 

So today I'm grateful for two things: my Southern roots and my Southern mother.

:) Thanks, Mommy for always being alongside us in the dirt and making room for us at the piano bench. Words cannot express our appreciation. 

Easter

Happy Belated Easter from the girls! He has risen!

The whole family was together again. What a joy!

We got to see our Gran on Easter day!

I think we all look alike here--Gran, too!

The Easter bunny was good to us; he brought us some bunny ears!

We have a tradition of getting our Easter baskets on the stairs. 

It's one of those traditions we just can't let go!

We had a little too much fun with our gifts--thanks, Mommy!

Traditional Easter egg dying in our bunny ears. 

Finally we can't forget our precious baby angel, Tucker. 

She sported her Easter nautical-inpsired Easter dress with some bunny ears.

Possibly the cutest picture ever taken of her! (photo cred to Anna)

Also, this little lady just had a birthday yesterday! She's seven years old.

Our family wouldn't be the same without this lovely addition. 

We love you, Tucker!

We hope you all had wonderful Easters and special times with family. 

Blessings,

-Mary Claire

Lately

We've seen a lot of each other lately! And we couldn't be happier. :)

Two weeks ago the whole family came down to see Elizabeth perform at school. (See Sarah's post here) It was a blast to be with them! Next came this past weekend, which was scheduled to be "Dad's Day" for our sorority and my official initiation into Chi Omega. Mom was supposed to be with Anna this weekend for "Mom's Day" for Chi Omega at Anna's school and Sarah was supposed to be at her school doing various things like finishing her education... :)

BUT...

(The whole family together!)

(At initiation with my friend Madi!)

Instead of only Dad coming--which was exciting enough--my mom came as well and brought my sisters to surprise me at my initiation. It was so fun! When I saw their smiling faces I felt so loved that Anna would give up her Mom's Day activities and Sarah would take the time (and Dad the expense) to fly down and see me. I felt so special. I was able to show them off to all my friends who went on and on about how we look so alike and yet so different. :)

I am blessed to come from a family of people who tell it like it is and I would never have it any other way. Mom and Dad taught us to express our feelings--good or bad--so as to keep communication clear. Not only has this helped resolve conflicts, but it has also become a vital piece of how we love each other. Everyone has a unique relationship with each person within the family that is so important and inextricably linked to how this whole thing we call "life" works.

When we are together there is no stopping the laughter and fun. The nicknames get more and more ridiculous and the days are fuller and fuller of love. I am incredibly grateful for their sacrifices to come see me this weekend. It's not easy to pick up and leave so much during school, but my sisters and parents do that for me and Elizabeth. We feel so blessed that even as far apart as we are, there are sweet times like these when we can be together!

So obviously MY WEEKEND ROCKED.

-Mary Claire

I'm Back

So, I finally realized how to sign back in to my blog account! I apologize to everyone (especially my sisters) for being a lazy girl.

This semester has been a whirlwind already!  This is my last semester of college, and it is a weird sensation to almost be finished.  I am reluctantly back at college after a sweet time with my family while visiting Elizabeth and Mary Claire at their college.  Elizabeth was in Sing for Chi Omega and she performed like an angel.  We loved being able to support her.

Sweet sisters at Sing

My favorite part of the weekend was the impromptu meet and greet with friends of Mary Claire and Elizabeth.  We all went to ice cream and met some of the most fun and kindest people in the whole town.  I loved being able to put faces and personalities with the stories I have heard.  I was so proud to see the friends that the girls had made!

I am plunging into the great unknown after this semester.  I am hoping to do a discipleship program for a year at Pine Cove Camps called The Forge.  This program will provide me with an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord in a unique and wonderful environment.  I am mid-interview process with this, so any prayers would be appreciated!

Any other plans are completely up in the air.  I am trying to remaining calm in the midst of the transition, but I am comforted by the knowledge that the Lord has helped me thus far and that He will continue to guide my steps.  Luckily, all of my friends are going through this transition at the same time, and we are able to comfort and provide advice to each other and still have the time of our lives in our last semester!

Enjoy today!

Blessings

Happy February, everyone! Time is passing quickly around here and spring is on its way! Guess what that means... MY BIRTHDAY!! It will be my last year as a teenager, but let's not talk about that yet! :)

The latest development in Elizabeth's and my lives is my decision to join a sorority called Chi Omega. I am in the pledging process and will be initiated in March! I feel so blessed to be a part of the most amazing group of girls. My pledge class has a total of 86 girls in it and I have felt so welcomed and loved by each one, including the older girls as well.

(I love how similar we look here! Love you, E!)

I never saw myself as a "sorority girl" but have come to realize it is so much more than wearing Greek letters and throwing parties, or whatever my perception held. Especially at my school, Chi Omega is about creating real friendships and learning to love each other well as Christ loves us.

(Here is my wonderful pledge class at our 80's themed party!)

Even as I write this it fills me with joy to think about the beautiful lives I have come to interact with these past few weeks. Each girl has something unique and valuable to bring to the sorority and I truly feel like every person is a celebration of God's masterful creation. His plan is perfect; thankfully His plan put me in Chi Omega! I am learning so much and cannot wait to spend the next three and a half years with these women!

As usual, I can't seem to keep my pictures limited... Here are some moments I couldn't pass up!

This is my "twin" who went to high school with me, Ashley!

So blessed to continue our friendship as sisters.

This is my friend, Anna! She is incredibly caring and inclusive.

Mommy came to see my get my bid for Chi Omega! 

I have the most beautiful and selfless mother. 

My bestie Madi got a little excited about all our presents...!

We are so blessed!

So happy Monday and may the Lord give you peace and strength for today! He is so good. 

-Mary Claire Hill

Psalm 116: 5-7

"The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."