Tomorrow my dear friends Courtney and JJ will board a plane for a very long journey to their new home in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). This weekend Chance and I journeyed to Houston for one last hurrah before they go.
Friday night we enjoyed an intimate gathering of close friends and family at the most wonderful house... we were also privileged to stay in said house's carriage house. The party Friday night was full of wonderful people who care about those two as much as Chance and I do. Creative, loving, caring, funny, down-to-earth, wonderful people. It was definitely an evening for the record-books. Bittersweet. And speaking of sweet, the food was AMAZING. Host & hostess could have gone the easy route and ordered food from one place, but no. Since they knew Court & JJ wouldn't be enjoying American cuisine for the next few years... they gathered up their favorite dishes from all over Houston and served a smorgasbord of Houston's finest and most favorite. Brilliant! (And DELICIOUS!)
I believe that behind every great house there is a great dog. Meet Albert (as in Einstein). He's a Westie-Poodle mix... and is a total riot. Someone needs to start breeding this mix. Owners said he was on "discount"... I say he was worth every dime.
Of course, I looked like a sort-of pregnant girl who wasn't quite sure what to wear to a party that started at 5:00 and who had been up since 3am traveling, while my fashion-forward friend was dressed to the nines, as usual, in a vintage dress she was the star of the show.
It was great to meet Julie, Courtney's "photographer friend".
Above we have Creativity Corner: Julie, Court, Cheryl, and Chris (and pretend Brian Neal is in the photo too, because he was in this corner too, just not when I snapped the photo)
Albert tried to sneak outside during the party, but got busted! That's Lou Ann in the background, homeowner and hostess with the mostest! We had such a wonderful time... and are so grateful for their hospitality. You should see her garden! Okay, I'll show ya!
Meg and Tim just moved to Houston from New Zealand, it was so great to meet them (in person)! And there they are again below with Neil and Jen...
Friday night there was so much awesomosity that I lost my voice and had to retire myself to the carriage house at 9:30. But not to worry, I arose bright and early on Saturday because I heard mention of beignets! Pregnant girl ain't missin a meal, I can promise you that. Saturday was low-key... we just spent the day at the mall eating Cool Ranch Doritos in the food court and playing with toy helicopters. Oh wait, I almost forgot, we also squeezed in some intellectual time in- they took us to a museum!
Late Saturday afternoon we were allowed to take the antique car for a spin...
She's the same year as our Mustang, a '65... but she sits a little tighter and rides a little smoother. The Mustang would totally smoke her in a race though, in case you wondered. We offered to take this off their hands for 3 years, but somehow we still left Houston on an airplane.
You like how I edited those photos to match the era of the car? Yeah, just ignore the 2006 Honda Accord and the Lexus in the background.
As I reflect on the weekend the thing that resonates most is a conversation I had with Courtney's dad on Friday night. Her parents are some of the kindest people I've met, interested in conversation and sincerely engaging... which I find unfortunately rare these days. As we sat and watched the young folk (and not pregnant folk) mix and mingle on Friday night her dad said to me "It's amazing that Courtney's blog has brought some of these people into her life. I sat up last night reading her blog and looking at the comments and was blown away that people sincerely care about someone they have never met face-to-face. The internet isn't what it used to be."
Mr. Smith you are absolutely right! But what's even more intriguing is the fact that totally normal people open their hearts and their gifts (freely) on their blogs... which is why I liked Courtney from my very first visit to her blog.
I will miss you Courtney & JJ... but am glad that the internet is in KL, so we can keep in touch daily!
I know they will be anxious tomorrow... send 'em a little love at their blog if you have the time. Court would do it for you... she's that kind of girl!
Thank you sweet friends for a wonderful weekend!!!
XO
Aww, Erika, I'm sad you'll miss your friend. But, one more reason to get to Malaysia right?! :) Looks like you had a fun weekend!!
Posted by: The Steel Magnolia House | March 30, 2009 at 10:38 PM
What a darling post! Awesome weekend and I love the era-edited pics of the antique Mercedes!
Posted by: Kat | March 30, 2009 at 11:38 PM
good work lil' mama - i knew there had to be more pics of such a fabulous party! xo
Posted by: arre | March 31, 2009 at 01:04 AM
erika, maybe that post was slightly aimed at persuading you to come! erin was amazing. we already talked about coming back and reliving our weekend in the summer months. are you in? seriously...i will help erin "pamper you" and you can just tell your husband that i take good care of traveling pregnant women. we must get planning and i have not even left italy yet! (ha) -julie
Posted by: Julie Young | March 31, 2009 at 03:48 AM
What I like most about blogging are the "peeps you meet" and the "places you peep" - Just think of all the future peeps and places you will go.....
Posted by: patricia | March 31, 2009 at 06:11 AM
What a sweet post, love all your pictures from your weekend. And what thoughtful comments about your friends. And I completely agree about the internet and meeting friends through blogs ... anyways, I love your blog and am a huge fan of your amazing work! *warmly*, kristy
Posted by: kristy | March 31, 2009 at 07:35 AM
It was a thrill to meet you, Erika! Especially after having heard the great story about how you guys met. Thanks for the shout out. I love your blog. Lovely. Lovely.
Take good care!
Posted by: Stash | March 31, 2009 at 08:00 AM
...or 2 dogs behind every great house!
What a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Abby | March 31, 2009 at 08:04 AM
you make me laugh {beercan house}, you make me cry {sweet daddy}, you make me want to live in '65 {cars}, you make me want to have photoshop {mad editing skills} but more than all of that..... you make me want to know court & jj and i kinda sort feel like i do! to court & jj, i love you guys! thanks for being such awesome friends to e & c and i'll be praying for you as you embark on this new chapter in your lives!!!!
oh... and court... that dress is so AWESOME! you really pulled it off!!!!!
Posted by: Darby | March 31, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Awww. I LOVED this post...and send off!
Godspeed Courtney!
Posted by: Linda@Lime in the Coconut | March 31, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Such a sweet post Erika! I hope you get to make a shopping trip out to Malaysia for a visit, just so we can all read about it and see the photos! Loved meeting you this weekend, it was definitely a great party for great people! Bon voyage Courtney & JJ! :) xxx M
Posted by: Meg | March 31, 2009 at 08:32 AM
I love this post. I think it's great that you got to spend one last weekend with Court and JJ. So sad that they are moving away, but it will be a great adventure for them and thank heaven for the internet! I love this blogging world. I never thought I would gain so many friends from it.
I know only wonderful things are awaking Courtney and JJ and I wish lots of luck!
Posted by: Camila | March 31, 2009 at 10:18 AM
What a perfect send-off! I can't even stand that gorgeous home-garden-CARRIAGE HOUSE. And the fact that it was overflowing with such warm, funny, fabulous friends makes me pine even more! Hooray for Courtney and JJ - they are in for a great adventure. Sad for you, Erika. Luckily, you will have the perfect diversion while they are away - and preschool when they get home!
Posted by: Annmarie | March 31, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I have been to Houston a bunch. I have never visited the beer can house. Well girl, I will have to change that.
By the way, love the house you were staying in.
Posted by: Marybeth | March 31, 2009 at 10:47 AM
What a darling post. How amazing that you have such a cherished lifelong friend and you both found one another on the 'net. Courtney is warmth and sunshine through and through. I couldn't agree more that the blogs are such a great way to meet cool people.
Great pics. And man, that house and car. Same car my dad had when I was a baby. Wish he would have kept it.
Thanks for sharing your special weekend.
Posted by: seleta | March 31, 2009 at 10:50 AM
What a fabulous weekend you had and I absolutely adore the way you made the photos antique looking - is that done in photoshop?
Hope your friends have a wonderful journey and keep them near and dear to your heart.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 31, 2009 at 10:58 AM
What a lovely post, pictures, and friends. I have been reading Courtney's blog for a while now, and was surprised to hear they are moving. Looks like it was bittersweet, indeed.
Posted by: Haley | March 31, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I can't even begin to tell you what a treat this was to read in the midst of packing, crying, shipping and errand running. My head knows I am about to embark on the experience of a lifetime, but my heart aches for all the friends and family I will miss dearly.
Thank you for coming to see me this past weekend! It warmed my heart to be surrounded with love and funny friends right before we leave. And, yes, the infamous $70 toy helicopter has been put to great use the last few days! Take care of yourself Momma-to-be and I do look forward to seeing you in KL in the future. Love you to pieces! And kiss those girls for me too. And by girls I mean those sweet pups.
Posted by: Courtney | March 31, 2009 at 12:28 PM
P.S. You wouldn't even imagine how many times those Doritos have come handy. Having no food or kitchen ware to even cook or eat out of, those darn chips have proven to make a great breakfast, lunch, and dessert substitute.
Posted by: Courtney | March 31, 2009 at 12:29 PM
This looks and sounds like the sweetest nicest going away party/weekend anyone could wish for.
P.S. Can't wait to see what you do with that yellow bassinet and the rest of the nursery.
Posted by: jae | March 31, 2009 at 12:59 PM
what a great house and party and group of friends! thanks for sharing!
looking forward to following Courtney's adventures in KL!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 31, 2009 at 01:08 PM
the love has been sent her way! thanks for sharing your weekend. it sounds like it was a great farewell!
Posted by: megan | March 31, 2009 at 03:11 PM
E-
Was great to be included in their send off, as well as getting to finally meet you and your husband. Hd fun in the "Creativity Corner".
Peace & Love,
Chris
Posted by: Mr. Brown | March 31, 2009 at 04:03 PM
what an amazing time you all must have had.
Posted by: paula | March 31, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Neil and I SO enjoyed meeting you and Chance! It was wonderful to chat with you both, share beignets, and spend time with JJ and Court, of course! Hope you had a safe (and smooth) trip back home. Congrats on the little one! Hope to see you again!
Posted by: Jenn | March 31, 2009 at 05:49 PM
What a lovely recap & send off! Thanks for bringing the "other pregnant girl" to tears! It was wonderful to meet you & Chance; it is easy to see why Court is so crazy about you both. Take care of yourself & the little one.
Much love,
Leigh
PS: LOVE that Albert made the story...fitting!
Posted by: Leigh Baxter | March 31, 2009 at 05:58 PM
I'm lovin the vintage pics! How cool, you're cracking me up though, I never even noticed the 2006's in the background! haha What a sweet post!
Posted by: Melise | March 31, 2009 at 06:14 PM
sounds like such a fun weekend!! the food, people, that house!! love your pictures!
Posted by: no.35style | March 31, 2009 at 07:01 PM
What a sweet tribute, Erika! I have adored Courtney's blog this past year and feel so bad...I totally forgot to wish her farewell yesterday. I am headed over there now. Her dad sounds adorable. And OMG...how did I completely miss your huge news?!?! Congratulations, lady! You look pretty fab for someone carrying a mini-me!
Posted by: The Lil Bee | March 31, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Erika, a very warm and heartfelt post. I'm so glad you were able to be part of the farewell party. It looked like a grand time fit for royality. Thanks for sharing. xoxo
Posted by: Joyce | March 31, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Sounds like such a GREAT weekend!!!! I live in Houston so I am glad that our people treated you well. And we do have the BEST food! I did not really get to know Courtney as I only recently found her blog but I will miss her inside the loop insights:0)
Posted by: Kim Swales | March 31, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Your post is too cute, I will keep praying that your husband continues to improve and this turns out to be just a bump in the road of your life.
Posted by: Leigh Anne | April 21, 2009 at 04:11 PM