Families Are Forever: May 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009

I love flowers!

I have been having so much fun with the flowers I planted this spring. Here's some of my favorites!

The last time we flew our large flag was in the spring of 2008. We looked for it in the spring of 2009 but could not find it anywhere. I really wanted to display it last Monday on Memorial Day/
I prayed hard that we could find it. Around 11:00 AM on Memorial Day, I opened up our front hall closet and the flag was in plain sight. I was amazed. She has been up ever since and looks beautiful!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day thoughts

Last night I watched for my first time the National Memorial Day concert on PBS. I cried through most of it.

I was made aware of it by doing a little research about Memorial Day. There is a National concert every year in Washington D.C. the night before Memorial Day. Last night they celebrated their 20th concert. The main purpose of the concert is to REMEMBER all those who have fought in our wars and to THANK THEM for their service.

I have never given serious thought to those who come home from war who are injured, maimed, and unable to care for themselves. Their families are never the same. I have a desire to help out those families. I have been researching names but don't know quite how to go about it right now. I do want to do something!

My heart is so grateful for the sacrifice of so many. My heart is touched with stories of true hero's. My life is full because of the freedom I enjoy in consequence of the brave and courageous men and women who have served and our currently serving our country.

The words THANK YOU are far from adequate, but it's a start. I intend to visit a Veteran today and share my gratitude with Him.

Below are some cllps from previous concerts I thought readers of my blog might enjoy.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

National Memorial Day Concert Speech

Memorial Day Salute

Sunday, May 17, 2009

My Designer Gardens

North view

William and I have been VERY BUSY! William has been working very hard to complete these square foot garden boxes. They were my Mother's Day gift. They still aren't done as you can see. We have had a lot of rain and they have been time consuming for William. I have helped with them, but they have been a big project. The boxes are William's design. They are made out of aluminum and have a great drainage system. William is working so they are on an mechanical timing watering system. The tall spikes in the garden are the water spickets.

The tallest garden is my herb garden. I love it. Hopefully tomorrow we can get the rest of the box gardens finished, and plant the remaining seeds and transplants in them.

We both are excited about these! We placed them on the south side of our home where we have the most sun. This makes them highly visible. William is getting many compliments on them.

I must admit, I have never ENJOYED gardening so much! It's been a pure delight. I have been shopping for seeds and transplants, planting flowers and plants, watering, weeding our flower gardens, learning more information, etc. It's been so fun to plant everything in the gardens and to be a caretaker of the gardens.

Now we need a good compost system, to mulch our gardens and to complete this project.

Thank you William. He knew I always desired flower and vegetable/herb gardens. I would try to come up with my own version, but his design of both is so superior to anything I ever could dream up. I am grateful for his creativity and his desire to make my dreams happen. I'm a blessed woman!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

A Mother's Day to Remember

I had a wonderful mother's day. It was filled with family, fun and food!

William used our smoker to smoke BQ baby back ribs (overnight). It was served with corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, spinach strawberry salad, and fresh fruit salad. YUM! I attempted to make Indian food the day before Mother's Day. It wasn't my best Indian food. I made butter chicken and a chickpea spinach dish that I really liked, but I must admit it was different. I used so many spices and the smells and mixtures are tantalizing!

I also made my first attempt at naan bread. My family said it was a success, but I wasn't so happy with it. Sarah my daughter in law, will need to give me lessons! One of my goals is to learn to make delicious naan bread.

Laura Lee, Marc, and Addie came for the weekend and spent two days with us. We always love their visits. It's one of God's tender mercies to William and me having them live in Columbus.

Addie continues to delight us with everything she does - especially her singing! She is cute as a button and we love her so much!

William and I were able to call our mother's on Mother's day. What a blessing to have them in our lives. They are both remarkable women who have hearts of gold. We love you both!

William has been working very hard designing and constructing a square foot garden for me for Mother's Day. Pictures are to be forthcoming. The first one he made for me is waist high and I've already planted herbs and vegetables in them. Thank you William for your thoughtfulness.

He has four more to build, all at varying heights.

I received flowers at church on Mother's Day (it's such a lovely gesture) and have planted them. They look beautiful!

The highlight of my day was our highly anticipated phone call from our missionary son Michael. We were able to talk to him for an hour. We i-chatted with Ryan and Sarah and Jeffrey and Jennifer while we talked to Michael so we all could hear each other. I had all my children within my circle, and even though it was a technology circle I loved it!

Michael wanted us to all sing a hymn together. I chose "I know that my Redeemer lives".

We tried our best, but the delay make some of us "song longers". It still felt special to me.

Then Michael wanted to offer a prayer for his mother and for his family. It was sacred. It was overwhelming. His prayer was so sincere, so humble, so touching. We all felt it. I shall never forget it.

Thank you Michael for your example and for your gift. I love you. Happy Birthday my son!