Thursday, May 29, 2008

Why I love plants















I remember weeding my parents' yard when I was very young. My dad had made a very good weeder by fashioning some metal onto the end of a pole. He had probably welded it. I don't know and can't ask him since he died 35 years ago. But welding was one of his talents. He had many talents and I remember knowing that he could fix anything from my watch to something on our house or car. I think I got my love of the outdoors from him. I know I only ever wanted to be outside with him, and never inside cleaning the house or cooking.

We had hydrangeas and wisteria, a banana tree and a huge fig tree in our yard. I now have the first three and hope to be able to plant the fig tree, too. It's not fair, though. I grew up in a place where it rained constantly and consequently everything grew so easily. Now, it's a challenge to grow anything that likes to be watered more than once a month-or every two months. It doesn't rain very often here. But, thank goodness we have a well and a sprinkler system. It still takes a good while to water all the potted plants and they already have to be watered every other day or so. But, I love them. I call them my babies. And, sometimes I think my children are jealous of them!

Who couldn't love a plant? The colors are so beautiful. The different greens that can be on plants is amazing. The flowers are magnificently colored. I don't know why anyone would prefer jewels to plants. If I had a palace I would decorate it with all sorts of flowering plants, not expensive jewels. And, as a mother, I appreciate that these babies are always where I left them, never talk back, only give joy and enjoyment, and rarely make messes. But the nurturing of a child is a wonderful thing, too. It's just more demanding. And it takes longer to see the fruits of your labor. Maybe I like plants so much because it takes less patience.




I enjoy my garden fountain so much. I love sitting outside looking at the garden and listening to the gurgling water. It is so peaceful. And, with five (sometims, six) children still at home, I need peace.




I know that Heavenly Father created all these beautiful plants for our enjoyment. I imagine He could have sent us to an earth that would have satified our physical needs but not have been beautiful . Instead He wanted us to have pleasure and joy. I'm grateful for His love and kindness and generosity for sharing these beautiful things with us.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Check out my Slide Show!

What next? Another new me?

My friend, Jen, inspired me to do this. I can't believe I'm blogging! I loved seeing her pictures and reading about her day-to-day life. Not only can I relate to what her life is all about now, but reading her blog made me think about how much I have to be thankful about, too, and how lately I'm taking it all for granted.

So, this is me: Fifty-something mother of nine. I'm not being coy about my age. I just can't remember if I'm 53 or 54. I'd have to do the math. It's not worth it. My oldest child, Joshua, is 32 as of yesterday. My youngest, Emma, is 8 years old.

I have two married sons and three grandchildren. Another son will be married at the end of the summer. I'm so blessed with wonderful daughter-in-laws and d-i-l to be. I never take that for granted because I hear of so many unhappy in-law stories. That must be awful. I always wanted to love my daughter-in-laws. I had five sons first and thought maybe that might be the only way I would get daughters-by having my sons marry them. But, then I was blessed with four daughters. I have often said that they were my reward for having all those boys! But, I was just kidding. The boys were a lot of fun when they were little. I'm just glad I was young when I had them and that I had the girls in my "old age". It's a lot quieter now.