She is 6!

 Parker turned six!

She is such an adventuress!

She loves the outdoors, babies, and all things 'girly'!

I just adored how Parker spent all afternoon drawing when I was babysitting - she is so very creative!

This is a drawing she did of me almost 2 years ago - and I still love it!

And yes, I do love Parker!

I am so blessed to have her in my life!

Cutworms and Leaf Miners and Aphids - Oh My!

 
As Luke so aptly stated, "we are definitely not in the Garden of Eden any longer!"

I still deal with leaf miners every year on the beets and chard. Then the aphids have started taking out my cabbage and kohlrabi. Now I apparently have cutworms! This is at least the 5th tomato plant that they have taken down... the others were so small I thought I was dealing with slugs... But this one was so big and beautiful! 

Hopefully the foil collars will do the trick in stopping this carnage.

Using tape to get the eggs off the leaves and discarding the 'eaten' leaves seems to deal with the leaf miners...

Really hoping some insecticidal soap will take care of the aphids!

Even with all of the struggles, the garden is so worth it! My garlic will be ready soon, a big chard harvest is happening tomorrow, and SO MUCH LETTUCE!

Yes sir, yes sir, 3 bags full!!!

I am truly so blessed!

Summer is For the Birds!

 

Love my walkway BTW!

The flamingos went out this weekend - despite the night in the 30's! Can this really be summer?!

So grateful my tomatoes are still in pots so I can bring them in the garage at night...

And the rest of my yard is starting to thrive!

My lone Peony

Always a showstopper!

Massive snowball bush may need a trim...

New strawberry/raspberry beds

Cabbages starting to head!

I'm loving my Japanese Rose in my shady spot!

Beautiful foliage

More hosta and heucheras

transplants seem to be doing well

Iris in bloom

Another new bed coming to life

Winter sown lettuces are delicious! 

This evergreen bush is beautiful!

Garlic should be ready to harvest in about a month...

Here's to potato success this year.

flowers in ground and waiting for warmth

Fabulous flowers, foliage and food!

I am so blessed!

Amazing Moms to my Grands!

 

Happy Mother's Day to three of the MOST AMAZING women I know! I am so blessed to have such beautiful daughters!

Spring WILL Come!

This tree in my front yard reminds me of life. There are so many challenges that occur, but there are also so very many beautiful blessings!

Same tree - different weather - just a day apart. Isn't it beautiful?!

Reminds me so much of this from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. I am optimistic about the future.... for our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God...."

I can choose to focus on the challenges, or I can choose to see the blessings right outside my front door!

When I trust in my Father in Heaven and the blessings He always gives me, life is filled with beauty!

 

It's Getting Close to Garden Time!

 

My sweet potatoes are sprouting!

My jugs are sprouting!

The tulips are coming up! (As are plenty of weeds- but such is life...)

I even found this beetroot that survived the winter! Luke said it didn't taste bad at all.

My hydrangea, parsley, rosemary, and echinacea all are showing signs of life!

I am so blessed!

Weekend Playtime is Grand!

 

Sleepover time at Grandma Dee's! So very fun!!! We had so much fun laughing, playing, talking,...

Little girl giggles are the best!

And I even got to see the little one for a few minutes!

This is how we all felt when it was time for them to go home:

I cannot wait for next time! I am so very blessed!!!