Sunday, October 14, 2012

The End of the World as You Know It

I grew up hearing 2012 is the end of the world--at least according to the Mayan calendar, but I never gave it much credence.  But this year has been the end of the life I have known in many ways.  I got hit emotionally today with the onslaught of these changes as I realized today would be the last day to enjoy my gardens. I went into the garden armed with my camera to capture the moment before it was gone, but for this tomato plant, it was already too late.  And somehow, this Roma tomato plant became the visual representation of all that my life is right now.  

I have been blessed with a full, bustling life. With six amazing children that are legally mine, and one more that I claim--my life is sometimes seemed hectic, but always full and complete.  But somehow this summer, a new chapter has begun--even as I have been too busy to let myself notice. My husband's change in career has necessitated my going back into the work force, and I began to say goodbye to my grown children.  Katy was the first to leave--to Romania to serve the people there. 


Jeremy left just days later.  I dropped him at the airport for an early flight to NY where he will play college lacrosse.  Saying goodbye was incredibly sad and I thought my heart would break. But I had to be at work moments later not affording time to grieve.      


I had several weeks before I said good-bye to Stephanie too.  In that time, Tom received the priesthood in our church. . . 

And Will got baptized. . . 



 and I spent many hours with the extended family enjoying the fountain Jeremy made before he left.  I can't be out in the garden without appreciating the love offering of his time and effort to create the lovely focal point.                                              


Autumn seemed to be held off for extra weeks. I enjoyed the garden and my family during my precious hours at home.  But eventually, autumn would have to come and Stephanie would have to leave too. 


Stephanie's farewell was wonderful.  She did a great job, speaking with the power and conviction of her soul.  And then on Wednesday, we said good-bye.  The weather was warm and perfect. And we all felt God's peace. 



Today was my first time since the the season of good-bye and change began that I had a quiet moment. . . .and I went to the garden for solace.  I enjoyed the end of the roses and the beginning of the chrysanthemums. 




I took time to enjoy the small flowers
and the overabundance of the the entire flowerbeds. 

The smell of the alyssum and petunia . . .




                            The taste of the grapes from the grapevine Jeremy planted last summer.


I spent time with the cosmos that reach the top of my 6' fence. 


I enjoyed the beauty of the fruit still attempting to ripen.


 And the beauty of my backyard roses. 



 I savored the blackberries that were originally given to me by a dear cousin 

And stopped to visit the wild spots of the yard where my wild flowers still grow.



I even found a perfect strawberry ready for eating.  (These plants were starts from another dear friend.)


I picked the watermelon, cantaloup and honeydew that were almost ripe.   Even unripe, they were sweeter than any from the store.  I had my fill of the fruit of my garden.


And I enjoyed the taste and smell of the parsley and mint.  



It is true, the Roma tomatoes will probably not make it even though I will hang them in my garage.  The summer was not long enough because I didn't plant in time.  But there was so much more to be grateful for.  I went out in the garden feeling my life was spent like this tomato plant, but with each gift of fruit and beauty I realized God has given me so much.  My life and my yard is complete with all I could hope for.  Each of my children have spent time with me in this yard that began a rock field full of clay.  We created this beauty and bounty that mirror the love and beauty of home.  

I lingered in my garden, noticing that I have different variations in plants I thought were the same and realized I can't give up on this glorious life.  I have four amazing kids at home still.  

Life is good.


I didn't notice any of the weeds today, the grass growing in my flowers only added beauty.  I will pick the grass out another day, and focus on the problems that need to be addressed.  But today, I am enjoying the beauty of my life. 





Sunday, July 1, 2012

Nephew's Wedding


My nephew got married this week-end to the perfect bride for him.  The evening was perfect.  Complete with chandeliers in the trees

and the prettiest bride ever riding the motorbike through the wedding.


And somehow life seems better because we all got to celebrate their love. Thanks L and C.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Thank you for getting me re-addicted to Bachelorette

Several seasons ago I secretly watched the Bachelor for the first time.  I would finish my homework near midnight or even closer to one in the morning and turn on an episode promising myself (I will only watch until the first commercial break).  I had a blogging friend who had perked my curiosity and somehow I chose the show over much needed sleep.

But the next seasons were a disappointed and I thought I had broken the bad habit--until I read "Home Court Haven.blogspot.com" description of the opening night of Emily Maynard's season.  I was hooked before I had even seen the show.

Click here to read


 I know longer watch late at night.  Tonight, my children all joined me in the voyeuristic viewing, and tomorrow, I will be looking for Home Court Haven's explication of the event.  I hope next season will be terrible again so I can once again break this habit. But until then, please keep blogging Home Court.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Eagle Scout


Some moms are amazing scouters who push their boys through the scout program--helping them achieve the Eagle Award before they are fifteen.  I am not that mom.  I intended to be, but I never seemed to get on top of the program.  So, this Eagle actually did the work on his own and with his troop and dad.  It is true that I encouraged him through the last couple of merit badges and project--but he did it all and has set the standard for my three other sons.  His Court of Honor will remain on my list of 'Best Days' for years to come.  Thank you J.

One of my Favorite Jobs as a Mom


Finding a prom dress that is elegant and modest has proved impossible--so we find the perfect dress and then I get out my sewing machine and try to make it modest.  I am always so proud of how the dress looks and how willing my daughters are to not sell them selves short.  Thank you girls for showing the world you can be lovely and retain your dignity.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Crazy Love Letter

I was invited to participate in a romantic call to sieze the day and write that crazy love letter.  I received a huge envelope in the mail calling me to duty.   I planned and plotted where a giant gesture would best be appreciated .
Suddenly, I saw my town newly--the barrenness of my suburban town.  Where can one call the town to action whene there is nowhere the community regularly meets?  I tried to place the posters in the community rec center.  Many stumble in and out of the center everyday.  But the manager had no room for romantic gestures. I would have to take my love letters elsewhere.

We do have a grocery store, but the only place to post a poster is a bullentin board that is difficult to see.  No giant gestures there. 

My suburban town's streets are deserted.  Sure, there are plenty of cars--but they are driving quickly by to there stucco homes and vinyl fences that block off any communication with the neighbors on the other side of the plastic.  I began to feel lonely.

I finally decided that the high school--with its fertile ground for first love was my only hope for encouraging one to risk their heart and tell someone how they feel.

I posted the first poster in the school itself.  I hoped to post it where the kids hang out everyday.  But the administration said that my project was not allowed on their walls.

Instead, it was sterilized behind a piece of glass.  It would stay pristine--as though it was never read nor seen.


But I was not to be detered. 

My next poster would hang on a chain link fence directly in front of the student traffic.  Every student would be able to see it.  I felt a thrill of excitement as I drove to hang the banner.  But a storm had blown in and I struggled to even be able to hang the paper.  The tape blew onto the poster prematurely and left it scarred and distorted. 

But love is messy sometimes and we do get a little messed up from the adverse conditions we attempt to build a relationship in--so my call to love sat alone on a chain link fence surrounded by dead fields and blown with a winter wind.


I was still nervous it may not be read. I wished the signs were 9 feet high and 20 feet long.  Everything seemed too small--to insignificant. 

My next attempt was at the nearest light the high school. It is a three way stop and so everyone sees the fence when they stop at the light. All of our town drives by the intersection to drop off their kids at the school. There is only one road--it was perfect. Again I fought wind. It was crooked and a little off--but perhaps it would be noticed because of its quirkiness. My heart soared.


Every day of that week I fought the frigid winds to proclaim my

I tried to post on a cement wall--the wind tore it off and I ran through the muddy field trying to catch it.  I ended up posting it on a p.v.c. pipe sticking out of the ground near the school.  Next, I posted
on the chainlink fence near the seminary building.  The wind ripped the poster while I was tapping it, but it was easy to read and lots would walk by it. 

An out of town trip made the final posters my teenage children's charge.  I left strict instructions of when and where to post--but love, like posters can't be left for others.  I finally found the last letter crumpled in the backseat of my car.  Defeated.  I was morose.  I failed at the call for a giant romantic gesture.  Love can defeat us if we will let it--but that hope and excitement of hanging the first posters reminded me of new love.  The anticipation.  We set out on a new adventure never knowing if it will culminate in an amazing declaration or if it will end in utter defeat, but the journey brings joy even if only for a while and brings purpose even to bitter cold days. 

So, seize the day and take a risk on love. 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

HERA Conference

Thank you Dr. Call for all you did to make the HERA conference such a success.  It was a wonderful event.