MS Childrens' Museum

Jackson was my city while I was in school at Millsaps College , and it is now full circle as I get to bring my son here to Jackson to the children’s museum to play with friends and learn about both science and Mississippi.

From fishing for catfish in the man-made river, running through the playhouse-sized capitol building, dancing to Elvis records in the dance studio, to playing chef in the full-sized toddler kitchen, there was no shortage of things to do at the MS Children's museum.  In fact, after 4 hours of non-stop playing and learning, I think we left having tackled about half of what was offered.  Hanson’s favorite part of the children’s museum was the literacy garden located outside. There is a magical quality about it that I can't quite put my finger on. They had music playing over the loudspeaker-Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" being one of the songs played that sticks out in my memory.  Books and passages from nursery rhymes were read, there was a tree house for climbing, and interactive games offered by the staff. And ice cream sandwiches were enjoyed by all. Can’t forget those! 

I'm not going to lie, it may have been just as much fun for me as an adult as it was for my son, Hanson.  We seriously had so much fun and the employees of the museum were so kind and generous to us throughout our day there.  I definitely recommend making a day of going and enjoying all that this incredible place has to offer.

After being away so long, it was great to be back in my old city. And, Jackson is still my city for entertainment! Thank you so much for having us, @mschildsmuseum ! #MyCity#CitywithSoul #VisitJacksonMS#JacksonMS #EntertainYourSoul

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just two weeks away.  It seems like the year passed so extremely
quickly since my first Mother's Day.  I have been looking forward to Mother's Day
for months.  I'm ready to admit, my love language is gifting.  Nobody
loves a present like I love a present. I love to give and I love to receive. 
Especially when the gift is thoughtful or sentimental. Don't get me started on
surprises. It could be the smallest thing in the world but if it is thoughtful and a
surprise, my heart soars! My husband's love language is words of affirmation, so
we often miss the boat with making each other happy on holidays. I try to make it
very easy for him by telling him exactly what I want for each holiday, but then I
get disappointed even if I get what I asked for, because I told him what to get and
it wasn't a surprise. (If you haven't read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, stop now and order yourself and your significant other a copy right now and thank me later.)

I will say, last year for my first Mother's Day, William’s gift did not disappoint! He
surprised me with roses and a piece of McCarty's Pottery (a bunny, and bunnies
are particularly meaningful to me...more on that later). 
The card in the roses said "Happy Mother’s Day. Love, Hanson".  I keep the framed card on my bedside table next to the McCarty bunny, and both are so special to me. You could honestly not offer me a million dollars for them. 

I love when other people post gifting guides and I have SO many amazing ideas
for Mother's Day gifts because I've been mentally shopping for myself for
months. HA!  Hopefully, this list will make it super easy for some of you to shop for
your moms, MILs and all of the other important moms in your life.  You could also
totally send your man this link and have him pick something for you (it still kind of
counts as a surprise/guided suggestion).  Or, you can take the guesswork out of
it for him and just order yourself something like I'm probably going to do! We
mamas deserve a little treat from time to time. 

I think all women - whether mothers or not - can agree that the one thing on our
must- have list for any holiday is just time with our family.  Time spent with those
you love is one gift you will keep forever in your heart and look back on for the
rest of your life with a smile on your face.  It is non-refundable or exchangeable,
and somehow that makes it the most priceless gift of all. 

Although, a little present never hurt nobody.  ;)

xx
holly 

photography by Masa Kathryn