Hey Jude

This is Avery's rendition of "Hey Jude" with a little prompting. She's gonna have to polish it a little for Paula, Randy and Simon to keep her around.

gifts

Along with several gifts only a mother could love(a broken ladybug made in art class, patchouli soap made in spectra and flavor infused toothpicks), I received an unexpected gift from my own mom. Gardening was my mother's gift. I spent many afternoons helping get beds ready and dead-heading perennials so they would continue to bloom. Though I didn't inherit her gift for gardening, I do love flowers and do the best I can with what I have. About 6 years ago we were in Chicago and went to see some old neighbors on the street where I grew up. My mom's close friend Diane brought me into her back yard and dug up two rose bushes(one for me, one for Liz). They were rose bushes she had transplanted from my mother's garden after my father had moved but before our house was torn down. What a thoughtful gesture from someone who loved my mother dearly. When I awoke this morning, it had just started to bloom. It was a perfect reminder that my mom is all around me if I'll just open my eyes to see her.

luvoo

There really is nothing sweeter than rocking my 2 year old before her nap or night night. At times she can seem so big, but in the stillness of her room when it's just she and I, all is right in the world. She clings tightly to me and lets me stroke her hair and scratch her back. She looks up at me with those big blue eyes and says "luvoo." Her sweet way of saying "I love you." And though it's a few days early, hearing her say that is the best mother's day gift in the world. Luvoo too Avery, a whole lot.

The Kentucky Oaks 2009

We had a blast and after all that talk about no hat, Lori ended up having one that I borrowed! Can't wait to go to the Derby next!