Memorial weekend project.....

Per tradition we did our usual "spruce up the yard project". We had planted bushes along the brick a couple years ago hoping by now they would have grown. We decided that if they were still the same size they were two years ago we should probably give up hope and go buy new bushes. We took a trip to our favorite nursery ( I mean mine) and set out for new bushes and flowers. The kids love to pull the "big wagon" as they call it. They were excited for the first ten minutes and then wanted mom to hurry up! (and so did brad) I for one don't crack under pressure and took the time to make sure I was loving what I was buying :) I had a vision in my mind and I was set on executing it. Brad, Parkie and I all worked together to transform our "yucky yard" to our new "pretty yard". Parkie being the problem solver he is found a more efficient, and less strenuous way of transferring the mulch from the garage to the garden. If that kid can find an easier,faster way of doing things....he does! .....he's not mine, I'm the opposite. I doubted his method at first but he proved me wrong. He piled five bags of mulch on his jeep and drove it over to where he needed it :) He was a big help planting, driving and laying the mulch. Afterward we had a bbq and then went to DQ for a treat.
Our yucky, boring yard before....







Hmmmm...Decisions, Decisions...






Our new pretty yard...TaDa!





Trying to fly the kite...

Memorial Day!

This year I decided to add a new tradition to our list. I wanted Parkie to know the meaning of Memorial Day, so I planned for us to go to Fort Snelling to attend the Memorial Day service they were holding. I was skeptical at first about us going, seeing that it was really windy and rainy this morning, but had read online that it was suppose to be over by late morning. The program included speeches by Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Governor Mark Dayton. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the crowd was invited to sing "America, The Beautiful", which was followed by the Fort Snelling Rifle Squad firing a salute which ended with a veteran playing "Taps". I thought Abby and Parkie would freak out by the sound, but they did really well. After the Rifles had been shot, one of the Veterans called Parkie over to give him one of the shells. As we left, we walked around reading some of the headstones. Abby kept asking Brad and me "Are they Mamma's or Dada’s?” She stopped at one that was a "Mamma" touched the headstone, knelt to smell the flowers, and sat and stared at the headstone. It kinda makes you wonder..did she understand?...maybe. She also noticed a pinwheel at another and couldn't help but stop to blow on it :) Parkie had a harder time he didn't like walking near the headstones. He kept saying he didn't want to walk over their bodies. I could tell he was a bit uncomfortable but, I also could tell he had more of and understanding as to what Memorial Day was all about. As we were leaving, I noticed an old man standing and touching a headstone noticeably deep in remembrance. I stood and watched not to be nosy but to grieve for a moment with him which made me thankful for the person he loved so much. Without these men and women, we would not be free today and I'm thankful for those who were so willing to give their life so that my family and I might live free.

It's beginning to look a lot like Spring......finally!

Well, its finally beginning to feel like spring :) The kids have been asking since the dead of winter to go to their favorite park. So yesterday they asked again so I told them I would take them after we picked up Parkie from school. We had a little snack and played at the park for awhile before Parkie had to be at baseball. The kids had so much fun and I had fun watching them.

Little Diva....

We were at Parkie's game last night and while I was practicing with Parkie Abby noticed I had brought the camera. When I went to sit back down she asked if I would take pictures of her. She started doing all these poses for the camera. She did the hand on her hips, the looking over your shoulder smile, and a few others. I'm no stranger to the camera but, I honestly have no idea where she learned these poses from. I think I may start taking tips from her :)

Mothers Day 2011

This Mothers Day was very reflective for me. It all started on Thursday when I picked up Parkie from school. He ran to the car with a big smile on his face. As soon as he got to the car he bent down. I started to get a little annoyed since I had a long line of cars behind me waiting to pick up their children. He popped back up after a few seconds and opend the door and handed me a small boquet of dandylions. At that moment I felt so guilty for being annoyed and thanked him for the flowers. He then showed me the flower card and a rainbow bag that had my Mothers day gift inside. He wasn't able to wait for me to open it so he opened it. He had made a bunny planter out of a cup with some plants inside. I could tell by the attention to detail and all the bright colors that he had put time and effort into it. I told him how beautiful it was and how creative he is. He gave me the same response he always does whenever I say that which is.... "I know" and gives me his cute toothless grin. I couldn't help but think back to when I was in elementary school making my Mothers day gift for my mom. I use to make sure everything was pefect before I presented it to her. I could tell that Parkie had done the same for me and it made me feel so special and loved :)

My family made great efforts to make my day special. As soon as we were all dressed and ready for the day the kids really wanted to give me their gift. Brad said that he had taken them to the store to pick out my gifts. I was excited to see what they came up with but, somewhat nervous. Abby gave me a plastic container which contained; two sets of sewing scissors, a cutting mat, and some bubble gum tape..lol She proceeded to tell me that the gum was hers :) Parkie picked out a pink pin cushion, a pink measuring tape, and a cutter thingy.I'm new to this sewing thing so I have yet to learn all the terms :) Brad did very well at listening to me this year and bought an end table and coffee table that I had been wanting. I didn't expect to receive such big gifts but who's gonna complain? sure in the heck not me! :) We then went to breakfast and attended my in laws ward to listen to my Mother in law speak.

Mothers Day helped me see that everything that I do for my family does not go unnoticed and that they do in fact notice how much time, effort and love I put into everything I do for them :)