Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, May 9, 2016

My Wonderful Mother's Day/Week and Memories --- 2016

Dear Blog Friends,  I posted this album on Facebook yesterday --but wanted to share it with you also since my Mother's Day celebrations were so special this year.

First of all though,  I paid tribute to my wonderful mother,  EDITH BALLARD BANKS (1900-1991). Over the weekend, in celebration of Mother's Day, I remembered my "Mama"... Even though she has been gone for 25 years now, I still miss her SO much. I never thanked her enough for being the best Mom in the world to me. She was such a gracious Christian lady---and I only hope that she is looking down from heaven on her daughter knowing how much I love and miss her and appreciate her for all she gave to me. Thanks, Mom for YOU! (Photo taken in 1982)




On Friday (5/6/16), we got an invitation to drive to Dalton to visit and have dinner with my son, Jeff and Daughter-in-law, Dawn. What an awesome day we had--and a fantastic Mother's Day Celebration for me. They fixed Grilled Chicken, Grilled Fresh Veggies, Grilled Fresh Corn-on-the-Cob, and for dessert cake/ice cream... ALL was SO delicious...


This is part of (they have a BIG yard) Jeff and Dawn's backyard. They have veggies and flowers planted. We enjoyed walking around the entire yard seeing all of the beautiful plants/flowers--many blooming already. We are so proud of these two --and the life they are enjoying together.


Not only did Jeff and Dawn cook us an amazing dinner, but they gave me this beautiful Hanging Basket... It hangs proudly in our yard!!!!!


This beautiful angel (Angel in the Garden) was sent from son Mark and his love, Debbie. They know that I collect angels and they also know how much I enjoy Gardening. If you can't read the inscription, it says: "To plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow".... Isn't she gorgeous?


Mark and Debbie also sent me a beautiful Butterfly Suncatcher (with the word, Mom, inscribed on the bottom). This will hang proudly on one of our sliding doors.


This is one of the neatest and most unique gifts I have ever received. It's an ornament which is from Debbie which says: "Thank You for Raising the 'Man of my Dreams'". Is this not just AWESOME? Oh My Godness --how I love it.. Thanks, Debbie, for this --and for making my son SO happy.


I wanted so desperately to see Mark and Debbie on Mother's Day ---but since they are in Texas and I am in Tennessee,  that wasn't possible.  However,  I did have a phone video conversation with them as they were on their way to the Astros Game---AND they sent me a picture.... This is  Mark and the love of HIS life,  Debbie!


I can't end this album without THANKING my wonderful husband, George, who constantly makes me laugh --and has made me so very very happy. He asked if I'd rather go out to eat on Mother's Day --or to have a home-cooked dinner... I opted to stay home and eat one of his delicious meals (scallops/shrimp/sauteed veggies, etc.)... Oh how spoiled I am --not only by my sons but by this awesome, terrific, fantastic man in my life. Thanks to ALL for making my Mother's Day so tremendous. I love you ALL

Hope all of you had an awesome weekend also...  I am one very blessed woman!!!!  Thanks be to God!

Hugs,