happy birthday, my Majlinda!

Yesterday was Majlinda's 10th birthday! If you've been reading for a while, you know that Majlinda is one of the children that I sponsor with World Vision. She lives in Albania, near the seacoast. I have another little boy in Albania, in the same community, called Redion, and I have a little girl in South Africa called Boikokobetso. 

I can't believe that Majlinda is now ten! TEN! I've officially been sponsoring her for more than half her life, as she was just four when she came into my life. This is the most recent photo that I have of her, which I received a few weeks ago:

She's so big, especially compared with some of her early photos! I found this post from several years ago, with a photo of the doll that I sent for her birthday. She wrote back that she named the doll Alma, the Al for my name, and the Ma for hers. Isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever heard? I nearly cried when I read that. 

Majinda, I hope that you had the most wonderful day, sweet girl. 

I'm so blessed to have you in my life. 

the prettiest teacup ever

When I was home this past weekend, my grandmother gave me this teacup from her collection, and I adore it.






I collect teacups and teapots, and this is such a special one. She has a lovely little collection of teacups that she used to use to serve her lady friends when they'd come over to play bridge!


I think I need to have a tea party...

my week, currently, vol. 3

It's been such a busy few weeks here, and it doesn't look as though they're slowing down anytime soon! I mentioned that I was in Minneapolis and Chicago earlier in the month, and this past weekend, I was home in NH for my father's birthday. In two weeks, we're in Iowa for the weekend. Steve's sister is having a baby in August, and they are having the baby shower. I am so pleased with myself, as I finished a quilt for her, and the baby is not here yet! This is the first time I've ever finished a quilt before the baby arrives! Now, of course, I have three more quilts to finish. 

Reading: I mentioned the other day that I am finally reading Lean In, and I am also reading Wedding Night, the new one from Sophie Kinsella. Yes, it's fluffy, but everyone needs that once in a while. Has anyone read this yet? I also have a huge stack of magazines to get through. I am such a magazine junkie! 

Eating: I have a beef stew simmering for dinner! I know it's 75* outside, but I was having a craving for it, and it seemed like the perfect thing. I am using the recipe from the Tasha Tudor cookbook, and I just love it. Comfort food at its best.

Listening: I have a rerun of How I Met Your Mother on tv. Speaking of, what did you think of the finale? THE MOTHER!!?!?!?!

Thinking: I'm thinking about becoming a Stella and Dot consultant. I had so much fun with the party I hosted last fall, and would love to try it out. They have such gorgeous pieces. I've never done anything like this, and not sure if I'd be good at it, but am thinking about it. Maybe I should have another party first?

Laughing: While I was home this weekend, I saw my best friend's boys, Jackson and Owen. Jackson is my godson and will be six in July, and his brother Owen will be two later in the month. During desert of cupcakes, Renee pointed to me and said to Owen "who is that?" and Owen giggled and said "Auntie Wexy," which I think was two-year old speak for Auntie Lexi...to which Jackson replied, "Ow-ey! she's MY Auntie Lexi, not YOUR Auntie Lexi!" Those boys are the best.

Wondering:  Why I don't have a lilac bush in my yard. I rarely see them in DC. I picked some at my parent's house and am wishing I had some here! Likewise, they have TONS of lily of the valley in their yard, and I am dying for some of those too!

Wearing: Yoga pants. Perfection  ;)

Loving: The three day weekend coming up! I am in need of a break, and I am so happy that we have no plans for the long weekend. I need a nap.

Wanting:  A cup of tea, but I have no milk for it right now. Apparently Steve didn't do any grocery shopping while I was gone this past weekend  ;)   I did a tea tasting with Capital Teas and Living Social a few weeks ago, and I need to blog about it. I had so much fun!

Needing: To clean the house. How is it always such a disaster? 

What's your week looking like?

Leaning In

Everyone has been talking about this book, and now I am finally reading it too. I requested it from the library and was no. 287 in the queue!






I'm only a chapter in so far, so we'll see! Have you read it? What did you think?

MTM and the Bean

I spent the last week in Minneapolis and Chicago for work, and will do a better recap soon (I still have to blog about my Vegas trip in March too!) but thought I'd post a photo or two.


I had a few hours to spare in Minneapolis and found that the Mary Tyler Moore statue was just a few blocks from my hotel!







Also, we found the bean in Chicago!






How has your week been? Have I missed any big news?




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