Double Feature

I wasn't intending to post a second time in the same day, but I just cannot resist. These pictures fill my heart and remind me of the many blessings I have had. Tonight my sweet family spent a lot of time outside. Andrew and Maggie went to Target this morning to get a gift for a birthday party we were going to this afternoon. While there, they picked up some soil and seeds to try our hands at growing some flowers. Now, most know that I have a black thumb. Maybe Maggie's will be a bit greener!! Here she is potting her first plants...

We had such a fun time tonight. We played soccer, ran around the yard throwing the raquetball for Brandy,and watered the Allie tree. Maggie is fascinated by the Allie tree, and we talked all about it. It is growing like you wouldn't believe. We planted this tree on Allie's first birthday. It was a small little tree that needed lots of love. The first day...

We had a scare in the first year that we had it. We thought it died. It was looking sad, dry, and limp. But Frances, Andrew's mom, asked for the advice of the tree service man she works with at her company. As a favor to her, he came to our backyard to check it out. With tears in his eyes, he vowed not to let our tree die. He couldn't see that happen. Every fall and spring, the man sends a team of his workers to our backyard to treat our tree. Because of his kindness and generosity, the Allie tree is thriving. Here it is tonight...

I promise you this--whenever we move from this home, that tree is coming with us. I will make sure it is in the seller's clause, and uproot the tree to move to our new home. I feel peace and love when I look at this. I'm reminded of her each time I go in my backyard, and I feel her presence there with us as we play. Allie is always with us, just in a different way than what we expected. And our yard wouldn't be the same without it. Here we are with a little tree loving...

See what I mean? My heart just swells every time I look at these. Boy do I ever love my family.