A New Easter Tradition

Spring is here, flowers are blooming and bright green leaves are appearing on the trees.  This is certainly a beautiful time of year, a season of rebirth and renewal.  I have decided to begin a new tradition each year the week before Easter Sunday.  Because of Sarah's love for flowers, I will plant something in her honor.  Yesterday I planted three Mexican Heather shrubs, a delicate plant with dainty pink and purple blossoms.

   

This picture is of Sarah with her Aunt Carrie, picking purple blossoms off the Mexican Heather shrub across the street from our home.  She carefully considers which one she will pick.  

With great effort and a little help from her sweet Aunt, she bends over and lovingly picks a flower for her mama.  I will never forget Sarah's love for flowers and her desire to share them with me.   

The Pinewood Derby

Nathan created his race car from a block of wood.  He came up with a design on his own and took pride in sanding and painting it.  He wanted his car to resemble an Army Hummer.  

Five quarters and a nickel were glued to the bottom to add weight.  This gave Nathan the clever idea to rename his hummer, 

"1.30"

Sadly, Nathan came down with the stomach flu the day of the Derby.  He was so disappointed to miss this exciting event.  His weakness and stomach pains led him to ask Maren to stand in his place.  Maren was thrilled with the opportunity and gave Nathan a double thumbs up with a commonly used phrase in our home, "Team Giles!"  Nathan explained that his goal was to win third place.  Why third?  Because there are four lanes and he just did not want to cross the finish line last.  He also reminded Maren to lubricate the wheels with graphite to increase the speed of the car.  

Nathan rested with his loyal, compassionate friend while dreaming of taking third place.

 

The phone rang, it was Brian offering his congratulations to Nathan for placing third in three races!  He was also awarded a certificate for the "Most Patriotic Car."  Click here to see Maren receiving this award in Nathan's honor.

Before publishing this post, Nathan asked that I include a special thanks to his Scout leader, David Hylton.  David, a devoted leader, took the time to write a kind note expressing his disappointment over not having the opportunity to watch Nathan race his car.  Thanks Brother Hylton, you made Nathan's day! 

  

I came across this picture while cleaning out a closet this morning.  Oh, how sweet the smile is on Sarah's face.  Although her body is swollen and weak,  she is so happy holding baby Caroline.  These sisters lived together on earth for three short months.  Caroline brought joy and comfort to Sarah at such a challenging time.  I know their relationship continues today.  I cannot fully comprehend this, but I believe that Sarah's love and influence will always be apart of her sister's life.   

A Visit to Old MacDonald's Farm

It's Spring Break!  The children and I have enjoyed a fun week at home.  Our days have been filled with arts and crafts, playing outdoors while enjoying beautiful Spring weather, dinner's out (my favorite), and a trip to Old MacDonald's Farm!

Caroline's farm favorite--the deer.  You will notice her lack of fear as she approaches this four legged animal which is three times her size.  We would like to thank her deer hunting grandpa who introduced her to deer and elk while visiting their home last December.  

 "The Deer Whisperer" managed to corral three in just a few minutes.

Two big kids enjoyed rope swinging

Maren created an erupting sand volcano...

...While Caroline stood mesmerized over the peacock's colorful feathers

We boarded a small train that took us for a ride around the park.  We ate sandwiches along the way.

This little one sat back and relaxed, sucked her thumb and savored her pretzel sticks.

The train ride left Nathan wanting more; it was less than thrilling for a nine-year-old.

The soft bunnies brought smiles

 Maren asked, "Can we get one?"  

My reply: "Rascal looks like a bunny."

Unique Texas-style swings

Plenty of places to hang and climb

Overall, a fun-filled day at Old MacDonald's Farm!

    

Hippity Hop...Easter's on its Way!

My sweet friend Erin is quite the seamstress.  She made these adorable Easter baskets for my children.  I was so pleased with Erin's cute fabric selection.  These baskets are so unique and well made.  The bright pink flower is not only a pretty embellishment, but a hair clip as well.  Nathan will be quite excited to receive an Easter surprise in his boyish, orange and brown (University of Texas) football basket.  The vintage pink nursery rhyme print reminds me of  Caroline's favorite Mother Goose book.  Maren will love the bright and bold blue fabric with flowers and butterflies.  Thank you Erin!

If you would like to view Erin's creative designs visit this link on Etsy.com.  She sews darling, soft bibs and burp cloths as well as cute aprons for all sizes!

A Peaceful Place

One early morning, a few months following Sarah's passing, I walked along the winding path at the lake near our home.  My thoughts turned to Sarah as I recalled memories of us together here at Lake Anne.  It came to me so clearly that we should purchase a bench in her honor.  Not only would this bench provide a place to sit and enjoy the view, but it would serve as a memorial for our family.  A few days later I contacted our community association and in just a few weeks we were granted permission to go forward with plans to purchase a bench and a memory plaque.  We chose a special spot where the bench would sit, an area where Sarah enjoyed feeding the ducks.  In a short time our bench was in place.  This has been such a wonderful blessing for our family.  Each Sunday we walk to the bench to enjoy the beauties of nature and think of Sarah.   

 

These are pictures of Sarah at 18 months watching the ducks after our morning jog around the lake.

  

This photograph was taken one week after Sarah's diagnosis.  I was very swollen and so close to giving birth to Caroline.  Amy Jo, our friend and family photographer captured Sarah and me feeding the ducks together.

This is a peaceful, quiet place for me to visit and reflect on the sweet and tender moments I shared with my little girl.

1.5

At eighteen months, this tiny toddler is full of personality and smiles!

She is learning how to make delicious soup

She adores her puppy playmate

She enjoys her backyard swing...

...and indoor slide

Caroline is learning new things each day.  She can speak the most important words, "Mama and Dada." She loves dancing to music with Maren, and is always so happy when Nathan comes home from school. How grateful we are to have this little sweetheart in our family!