Flowers and memories of my mom

me, my mom, Grandma Dorothy

My mom's front porch and raised garden beds always looked so beautiful.

I loved the holly hocks in her garden.

Her petunias were always gorgeous and her hanging baskets "mammoth."

She planted her own hanging baskets and rarely bought the ready made ones.

That way she could personalize them and save money.

I have a picture of my mom that I love where she is on her front porch surrounded

by her flowers. I searched my computer for that picture this morning as Hazel was sitting

on my scanner, begging for dutch licorice and pushing any keypad button she could push.

I was reminded that sometimes in March I neglect my duties as a mom and wife and dive into

every picture I have of my mom. Searching, remembering, reminiscing --- it

is good and can be really enjoyable, but it can be hard too.

I strive for that healthy balance of remembering and embracing the great times, but

keeping up with my dear little family who needs a healthy mom and wife.

This week each March I allow myself to spend some time missing my mom

and thanking God for my mom.

I am also so grateful for my four siblings.

Siblings are such a wonderful gift.

My dad brought my mom yellow roses in the hospital right after she had me.

When my mom passed away, my five dear Ebenezer girlfriends bought us a yellow rosebush. We took it to Boardman, Oregon with us. We were in the process of moving. I had to leave it there when we came back to Moses Lake. But when we bought this house, there was a beautiful yellow rosebush in the yard. Every time that rose bush blooms I think of my mom.

My sisters were both engaged when our mom passed away. She died on March 25. Natasha had a June 2nd wedding and Lesha a July 13th. Lesha and our mom had chosen the flowers for her wedding before our mom died. Mom's special touch for Lesha's wedding was a gift, but our mom was so missed at both the girls' weddings. We so badly wanted her there to celebrate their marriages.

This winter seems to be dragging on...but the past couple of days have been so beautiful. I bought some daffodils yesterday to add a little spring and sunshine to our place and watching Willem and Hazel with these bright flowers was so much fun!! Hazel was imitating me as I as putting them in a pot and adding potting soil.
This bright little girl packing around daffodils was so cute! Soon (hopefully) the tulips and daffodils will be blooming in our yard.

The 55 degree heat wave, along with Hazel

dumping a little potting soil down Will's shirt caused

him to go shirtless for a while. :)

So today, I am missing our mom.
I am so thankful for God's gift of flowers.
I am also thankful for memories.

Tomorrow will be the tenth anniversary of her death... hard to believe we have had ten years without her.
I have more pictures and memories to share tomorrow.