In 2009 we learned that Grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time and although the kiddos were too little to really comprehend what was going on, we filled her home with sloppy childish artwork that she proudly displayed. She loved them. From the "art" in her front hallway to crayon pictures of teeth in the dental office to handwritten notes taped on her kitchen cabinets - the kids' artwork, however juvenile, was always greatly admired.

It's been five months since we lost Grandma.

Her grave site has no markers but a plastic wreath we placed on our last visit.  We took advantage of a gorgeous spring day (I told them that Grandma had ordered it) to leave her a little bit of what she loved the most. Artwork made from the heart by the three grandchildren she adored.

Jeff purchased some wood and primed it while the kids and I hit the craft store.

We picked colors we knew Grandma liked.

And got serious about our designs.

All of their designs included a flower. She loved flowers so much that she did our wedding flowers and out shined any of Martha Stewart's work.

Two hours and twenty-six dollars later, we had three beautiful crosses for Grandma.

I don't know if it's okay, per cemetery guidelines, to place three colorful childish crosses on a grave site but I do know that Grandma smiled.

Because we left a little bit of ourselves with her.