Pre Iris Festival Fun

Gorgeous Columbine

I guess Al was tired of looking at non blooming Iris
Last Thursday evening on our usual family dinner night, everyone was out of town except for Al and I and AJ, Maryanne and the kids. It had been a gorgeous day and I decided that rather eating inside at our house, I'd make a big pasta salad and we'd picnic at Schriener's Iris Gardens. It is such a wonderful place and I figured that because the Iris aren't really blooming yet (too cold & rainy & cloudy) we might have a chance at snagging 1 of the 4 picnic tables. On the way home from work, Al bought some yummy Great Harvest bread, we packed some fruit and sodas in the ice chest and away we went. We did indeed have the place pretty much to ourselves so Porter ran around and enjoyed the fish pond and all the flowers that were in bloom. The best part for him was sitting on the tractor that was parked in the barn. AJ was mortified that I'd let him sit on the tractor w/out permission, but as my Dad always says, "all they can do is say no" or in this case, GET OFF OUR TRACTOR! Fortunately Mr Schriener was in having his dinner so we escaped unscathed. And even tho the Iris were not in bloom, the Columbine and Rhoddies and Azaleas and trees were all gloriously decked out. If you haven't been to the gardens, take some time and visit. It's a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours.

My Wonderful Weekend

May 7, 2011 Salem Alliance Church
Barbara prays over our precious Maggie.
Porter presents me with his handmade card. Love it!
Maggie & Grandpa
Beautiful table and yummy food.
A toast to all of us Moms.
Me with the kids & grandkids.
All 3 Moms and their kids.
Saturday, as Al & JJ were out doing guy stuff, I got to run around and do girl stuff. I went to Pier 1, and Macys, a garden shop and a shoe store. Later in the afternoon, Al and I met up and relaxed at home until church at 5:00. It was a special service because our sweet Maggie was being publicly dedicated to the Lord. Dear friend Barbara Fletcher, who not only is a Pastor at our church, but also one who stayed up the night Mags was born and prayed, dedicated our special girl. Needless to say, it was an emotional and beautiful time.
This morning, Mother's Day was another fun treat. Al and the kids prepared and served a beautiful brunch that included Mimosas, banana bread, ham strata, fruit parfaits and thick cut bacon. Everything was Mmmmm good! We laughed and ate and took pictures and opened presents. I got the girls big red hanging flower baskets and they got me Starbucks cards and my favorite lotion. It's just after noon now and the kitchen is cleaned up, Al's asleep on the couch and I'm enjoying catching up on my blog. So far, it's been a great day.