the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes

I'm currently on a reading kick...I have been known to purchase books, start reading them and then get side-tracked with something else. As a result, I had numerous books that were either half read or never started. Back in April, I made a personal goal that I would finish reading all the books I had before purchasing another one. I went from book-to-book until I finished all of them...most were really good and I wondered why I waited so long. Since my reading frenzy was going strong, I started by shopping one book at a time. Some of my current favorites are here and here. Anyways, I've joined a book club and the current read is the following:

You can read about the book here.

A girl can dream...

I dream of one day having a beautiful outdoor room to entertain. If you could see our current state of a backyard you would realize how far away I am from my dream. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that we have a backyard but it is definitely not entertaining material. I envision beautiful "comfy" couches with luscious outdoor fabric, happy green plants & grills and fire-pits. Of course, any views shown in the pictures would be nice as well.

Look at those gorgeous chairs!

i love the 2 separate living spaces.

Love the peacefulness of this room...and I would take the additional cottage!

All photos viewed here!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Friday Favorites...

Every Friday, I will be posting my favorite things of the week.

Could be things we did, pretties on the internet or randoms.

my little girl's laughter...it seriously is contagious

marmi's last treatment...praise God!

picked up this pretty

comfy bedding at 5 star hotels...really why can't I have this at home?

getting a blow-out that lasts for 4 days...maybe 5!

this sweet artwork by uncommon

baked cheese grits from 4 Rivers BBQ

this idea - maybe one day!

The next Jimi Hendrix..

Our little musician! When we went to LA last September, Carter was first introduce to a guitar. Barrett's cousin, Will, is a wonderful musician. Carter loved watching and listening to Will playing the guitar. Fast forward to now...Daddy has an old guitar that Miss Carter loves to strum...but it is too big for her to hold. For her first birthday, Will and Bridgett gave her her own guitar. We just recently brought it back out...and she loves it. Check out the good form! We even had a little serenade going for Copper.

What a tongue!

Carter and Will

My new look...

I admit I was one that loved to view other blogs but was creatively-challenged on my own blog. I had originally started a blog...and posted a few entries...but never could get the motivation to blog every day. Unfortunately, I could no longer blame it on "not having enough time"...because my favorite "mommy-time" is browsing the blogosphere.

Erin posted about her new digs for her blog. I knew I found a match. I wasn't looking for anything too fancy...but something I would enjoy viewing every day. Let's face it - a good presentation is worth lots. Marina over at Penny Lane Designs was great to work with and knew just what I wanted. Even if you don't need an update, check out her site...it's a great way to learn about exciting blogs. Like this one... A Wedding Story (I know some of us our past our weddings but don't let the name fool ya...I viewed the first couple pages and did not see a single wedding post)...it is a really cute blog to follow...bonus she is having a giveaway!

Another success from The Pioneer Woman

Ok, you might want to listen up...I'm about to share one of my top secrets! If you have not visited The Pioneer Woman...you must...because it is a must for every cook, photographer, entertainer, mother...basically all of us women! Her blog is full of the yummiest foods...but the best part is her detail instructions and her beautifully photograph pics. She makes it simple for even me! When I saw today's post, I thought of my dear friend Hellen...her favorite dessert is crème brûlée. She will love this recipe!

Make sure you check out her website...you will not be sorry...or maybe you will! With all those fabulous new recipes, our husbands will be expecting us to cook every night.

When did this happen?

Anytime I get a sneak peek of Carter still sleeping in her crib, I'm always amazed at how big she is getting. When did this happen? It seems like yesterday that she was "itty bitty" in her crib. She used to sleep in the middle of the crib and never touch the bumper pads. At one time, I thought the crib was too big for her. Now, she can not help touching the sides...and spilling over. What a big girl!

Clowning around...

Miss Carter received this clown suit as a gift from her daddy's company...five months ago. Every time she sees it hanging in the closet, we have to put it on immediately...including the hat. Obviously the Florida temperatures do not matter to Carter and her clowning around! I was sweating just watching her walk around with the fleece suit. Not a day goes by that this little girl does not crack me up...she has no idea the effect she has on me.

Holy Molars...

Look at all those TEETH

Miss Carter has started the whole drooling thing again. I don't think I could get away with the 24/7 bibs these days. She must be getting her 2 year molars...but I say she has a mouthful already. This pics were taken after her nap. She always wakes up in a great mood. I usually leave her in her room for a little bit after I hear her. She plays for a few minutes by herself. Of course, this sometimes leads to the occasional naked bum...which always has Carter smiling.

How can you say no to this face?

As soon as Carter has been "rescued" from the crib, she gets started on her books. She is in love with the ABC song. I believe we are up to 30 times a day now. We have a poster with all the alphabet...Carter has been treating it like a game of Twister.

Pajamas and Birthdays...

This weekend was packed full of fun. On Friday, Barrett was still out of town...and we decided to visit the splash park with some friends. Anything involving water, Carter is all game. We joke that our 21 lbs little girl has no fear...but it is true. She was not a timid little girl waiting for just the right time to jump in the sprays. She ran through with arms held high and mouth wide open.

Me and my girl

O to be a kid again!

On Saturday morning, we had Graci Beth's first birthday party...a pajama party.

Honestly, the pajama party is a fantastic idea. 1) There was no planning for Carter's outfit 2) There was no obsessing if she was going to get strawberry drippings on it 3) She was ready for nap time when we got home. Julie did a great job with the party. Cupcakes, candy and bubbles...honestly? What more could be better for a party?

Julie had story time...right up Carter's alley.

Julie's mom made these adorable hats for all the kids. Carter loved wearing hers (and still does!). The party was a sweet success. Carter said "bye, bye" to everyone even the welcome dog.

On the way back from the pajama party, we swung by the airport and picked up Daddy. I had plans of surprising him by taking Carter inside the airport and meeting him outside security...but on the way Miss Carter fall asleep and I didn't have the heart to wake her. She woke up mid-way home and had a surprise in the front seat...her Daddy. I know everyone says that there child loves their daddies...and this girl is no exception. She randomly picks up my cell phone and starts talking to her Daddy...never to her Mommy. She squeals when he walks in the front door. Anyways, for a few seconds she had a strange expression on her face...I think we really surprised her...she was not expecting her Daddy to be home. They had the rest of the afternoon to catch up on bonding!

Carter's FAVORITE word...

SHOES...the girl loves saying the word and squeals when she gets to wear them. She stomps around the house...sometimes startling Copper (our 14 year old dog). They do not even have to be her own shoes. Carter loves finding Mommy or Daddy's shoes and trying to walk with those on her tiny feet. SO...how appropriate that I love buying shoes for this little girl. Anything looks good on this girl's feet. Here are a few that I have recently purchased...

via Gilt

via The Mini Social

via Old Navy

You must RUN and do not pass GO to...

Kate Landers Events, LLC: You will not be disappointed. You will first need to bookmark this blog. There are so many cute party ideas it will make it hard deciding on which party theme to do. Currently, they are having a giveaway in celebration of their fabulous creation in Life: Beautiful Magazine. Please join me in oohing and aahing over their gingham party dessert table.