Everyone loves…

a slip ’n’ slide? Don’t they?

Isaiah and I spotted this incredible Lightning McQueen slip ‘n’ slide when we were out running errands a few weeks ago. It’s a bit more hi-tech than the ones I had growing up—this one has an attachment for the hose to fit into and  a built in sprinkler.

Initially, the boys just wanted to crawl down the red carpet and feel the gentle spray of water (although I guess Josh didn’t really think it was that gentle and kept his nose plugged—haha!).



Then they wanted to grab the water.



And taste the water



And just plain old watch the water.



But then the play really got going.







And being the child at heart that I am… I joined them.

I mean, someone had to show them how it’s done!!

In all honesty, I had at least as much fun as they did. Oh my, it was so fun. I felt like I was 5 years old again, and as carefree and excited as I ever could be. I loved every minute of it.

And I only have a few bruises. So I’m sure I’ll join them again.

I really do think that everyone loves a slip n slide.

Shades of Green

I love my garden.

Sure it’s not very big, and there are a few stray weeds climbing through the dirt…

And the peas are falling over in the back because the trellis I bought was really not tall enough. My oregano is all in one clump because the rain washed the seeds into a pile and my chives are still not thriving.

But to me, it’s the best garden ever.



Tomatoes


My hubby kindly donated the start-up fees (wood, compost, manure, seeds), and my boys helped me dig it one sunny spring day, but really, I’m the sole gardener. I’ve tended. I’ve cared. I’ve planted.

And I’ve loved.

Peas

I don’t know how it happened, but it happened still. These plants, each one, I love them. I love to smell the mint and basil, to find green beans and peas hiding among the leaves. I love my strawberries even though I haven’t tasted a single one. (Darn old squirrels!!)

Mint

Whenever I work in the garden, I feel peaceful too. And my mind almost always wanders to thoughts of our great God, who I’m sure loves gardens as much as I.

After all, didn’t He make all the lovely herbs and vegetables at the beginning of time? By the word of His power? And didn’t he make each plant ready to yield fruit in its season? Create humidity and rain, fertile soil and sun? Yes, I’m certain that God loves gardens too.

Strawberry

I’m also pretty sure God hates weeds, but loves weeding… just like I do.

Parsely

I always think about uprooting sin in my life when I’m weeding. The analogy is just to strong for me to ignore.

I love getting down on my hands and knees, sorting between plants, and carefully working my hands through the soil to pull up the bad guys while protecting the life of the good guys.

Man. One could go crazy with the life analogy’s (both Biblical and not) hidden in gardening.

Basil

I think it’s another reason why I love my garden and gardening.  I pull weeds and feel like I am vanquishing the enemy. I water the herbs and imagine the Holy Spirit reviving me with refreshing rain.

Oregano

I watch my plants grow… and think of how God nurtures and cares for His people; providing for our every need, saving us, and teaching us to bear good fruit.

Cucumbers

Thank you, Lord, for tending me… and my garden too

Things I love today

Today has been a wonderful productive busy day.

While I feel myself heaving a giant sigh of joy (and relief) now that I am at the end of it, I can’t help but feel amazingly blessed and contented at the blessings of the Lord.

To name a few…

Backyard swings and evidences of brotherly love. Oh boy, do these boys love each other… and the swings. Thank you, Father, for my boys.

 

Next, I would have to mention sunny warm days and cold sweet tea. Such sweet spring days and cool wet refreshment are gifts from God alone.

*As a random side note, I’ve discovered a few delicious sweet tea variations with a little fiddling around. Peach iced tea with a splash of peach juice (tastes like Snapple), raspberry iced tea with a shot of raspberry syrup and/or fresh raspberries, and, of course, peppermint iced tea with peppermint leaves (and/or peppermint schnapps!) So good.

 

Then comes the discounts and the flower beds. A bargain hunter like me would be remiss not to mention how joyful I was to see the 50% off sign on these perfectly good petunias. Perfectly good petunias. Nice. Can’t wait to get these puppies planted in pots around the deck.

And speaking of the deck…

 

I’m so thankful for Navajo Red Paint. Isn’t it gorgeous? It’s the accent color for the exterior of our home. I loved our house the very moment I first saw it… and loved it even more for the red door, red garages, and red shutters bursting with color. So pretty. The backyard deck is red too. And, as of this afternoon, it is all decked out (no pun intended) with a fresh coat of this deep dark paint.

If I’m honest, I’ll also mention that my hands, feet, and legs… as well as my boys extremities were covered with the paint earlier today too. What can I say? A girl can’t paint around here without some help from the boys. Apparently.

 

I also can’t help but say how thankful I am for a God who hears prayer and cares about even my little garden in the back yard. I seeded these amazing green beans (along with peas, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and a whole slew of herbs) 2 weeks ago. The weather has been warm for quite some time, and it was the perfect planting day. However… three days after I planted, we had a torrential rain storm. Inches of rain in just a few hours… and I found myself praying fervently that my garden would still grow. And would you believe it? It did. Every single plant that should have germinated by now, has. Wow! God is good.

 

Last, but certainly not least, I’m thankful for freckles. It appears that at least one of my little boys will take after his mother and don these adorable sun-kisses.

I know there were days in my childhood that I despised my freckles, but mostly, I just loved them. I loved how they’d start with a few here and there, and then slowly multiply, adding dimension and variety to my face. I did.  do. I love freckles. And I loved spotting them on Isaiah’s nose this afternoon.

 

Thank you, Lord, for your mercies that are new every morning. Thank you for giving me such joy in the little things. Great is Thy faithfulness.

Mowing

Lately my chore has been to do THIS:

And if you'll notice, that is a "power" mower... as in "use every bit of power in you" to mow the lawn. This is not one of those gas powered, horse powered, motorized lawn mowers, this is "by the sweat of my brow" lawn mowing!! This is, in fact, reel lawn mowing.

Let me tell you, its not for the faint at heart. While it may look easy, don't judge until you've given it a try. And... I better add, until you've given it a try on our 1/2 acre lot where the grass grows green and THICK. (this does not compare to Arizona or Colorado grass)

But before you think I'm complaining, I actually have to beg my husband to let me mow the lawn these days.

Crazy as it sounds, I love mowing the lawn. I like the exercise and the sense of accomplishment. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I love working hard and the taste of ice cold lemonade when I'm all done.

I also love helping my hubby out. Nick is so busy right now (he's the Commander for a new company) that keeping up with yard work is extra hard to squeeze into his overflowing schedule. What a practical and relatively simple way to show him my love!

Okay. So its not quite that selfless-- I love doing it and... if I'm honest, I'd rather mow the lawn myself, than share Nick with the lawn mower... or do I mean the lawnmower with Nick?