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.

Cats, Cats, Cats

I love all 4 of my cats. They each have a distinct personality, and I like different things about each of them.Smokey isn't in this picture, but Kitty, Maggie, and Tiger are napping on my bed.

Kitty is my favorite, mainly because I'm her favorite person. She barely tolerates everyone else, but cuddles with me whenever I sit down, and sleeps on my feet at night. I like being special. She's the gray and white cat in the southern part of the picture.

The little white splotchy cat on the left is Maggie. She is extremely shy and nervous. When she was a baby she cuddled with everyone, but now she runs and hides when anyone tries to touch her. However, once in a while she comes looking for me, climbs on my shoulder, and goes to sleep with her head under my chin. She has the most adorable squeaky voice I've ever heard.

Tiger is a pain in the you know what. He whines and gets in the way. He runs in front of me like he has to be first to where ever I'm going, and doesn't care if he has to trip me to do it. He sticks his paws in the toilet, chases all the other cats, plays hockey with the dog's food, and in general is annoying. Yet, his curiosity and playfulness make him irresistible.

Smokey is a huge Russian Blue, with the cutest voice a cat could have. He knocks on the door when he want in, waits his turn patiently at mealtime, usually acts dignified, and always lets the little cats push him around. He used to cuddle with me at bedtime, but since the kittens moved in he prefers to hang out with them instead of me. He adores my son Alex, and puts up with everyone else.

My dog, Buddy, is a sweetheart. He hasn't fully adjusted to having 4 cats in the house, but he endures their presence.

What a Nice Day

I had a lovely time visiting with my mom, 2 sisters, brother, and nephew today. My family doesn't get together as much as I'd like; we're separated by miles and years of being independent adults. But whenever I'm with them, I remember a childhood filled with love and mutual acceptance. No matter our differences, or how seldom we see each other, I am truly grateful and blessed to have such a great family.

Love you!