Happy 18th Anniversary!

18 Years and Counting!!

Paul and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary today, May 23rd. It was just one week after college graduation for me 18 years ago that I said, "I do" to that man. Abby and Molly were on a kids' retreat with friends this weekend, so Paul and celebrated royally by going out to dinner three times!! (And we did some shopping and some home organizing as well.) God knew exactly who I needed and I'm so grateful His choice was Paul!

More Griffin Antics

Griffin planted himself in this box lid as if it's a bed.

Doesn't look too comfy to me, but he enjoyed it!

Griffin loves to sit or lie down on the foot rest of our couch.

Here he's watching Abby while she's working on the laptop.

Notice his leg hanging off the edge.

Molly and I were going through clothes in the attic and
Griffin decided he didn't like to get left behind,
so he managed to climb the pull-down ladder like a pro!!! Not a great picture in that Griffin's head isn't showing,
but it gives you an idea of how high he climbed.
He would have gone to the top if we had allowed him to. Yep, yet another ball of yarn. Cat-Dog!

One wet dog after a bath. The bath might not be too fun, but running as fast as a streak of lightning in the backyard makes it all worth it. Oh, sniff, sniff!! One of the funniest things Griffin does is shown below. Griffin LOVES to watch animals on TV. Any and all animals. He usually spots them himself, but if he's resting and isn't watching, all you you to say to him is, "Griffin, friends," and he comes running and goes directly to the TV to see what critters he can admire. He really enjoys dogs and cats, but horses see to be his favorite. Our little pooch Griffin continues to make me laugh, laugh, and laugh some more. He's got so much personality and he LOVES to be with people and he seems to love being the center of attention. After all, the world DOES revolve around him, right??!

Tribute to Tootie

One very special lady, Tootie, with Paul

at Tootie's 90th birthday party.

If you wonder if Tootie had friends,

take a look at the crowd at her 90th brithday celebration!
Our sister-in-law's mom Tootie was called home to Heaven early in the morning this past Saturday. Tootie was 92 years young. Yep, I meant to say it that way. While Paul was growing up, Tootie was kind of like an adopted mom to him. She was known for her godly spirit, her quick whit, and her contagious smile. Tootie loved her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and also loved those "extras" (like us) who claimed her as Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Interestingly enough, Tootie was called to her Heavenly home on Mother's Day weekend. There's no question in my mind that Tootie heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," when she met our Savior face-to-face. Tootie will be sadly missed here on earth, but we have the promise and reassurance that we will see her again one day...

Mother's Day 2010

Mom and Her Girls!

I was bound and determined to post this before the day came to an end. Here's our annual Mother's Day picture. It looks warm and sunny. Pictures can be deceiving! It was about 45 degrees and windy! It was sunny, but didn't feel much like spring. What a blessing it is to be called "Mom" by these two beautiful and godly girls. Sure, they are normal and push my buttons now and again, but I love them to pieces! Thanks to Abby and Molly for the happiness and joy

you have given me as my daughters.

In addition, I am so blessed to have an amazing mom and an incredible mother-in-law. Thanks to Abby and Molly for the happiness and joy you have me as my daughters. They have both been such great examples of what to do (and maybe once in a while what not to do...). Thanks Mom and Mom Rita for your guidance and love.

Thanks to Paul for being the other (and often better) half of the mother/father team we have going on! Thanks to God for His continued blessings on me.

Molly to Columbus

Molly & Emma ready for their weekend adventure

Beautiful Tulips
Molly and some fabulous tulips
Amazing Glass Art

A waterfall photo opportunity

Molly took lots of pictures of flowers

because she knew I would like them! She's right.

Glass Balls in the Water with the Fish

More Glass Art -- So Cool!
Butterflies were everywhere
Molly had an opportunity to go to Columbus with her friend Emma this weekend. Emma had a dance competition, they stayed at Emma's aunt's house, went swimming, did a little shopping, and the hightlight was going to the conservatory. The modern art glass display is something really special and Molly loved seeing that. The pictures without Molly as the subject are just a little taste of the photos that she took. If you would like to see more, click on the link to the right to see the blog that she's working on (Moments with Molly).

Art Show and Sale

Molly's Rainbow Art

(As you know, it takes both sunshine and rain to make a rainbow.)

Made with felt and sequins

Abby's Fire Photo

Taken at church camp
Molly's Heart Jewelry Box
Painted wooden box with jewels
Abby's Palm Trees Photo
Taken in Florida last week

Molly's Stars and Splatters

(Molly made this in 3rd grade for the PTA cultural arts contest.)

Made with acrylic paint splattered with a toothbrush

Abby's Sun Shining Through the Woods Photo

Taken at church camp

There is a little 2 year old guy at our church who has been diagnosed with cancer in his humerus bone of his right arm. To raise funds for Jayden's family, we are having an art show and auction at church. We asked kids (ages birth through high school) to create and donate art pieces which could be auctioned off through a silent auction. I was so incredible pleased when the pieces started coming in, seeing the talents that God has given to the kids. As of yesterday we have had over 180 pieces of artwork donated with the artists ranging in ages 1 to 19! And I was going to be happy if we had 30 pieces donated. If you are interested in knowing more about this sale, please contact me directly. Together we can make a little difference in the life of Jayden and his sweet family.

God's Beautiful Spring

Next door neightbors' crabapple tree blossoms

Violas in Sea World

Not sure what this tree is, but it was also in Florida.
Grape hyacinths with a bumblebee

getting a drink in our front flowerbed Blossoms from our pear tree
A cluster of pear tree blossoms
Our Japanese maple enjoying the spring, too.
The scientific mystery.
We have a tree in the backyard which is some sort of willow tree, but over the past couple of years I've noticed that the top of the tree is different from the bottom. The leaves are different, the blossoms are different. I think it is some sort of hybrid which is "unhybrating."I know that's not a word, but I think it's one tree that is becoming two.

The two types of blossoms of the "unhybrating" tree.
The flowers on the left are the flowers on the top of the tree and
the flowers on the right are the ones at the bottom that willow.
It's hard to tell in this picture, but the left blossoms are white and the right are pick.

Pansies that have just showed up on their own,
or as my Mom calls this, they are "volunteers."

Another "volunteer."

Flowers on a shrub right outside our front door.
I'm not sure what the type is, but they have such a sweet smell, strong like lilacs.

Violets growing in the cracks by our back driveway.

I know I have been commenting quite a bit about spring this year, but I am happier than ever that it's finally spring. Maybe because of the very snowy winter. Maybe because I'm allowing myself to slow down a bit and take time to notice the beauty of spring. Maybe because I have a new camera that helps me take incredible pictures of God's nature. (I'll try not to break my arm while I pat myself on my back for these nice pictures!)