The cutest sign of spring. Two of my favorite "cardinals".

March 29th, snow bunny.

"Planting" my silk daffodils...

The twins first car!

Go, Rylan!

Wheeee!

Spring is in the air?

For two weeks now I have been babying a flat of beautiful purple (Go NU!) pansies. Bringing them out into the sun when the weather is predicted to be warm, scurrying the flat back into the garage on cold nights. I water when necessary and in general smile every time I pass them in the garage. But come on, now; will I ever get to actually plant them?

We confiscated a cute Cozy Coupe and a little motorized motorcycle from someone's garbage pile two Tuesdays ago. (Thank you, Pete, for always being on the lookout.) I vaguely remember the warm afternoon we could enjoy the 2 year old twins as they enjoyed the latest addition to grandma and grandpa's fun backyard. Our backyard could double for a preschool!

And so I wait for warm weather. I am starting to walk in preparation for the Overnight and actually got my first donation without making the ask yet. How cool is that?

Come on, Spring...

The Overnight 2009

This weekend I signed up for the 20 mile AFSP Overnight Walk. I've done the walk in 2005 and 2006 and several 5K community walks since Laurie's death. My best guesstimate is that we have raised in excess of $50K as part of Laurie's Legacy Teams. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention does terrific work in educating and I am committed to continuing to do what I can to prevent others from making a terrible choice.

Just this week, I received two messages asking for resources, guidance in helping two families who's life trajectories just altered due to suicide of a loved one.

On the sweet side, I also received a wonderful comment left about Laurie on my blog, "How amazing when God shows up!" . Adam, a former neighbor, shared some personal and moving testimony. I am blessed with moments like that.

May this week be filled with blessings. Each day is a treasure.

Happy St. Patrick's day!

And this is only some of the jeans donated!

I am so glad for all the awesome friends who really took to heart my request for blue jeans to donate for "Stuff for the Poor". Grief Support and Community Care at Willow sponsored this terrific serving opportunity and I sent out an email request and posted here.

I wanted to have this project be a way to honor Laurie and her heart for the poor. I think it did just that! Thank you, my friends. And thank you for being there along the way no matter what...