Why yes, it is snowing– on May Day! C’mon, how are we supposed to dance around the Maypole, ribbons flowing, our hair bedecked with flowers… in this yuck!
We have lots of friends and family with birthdays today and since my sister has given me a new favorite birthday motto– “birthdays are not obligations; they are opportunities”– I am trying to take advantage of those opportunities. Cupcakes, ecards, balloons here we come!
In a fascinating bit of trivia: my brother was born May 1st, 1967. Thirty years later his son was born on May 1st, 1997. And since they have exactly the same name the only difference is a 6 flipped over to a 9– it drives insurance companies crazy!
Both my brothers have children born on their birthday. I am fiercely jealous of that and still mad at Xander for missing mine by 3 days.
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Sunday evening I talked to my sister before driving down to Temple Square to see the spectacular display of tulips. “Oh I miss tulips.” she said, “We don’t have them here in San Diego.”
No tulips in San Diego, the garden of the planet, the “most perfect” climate on earth? And then it dawned on me— tulips are dependent on our long cold season for their spectacular blooms. Yes, tulips can be forced even in warm climates by storing them in the refrigerator for several weeks; but still, they bloom quickly and fade in the heat. Our long cold Spring(snow every single week since October!) is giving us weeks and weeks of gorgeous blooms.
Most of the tulips in my yard were planted when Mary was still a fussy baby. I strapped her on my back and dug holes and trenches and filled them with bulbs. She would whine and cry and finally fall asleep drooling down the back of my neck. It seemed impossible then that Spring would come or that Mary would EVER stop crying. But three years later my tulips are still blooming and so, so is my girl.
Blue
i hear ya. can’t believe the flakes out there.
i also can’t believe how many adorable pics you manage to snag with cute mary. i asked her if she likes dressing up and posing for pictures and she replied with a definitive “NO!”
i told her that made it an especially nice thing to do for you, an act of service, and that she does a great job.
♥
Michelle
an act of service– so true. I love that and will be giggling about it all day. 🙂
jess
i’m not sure how i stumbled upon your blog, but i am loving the pictures of your little one with the tulips! (your sister is right… no tulips here in san diego.) i may have to come back for more!
Jan Russell
She is the most adorable little lady in the garden! And I’m going to have to reconsider my no tulips rule (I have a no daffodil rule too) (Jonathan hates me for my ban on “tall” flowers) they look SO gorgeous in your yard!
Claudia
Oh my dear, sweet Mary! These are beautiful! We must arrange a field trip to Temple Square with AL & K.I loved your entry about Hansy. My 3rd year going to a two hour mother daughter night… I thought I’d pull my hair out. I feel your pain Eric. Thank goodness I get to pass the maturation baton on to Brett.
Ken
Thank you…. and Mary for these gorgeous photos! Please email them to me when you have a minute.
Love,
Dad
Chelle
You capture the most beautiful pictures. Wow. You’ve got skillz. I can’t seem to get past the “okay, everyone look over here and smile” photo. That’s why I need you!
Denise
You really are a gifted photographer. If we pay your airfare to NY, could you promise just one decent family portrait? I just want a single photo with all my kids looking at the camera…
R & K
I’m glad you found us. I’ve been a long time blog stalker of yours–since October! Although I always love what you write, I haven’t ever commented. But now that you’ve smoked me out, I’ll have to comment! I thought you would think it was too crazy that I read your blog, so I’ve never mentioned it. Your writing is fun and inspiring, and your pictures are amazing. I loved the murder mystery picture. I was glad you put it up since we didn’t have our camera at the party. Glad we can be blog buddies!
StubbyDog
We have tulips here but you’re right…they fade quickly with the heat. Here we are in early May with temps already consistently in the 80’s. Sigh. I adore spring in northern Alabama, and it is long compared to most places (6-8 weeks of glorious temperatures and beautiful blooms), but never long enough. I dread summer.
And miss Mary, sigh. Michelle, you must help me find a perfect flower girl dress for Charlie in Sept! We need your impeccable taste.
Christie
Stunning pictures, really. Just captures little girl essence.
Lauri
I, too, am impressed with you photography talent! Your photos, your Mary, and your tulips are all beautiful!