Monday, April 6, 2015

April



April 1 - sunshine


The sun is shinning and flowers are springing up from the earth. The bright pink petals on the flowers make me sunshiny happy!

April 2 - natural



It is Spring Break! Audrey and I took the kids to Tree House Museum in Ogden. Creative spaces spark imagination where little minds play and explore. Emmy is naturally drawn to the red barn where a cow is ready for milking! She was not given any prompts how to do it. What is more natural than that!

April 3 - in my home




I'm decorating for Easter. The rabbits are placed to guard the egg shaped candy dish. 

Dave asked me why I keep candy in a dish on the table all the time. I told him it was to create a "memory" for the kids. They know they can come to grandma's and there will always be a treat in a candy dish on the dining room table. Just like my mother! The candy dish on the dining room table is one of my most treasured memories of home.

April 4 - underneath



I'm standing just outside my bedroom door on the second level of the house. Overlooking the balcony I can see underneath me grandma Bates' painting. Underneath that is a bird house, a ceramic rabbit and plant that sits on an old hallway table. Underneath the body of the table are a few throw quilts and a watering can. Underneath that are some old wooden Dutch shoes. Underneath the Dutch shoes is a rag rug. 

Some of these are treasures. The painting was done by grandma Ida Bates and I am thankful to have it. The plant is from mom's house. Her little ceramic blue bird sits in the pot with the plant (where she always kept it). The old table was bought at an antique store in Colorado. I've had it for about 30 years. I found the Dutch shoes at the DI, but love them because they remind me of Holland. I will remember that trip forever!

April 5 - blue



It's a blue day! Blue is my favorite color. The skies are pretty blue outside. It's also a very special day. 


Today is Dave's birthday! Today he turned 57 years old.

Today is Easter!

Today is General Conference!

This is the first time that April 5th, Dave's birthday, has fallen on Easter Sunday. The last time was in 1953. That's 4 years before he was born.

I wanted to make his birthday extra special for him. I found a blue 2-gallon water cooler and used it for an Easter basket. I filled it with some treats, clothes, a watch, outdoor thermometer, and some rubber ducks. I think he liked it!

6. water



I watered the houseplants today. I make my rounds throughout the house using mom's stained pancake pitcher... just like she did! This is Shaniel's plant. It sits in my Master sitting room and brings me sweet reminders of her every time I pass by.

7. landscape



The landscaping is shaping up, thanks to Dave! He doesn't like yard work at all, but he can't stand to have it not looking good. I am so thankful for him. He has a green thumb and is an excellent gardener. Now... if I can just talk him into doing a garden this year. I miss it so much!

8. brand new 



Oh... I love geraniums! I waited almost a year for these beauties. They are not real, but they are ideal for the window box overlooking the breakfast room. I don't have to water plants. I don't have the mess. These plants are going to look bold and vibrant all year long. They are a show stopper. I got these brand new potted geraniums at Tia Pan last week. They are a seasonal item and I have anxiously awaited their arrival.


9. a sign



Stepping on the scale is a sure sign I need to lose weight!

10. extreme close-up


It's almost thyme (time) to plant herbs. I hope I have as much luck growing them as I did taking this extreme close-up shot of a potted silk thyme plant.


11. friend



This is a little blurry, but if you look close you will see an earth worm in the middle of the picture. Dave and I planted some new trees this morning and when he dug a hole, an earth worm crawled out. We love these kind of friend's!



Dave is not only my husband, but my friend! He was especially kind today and got up on the pergola and pruned and trained the vines to cover the top. Oh! I can't wait to see how the wisteria grows this year. Shaniel's garden is going to be beautiful!

12. A favorite place



A favorite place is any place with family! It was James' blessing day today. We went to the park afterwards and enjoyed a scrumptious and filling picnic, hosted by Audrey and Mike. A very enjoyable day to be with family and visit. Mike's family was there. Out of my family... Dave and I, Audrey's family, Kelsey's family, and Steven and Ann and their children. Greg brought his family and Shaniel's kiddos. Gary Oliver and Connie came, too. The sun was out but was it ever cold!

13. flat



The flat surface of the sidewalk is wet and shiny. It is starting to snow. Yep... Spring in Utah!

14. texture



The sky is filled with huge snowflakes and it isn't taking long for the snow to build up on the plants and lawn, changing the texture of the landscape. It's so pretty outside! Tomorrow... Spring in Utah will be a different story. There's so much to love about our beautiful state.

15. modern



I can't think of anything more priceless than having access to modern day scripture. I treasure the inspirational messages from our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson and his apostles, through the Ensign each month.
 
16. an animal



This is our neighbor's cow enjoying the nice Spring weather. The grass is greening up, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are climbing... giving the young heifer plenty of reason to relax. This scene brings back many fond memories of home and our life on the farm. It makes me so happy to be able to look next door and watch the animals. It puts a smile on my face every time!


17. colorful



Today I went to Alia's first grade end of year school program. It was so dang cute... the kids singing and dancing. But what was even more cute... Alia in her colorful Chinese dress. Fancy chopsticks were placed in her hair bun and when it was her time to dance, she shined like a star as she waved her colorful fan from side to side, bowing, and stepping in time to the music.

18. fun




Alia is following the ducks as they waddle in a row through the grass. It was a fun day watching the kids feed the ducks and seagulls at the pond in front of Lee's Market.