Lawn Mowers

Have I mentioned that I don't really mind mowing the lawn?  Especially this time of year, it's a nice hour or so of fresh air and exercise.  We've had a lawn service mow and fertilize our lawn for a year or so before (starting one year when I was pregnant and we didn't have a decent lawn mower) but generally the kids and I have taken care of the lawn on our own.  (DH suffers from allergies, and I learned from experience long ago to not let him mow the lawn or he would not be in very good shape the following day.) 

We have had quite a few different mowers over the years, and some interesting experiences with them, one of which involved the lawn mower ending up in the canal.  But we won't name any names or go into the details here, especially as the details always were a bit sketchy.  Anyway, I'm grateful to have had power lawn mowers all of these years. 

All of our lawns have been fairly large, and I can't imagine having to mow them with a human powered mower, or with a scythe or machete or some such tool.  I suppose we could always go the really old fashioned route of having the horses or cows or sheep mow the lawn for us, but then we aren't exactly zoned for that in our neighborhood.  And I don't think I'd appreciate the hoof prints and the unevenly distributed natural fertilizer that would come with that method of lawn mowing. 

So yes, I do like the lawn mower.

Perfect Weather

This year's "perfect date" is today, May 9, 2013. It's not too hot and not too cold.  It is currently 65 degrees outside.  The sky is blue with just a few fluffy white clouds and a bit of a breeze.   The grass is green and the trees are all leafing out.  The lilacs are blooming and there are still a few tulips around town.  This morning I spent a wonderful hour outside weeding the garden, and this evening I plan to mow lawns and weed until dark.   Yes.  A perfect weather day today.  Can it please stay this way for a while???

Mother-In-Law

My Mother-in-law with our family 24 years ago.

I have just about the best Mother-in-law that anyone could ever ask for.  She has always been so loving, kind, and accepting of me, is the perfect mother for her children, and a wonderful grandmother to our children.  She is always willing to do and to give whatever she can to make the lives of everyone around her more comfortable and enjoyable.  Her strong faith and courage as she faces life's challenges with a smile will always be an example that I try to live up to.   

Walking Home From Work

I am very blessed to have a job where I can walk to or from my work in about ten minutes.  Since my car is in the shop this week, that's just what I have been doing for the past few days.  I don't really mind walking; in fact I rather enjoy it as long as the weather cooperates.  I get some exercise that I wouldn't normally get since I haven't been taking the time to exercise like I should lately.  Setting aside time just for exercise sometimes seems like a bit of a waste and a bother, but if I'm doing something I need to do anyway such as yard work and gardening or walking to work, I really rather enjoy it.

This afternoon I decided to add an extra couple of blocks onto my walk so I could stop by the local grocery store and pick up a few things for dinner.  There were a few dark clouds as I left work, but I didn't worry too much as the sky to the west seemed brighter and clearer, but just as I left the store with my meat and fresh veggies, it started to rain, not too bad, just a light rain.  About three blocks from home, the rain was getting harder and another blessing occurred:  my dear next door neighbors pulled over and offered me a ride the rest of the way home.  Thanks neighbors!  Double and triple blessings today!

Dear Daughter In Law

In addition to my 2 Dear Sons and 4 Dear Daughters, I have a wonderful Dear Daughter In Law.  DS2 and DDIL live out of state, but this past week DDIL was able to fly in for a Women's Conference and spend some time with her mother and sister.  DS2 unfortunately had to work and was unable to come,  but we plan to spend some time with them both when they come to visit in July.  I also had to work and was unable to attend the conference, but on Saturday evening we were able to drive down to take DDIL out to dinner with the DD1, DD3, and DD4 who live here in the area.  We had a nice meal and a good time chatting, then stopped at DD3's apartment where she provided us with fresh brownies and ice cream for dessert.  It was a very nice evening. 

DDIL was scheduled to fly back home on Sunday afternoon, but when we got home from church, we found a text saying that her flight had been delayed for about four hours  So we rushed out to the airport and brought her home for another nice visit and distraction from the lonely wait at the airport.  Twice blessed for a lovely visit with a beautiful lady who is the perfect companion and compliment for DS2.  Aren't we blessed?

Patience of Spouse

My DH is a wonderfully patient guy who rarely says anything even remotely negative.  I am blessed to have a spouse who is so calm and patient with my mistakes, my ineptitude and sometimes lack of common sense. 

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

--Moroni 7: 45-47
The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Ancestors

My Father's Parents

I have many ancestors who have lived great lives and made good choices and decisions that have had an affect on my life and who I am.   I have grandparents and aunts who have collected stories about my ancestors and have made them available to me and my family.  I have gone with my own mother to libraries to search out and find information about my ancestors.  It is amazing to see the information that is available, and sometimes overwhelming to realize the work that it takes to verify and organize the information that we do have.  It is something that I know I need to work on, to carry on the work that others have begun.

My Mother's Mother

My Mother's Father