Going with the ebb and flow

I told Audrey: It's a great privilege to turn forty

On March twenty-fifth (this past, haha) we all met in Asheville, North Carolina, for a double birthday party.

The only one absent was our Joel, who is a pastor and does not take off on Saturdays (for it was a Saturday).

Instead, he visits church members and potential visitors and prepares for Sunday.

But everyone else was there -- even Andrew and Brittany and Ember. 

Audrey, Dagny, Chad, Erica, and Rhett had driven from Columbia that morning, as had TG and I.

Stephanie, Melanie, Allissa, and Little Andrew came from Lenoir. They brought their adorable puppy, Piper.

We were prepared to party

The occasion was the birthdays of our Audrey, who turned forty, and our Andrew, who turned thirty-four.

They were born exactly six years and one week apart.

This particular weekend fell right in the middle of their two birthdays, so it was the ideal day to meet.

We had found the ideal place, too. After deciding on Asheville as a doable distance for everyone to drive, I did some research and narrowed down our choices of parks in the area to the French Broad River Park.

It has a beautiful gazebo with just the right number of picnic tables for our party. There were two grills on its edge, and the restrooms were nearby. The scenic French Broad River flowed about thirty yards away.

I had several conversations with an exceptionally kind and courteous lady named Nora at the parks department, in the process of making my selection. She could not have been more helpful.

My apple pie baked beans got a grill all to themselves

As for that gazebo, we claimed it by all pitching in to pay the cost -- very reasonable -- although it is first come, first served for free if you want to take a chance that it will be available when you arrive.

We didn't want to take that chance so we paid our money to reserve the space, and I started planning.

The weather on the day was gorgeous, just warm enough, just cool enough, if a trifle more windy than I prefer.

Of course there were hamburgers and hot dogs. In addition, I had brought apple pie baked beans and potato salad and corn chips with plenty of salsa.

I had made a Mexican Chocolate Loaf Cake with powdered sugar sieved on top, and a Vanilla Pound Cake drizzled with amaretto icing.

It was a tad too windy but we made do although we did lose a few of those balloons

Stephanie had brought Watergate Salad and Erica contributed even more chips and dip.

I had made two huge thermoses of hot coffee, and we even had heavy cream and an assortment of mugs from home to drink it from.

I had also baked all week so I could bring fresh homemade bread for each of the families to take home. Like a party favor. I asked myself, what kind of party favor would I like? And bread sprang to mind, so bread it was.

When we got to the park and found our gazebo in the late morning, I started setting everything up and TG got the grills going.

Pretty soon everyone was there, and the kids were enjoying running around in the sunshine on the plenteous grass, and going down to the decking built out over the river.

Piper was prepared to party too but she wanted out of her crate

The park is only about ten miles from Olivette, where Andrew and Brittany were married five years ago.

We were pretty excited about celebrating Audrey's fortieth birthday, because that's a milestone.

I had encouraged everyone to get her what she really wanted: An assortment of higher-end stackable beaded bracelets that are so popular right now.

The girls all enjoyed conferring and sending links back and forth amongst themselves and to me, while deciding on which ones to get her.

TG and I took advantage of a January sale at Swarovski online, and bought her a ring and a necklace.

Melanie is in the habit of sitting off to the side and observing the action

She loves jewelry. We all do.

As for Andrew, I took a chance on a new bottle of cologne for him.

It all started when I got to talking to a new friend at church several months ago. In short order, we bonded over the subject of perfume.

We both love perfumes. Her name is Susan and, like me, she has older children. Her son, though in his early twenties, still lives at home and she told me that, as a young single working man can do, he'd treated himself to a bottle of Creed Aventus.

I was impressed because I know how expensive Creed fragrances are. I wanted to get TG some for his seventieth birthday but I quite literally could not afford it.

Ember gets right in the middle of things

Susan told me that likewise, she had wanted to get some Creed Aventus for her husband, after smelling it on her son.

But they quite literally could not afford it, either.

So she said, they ventured out into the unknown, took a chance, and bought a bottle of Fragrace Club Inspired by Aventus. On Amazon.

A knockoff, as it were.

I was intrigued and said so. Susan offered to bring me samples of each. 

I had to bring everything but the kitchen sink with me

Sure enough, she did that, and I opened two baggies -- one containing a a large card spritzed generously with the real Creed Aventus, cadged from her son, and a spritz of her husband's Inspired by Aventus (which costs ten times less) on another card -- one at a time, and sniffed with eager enthusiasm.

Heavenly. Both of them.

But it gets better. Not only were the two fragrances nearly identical, but I almost thought that I liked the Inspired by Aventus better than the actual Creed Aventus.

I'm not sure that I could, even now, tell the difference between them.

For several weeks I kept opening those baggies and sniffing those two cards, thinking something in the back of my mind but afraid to really invite it to the front of my mind, where it may have led to action.

My MacKenzie-Childs enameled bowl travels well

As in, the purchase of a bottle of Inspired by Aventus for my son Andrew's thirty-fourth birthday.

Why would that be such a big deal, involving so much thought? You may be asking.

Because after the inevitable Axe Body Spray phase that hordes of young men went through if they were teens in the early aughts, Andrew, when he went away to the military and to college, began wearing Liz Claiborne Curve.

And never stopped. You might say it is his signature fragrance. It's inexpensive but it smells wonderful on him.

So even though my investment in a bottle of Inspired by Aventus for him may not have been a big one, it was still his birthday present and I didn't want to get it wrong.

There was plenty of hot coffee with cream, and real mugs to drink it from

When he opened it, there under the gazebo at French Broad River Park, a few days before his birthday, I was anxious. 

Let me tell you why I got you that, I said. And I told him that to me, while Liz Claiborne Curve smells very good on him and is so strongly associated with him that it IS him, I felt during all those weeks of sniffing Inspired by Aventus that it was even more him.

I told him that to me, Inspired by Aventus (and the real Aventus too, if I'm being brutally if not frugally honest) smells like grown-up Andrew.

That when I smell it, it brings to mind adventure and aviation and a handsome family man who is smart and strong enough to pilot the KC-135 Stratotanker but gentle enough to play dolls with his three-year-old daughter, and take her outside and make a fire and teach her how to roast marshmallows.

Audrey was thrilled with the bracelets her siblings chose for her

Anyway I was so distracted while watching him open his gift and waiting for the moment that he sprayed it and sniffed it -- and that Brittany did the same, because let's face it, she had to like it too in order for the present to be a success -- that I forgot to take a picture of him.

He loves -- LOVES -- Inspired by Aventus. His wife does too. Andrew has called a few times since then to tell me that he's wild about it, and will likely never go back to wearing Liz Claiborne Curve. At least not after he finishes his current bottle.

I'm hoping that when he turns forty, I can afford to get him a bottle of the real Creed Aventus.

Meanwhile I need to get TG some of that fake stuff (maybe for Father's Day) because when Andrew sprayed it into the air at the party, I got a whiff and was reminded of how truly magical it is. Off the charts, as a matter of fact. Spectacular and marvelous.

This was only one of our food-laden picnic tables

Worth every cent although it certainly did not break the bank.

So it was that, festivities concluded, we all packed up and left for home at around four o'clock, full and happy and tired. The birthday honorees loved their presents and that was the best part.

The children were tired out from playing, but in a good way. Maybe Rhett would sleep on the two-hour drive home (he didn't).

At the time of that party we had already embarked on a remodel of our bedroom and master bath.

It took seven weeks total and it was harrowing, but it's done now and it looks rather beautiful, but I hope I never have to do that again.

A few weeks after that party, we had a party for Allissa's fifteenth birthday. I'll tell you about that next week.

There was cake and plenty of it

I would promise to do it later this week, but I have to go to Greenville for a few days. When I get back, it will be time to prepare for our Mother's Day celebrations.

My beloved sister, Kay (fifteen months older than me), who survived breast cancer nearly ten years ago, has now been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

We are brokenhearted because that's scary and potentially devastating, but the report is guardedly optimistic and we are counting on her receiving excellent care as she did before.

I haven't see Kay since her birthday in December (she's in that post; you just have to scroll down), so I'm going to Greenville to hang out with her and provide whatever support and assistance I can.

I'm not going empty handed. Today I made a huge pot of potato corn chowder, four loaves of homemade bread (two for Kay and two for Henry) and another one of those vanilla pound cakes drizzled with amaretto icing.

It's always a hit. I'll take everything with me and get there in time for lunch on Wednesday.

On your birthday and every day, I wish you all the precious gifts

I've also got a Mother's Day gift to leave with Kay.

Please pray that the Lord in His wisdom will guide my sister's doctors in the best course of action to help her.

For he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Tuesday

Comments

[Mari]

It's another successful Weber party!
Happy Birthday to Audrey and Andrew. I enjoyed all the photos and am always happy to see Ember, cute as ever and growing fast!
I am very intrigues by this cologne. Something tells me I would like it too.
Sorry to hear about Kay. I'll certainly be praying for her.

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... Thank you for your prayers for Kay. That means a lot, my friend. And trust me: You and Bob would love this cologne, if he's in the habit of wearing fragrance. I like for my man to smell extra good, haahaa! xoxo

[Ginny Hartzler]

I'm so very sorry about your sister. Ember has grown so much that I did not recognize her. Audrey's dress is gorgeous. And your cake is so beautiful! I love the bracelets.

[Donna]

Oh sweetheart...I'm sorry about Kay's illness! As you know, I'm going through helping my sister throughout Her cancer diagnosis. A dark and scary journey, indeed but, God's in charge! And I truly believe He'll guide us all through the storms...I love you.
Now! Happy birthday to both Audrey and Andrew! Are We getting older, or are They? lolol
And I love their gifts! The bracelets are beautiful and the Inspired by Aventus is perfect for your Andrew! If you loved it, I know he did, as well. I'm going to check it out for my Larry...He's been a PI man (pronounced PIE by Givenchy not to be confused by the mathematical sign...lol) for years...sweet and yummy.
Piper is adorable as are all your babies!
Apple Pie Beans? Recipe please!!
Have a beautiful and loving Mother's Day sweetheart!
hugs
Donna

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... I hear you ... sometimes I barely recognize her myself, she's such a big girl! But so precious. Didn't Audrey look pretty that day? But then she looks pretty every day. Have a wonderful Mother's Day, my friend!

@Donna ... Yes my friend I know you are supporting your Ruth through her illness and I pray for you often and think of you almost daily. I am scared (just being honest here) of going through this with Kay so soon after losing our mom, but as you say, God is in charge and we follow. Mom said, when she was dying: I want whatever God has for me. And to that I say, Amen! Me too. As for who is getting older, to think that my second child is forty? Well, that makes me feel old and yet, I really don't, most days. Like I told her: The only alternative is death. So enjoy your life, while it lasts! Andrew is such a man in his own right that I barely recognize my little boy in there, although I know that he still is there. PI by Givenchy? That is one with which I am unfamiliar but I need to go to the store and smell it! I love for my TG to smell scrumptious. I think you would like Inspired by Aventus and if not, it's cheap and someone will wear it -- Will or Tim or someone, if Larry turns up his nose, haha! I will send you the Apple Pie Baked Beans recipe ... it is delicious and so different. Just a neat spin on regular baked beans. I love you too ... and Happy Mother's Day! xoxo

[Lori]

Happy Birthday to Audrey and Andrew!! It looks like you celebrated in your normal fabulous style. I'm glad they both enjoyed their gifts. It is so nice how much thought you put in to things. Not everyone does.
7 weeks of renovation? That sounds horrible but I'm sure it turned out wonderful and is worth it in the end. I really want new kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash but I am dreading the mess and the hassle. I don't know if I can take the heart of our home torn up for so long. There is an Amish couple that i am going to check with to see what their turn around time is. They usually get things done quickly.
I am SO sorry to hear about your sister Kay. Hugs and prayers for the both of you. I'm glad you're going to spend some time with her and I'm sure she is thrilled. Keep the faith my friend!!

[Carla TePaske]

Hello Jenny,
My friend Judy also makes bread for family,friends and party favors. I loved reading that you do too.
I enjoyed your birthday party. Happy Birthday to your dear ones.
I will be praying... please keep us updated.
Love, Carla

Happy Mother's Day to a VERY special mom!!! You inspire me. xx oo

[Debbi]

yep, yep, yep, I'm gonna have to start showing up at these Weber parties.....y'all sure know how to do it up right! Your daughter looks so pretty in her pink floral dress. Loved the pictures of everybody.....and little PIPER is adorable! What kind is she and how old? so sweet. The food looks great, and now I'm craving a cup of HOT COFFEE with the real cream, LOL. Uh uh uh oh!--another great cologne. A few posts back on my blog....I told how I learned about that good smelling cologne from you, (the Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla) and ordered some for my hubby. I trusted your opinion....and yes oh my goodness that smells SO GOOD, AND HE LIKES IT TOO. So now I am just gonna "have to" try out this new one that you got for your son. LOL. Happy birthday to Andrew and Audrey both.Looking forward to seeing pictures of your newly remodeled bath and bedroom. I bet it looks great. Did you change alot of things? I'm glad Audrey got the bracelets that she wanted. You KNOW HOW I AM ABOUT "ARM CANDY". HA HA LOL. I see that "real cream" there on the table.....alot of my recipes call for it.....are y'all having any trouble finding it these days? We don't have Publix here.....and only ONE STORE ever has cream!? Weird! I buy it when it's in stock. Little Ember is growing so FAST!---so is Melanie, a young lady now!!. Looks like Melanie likes bracelets too? So sorry to hear about Kay....sad to hear bad news. Glad you're there with her now. Just you being there will do her a world of good. Hugs my friend!

[Jennifer]

@Lori ... Yes, the chaos was worth it in the end but wow, it's hard to go through. I am so grateful for everything we did in the house and we certainly are enjoying it. I hope you can renovate your kitchen in as painless a way as possible! I would love to do my kitchen over but that's not on the table right now, hahaha! Kay is hanging in there and starting R-CHOP chemo on Monday, the first of three treatments given three weeks apart. She is dreading the side effects but braving the situation and ready to get started. Prayers appreciated! xoxo

@Carla ... Judy sounds like a winner. Homemade bread is never a bad move, haha! I hope you have a delightful Mother's Day with your family. Thank you for your kind words, my friend. xoxo

@Debbi ... Yes, ARM CANDY! We girls all like our bracelets stacked up a certain way and never leave home without them. So you tried the Cremo and liked it? Wow! I need to get TG some more of that because he used up the bottle he had. It really is an unusually nice scent. Oddly enough we've had lots of success with "cheap" fragrances. One of my favorites is Stetson! I love it when he wears that. Oh yes we only go with real cream for our coffee and I always have it on hand because I also use it in my crustless quiche and a few other recipes. For some reason I can't remember Piper's exact mix but isn't she darling? Her legs are so long, it's almost comical! And she's pretty hyper but so adorable that we forgive her. I will certainly share pictures of our renovated bath and bedroom! It think you'll like it! Happy Mother's Day to you, my friend! xoxo

[Gayla]

Your party sounds just wonderful, as always! I know everyone had a wonderful day. I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's illness. Yes, we will pray for wise and kind doctors to help her.

Have a lovely weekend.

[Jeanette]

Looks and sounds like a wonderful birthday party! Lots of good food and great gifts! I can see why Audrey loves those bracelets! They are beautiful. Ember is a little doll! I'm sorry about your sister. I will keep her in my prayers.

[Jennifer]

@Gayla ... it was a great day, one we will never forget. Thank you for your prayers! xoxo

@Jeanette ... Aren't they though? I like bigger bracelets but those dainty ones are lovely on Audrey, especially all stacked up like that! Thank you for praying for Kay. xoxo