My Silly Girl

Both girls crack me up. Tonight it was Anna with a classic line.

[Anna was lying in bed, reading a chapter book.]

Me: What is your book about?

Anna: Uh... it's a long story.

I guess I should have known a chapter book was a long story, huh? Silly me! :-)

New Landscape

Landscaping is something we have always wanted, but didn't have the time or knowledge to do on our own. We knew what we could plant (and to where to plant it) when we lived in California. Indiana is a whole different story. So we asked our friend Bob to help us. His yard always looks good! He came and helped us move some of the plants we already had, and helped us know what to buy. He did most of the work for us too. We are so pleased! There are more pictures to add, but they have to be taken first. :-)

This is just outside our back door. The fountain was made just for us.

Another view of the same planter.

This is the view of our yard from my parents' backyard.

The south side of the house. We actually planted these trees last summer. The whole side looks finished now.

Some pretty flowers. :-)

More of our flowers. These are called wine and roses weigela. Someday they will hide the huge electrical box in our yard. Someday.

my girls

Just want to say that I love my girls. They are so much fun. I love to hear their laughter, kiss their cute little cheeks, watch them perform and just have them around. My girls are precious! I am so thankful to have such joyful, happy girls. They treat each other well too. That is a bonus. :-)

Emma at her school's spring performance.

Anna at her school's spring performance.

Mother's Day

I have struggled a bit today. Don't get me wrong... I have a great mom, wonderful husband, terrific girls. I am not struggling in that regard!
As far as Mother's Days go, it was a great day. Dave made breakfast and the table was set very nicely. He bought me my favorite flowers (gerber daisies) and the girls gave me lots of homemade gifts. I didn't go to church today because I still have no voice. (That's a whole different story!) While everyone else was at church, I enjoyed the peacefulness of the house. I exercised, did some laundry (I am weird about getting laundry done), just relaxed. Then for lunch, my parents and my family went to my sister's for a pizza lunch. We sat out in their backyard and enjoyed the best present of all.... sunshine! It was a beautiful, peaceful, relaxing day.
That is not what my struggle was about. My struggle today was for those women who are not "mother's" but who really want to be. I thought of those who have lost children. Those who have been unable to have children.
I had a few Mother's Day myself that were tough. Although those times are behind me now, I haven't forgotten. That is a part of who I am, how could I forget?
I also thought of those who have lost their own mothers. I can't say that I know what that's like. But I can imagine it would make a day of celebrating mothers difficult.
I do wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the moms I know... with or without children here in their arms. To my friends who may have a difficult time on a day like this, I want to say that you are valued and you are also worthy of celebrating.

Thankful

I was chatting online with a friend... isn't it amazing that we can do that?!? I am thankful for her. She is a wonderful person and a great friend! I only get to see her once a year and for only a few hours at that... but that doesn't matter. We can so easily pick up where we left off and just keep going. Miles and time have never mattered. I wish I could hang out with her more often, but I am thankful knowing she is my friend and no matter what happens, she is there. Hard to believe I met her almost 21 years ago. She was the first friend I made in college. She flashed that beautiful dimpled smile and stuck out her hand for a firm handshake... "Hi, I'm Melissa Minnix." :-)
I love you, Merry Melissa! I am so sankful for you. :-)