Happy Birthday Sally Wilkinson!

Taylor: Life with Sal means that I rarely wake up with the same furniture or design layout as the day before, in my home and my life. As much as my OCD self may want to keep our life organised and clean, that’s just not how it works with Sal. Our world is a canvas for her, and while I may never get used to it, I love the “roll with it” mentality that she wears on her sleeve. She’s everything I am not, but I love all the differences the most. I look forward to continuing to parent together and having fun doing it wherever we are in the world. 

Lucy: Sally has worn many hats in my life - most famously as my sister and my friend, but also a notable carpool driver, babysitter, dance teacher, and design consultant. But this year, we’ve added a new role to the mix as I’ve gotten to know Sally as my boss. While some might advise against working with family, I have loved getting a closer look at all things Sally Wilkinson Design and growing in a professional relationship with my big sister. It affirmed everything I knew about Sally and her wild creativity but expanded my admiration even more. Sally is a patient teacher, thorough and thoughtful in her craft and a fun talent to learn from. I love you, boss lady Sally! Happy birthday! 

Trey: One thing I admire about Sally is how hard she works. She's giving 110% effort to be the best wife, mom, sister, and business owner. I also love that she brought Lucy to SWD to help with graphic design work. Not only does it help us pay the bills (Ha!), but more importantly, it allows Lucy to see how a successful small business operates. Lucy learns a lot from Sally daily, which is truly a gift. Happy Birthday, Sally! 

Emily: Sally/SalPal - my favourite older sister! This year, I’ve been obsessed with Sally’s sense of humour. She always has a new, hilarious story about Collins, and I love how she lets everything roll in motherhood. Sally has taught me so much about being a new mom, and she’s been incredible at navigating this first. She hasn’t lost part of what makes her cool and fun. I am so proud of Sally’s booming business and the fact that her work has been published! It’s incredible! I know the Wilkinsons have a big year of adventure ahead, but Sal will navigate it brilliantly! I can’t wait to see all the goodies she brings to ATL from London. We can’t wait to be a quick 2-hour flight from Atlanta! There are so many fun times to come! Happy birthday! 

Kyle: I love that you can show love towards others, but you’re also never afraid to talk a little trash. It’s always fun when we sit around a dinner table. I don’t need to talk about how you’re killing it with your business or your baby; you already know how good you are at that. I just look forward to our next fun dinner together!

Peach: Sally is amazing. I am awed by her ability to juggle her growing career, family life, and friendships with such finesse. She treats everyone with respect, kindness and generosity. She shares her talents by making their homes beautiful. Sally is a natural mom- hilarious, kind and real. She’s a thoughtful daughter, wife, sister and boss. Keep up the good work, Sally. Stay balanced, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. You are doing great! Happy Birthday. I love you! 

gPa: Sally continues to forge an impressive path as an inspiring first daughter, a supportive sister, a caring wife, and a wonderful mother to Collins. She manages it all while building her business and brand. What I admire most is her positive attitude and her eagerness to push boundaries into areas that can be uncomfortable yet offer opportunities for learning and growth. I appreciate how Sally checks in on me frequently. She has no agenda; she is a thoughtful daughter checking on her dad! I will always treasure the unique experiences we have shared over these nearly four years living abroad in London.

Happy Birthday Cathy (65!)

Sally: My appreciation for our mom has grown since watching her be Collins’ grandmother. Mom is patient and so sugary sweet… as a peach! She is thoughtful and diligent in caring for all of us. She has unlimited time for others, is the best cook ever, and is so fun to be around. Happy 65th, Mom. I hope it’s the best year EVER!

Taylor: There is never a dull moment with Cathy. She has taught me that factual stories are boring, pesto is the best substitute for mayonnaise on a turkey sandwich, and that all phones need a necklace. She is simultaneously a friend, a mom and an advisor to me. I can’t wait to have a huge garden soon that we can share. We love you, Peach.

Emily: Our mum is so authentic and helpful. I love how Mom is always a phone call away, never says no to a good time, and will fly across the world when she knows one of her girls needs her. I had a sneaking suspicion that if I mentioned I was going to paint the window trim in my apartment, there wouldn’t be anything to stop Mom from coming to help me! We are so lucky. I love it when mom pulls out the funniest thing you’ve ever heard from the back of her mind and then just rolls with whatever it is, as if we all should know the lingo. She is a hoot and so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to ring in her 65th birthday with my Mama!

Kyle: Cathy - Happy 65. I love that we get to spend the weekend with you and celebrate my favourite mother-in-law. It’s always so exciting to have you here at the holidays. First Christmas, now Easter, next up is Thanksgiving. I love how helpful you are even when you’re in the land of the king. I can’t wait for you to move back to the land of the free.

Lucy: Mom is the definition of a “do-er”! Between cleaning shoes for our weddings, couch cushions, and stains in our clothes …. sewing throw pillows seconds before a photo shoot …. Or flying in to help Emily paint her apartment… There is no task too big for Cathy Singletary! Simultaneously, she is unbelievably generous and always meets friends and family with freshly baked bread and a warm bed when needed. Mom, you are the best example of how we truly can do anything if we set our mind to it and how to be a thoughtful, hospitable and loving friend/mother/wife! We love you! Happy 65th!!

Trey: One thing I love about Cathy is that she is an all-time great supporter. Whether helping with a move, caring for babies, making a delicious meal for her family, or simply checking in on her favourite college football team (unless they're playing the Dawgs), she always shows up. I learn a ton just from overhearing phone conversations between her and Lucy about all she accomplishes in a day and how she serves others. I don't understand how she has so much energy to do all the impressive things she does. Happy Birthday, Cathy!  PS- I heard about your new grandma's name, and I love it!

gPa: I always love these affirmations that come in for Cathy. She is truly remarkable as a mother and now grandmother. She's always there for her girls and now for their mates. And, of course, she has been so happy to have a grandchild nearby. When we were first dating, I gave her little yellow ducks dressed differently to represent the activities we enjoyed together. It was tennis, swimming, cycling, running, and even a little scuba at the time. I've always loved that Mum is such a gamer and willing to learn how to do anything anytime!

Happy birthday, and enjoy these photos!

Lucy's 25th birthday: special words from her family

Good morning and happy birthday, Lucy May. Twenty-five years ago today, God blessed our family with the most amazing baby girl. She has grown into an incredible young woman. 

Lucy, you completed our family and gifted us much love, compassion, kindness, and strength. Thanks for being my daughter and for all you do! 

For your 25th affirmation post, I asked everyone to give me four words I could use to build a word cloud. Here's your unique 'cloud' to kick off your day! Below is a list of who provided which word, followed by some favourite pictures we wanted to share.

I've included some pictures of your Grandparents, all in heaven. Plus, some other very special individuals who love and adore you - Uncle Ricky, Aunt Dianne, and the amazing Lee family in cStat! All these people helped shape your life, and I know will be thinking of you on your 25th birthday.

Happy Birthday, and Go Heels, Go Aggies!