Because I can't share with my Mom now...

Update on May 2

I am sharing the pretty tree in our backyard.  Every year since we have lived in this house, I have shared a picture or a FaceTime call with Mom to show her the spring blossoms.  Soon will come the day that it starts "snowing" the white petals.  The pink tree at the front of the house is beginning its blossoms as well.  Mom always asked if the tulips survived the rabbits and squirrels.  She would giggle at the fight I had with the neighborhood wildlife!

I miss sharing our love for the changing seasons over the morning cup of coffee across the miles.  I know that the sights of Heaven are more wonderful than our Michigan spring.  I am thankful that Mom taught me to appreciate so many beautiful things in life and to take time to enjoy them...with others or all by myself.

 

Happy Birthday to our son in love!

Happiest day to Alex...the fisherman and electrician of the family!  He loves our Ashlynn well.  We are so thankful for him. 

 

Spring brings new things

The flowering tree at Ted's work was so pretty today!  I brought Ted lunch and shared time with him...realizing I should probably do it more often when his day has room for it.  Who doesn't love a little pick-me-up at lunch time?

The girls told me about a place on Saturday that I decided to stop at on my way home to get a treat for a coffee break with a friend tomorrow.  I tried their coffee macaron.  It was good...but I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be.

Another beautiful day in our neighborhood!

And my tulips are blooming!  So excited that the deer haven't gotten them!  The other plants will be another story, I'm sure.  They cannot resist the new growth of the hostas.

 

A beautiful and restful Sunday

The trees and plants are blooming in full force!

Salmon for dinner...calls from the big kids...conversations with my love...cuddles with the dogs...

 

A special morning

I got to enjoy a bridal shower with former co-workers and sisters in Christ.  A yummy brunch was shared.

It was neat to anticipate the wedding of the gal I mentored my last two years of Kindergarten.  God has given her the strength to continue these two years and she is doing a great job.  It is neat to see her move into another chapter of life.  I love being able to cheer on friends as they continue to learn and grow.

 

How do you start your Friday?

I started with coffee and a kiss as Ted headed out the door.

I worked on making cards to use for our business.  Who knew that I would use this fun, therapeutic craft to follow up on investing plans.  I sure didn't and it is more eye-catching than the postcards we get!

Date night at home!  Ted requested New York Strip on the grill.  He is working on a container to house the generator using scrap materials.

Love it when a plan comes together!  Took a couple tweaks and changes...

measuring...drilling...and we have a box to house the generator from the the elements.

And a yummy supper fresh off the grill with garlic butter!  It was delicious!  "This is better than going out!  Thank you!"

 

Sister time together...two days in a row!

An early morning trip to a rental to check in on an air conditioner issue called for a DD coffee to go.  On my way back into town, I got a breakfasty treat to go with coffee to share with Mari on her back patio.  It was a beautiful, sunny day to sit and catch up.

We laugh about the same things we struggle with each day.  We made plans to go shopping at Buff City for our favorite laundry soap!  I got to spend my gift card from Christmas which is always fun.

We walked the little town of Brighton and decided to go to Salsaritas for lunch outside.  It was lovely!

The daffodils and flowering trees on a bright sunny day have us looking forward to the consistent warmer temperatures now.

I came home and moved my office outside for the afternoon.  So thankful for the flexibility to go and do and be.

 

Time flies and memories are added to our life!

And just like that our time in Missouri came to an end and it was time to load up and go home.  We stopped at the local coffee shop.  We were shocked at the price for black coffee...that ended up not tasting good at all. Ted's order was not right at all and so full that he had to pour it into his thermos cup to even be able to drink it.  Those young girls do not drink coffee...that is all we are saying!

Filling the gas tank for the 11 hour trip home.

Lost in thought...listening to music and podcasts...

No traffic on the roads made for a very easy travel day!

We got to Michigan well before dark!  The skies were blue and the plants and tree leaves popping!  Warmer weather arrived in Michigan finally!

Velle finally relaxed!  The calming tabs did not make a difference for her, but Chica was chilled out the whole trip!

It was a great trip...and not long enough.  We brought sweet memories home with us.

And a cherished piece...a quilt made by great grandmas!

Traveling is fun...but it is always nice to come home.  We are finding that we enjoy the road trips and look forward to doing more of them!

 

A few family photos

Grandma's family

Grandpa and Ted Sr.

Ted Sr. and Aunt Pat

Ted Sr., Karen, Paul, and Ted Jr.

Awwww...Ted and Kari

The Tackeberry kids after we got married.  Sara and I wearing the dresses that the girls wore in our wedding.  I forgot I went on the blonder side for awhile!

Awwww...baby Ashlynn and her big cousins!

So many neat things to look at and read!  Ted cuddled the dogs and drifted off to sleep as we talked.

Aunt Pat spoiled the pups with a squeaky duck toy. They loved it and carry it around with pride!