Spring Fever

by Meredith

Spring is here and the weather is great.  Get out and enjoy it!  Here are my suggestions for spring fun.

Mini golf: Yes, this activity may evoke certain middle school memories you'd rather forget, but it can also make for an awesome activity with someone special.

Hikes: Enjoy all the colors that nature has to offer and get off the beaten path. 

Painting: Pick up some sturdy paper and paint (watercolor, acrylic, etc) at your nearby craft store, then find a beautiful spot to relax outside.  Just paint what you see - it doesn't need to be perfect!  I bet you'll find this activity relaxing.  I sure do.

Pack a Picnic: Forget going out to eat, make lunch and pack it up for an afternoon picnic! Find a secluded spot on the beach, in a park, or on a hiking trail to enjoy the time together!

Go to a baseball game: Springtime is synonymous with baseball season, so ab your jerseys and hit up a home game for your favorite team.

Antique Photos

by Meredith

We went to Storm Lake, Iowa this past weekend to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday with her family. One of my gifts to her was a photo board made up of many family photos from her past.  When I started, I asked Gram if she had any old pictures tucked away and she dug up a box from the basement filled to the brim with old family snapshots.  One problem - many didn't have names on them!  Her and I did the best we could despite my lack of knowledge and her aging memory, but in the end I think it turned out pretty well.  My challenge to you now is if you're interested in this same thing, ask your elders ahead of time to go through their old pictures and write down names and relationships statuses!  The earlier you do this the better.

Happy Birthday Grandma

by Meredith

{Highschool graduation, 1940}

Today is my grandma's 90th birthday. She is a hero of mine, one my most cherished role models and friend. I love you gram. Happy Birthday. 

 WHAT IS A GRANDMA?

A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories.

She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes.

She is someone you can tell your secrets and worries to,

And she hopes and prays that all your dreams come true.

She always loves you, no matter what.

She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods,

And makes it clear that they don't affect how precious you are to her.

She is an encouraging word and a tender touch. She is full of proud smiles.

She is the one person in the world who loves you with all her heart,

Who remembers the child you were and cherishes the person you've become.
~Barbara Cage~

Gram's Dresses

by Meredith

My friend Dani had another bridal shower this past weekend - one with just friends. She loves everything vintage so her friends threw her a 'vintage-styled' shower and we all wore old dresses.  To find something great I went straight to my Grandma Helen's basement and found these two gems, both hers from the 1950s. Here my friend Sarah and I model them.

Pretty Petits Fours

by Meredith

For something sweet at your next party, make petit fours. I'm making these delicate little cakes for my friend's bridal shower this weekend and using a new recipe from Taste of Home magazine.