Sunday, April 13, 2008

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.



13 comments:

BethanyWD said...

Gosh, I got a little lump in my throat reading about the tree man coming to your house. Lovely story and a lovely family. Maggie looks very happy with her Allie's tree! Actually - you all do!

Kelly said...

Those are great pictures. The Allie tree is a beautiful idea!!!

Jennifer J said...

Curiousity is going to kill me. Is that tree in a different spot or is the angle different?

Jennifer

Tammy said...

Awwe how sweet, I love the 'Allie tree'! That Miss Maggie is getting so big! Jenny, you look slimer than the last time I seen you (on this blog of course) looks like you had a fun girls nite out! Hugs from Fort Worth!

Jenny said...

Jennifer--It's just a different angle. The first one (from when we first planted) was looking back from the fence toward our house. The second is looking from the house towards the tree and fence. It is exactly where we planted it three and a half years ago! :)

Jenny said...

Jennifer--It's just a different angle. The first one (from when we first planted) was looking back from the fence toward our house. The second is looking from the house towards the tree and fence. It is exactly where we planted it three and a half years ago! :)

Mommy Mo said...

What a beautiful way to remember your little girl. And what a wonderfult ree man to help you keep it thriving. I actually have tears in my eyes after reading this post.

I wonder if I will ever meet you : ). Allie brought me to Christy M., who then introduced me to Tracey R., and now she is BFF's with you guys. What a small world! Six degrees of "Allie".

Susan P said...

I am so happy that you posted a picture of the tree. I used to live in Lost Creek (we have since moved to Keller) and I knew the story about you planting the tree and would drive by it often. I do have to say that I, too, did not think the tree looked "well" at first. I just cried looking at how beautiful it has turned out. Yeah tree and Yeah tree man! You can tell the tree is well loved!! That warms my heart.

Tina said...

These pictures made me smile so much! Thanks for sharing!

Soltana said...

I LOVE your Allie tree.:)

I love the tree man story too.:)

Jeannie said...

The pictures of your Allie tree are awesome. And that tree man rocks, for caring for it, too.

Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures!

snekcip said...

What a beautiful story, Allie's just keeps bringing wonderful people into your life!! The tree looks wonderful, may it continue to bloom and grow, just as Allie has bloomed and grown in each of our heart!!!

Anonymous said...

OK, someday I'm going to come to this site and not cry. Someday, but not today. Oh my... that tree, those happy faces, what a blessing all around. MY heart swells! Maggie is an absolute doll!