The Garden

The first box I planted out of 6 in our garden

The dirty work

Some of the herbs and some flowers went on the patio in planters

Here is the basil; it is just starting to really come up

These are the peas, I love how fast they have grown

This is spinach and it was also one of the first to sprout which is a miracle because I planted them a little late in the season and didn't think they would make it

Here is my little bean sprout. It is pushing itself up through the dirt as I write. It is such a phenomenal feeling to work so hard each day and see no progress and then to see a little shoot or sprout and have such feelings of joy and accomplishment! I grew up having a garden and taking it for granted that it always grew and turned out. My Dad is an expert gardener and has always kept us eating peas, corn, carrot, cukes (cucumbers), radishes, tomatoes and so many other fruits and vegetables straight from the garden. My Mom would always yell from the kitchen that we needed to wash them, and my Dad would answer that a little dirt never hurt anyone and it was minerals. I used to sit on the back porch and eat a sun kissed tomato with salt. We would pick our raspberries right off of the vine. I watched as my Dad transplanted a black berry bush from my Grandparents house and nurtured it for at least 10 years until it is now growing plenty of juicy, lush berries. We have had a whole separate garden just for potatoes and grown wacky rhubarb, dark delicious beets, tangy cantaloupe and once a white pumpkin that glowed in the dark. We always just had a garden. My Mom would can things and we would eat them year round. I didn't realize how much I missed all of that until we were advised by our Stake Presidency to follow the teachings of the Prophet and plant a garden now. There is a cute primary song that says:

The Prophet says to plant a garden, so that's what we'll do,

For God has given rich, brown soil, the rain and sunshine too.

And if we plant the seeds just right, and tend them carefully,

Before we know, good things will grow, to feed our family.

I am so happy that we received the revelation to plant a garden so that I could honor the memories that I have and also to make memories with my children as they watch our garden grow and learn to follow the teachings of the Prophet. I love going out every morning in the sunshine and watering the tiny little green sprouts. I hope that they all grow! Even if I lose some, I am learning something new that I can pass on to my kids and hopefully it will mean as much to them as it has to me.

Little Boo has left the building

Sarah has finally given up her little boo (pacifier). With Catherine we bribed her with a Snow White Barbie and a toy horse. Sarah was much harder. We tried candy, treats, balloons, a new toy, 2 new toys, any toy at Walmart...well, she took us at our word and picked the biggest toy she could find that she thought would make it worth it. We made her wait a week while she adjusted to not having one before she got her reward. Each night when she was sad and crying Brady would take her out to the garage to look at her car box. After her week was up, Brady put the car together and left it in the garage while she was sleeping. When she woke up she got to go out and get in. She was sooooo excited and she only threatened to take it back to Walmart twice. She is still having a rough time adjusting and is not sleeping as well, but she is no longer asking for it and talks about being a big girl. When she is particularly sad, she goes out and drives her car around. I am thankful for how quickly and painlessly the whole thing went!

Cat's Birthday

Cat opening her new Mr. Potato Head. These are a huge hit in our family!

Cat loved her Barbie horse from Sarah.

Cat wearing her new horse necklace from Auntie Suzi and Uncle Rod

Auntie Suzi found a perfect gift for Cat. The little horse charm was adorable and just right for a little girl who wants nothing more than to keep a horse in our backyard.

Cat with her pile before she opened all of them. She is such a sweet, obedient child! I can't imagine life without my little helper! She is one of the most helpful children I have ever known. It is just her nature to want to be with me and please me. She is always smiling and trying to do what is right. I couldn't have asked for a better first child to help me learn and to grow with. She takes my mistakes in stride and always forgives me. Even when I don't learn the first time. She is smart and funny and beautiful and I love her so much!