20 Happy thoughts about Spring

(My fist Lilac bloom! Spring 2008)

My mom sent me this fun email, listing the top 20 things to look forward to for spring. I added some of my own, plus some fun spring pictures. Living in the Midwest really makes Spring a big deal, since we have about 5 months of cold winter, with the weather getting into the 50's we can escape to our yards just for a bit to start prepping for spring!

I am hoping that I can really put some effort into my garden this year. I live in a 9 year old subdivision that was made from a cornfield. So we have no trees really established (the little ones along the street) and the houses are all close to the same. I want our house to stand out and really be unique!

Here's to a great spring!!

1. The hope of bright sunshine for a few days in a row
2. The first pretty little spring flowers poking out of the dirt
3. Waking up to tweeting birds outside the window
4. Seeing the rain through the rays of sunshine
5. Sweeping away the dead winter leaves from the front porch
6. Cleaning out the planting beds & pots
7. Replacing the crunchy plants by the front door with happy spring flowers
8. Walking out the door with just a sweater on instead of a down coat and gloves

(I love to walk my mom's garden! This is her garden October 2008)

9. Putting away the layers of cozy winter decor and lightening up for spring
10. Smiling at the tulips on the entry table
11. Opening a window for fresh air to clear out the stale air of winter
12. Feeling energized for spring cleaning
13. The happy moment you first notice pink blossoms in the trees
14. Decorating with nests, eggs, bunnies, and other springy things
15. My first bouquet of flowers from my yard!

(My Chives make an awesome bouquet anytime! This vase was hand painted by a gardener friend)

16. Inhaling the fresh smell of spring
17. Taking a walk without shivering
18. Spring vacation (this year we are headed to Nashville! To visit Nikki and Loren!)
19. A Spring Drive By (Check this link out, and get lost in some amazing gardens!)
20. What would YOU add to the list?

My #20 would be the Garden Walks that my mom and me go to. I love to just escape into someone elses garden. Be it traditional or funky. But the best part of the garden walks, is just me and my mom taking pictures and sharing a day of something we love together!

(I am SO my mother after all!!!! Garden Walk, Morris, Spring 2008)