The scene in my yard this St. Patrick’s Day.
I CAN’T STOP SMILING even now, hours after I flung open my living room curtains to discover a crop of shamrocks growing in my front yard.
What a magical surprise on this St. Patrick’s Day, to see that my husband and I had been Sham “Rocked”ed.
We’re not even Irish. But who cares? We’re all Irish today, right? Plus, my favorite color is green.
And I love surprises. Don’t we all? What joy they bring into your day.
One little leprechaun signed his name.
Immediately I suspected one of two young families for creating a memorable St. Patrick’s Day. Little Jack made sleuthing unnecessary. He printed the message, ‘YOU ARE SMART,” and signed his name. Thanks. No detective work necessary.
The leprechaun even shamrocked our van.
And Mrs. Leprechaun, aka my dear friend Tammy, whom I phoned to thank, revealed that her husband, Jesse, came up with the idea to “shamrock” us. This morning, before leaving for work in the Twin Cities metro, he crept into our yard and planted those lucky clovers on our lawn and on our vehicles.
If I wasn’t so happy about this act of kindness, I think I would be crying. Crying at having friends who are dear and thoughtful and loving and kind and, above all, an incredible blessing in my life.
To Jesse, Tammy, Noah, Hannah, Jack, Amelia and baby Benjamin:
A Wish for a Friend
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!
An Irish blessing, author unknown
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Sweet!!!
Yes, it was/is.
Love that! Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you!
Thank you and the same to you, Kristen.
Any 4-leaf clovers?
I thought of that, but have not looked. Too busy painting.
That’s such a cute idea!!!!
Isn’t it? This is similar to the “Heart Attack” I pulled off on Valentine’s Day 2014 with this family and another family. Really fun to be on the receiving end.
That’s so sweet!!
I thought so, too. I’m still smiling and it’s almost supper time.
What a great way to start the day. Good friends/neighbors are priceless. In our fast paced world we need to stop and smell the ros…..ah…. errr……….. shamrocks now and then!
Absolutely. I treasure this dear family.
What a great surprise! I’d be smiling too!
And the Leprechaun who planted the shamrocks was mighty quiet.
Tears for sure!!!! And next….May baskets……………….ahhh, sweet innocent days gone by but not forgotten by a precious few to bless us today!!!!
I’ve also been the recipient of May baskets. These young families, who are our friends, have blessed us many times with their sweet surprises.
Awesome idea, such sweet and thoughtful friend you have. 🙂
Yes, a great idea and sweet of our friends to do for us.
Awesome!
After being “Heart Attacked”, I had been planning to return the favor all year. It was so fun to have all my little leprechauns sitting around the table the night before taping the sticks on the backs of those clovers. Now, back to my cup of Irish coffee while it’s still warm! I’ve got to plot my 4th of July shenanigans. Cheers, Audrey!
I can just imagine you and your darling little leprechauns working your magic with that green construction paper, magic markers and sticks. You caught me off guard and totally made this the most memorable St. Patrick’s Day ever. To you and your entire family, thank you for bringing us such joy. You are the best leprechauns ever. Cheers!
What a fun spin off on the Heart Attack event in Feb. It would have made my day seeing all those shamrocks in the yard! And I DID note NO SNOW in your yard.
You’re right. No snow. Made the leprechaun’s task of planting those shamrocks easier.
I do love surprises and this is one of the nicest. You have great friends and are clearly well loved. I also notice the snow has melted! What a lovely start to Spring xx
For now the snow is gone. I expect more this season yet.
And, yes, we have great friends.