More snow...in April?!

Yes, we not only had a spring snow storm a week or so ago, but we got another blast of snow on Monday and it's still on the ground today. And, if you didn't already realize it - it's now APRIL!!!What is going on?!

Here's a glimpse out the window by my desk at work. You can't see the individual snow flakes, but I assure you, the gray skies had snow falling from it all day long on Monday.

Here's a photo from today. There are plants and bushes directly beneath the Evermoor sign. With all the snow that fell you can barely see the tips of these plants!

Here's a quick shot out the front window of our car on the ride into work. It really felt like Dec or January again. Crazy!

Two Years Without Mom

Today marks the 2nd memorial since my Mom passed away. My family and I spent the day at my parents' home. He cooked up a storm in honor of her. After paying our respects and remembering her in our own ways, we feasted on lots of yummy food. It was nice to be together. I know my Mom would be happy to see us all. We wish Mai could've been with us, but we know she was with us in spirit, just like I know that Mom is still with us wherever we are. After eating we went out to the cemetery and decorated her grave with flowers. She always loved spring time and the flowers that would eventually bloom after a long, hard winter.

Though two years have passed there are days when it feels like it was just yesterday and the pain and sadness of losing her overwhelms me. Then there are days when it feels like it's been years. Those are days in which I feel an emptiness somewhere deep inside. I take comfort in having known and loved my Mom and for being loved by her for as long as I was able and for having such a great family to lean on during these times.

And, of course, the biggest blessing in my life is having a wonderful husband and a beautiful and healthy little girl. Keira gives me hope and fills my heart with a love I never knew before. I can only hope that we all brought my Mom this kind of joy and love in her life. I will continue to honor my Mom by being the best Mom I can be.

Speaking of Keira, she was so much fun today and brought much needed laughter. She is quite the character and loves to have fun! She showed off to her Grandpa, Uncles and Auntie how she can stand up all by herself, how she can feed herself snacks and drink from her sippy cup. She's developed some new skills rather quickly lately.

Here are some fun photos of her new abilities...

I was so excited to hear about Keira finally eating table foods. Mashed potatoes are always a good choice to start with!

After working really hard on getting some potatoes in her mouth and most of it everywhere else (hair, face, behind the ears, etc) she resumed her habitual stance when it comes to table foods -absolutely no interest.

Keira is not only able to stand on her own now, but she likes to do her "beauty pageant" wave to say "hi" and "bye" - so cute!

Keira's modeling the awesome outfit that Grandpa bought for her - love the coat!

Spring in Minnesota

Some of my friends residing in warmer climates have asked what the weather in MN is like now that it's spring. Ha ha ha...While the past few days have been much warmer, here's what our first days of spring looked like. I'm guessing this is not what spring looks like in Singapore or England or Thailand...But, spring will eventually arrive to Minnesota and I can't wait!!