Lessons for the Yard

I am frantically working on getting my yard in shape for a joyous occasion in a few weeks. Hayden informed me that there is a possibility that 'professional landscapers' may be attending. I had two thoughts: One- "Well, Hayden, you better get out there and start whipping things into shape. " Two- I am happy to give them something to look at and think about how they would make it better!
  I really do like working in the yard. My yard is a constant work in progress. Each area is well loved, thought about and given what little attention I can afford. As I was working on the west side of my house, my sweet neighbor peeked over the fence and asked how long does it take to tame weeds and have a beautiful yard....I answered, "I'll let you know if it ever happens" I also shared that weeding is a fact of life if you love your garden. I really enjoy weeding. It gives me time to reflect and I am taught great lessons in the garden. As I weed, I am able to think about the things in my life that could be considered weeds. Things I would like to replace with beauty. I am able to do my spiritual weeding at the same time. As I tenderly check my little pets of green, I am able to reflect on the talents that Heavenly Father has given me. Any 'right' choices I may be making. Sometimes it is so easy to look at all my spiritual weeds and not notice the beautiful flowering shrub I have been working on. I fear that in noticing good choices and the beautiful rewards it may be perceived as prideful and ugly. I have come to realize that Heavenly Father doesn't expect nor want us to be constantly throwing dirt at ourselves. It is okay to notice those beautiful things. We just can't stop and freeze and never start gardening again while we enjoy those things.
   Finally at the end of the day as I achingly try to stand and look at what those little aches have helped me accomplish, I am filled with peace. I know that there is more work coming to the very spot that I just finished cleaning. That more little trials are buried in the rich soil and will be peeking up to pester me soon. I know that I can choose to ignore them until they hide the colors and fragrances I have worked hard to spotlight or I can pick them out as soon as they emerge. There are so many lessons in the garden!

Sunday Morning

I think I do enough complaining about winter that I need to celebrate my love of Spring. (Yes, I capped Spring on purpose and left winter diminished)
I spent the most beautiful morning on patio. The sights: Flowers in every direction. Birds flitting all over. My lovely bird feeders. Even a Blossom of a different sort.
The smells: Lilacs...need I say more.
Sounds: Birds chattering on their dates. My wind chimes. I am truly blessed!

I wish for smellavision

My newly planted basket

Bringing the birds into my domain

My very favorite tulips

My newest lilac. Note the white edges.

These little dears are volunteers. I love where they planted themselves....I sense a purple theme going on.

A different sort of Blossom. We love letting her play on the patio.

And play she does. She is a hoot. She runs and has a favorite hiding spot, but loves to explore.

There she goes again.

A Warrior in the House

   Carter had very specific ideas on his tribal wear for the upcoming Youth Conference named Be2014. He wanted a Captain Moroni look. There was a stake fashion show last night. He wanted a battle skirt. We rushed to the fabric store after school. I felt like his happiness angels were watching over him. My lesson canceled and I had told the director of the meeting that was changed suddenly to yesterday that I couldn't make it. We found some great leather like vinyl. Then we rushed to make the skirt. It turned out alright for being my design. I loved his poses. He looked terrific. He doesn't know that in my eyes, he is already a warrior. He is very heavily armed and protected. I still worry about the enemy, but I know he will conquer. With Hayden preparing to leave in June and Carter filling out his papers, I am entering a new phase of life. I thought it was what I wanted, but I am feeling very 'leaky' these days. Hayden's (and our) dear friend left for the MTC yesterday. I leaked all day. I could leak very easily right now! I could leak looking at Captain Moroni here. How do you stop the leaks?