I Love: Blossoms

For weeks, I've been noticing every tree dressed up in spring blooms and pointing them out to the kids. My favorites are the Magnolia trees -- which seem to be everywhere this year. I've been loving the crocuses, the early tulips and the daffodils. At last, my own tulips bloomed just this week. Every time I pull into my driveway, I gasp at their beauty. I'm so glad I planted tulips a few years ago. They have to be the easiest flower to keep alive. And, year after year, they come back. They even multiply. I've quite forgotten about all of the improvements I've been wanting to make the the outside of our home. These tulips take my mind far away from all of that to a display of magic and beauty.

This morning I walked Ian to school with the sun warming my back. This weather makes me feel optimistic, happy and content. Even on the cold days, there is the promise of more warm days just around the corner. I've been enjoying this spring so much, especially because it's been a bit cooler than usual -- I have the nice compensation of being a little overly warm this year.

Two nights ago, a storm rolled in. The kids and I were taking out the trash when we looked up to see gray covering the sky. I love rain storms! We sat on the porch and enjoyed the sounds and smells as we watched the drops fall and intensify the colors of everything.

"Don't you love the smell of the rain?" I said to Sophie. "I love the pitter patter sound of the drops coming down," she replied. I love that she said that. Maybe we really should never leave this house. It's so fun to enjoy storms from the front porch with the kids.

I felt so happy as I walked Ian to school this morning that I reached out and grabbed his hand. I love that he is proud to hold his hugely pregnant mom's hand while he walks to school. I love this Kindergarten year of my children's lives. So sweet is their childhood innocence.