On Being a Grownup

Today the weather is gorgeous, and my kids decided to lay out on the deck. The cushions for the deck furniture are stored in a porch off the living room, and have been neglected all winter. My son, age 20, 6 ft 2 inches, and my 19-year-old daughter both wanted someone to get the cushions for them because there was a bug on the door.

When I was young I always wanted someone to kill the scary bugs I encountered. And they did. Then, as a young mother, I felt obligated to protect my family from the horrible bugs no matter how much it made me cringe. Now I'm 54, and bugs seem like the smallest of life's problems; I can squish them without fear (though usually I capture them and let them go outside).

As I got the cushions out, I had to smile; my kids will always be my kids, no matter how old or big, and apparently I will always feel the urge to help them and protect them from the scary things--even bugs. I guess that means I'm a grownup.

Gourmet Shower

My niece is getting married next month. Today was her shower, and it was really, really fancy. Take a look at lunch:



There was ice cream and cake for dessert, but I forgot to take a picture. Yummy is hard to get on film anyway.

Rambling About Raccoons

Haven't posted in a while as I've been trying to do yard work and organize some things around the house. Not much interesting happening around here anyway.

I'm trying to keep an optimistic attitude toward life, and with all the gloomy days and pouring rain it's getting harder. I got a chuckle a few days ago, though, when a racoon tried to join us in the living room. No, he didn't make it into the house, just tapped at the window and stared at me like he was waiting for an invitation. He didn't run away even when we all gathered around the window to gawk at him. I took his picture through the window as he was climbing on the ledge outside. I haven't named him as I hope he won't be a frequent visitor. We had a racoon living in our chimney a few years ago, and he kept peeing down into our fireplace. Disgusting creatures--but cute.

Can't Do It Anymore

We have 7 acres of yard, most of it in trees, and there is no way to prevent the leaves from building up in the flowerbeds. I worked all morning yesterday, and most of today, trying to rake and burn all the leaves on the large flowerbed by my deck. A couple of years ago, I intended to mow over it but was talked out of it by a kid who said he would take care of it for me for a reasonable price. It didn't work out. Now I absolutely give up. I'm leaving one small row of bushes, and I've put a few perennials in between them, and the rest are going!

I feel kind of bad about it though. All those little plants that have been struggling to survive, forcing their way through the weeds and leaves to reach the sun...I feel like they deserve to live, but I just can't take care of them. I guess I'll have to start thinking about the little grass seeds that will love the chance to grow big and strong in that spot.

Counting My Blessings

It's easy to get caught up in problems and petty complaints and to forget how much we have to be thankful for. Here's a quick list, in no particular order, certainly not even close to complete, of people and things I am grateful for:

My family, who loves me whether I deserve it or not.
My friends, who like me whether I deserve it or not.
My pets, who love me because I deserve it. ;)
My home, which needs a lot of work but is still nicer than I deserve.
My Savior, who died for me though I don't deserve it, and who has a comfy spot with my name on it reserved in Heaven.

That list sounds like I may have low self-esteem, but that's not the case. I just realize that I have been blessed beyond what so many others in this world receive--the destitute, the lonely, the chronically ill, the emotionally broken, and those who live in places without freedom and safety. My life is easy by comparison, and I am truly grateful for all I have, and the country I live in.