Pretty Blooms....

The weather may be gloomy today but last week when the sun was out our yard was blooming in all it's glory.

 A hosta peeking it's head out. Soon it will be 10 times that size.

Something pretty by the door.

This was a $7 clearance tree from last year. Beautiful this year.

A gift from my Oshman co workers 14 years ago in memory of Tim. My favorite tree in the yard. She's a beauty.

These white phlox look amazing on our rock wall.

The stair beds are always pretty in the spring.

Mother's Day

My family did a great job of spoiling me today.They know that Mother's day is bittersweet for me. Losing a child gives new meaning to Mother's day for me. Tim was the first sweet voice to say mama and I love you mama. All mom's know how those words melt our hearts. I sat on the steps watching the guys working and my mind wondered to the days when they were little.
 I'm amazed at the men they have become and I'm sure big brother is smiling down and proud of all three younger brothers. Where did the time go? Made me smile and brought tears to my eyes.

  A yellow butterfly was flying around the yard today and I like to think that it's a sign that Tim was near. He was on all our minds today. We miss him everyday but know that he would be happy that we were together and would want us to enjoy our day.

 I received some cards that made me cry, some beautiful flowers, the girls cooked dinner, and my guys put in 6 hours of hard work building me a new walkway.

This is what we started with and harder than heck to walk on in heels.

Jeff, Curt, Paul & I cleared out all the old rocks and dirt (Trav had to work)

Once Trav got there he surprised us all and laid most of the stones. Travis is my golfer. He is a assistant golf pro at a course and does not do manual labor.

He put the stones down like he was working a puzzle. He told us he was brilliant.

He has never been so tired in his life. I bet he sleeps like a baby.

Paul and Curt made not one but two trips to home depot, unloaded rocks and 40 bags of sand.

My poor hubby won't be able to move from being on his knees leveling the rocks. He and I took turns and let's just say we like to think we are young but our bodies were screaming at us to stop.

I tried to sit and watch. It is Mother's day after all but I could not help myself. I love playing in the dirt and couldn't wait to jump in and help.

The girls cooked this amazing meal.

All in all it was a great day. I laughed and I cried but I was with my family and to me there is no where I would rather be. I hope all of you wonderful mom's out there had the best Mother's day ever.

Stop & smell the roses

I have wanted to put a flower bed in front of our "Alice in Wonderland" fence since we put the fence up last summer. I call it that because it is a stair step fence that reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. Why? I don't know! Just does. Anyways because our land is on a slope and it is what it is. I have had a love-hate relationship with this fence since day one.

That is Zach 'the maniac" lawn mower/ landscape guy. He is awesome. Not only did he put my new bed in BUT he put a watering system in for me. No more dragging that big ole hose. I'm SO HAPPY!

I have always wanted a rose garden and now I have one.  This tree was on the other side of the fence and now sets on the corner in front of the fence. The perfect spot.

A peek of what's to come. I'm so happy to have 2 blooms already.

Check out the two baskets that hang on the doors. Found these on a trip to KC and love them.

I put this fake bird in one to keep the real birds from pulling my flowers out and tapping on the windows.
So far it has worked.
Well I'm already planning the next project. I asked for the " labor of love" for Mother's Day. (wink plus big smile here)
 Stay tuned.

retro redo

While looking at one of the many decorating magazines that I get I noticed a curved back sofa that "I loved".
I "wanted" that sofa. I looked in every furniture store in Tulsa. NO luck! Until I went into the Retro Den on 15th. There she was! All she needed was something new to wear. She was screaming 70's. When my hubby and son Paul went to pick her up Paul told hubby "I hope it's not the ugly one in the window. Of course it was. They both thought I had lost my mind.
 He was embarressed to have her ride in the back of the pickup.

I could see beyond her flaws and she had that beautiful curved back. One down one to go.

 We have room for 2 sofas. A trip into Snow's consignment scored me this one for $100. She was made in the 40's and when the material came off the back the foam had turned to dust. She was more than ready for some tender loving care.

 I already knew what she was going to wear. I'm thinking animal print.

Aren't they BEAUTIFUL? The amazing Beller's did the 70's sofa. I could not believe the differance. The other went to a lady in Sand Springs ( I needed them both completed before the upcoming shower) The work on the cheetah is no where near Beller's work. This was her first sofa to recover. I did not know this until 3 days ago. Not bad for the first time but I see a few things that bug me. Beller's are pro's and do amazing work.
 The hubby has yet to see them. He has been out of town. They were delivered just in time for the bridal shower. He will be happy to finally have a sofa to lounge on. We have been sitting on chairs and even borrowed a few to get by. But let's face it is there anything better than napping on the sofa?

Kate's Shower 4-30-11

I hosted a bridal shower luncheon for my new daughter in law to be Katie. These are just a few pics of the party before. While I was busy hosting my sister was kind enough to take pics during the shower. I have yet to see them and will post soon. My sweet friend Chrissy who is amazingly talented made the banner. Check out her great designs at chocolatetulipdesigns on facebook. She even made these adorable cupcake toppers.

And these yummy cookies & cream  cupcakes were made by the beautiful Whitney. Oh my goodness they were sinful. SOOOO good!

Honoring my to be daughter in law with a shower/ luncheon is my way of welcoming her

into my family. I wanted everything  to be very special for Katie and hope she knows how much we love her and how happy we are to have her as our new daughter.

I'm  blessed to have two daughter in laws that I absolutely adore.

They are both loving, kind & respectful.

I know a lot of mother in law-daughter in law relationships that are terrible and I thank God

everyday for Jade & Kate.

I LOVE my girls!