Carson and Mallory's Engagement

If you visited A Little Loveliness years ago, may find yourself as surprised as I am that those sweet little ones who grew up in this space are now spreading their wings as teenagers and young adults. Our oldest son, Carson, proposed to his childhood sweetheart, Mallory, over Christmas break, and I am happy to share these photos from their special day.

Mallory and Carson met at ages 13 and 14, respectively. The pair dated for a year and a half in high school and then again for six months while in college. Even during times when they weren't dating, they always seemed to be drawn back together as best friends. 

Carson realized early in 2020 that Mallory is the love of his life. While he was in basic training for the army, the two began corresponding via letters. Their relationship has only grown stronger in the months since, and they soon realized that this is true love.

When Carson came home for Christmas -- such a thrill for us since, due to Covid, we were unable to see him for nine months -- he wanted to propose. Under the guise of a family photo shoot for New Year's cards, we invited Mallory to join but then let the two of them get a head start on the outing. Photographer Rebecca Long was in on the surprise, so when the lighting was just right, she posed Mallory and told Carson to get behind her to run in for a hug.

But this was actually the moment when he got down on one knee.

"Mallory," he called.

"Will you marry me?"

She said yes!

We are so happy for these childhood sweethearts who have found their forever home in each other.

Wedding plans are well underway, so you can count on seeing details of the festivities here.

I love these two so very much and can't wait to watch them start their life together!

"Love must be as much a light as a flame." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Happy New Year!

We pray God's richest blessings on you and yours in 2021.

This year, we look forward to adding a new daughter to our family, as Carson weds his childhood sweetheart, Mallory. In my next post, I will be sharing photos from this family photo shoot-turned-surprise proposal. This exciting event ended a challenging year with the sweetest of celebrations.

"A new year is simply the turn of a calendar page -- and a beautiful chance for us to turn over a new leaf."

~ Terri Guillemets

An Easter Table Abloom in Pink and Yellow

"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there."

~ Clarence W. Hall

With this year's celebration of Easter taking place at home, I looked forward to creating some special memories around our table. During my grocery shopping for the occasion, I was so pleased to find lush pink roses, sunny yellow tulips and snowy white hydrangeas. Arranging these pretty flowers in favorite wire birdhouses offered a subtle reminder that beauty can always bloom, even during a season of confinement due to quarantine. Enjoy these glimpses of spring loveliness!

"It is the hour to rend thy chains,

The blossom time of souls."

~ Katherine Lee Bates

Easter at Home

"For I remember it is Easter morn,

And life and love and peace are all new born."

~ Alice Freeman Palmer

This time of quarantine has brought a range of new experiences, including its share of challenges and blessings. For us, celebrating Easter together has been one of the loveliest opportunities. We have traveled over the holiday weekend for many years, making some wonderful memories along the way, but I must confess that I have often looked forward to the day when we would gather again around our own table. Although I never pictured us spending the entire holiday at home, the sweet simplicity of setting the kids' Easter baskets in the kitchen, worshiping with our church family via livestream, and then stepping into the dining room for lunch gave a relaxed pace to the festivities. We were a bit more casual in dress this year, but I still wanted to commemorate the occasion with photos in our yard. Here are a few of our favorites, including the traditional pairings of Carson and Mary Ashley hugging and of Emma holding Christian. You may notice that the boys are sporting mustaches in these images -- a bit of quarantine entertainment!

" 'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees

Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy."

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Easter Memories

"Awake, thou wintry earth --

Fling off thy sadness!

Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth

Your ancient gladness!"

~ Thomas Blackburn

Easter weekend found us traveling to Searcy, Arkansas, to celebrate the holiday with Carson at Harding University. During Spring Sing, an annual competition of social-club shows, he dazzled us while performing with the hosts and hostesses as part of the ensemble.

Mary Ashley's expression pretty well sums up our feelings to be reunited with our favorite college guy. Having all of us together, I could not stop smiling myself!

Joe's parents joined us for this trip, so we were able to introduce them to Harding. It was so special having three generations together on campus.

We were also able to celebrate with sweet Mallory, who is dating Carson. These two dated in high school and were best friends for a while before getting back together this year. She is a freshman at Harding, and we absolutely adore her!

Campus was in full bloom, and the kids patiently indulged me in taking family photos. They know that I look forward to this all year and cherish every image of my chicks! Here are some more of my favorite images from Easter Sunday.

"For I remember it is Easter morn,

And life and love and peace are all new born."

~ Alice Freeman Palmer