Your Legacy..

The thought of being a mom thrills me beyond belief!  There are so many wonderful memories ahead and I just keep thinking that I want them to all be 'perfect'.  With this, the memories my children have when they become parents, has intrigued the wheels of my brain to turn. 

LEG-A-CY(noun)- something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.

The word 'Legacy' means several different things to me; an no I'm not talking about the kind of legacy you hope for your daughter as she goes through sorority recruitment. 

'Legacy' is a powerful word.  It always has kept me on my toes since I became old enough to desire a family of my own.  My mom's legacy is what lives on inside of me.  Her legacy has empowered me to achieve goals that were unachievable and succeed at being the person I am today.  Even though my mom isn't physically present in my life today her spirit has always guided me in the right direction. 

When I think about leaving a legacy for my children (and eventually grandchildren), I think of people such as Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Walt Disney,  & Rosa Parks (what would Jesus do?) ....... BUT I've realized that everyday people can leave a legacy that far exceed our imaginiation, such as my mom.  I can leave a legacy for my children, just at strong as the one left for me.

What precious memories I have of my mother.  She helped create the 'Washington County Animal Shelter' out of her love for animals. My dad always used to tell me stories about how she would "adopt" every stray animal she saw.  Several of these were while driving down the road and she would insist they stop to pick up the stray dog.  I think that's actually how we acquired all of the dogs we had as pets.  My husband always jokes that I pay more attention to our dogs than him. Of course, he's joking, but my love for animals is in abundance.  My mother was a teacher at Stratton Elementary, which was located in a rather low-income neighborhood for the simple fact that she told my dad, "she wanted to change the world".   Through her teaching she influenced many students at the different schools she taught.  She enjoyed sewing and "crafting" which are many of the things I enjoy myself. She was a member of the Junior League and many other community organizations.   She volunteered throughout the community, not for self satisfaction, but for the simple determination to help others and bring them joy.

Most of all, she wanted to be a mom, like ME!

Memories can sometimes fade over time.   I might forget the sound of her voice, the 'cackle' of her laugh, or the way she held her pen to write, but her legacy will last forever.   

Whether your role-model is someone you speak to daily, someone who crossed your path once or twice, or maybe someone you've never had the chance to meet; their legacy can influence, encourage, and empower you to achieve the highest goals you set for yourself. 

Through God, we can believe that the IMpossible is possible!

As a mom to my dearest Lula Mae, I promise to do all of the above and most importantly love her until the end of time.  I promise to leave a leagacy for her as strong as the one my mom left for me.

Whether you're a mom, grandmother, daughter, father, caregiver, teacher, cross walk attendant, bus driver, or neighbor to a small child; you may be a celebrity in their eyes. 

What legacy will you leave behind? What will YOU be remembered for?


Job 1:21
Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Lula's Nursery Ideas: Charleston Cottage



I've been designing Lula Mae's nursery in my head since December.  Now that we know baby Johnston is a GIRL, these ideas can come to life.

I wanted a room that was functional for me as a new mom and a room that would last several years without having to be re-painted, re-designed, & re-furnished for every milestone in her life. 

While searching for cribs and trying to decide between the 431578 different ones, I came across "The Hope" crib.  This is a custom crib designed by 'Little Crown Interiors' and was specifically designed to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.  For those of you that know me, you will appreciate my squeal over this fabulous find.  The crib also comes with a plaque that they mount to the crib and you can customize a quote or whatever you would want it to say.  I had already come up with a quote that would be in memory of my mom and in honor of our first daughter.  I had this whole thing planned.  After mentioning the crib to my husband, he agreed that it was a little pricey but that he would pick up a couple extra shifts at the hospital because he knew how much this crib meant to me (Isn't he just great!). 

Just a little fun fact... Did you know that Laila Ali has this crib for her daughter? 

A couple weeks later, Cham and I were sitting at the kitchen table, eating dinner and talking about the baby.  When the crib came up in our conversation I expressed my hesitation about spending that kind of money on something that cannot be used forever.  Why couldn't we just get a non-fancy crib for Lula and donate the difference to the Susan G. Komen?  Wouldn't that make more sense?  VOILA!

After that conversation, I started writing down all of the things I liked about the crib; its color, scalloped edges, dedication plaque, shape of legs, etc.  I was determined to replicate this 'designer' crib into something that would fit into our lifestyle.  Why can't we just buy a white crib, paint it pink, and get someone on ETSY to make a plaque to attach to the bottom? Sometimes I am such a genius (only kidding)!!

Theme: Charleston Cottage

Colors:

I wanted her room to be very colorful.  My idea is that every piece of furniture would be a different pastel color: pink crib, white dresser, green upholstered glider,  & turquoise changing table/night stand. I want her bedding to be in Amy Butler and everything in the room to play off of her vibrant colors. 

Color of walls:

Artwork:

I picture lots of whimsy in her room.  I know her monogram or name will most likely be on the wall somewhere (what's a Charleston cottage without at least one thing monogrammed?)  I want to create a whimsical alphabet to be framed and hung on the wall. I also want a growth chart that can be removed and put in a house if we ever

moved.  I've already ordered her bow holder & cannot wait to see how it turns out!

Window treatments:

I'm going to con my dad into making cornices for the two windows in her room.  They will be padded and upholstered in matching Amy Butler fabric. Long curtains will hang inside. 

Lighting:

A chandelier will hang in place of the fixture which is there now.  An accent lamp will provide soft lighting in the corner. 

Bedding:

Fabric: Amy Butler: Soul Blossoms & Love

Her crib skirt will be made out of tiered ruffles and I am hoping to create a quilt for her.  Pom-pom, minky, and chenille pillows will adorn the crib.

Projected project completion:

May 1, 2012

It seems the joys of being a mother are endless and she hasn't even arrived yet.  I know she won't remember the color of her room or ever know how many hours Cham and I put into getting everything together but she will know one thing, how much she is loved.

We cannot wait for your arrival Ms. Lula! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!