Violet in the Violet's

Last spring, I came home from school one day and we had this amazing patch of violets in our yard, and I dropped everything and plopped Violet in the middle of them for a photo shoot. You can't get anything sweeter than Violet in the violets. So, I decided that would have to become a yearly tradition.

Violet, Spring 2007

Well, it seems that violets the plants don't always cooperate (much like Violet the daughter on some occasions). Instead of huge patches of violets, we had violets sprinkled throughout our lawn, a result, I believe of a grub issue we seem to be having, and the amount of snow and subsequently, salt that we received in greater Big Rapids this year. However, I was not going to be defeated by the whims of nature--no, no, no--we were going to have a picture of Violet in the violets...even if I only had one! So, I marched her out...and....

well, it seems that Violet the daughter and violet the plants, are conspiring against me this year. I managed to get one decent shot of Violet with a few Violet's, and some lovely pictures that are no doubt going to come out at one of her graduations or future visits from boyfriends, just so they know what they are really getting into! And of course, they will always be on this blog, so hopefully, it won't affect her run for public office in future years. But, enjoy them anyway...these are pre-haircut, so her eyes are a little hidden...darn wind! But, isn't it amazing how grown up she is, in just a scant 365 days?!!

Mother's Day

We had a fantastic weekend celebrating Mother's Day; if you don't count Sunday. Saturday was a beautiful day, and my mom (Grandma Fynaardt) was up visiting to allow my sister Cali and I to go to my future sister-in-law Laura's bachelorette party/bridal shower. Grandma and Violet enjoyed their time at the mall while Cali and I mini-golfed with the party goers, and we then met back up with Grandma and Violet after we finished mini-golfing. It was nice to be able to interact with Laura a little more before the wedding, but still work it out to be able to spend some quality time with my mom.

Sunday wasn't the best day--part of it was the weather, and part of it was Violet got sick! So, I spent most of my mother's day snuggling with a little girl who just didn't feel good at all. The tylenol did seem to perk her up a bit in the afternoon, but it still wasn't the most 'relaxing' of days. That being said, I can't complain too much because I did recieve a beautiful butterfly necklace and earring set from my darling daughter, complete with violet-colored crystal/zirconia accents. I also received two of my favorite indugences from my husband--Mountain Dew and a snickers candy bar.

So, despite the illness, it was nice to be appreciated in 'special' ways. I know that I'm always appreciated, but it's really great to be reminded of that!