Flower Gardening Love

 

One of my favorite times of the year...

 

Flower Planting time.

 

Shopping for new varieties.. coming home and designing where they will be.. and then mixing the soil and feeding each flower -- for growth -- is just too exciting.

 

I love to get my hands in the rich soil.

 

I love to take my time with each flower. 

 

This year while planting... I realized what good Therapy it is for my soul.

 

The Planting.

 

The nurturing throughout the year.

 

And "creating" a lovely and peaceful place that we love to sit and relax during summer evenings is therapeutic.

 

Every year I buy a lot of Petunia's.. but this year I decided to change things up and buy new Flowers that I haven't tried out before.

 

I looked through my Great Grandma's journals and found some Varieties that she loved:

 

Great Grandma Mary always wrote about Dahlias. 

 I found and planted some beautiful Red and Yellow ones in honor of her.

While I planted.. I thought a lot about her and my Dad. 

 I am so grateful their love of yard work and gardening has been passed on to me.

Until we are able to design and landscape our backyard to how we would like...

 I take great pleasure in being surrounded by my container gardens on my deck.

 

I love finding Antique or Vintage pieces each year -- to use for my containers.

This is my tiny attempt at a Vegetable garden this year. 

 A cherry tomato and a Celebrity tomato.

I found this small cute white stand this year at a garage sale for $5.00..

My old weathered wood table is still enduring another year! 

 I just love it!

The old white refrigerator enamel drawer on my Deck bench was Chad's grandmothers.

Our beautiful view from our deck

 

The Flowers are ALL planted for the year.

 

41 Flower Containers filled in the front and backyard.

 

I am in LOVE.

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

Chad let's me buy so many flowers every year!

 

Tender Mercies when Trials are abundant.

Heavenly Father is always showing me he is aware of me and loves me!

 

Tenney. 

 She is one of my Very Best Friends.

While I hate for her to grow up to quickly .. I also look forward to it.

She is inspiring, good and such a wise soul.

 

Friendships.

I cherish each one.  Old and new.

 

Great Aunt Jeannine.. that always seems to know when to call.. or show up at my door --

 just when I need her.  That woman is close to the spirit.

I hope when I grow up.. I can be just like her.

Mothers Day Weekend.....

 

 

I hope all of you ladies had a Glorious weekend.

 

I did.

 

I was able to start planting flowers, shop some yard sales, host a Bridal Shower for my Sister in law, and have dinner with Chad.

 

All Happy things.

 

I was very spoiled. 

 

Friday I spent the day and evening in the front of my house planting flowers!

I came home Saturday night after dinner with Chad to the garage door decorated like this.

 

Hearts and love notes from the kids

Tenney and Mary also attempted their very first Sugar Cookies while we were away.

 

I was impressed with them -- as they didn't roll them out.. or have cookie cutters.

 

They tasted good.. even though they didn't look so amazing. 

When we came into the house...they had even decorated the mud room with some streamers.. and surprised me with a clean house.. and got themselves all showered and ready for bed.

 

No bedtime nagging!  YAY!

 

Seriously.. a clean house and them all ready for bed was THE best gift they or anyone could get me.

 

I am seriously blessed with such good kids.  ~ And a good husband.

 

Mothers Day is so different this year... with them so much older.. and wiser.

 

They were truly very thoughtful and sweet about everything.

I am Grateful to be their Mother!  

 

  I am so blessed!

Other Happy things:  We had a BBQ Sunday afternoon with Chad's side of the family.

After visiting with them.. we went to my Mom's to make her Brinner.  ( Breakfast for dinner )

Jeff surprised us all with an Artichoke.

 

   Our family loves them.. and considers them a treat. 

 I know it sounds really random 

 -- But it was so kind of him.

My Mom was extremely generous and surprised all of us girls each with one of her many rings that my Dad had given her.

 

My Mom gave me the one with my Dad's birthstone in it. 

 

What a treasure!!

.

My sweet sister from another Mother -- Emma in Norway sent me these sweet surprises of Hope and Wishes for the both of us.. and I so hope that one day those dreams come true! 

Love sweetness and notes from Chad.. and the kids.

Chad spoiled me with a $100 Gift card to Lowe's for Flowers -- SQUUUEEEEEEEEEE!!!

And I really wanted a small tape measure for my Purse -- so when I am hunting and buying Furniture... and selling it... I know exactly what size it is!  :)

One chair is finished!!! 

 

Words cannot express how grateful I am for this.

 

It is EXACTLY what I wanted.. and beyond Beautiful.

 

If chairs could talk.. I think it would tell me of it's happiness.

 

It is Rich and Elegant.

 

Truly a Tender Mercy indeed.

 

I am so Thankful for Chad, his Mom and Dad.. and their skills.

 

The second chair will hopefully be finished soon too..  YAY!!!

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

Feeling my Dad and Great Grandmother close by yesterday.  It was a very emotional day.  I seriously cried through most of church.

 

My Mother.  For giving me life... and the Strength she is to our Family.

 

Friends that sent me Private messages wishing me a Happy day.  Your notes meant a lot!

 

My children.  -- Truly my greatest blessings and treasures.  I love being their Mother.

 

Chad and I finding the perfect trim for the chairs after hunting through 5 craft/Fabric stores and starting to feel hopeless about it.  Seriously... I have such a good husband that hunted for trim with hope and patience.

May the 4th be with you

 

When I was a little girl.. I remember having an argument with a friend once over who's family were "Bigger Star Wars fans." 

 

To this day -- I still believe it.

 

My Family wins.

 

I have never known anyone in the world with more useless Trivia knowledge about the films.. or greater collections.. of all things Star Wars.

 

So because my family loves it so-- of course we are going to celebrate

 

May the 4th be with you.

 

A day that Star Wars fans unite!!

 

This year... my sister Cathy hosted the party.. and just like last year... everyone brought their creativity with food to the table. 

 

It was awesome to see it all. 

 

 -- Even if I myself didn't understand what it was..lol!

 

 

 

 

 

The Ocean ( jello ) and the Sand is Graham crackers

Cornbread with Jam

Ramen with peas

Cinnamon roll bites and icing

Frito Salad

 

Cutest little Ewok Enoch

He has magical powers that make everyone always want to hold him.
Those powers are especially strong on me. :)

The 3 Boys at Battle with the Firewood

Princess Lia and Chris

The cool Wookies who wore Star Wars shirts

 

***

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

I get to spend some time with Aunt Jeannine

 

A New Day

 

It's almost the weekend

 

Only a few more weeks of school left

 

All of the memories playing with Star Wars figures with my siblings as a kid.

I always wanted Princess Leia in the red shoes.. and she would kiss Han Solo.

It was kinda more like miniature barbies to me -- except with weird creatures and robots!  :)

 

 

Someone call a Waaaaambulance.....

 

 

It seems as though the Universe never wants me to be out of debt.

 

Every time Chad and I make a "plan" to get ahead... something happens -- and I feel like I am getting laughed at and shot down.

 

I have been very successful "picking" ( finding Vintage and Antique items at yard sales and then selling them for more money. ) It has been so great and rewarding.... I have been pretty excited that the weight of some of our debts would be lifted soon.

 

It's also a Hobby that I enjoy -- so it's a win-win situation.

 

A week ago Monday -- we had a Heater/AC man come and look at our furnace.  We were not so thrilled to shell out over $300 for his services.. but I was just so thrilled to not have to replace our furnace... I tried not to grump about the cost.... be thankful it wasn't worse.. and move on.

 

Then.. during the week 4 different unexpected bills and things came.. and once again.. I'm  trying to stay positive.. and look for the blessings in my life.

 

Last Saturday.. Chad spent the afternoon at his parents looking over the back end of our Suburban.
 

I feel so lucky and grateful that I have a handy husband that can do most of the repairs on anything and everything. 

 

When he came home Saturday afternoon.. I was sad to hear that the problem was more than Chad could handle.. and it would have to go to a mechanic on Monday Morning.

 

So yesterday.. Chad took it in.. and by the afternoon -- we were off to pick it up and shell out $1,400 dollars. 

 

As Chad was going over the details of the car... I was totally nauseous. 

 

I had questions. 

 

It felt like we were getting taken advantage of.

 

But I also have no idea what they are talking about in their car lingo (language) .. so I can look like a dumb blond pretty easily if I am trying to understand it.

 

We left.. and it didn't feel right.

 

 Chad drove the Suburban  home.. jacked up the back end of the car... and he even had some questions about how well they just worked over our car.

 

Things were still loose.

 

He wasn't so satisfied.

 

Grrrrr.  We are both more than frustrated.

 

So.. today we are supposed to be calling the dealership and finding out exactly what magical things they did -- and what liquid gold that they filled into our car to make the cost of the repairs what they were.

 

I hate the thought.. and Chad hates it worse.

 

I realize what a blessing it is -- to have such an intelligent and handy husband -- so I can avoid dealing with crap stuff like this often.

 

Yesterday afternoon... I was talking with Chad and telling him that it's a good thing that we have had up coming trips already planned and some paid for -- because with all of these surprise expenses.. I wouldn't have gone.

 Isn't it sad that I feel like this every. single. year??

 

Boo.

 

I started crying.

 

I told Chad that maybe each week we will have to pray for me to be successful each week picking.

 

He agreed.

 

I know that it may sound strange... but I have done it many times.  It works.

 

Before I leave.. I kneel down and ask the Lord to lead me to places that will help me find good things.

 

On the way home from the dealership.. I decided to drown some woes at a Thrift store.
I went only to browse.. but ended up finding four darling chairs -- for really cheap.

 

1- The thrift store never marks things that low.. and they were priced low.

2- These had not been claimed.  Super weird.. because the store is littered in pickers.

 

I was almost shaking I was so excited.

Don't worry.  I do that a lot with good finds.

 

I purchased the chairs.. and got in my car and said a quick prayer to my Heavenly Father.

Thanking him for this blessing.

I sat and cried.

 

Every time I feel as though I am "Drowning" in some way.. the Lord rescues me...

He continues to show me in little ways that he is here... and that I am loved.

Things will work out.  I need to "Carry On" and Move forward in Faith.

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

Lilacs.  Seriously... they are one of my very favorites.

I have to stop and smell each and every bush on my daily walks.

 

The Sun is Shining.

 

Tender Mercies

 

A trip to the zoo with Mary and her Kindergarten class this week

 

Chad.  So, so grateful for him.  His skills, Talents and Unconditional love for me.

 

********

 

PS: Some of my Favorite "things" from this weekend

These Rose Canisters from the 1940's decided to live with me.

Do I have a Cake Stand obsession?  Yes.

  She was cheaper than a McDonald's hamburger.

 

 My Mom's tulips look stunning.

 

 

I was going through my Mom's old children's books.. sorting them to help her sell some -- and found these two gems that I felt -- needed to come home with me.

 

If I could describe myself in two books it would be  with these.

Flash back Friday

 

I am so grateful it's the weekend.

 

Yard Sales and I may make a trip to the store for just a small purchase of flowers.

 

I can hardly stand it.. I am so excited to plant.

 

I woke up this morning thinking about many of my ancestors.. and there love for flower gardens.

 

And it makes me smile -- to think that I have many of their exact same traits.

 

I was thinking about my 2nd Great Grandfather -- Herman FF Thorup this morning.. and how he used to own a flower shop. 

 

 We have a picture of him standing in front of it.. and I searched all morning trying to find that picture.

 

No luck. 

 

We need to organize all of our digital pictures greatly.

 

I still decided to do a couple of " Flash back" photos.. because they make me happy.

 

And I have been thinking of him.

 

I am grateful for my Great Great Grandfather.

 

For his love of gardening that I have running through my veins

 

For his many journals that he kept throughout his life. 

 

For his enduring Faith,  as he had to bury a very young wife and most of his children.

 

For his example to carry on even through the darkest days.

( Great, Great Grandpa Thorup standing in front of his green house. )

 

Tell me that little doll/children's chair on the bottom right of him is not sooo adorable!??

I also love that his little daughter Rebecca is out standing/playing by him.

That's exactly how I was. - Always following my Daddy around in the yard.

 

I LOVE old Photos!

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

My Family Tree.  I am blessed.

 

Family Histories and Genealogy

 

Good examples

 

The Weekend!  Have I said that?

 

1 Month left of school.  Then I get my chicks home for a while. 

 No more homework for 3 months??

Hooray!!

Random Bits of Goodness

Some Random Things I want to remember:


Last Sunday.. I found some Jelly beans from Easter in my church bag.. and passed the bag around to my kids for a treat.  Chad grabbed a little handful of them.. ate them with a weird look on his face.. and then leaned over to me and said " The combination of Jelly Beans that I just ate -- tasted like Cat Pee smells. " -- The same time he said it.. I could sickly smell on his breath what he was talking about.

We got the Giggles.  Yes.. I am ashamed... we were a little extra irreverent last week.

We are still baffled at which 3 starburst Jelly beans make that sickly combination.

Just the thought of it makes me want to never eat a Jelly Bean again.
I think Chad is intrigued with his accidental invention.

( And just in case you think that because we have cats.. it is from our cats.. you are wrong.  Our cats are only outdoor.. and I am a clean freak.. so it was all the Jelly Bean mixture people!  The rest of the bag was fine.  Just whatever combo he had was sick-nasty! )

***

A good friend of ours just pulled all of her children out of school on a whim-- to start Homeschooling.  This has brought all sorts of questions from my children.

Sunday night as the kids were getting ready for bed.. Mary Caroline ( my 5 year old ) said:

 " Why can't we " Home Church"???  We all had a good laugh at her innocence. 

I guess she was telling us she would prefer to be home.. instead of church.

***

Besides still selling at Home Again for some extra cash -- I have also started selling things on a new group page on Facebook called " Vintage Yard Sale Utah."

  All people that like Vintage and Antiques in Utah should  be on there.

 If you live in a different state.. I would start one.  It has been fabulous.

Better than KSL or Craig's list for me.. because everything listed has to be old stuff.
 
No reproductions.  No other stuff.  It is a closed group.  You have to get permission to be on it.

The lady that started the site.. did it after attending one of my Organizing classes.  I have been able to make extra money selling my Vintage yard sale findings.. and we have become good friends.

There is a Vintage Market happening all over the state almost every weekend.. and the site is full of helpful hints with painting and etc.  I feel blessed to have this site around.  I have sold everything extra that has been laying around.  If you have Vintage stuff to sell... and you live in Utah.. join!!

***

Yesterday at Therapy.. the Therapist said to me: 

If you take nothing else from this session but this statement.. I want you to remember that:

 " Life not being fair is a great blessing."

He talked with me about things I have been blessed with in my life -- such as having a second chance at marriage.  He said: " If life was fair... it could have said-- you had your chance at marriage the first time... your done! "  -- And I realized... he was right.   He used many other examples to me.. and I left feeling much better.

Another phrase he used that made me giggle:

 " The Grass looks greener on the other side because it's full of crap! "

I've got to always remember that one.

***

The LDS family services I go to for Therapy is next to a DI that I don't go to often.. so every time I attend Therapy.. I make sure to stop by and shop while I am out there.
 I found a lot of treasures yesterday... and when I went to check out.. they gave me a card and told me to text this number.. and I would get 20% off of my entire purchase!!  What???

In my entire lifetime -- DI has never given a discount!  Is this real??

Yes.. Yes.. it was.

And I left with a $12.00 discount.

I went to the DI by my house.. and.. was able to do the same thing.

SWEET!!

Happiest  Day for my Picking Heart.

The good:  Bought stuff to resell.. and now it's extra cheap!
The bad:  Tenney seeing one of the Turquoise beds.. and telling me that it's dreamy.. and she wants it.

I need to sell the stuff off quickly before we end up keeping it!

Today I am Grateful for:

My children bringing me flowers that they have picked from our creek out back -- daily.

Late night snuggles and movies with Chad

Hugs from Mary Caroline all through the day

All 3 of my kids don't want to go to bed unless we tuck them in and kiss them

Grocery shopping yesterday with Chad.. and telling him that if there was some sort of a disaster and people were raiding the stores for last minute supplies.. I feel at complete peace -- because I have in our home -- enough of everything to make me feel completely secure.

Except for Two things:  Toilet Paper and Condoms

If that embarrasses you.. I am sorry.. but it's true.

That conversation led to why I now believe that there was so many children born to the Pioneers and in the olden days.

Oy.

I also hope we can feel secure with our Debt/Finances soon.. like we do our Food and Emergency Storage.  One day at a time.... One day at a time....

House Project Happiness

 

 

The weekend was a happy one!  Busy -- but good for me.

 

For Chad -- maybe a little more stressful.

 

Have I said how much I love my husband and how Handy he is?

 

Seriously.. his talents are such a blessing!

 

We found out that a main line to the sprinklers in the back yard was broken.. and what Chad thought was a pretty simple fix turned into an all day endeavor. 

 

Saturday morning was my first full day of Yard Sales this year.

 Tenney came along.. and we were gone for almost 4 hours... and came home with all sorts of treasures to sell -- and also give to others.

 

I thought a lot about my Grandma the whole day Saturday.

 -- Last year when she was in my home.. I always had a small yard sale window of time to go --and then had be home by a certain time -- so Grandma wouldn't be too stressed and I wouldn't burden others for too long.

 

I miss her.

 

I thought about her all weekend.

 In 2 weeks.. it will be a year since she came into our home.

I wonder if she misses us too.

 

I hope she is close to us often.

 

We look forward to the day we get to be with her.. Grandpa and Dad again.

 

The springtime will always remind me of them.

 

****************

 

When I got home from Treasure hunting.. Chad informed me that he had been to Lowe's ( Home Improvement store ) more times than he cared to count.. and had to make YET another trip.. so I decided to join  him and was a little more than enthusiastic to check out the flowers and Garden area.

 

The store was crazy busy.

 

It all made me feel so happy seeing people buy paint, parts for sprinklers, outdoor gardening tools, seeds, and all sorts of things to make their homes and yards beautiful.

 

I just love it.

 

I love to see projects being taken on and completed.

 

I love even having projects to do in our own home..

 

I walked up and down each and every flower isle with great anticipation and excitement.

 

I was so excited to see each variety and color -- it took a great amount of self control to leave the store without any pretties.

 

But-- we really need to sand, stain and paint our deck before I buy flowers.

 

I have to remind myself of that everyday -- and every time I see flowers to buy.

 

Wait.. Ann.. Wait.

 

But it's sooo hard!!!

 

Other projects we hope to have completed this Summer...

 

* Christian's new Closet Organizer ( that we designed )

 

* Paint Christian's room

 

* Plant some new bushes or a tree

 

* I am soo excited even thinking about it all.

 

***

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

No Dentist appointments this week.. :)

 

All of the Spring time flowers, blossoms and smells that make outdoor walks so lovely.

 

Therapy appointment today

 

Warmth and Sunshine

 

My Mother in Law, Father in Law and Chad are all helping to make a dream come true for me.

 

Remember the chairs I have wanted re-upholstered since we moved into our home?

 

If you don't... don't worry... you'll see the before and after's soon..

 

My Mother in law took a class on Upholstering... and had some spirit to reupholster a few things... so they have taken on this huge project for me-- doing the two chairs that I have wanted finished -- for like --forever.

 

Words can't express how happy it makes me -- that these will be functional and able to sit on in my living room soon, instead of taking up valuable storage space.

 My in-laws are so great for taking them on.  I hope they won't regret it -- since these have needed more work and TLC than we originally thought.

 

We are even still able to use the Horse hair that they were originally stuffed with.

 

I bought the new fabric -- a red velvet of course ( I am old fashioned! ) and I can't wait to see how they turn out in the end! 

 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!