PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/31/11

Beautiful irises as I drive into the garage. They are in full bloom right now and so pretty. These came from Dawn's yard and although they have a relatively short bloom time, they are such a touch of color that you can get like no other. Definitely a late spring favorite.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/30/11

Grammama knew that I would be over to visit and was pleased to see me as I saw her, but when the boys started walking in individually, I truly saw a look of almost overwhelming joy as she said each of their names and then hugged each one. I don't even think she was aware of it, herself, but she could not contain her happiness in seeing them. We all sat on the floor while she and Harvey chatted with us for a little while and then she was off to have her hair done at the beauty parlor at "Sunrise"...their new home. While it is quite an adjustment and is not "home", I think they will find a comfortable lifestyle there. I was just so happy to see her running around with her walker and being "well" instead of rehab or a hospital. What a pretty color she had on and looked so nice with her scarf on. For me, it was a happy Memorial Day moment.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/29/11

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: It is a time to remember those who have fought for all of us, past and present. I learned yesterday that Memorial Day began during the Civil War. It is a time for us to reflect, remember and appreciate. I always think of Grandad Dell on this day and the sacrifice and (and my grandmother and even my mom) made during that time. This picture is quite poignant...a newly married couple, ready to take on the world and a mom getting ready to send her son off to war. Nana's boys all were in WWII and miraculously, they all came home alive. I really think that my grandfather saw the most and really was in the trenches (literally). He never talked much about it and I think it was just too painful. My grandmother struggles with talking about it and I think she knew of things that happened that were too horrendous to discuss. I am thankful for these photos and found some more photos of Grandad Dell while he was at war while cleaning out Grammama's house so I will look forward to getting to make copies and learn more and continue to tell the stories to my kids...we don't want to ever forget.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/28/11

Carly and Elli...so glad to see these girls today. Both are so full of life and a sparkle that just can't help but make you smile. Elli asked "when can I spend time with Tracy just by myself" which made me smile and when I asked Carly if she would like to do that sometime soon, too, she said "yes" very quickly so hopefully, we can find a time this summer to do just that. Individual time with any child is really important and it's so vital for kids to know there are people in their lives other than their parents that will also love them unconditionally and be there for them at any time. We are very lucky to have an extended family where that is never questioned. So, Carly and Elli, you made me smile and it was so good to see you...the book is most certainly right..."A Little Girls is Something Special to Love" and I most certainly LOVE YOU!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/27/11

FINAL FIELD DAY 2011: The weather was perfect...not too hot like it had been previous years and no rain. We were lucky because many other schools had there's cancelled because of this crazy May weather we have had. Zach had said for me to come watch right at the beginning and stay until about lunch. I was very pleased he would want me there and I watched all of his events including a couple after lunch. I remember his very first field day as a kindergartener. It was not a huge success. They had found a frog and the teacher made them put it back and that kinda turned his mood for the rest of the day. He must've been tired or didn't feel good either because he came home and fell asleep on me for almost 3 hours. I remember that vividly because I think that was about the very last time he ever did that. I held him on the couch and wanted to just enjoy the moment because it didn't happen very often.

Yesterday was fun and Zach is very athletic. With only 10 boys in the class, they did lose the tug of war against the girls, but he did very well and more than anything, I was just feeling very lucky that I could be there cheering him on.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/26/11

FIELD DAY 2004: This was the final field day that all three boys were in...Nick in 6th grade, Chris in 3rd grade and Zach in 1st grade. Tomorrow is Zach's final field day...and they now call it "Fun and Fitness Day" which makes it not quite as "fun" as Saddle Ranch's old days. I will be there cheering Zach on. It's one of those moments that was once a "beginning" and is now coming to an "end."

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/25/11

Finally, a beautiful, sunny May afternoon. After over 5 inches of rain this past month, it is so nice to be able to be outside by the waterfall and see the flowers popping up all around our backyard. I think the backyard is Christopher's favorite place to be. He spends a lot of time out there and is hoping that a garter snake will move in amongst the rocks. I, on the other hand, hope beyond hope that it doesn't. I do love that Chris can climb our willow tree that started out as a single small branch. I don't know anyone that loves to climb trees more than that kid.