Sights of Spring

There is a tree around the corner from our house that I keep an eye on as the weather begins to change.  During our walks, I point this tree out to Luke and show him the green buds.  Seeing this tree blossom is truly my first sign that winter is finally, truly over, at least until December.  Getting the first whiff of these magnolia flowers really sets my mind for the renewal that is Spring.  Hope my neighbor didn't mind Luke and I taking these photos!

                                            In all their glory

                                            Al-l-l-most there

Under the Magnolia Tree

Open up and say Ahhh

Aiming up at the Sky

Now that Luke is 3 (my baby is 3! Wow!), there are new Sights of Spring in our life.  Here's the newest one:

                                        Vroom!


           Lukie on his brand-new scooter - Go, Lulie, Go! 
          Thanks Aunt Jen, Uncle Mike, Jenna and Michael!
                     
                               Happy Spring!


                                   xoxo,
                       Momma Lioness Michele                                                

Sending Strength to the Spohr Family, Today and Every Day

About this time last year, I had just been introduced to the idea of blogging. As I wandered through this whole new online stratosphere, I kept seeing one family written about, over and over - The Spohr Family. Heather Spohr writes about her life and family on her website www.thespohrsaremultiplying.com. As I began exploring the world of blogging, Heather and her husband Mike's world crashed in on them. Their exquisite 17-month-old daughter, Madeline Alice, passed away suddenly a year ago today.  


The loss of a child is a pain no parent should ever experience. I would understand if the Spohrs chose to shut down their blog and just be, but they didn't. Heather continued to post, and I was captivated by her ability to express herself so beautifully and honestly in the face of such overwhelming grief. In Maddie's name, thousands of dollars were raised for the March of Dimes. In addition to supporting the March of Dimes, the Spohr family also formed an organization, Friends of Maddie, that helps families of NICU babies. Maddie was born a preemie and the Spohrs know what families of preemies need. The Spohrs are champions for sick babies, and I honor their efforts, and their gorgeous daughter Maddie, by donating. You can too, by clicking on this link: www.FriendsofMaddie.com.


Heather and Mike Spohr welcomed daughter Annabel Violet into their family this past January.  I continue to read Heather's blog daily as she and Mike do all they can to make this world a better place for families. They are increasing the number of healthy babies like their Annie, while honoring the legacy of their Maddie. My thoughts and prayers go out to them on this wretched anniversary.