Many March Memories 2013

                          Yeah!!!!  SpRinG is here!!! 

It seems as though March is always a month of cool temperatures, mixed with rain, wind and snow...but a few days of sunshine, blue skies and warmth, signal us that Spring is on it's way and life is returning to all those 'dead' trees and wilted plants....and ME!  There is no doubt, I am a SPRING person.  These signs surely lift my spirits and make me excited for warmer days, yard work and planting, the return of Buddy's beautiful, shiny coat, sandals and pastels, lighter and longer days, bird's babbling and of course.....my birthday. 

I'll begin with my yard.  You must know I can hardly wait to get out in the dirt.  Here are a couple of past and present pictures.  Things are coming back to life and after living in my home for a year now, and knowing just what is 'out' there I want to work a bit harder at making some changes and getting things under control.  I've decided that I gain great gusto from trying to surround my little world with beauty.  I keep peering out my window for new color and life and get excited for each new bloom.  I love adding one more little touch in my home which pleases my eye.  It makes me feel happy.  Perhaps I can share the 'awakening' of my little yard with you through our blog. 




Early Spring....



.....A few weeks later!



Anne invited me to take a gardening class with her at the college.  She broke her elbow and backed out on me, but I was excited a pleased to find a new gardening buddy there....Jamison Fargo.  He's been a good coach.  This is my new little greenhouse and I'm currently growing lettuce, spinach, peas and basil in the basement.  It has been so fun to watch.  We'll see what happens this year. 

                                                            

Well, the BIGGEST excitement for the month, came with the celebration of my BIRTHDAY!!!  It was amazing!  I can't really feel too badly about having one, because the love which pours in from my sweet family makes it ALL worth it.  I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed your phone calls, cards, surprises, drawings, party, yummy food, songs and generous presents.    
I truly 'felt the love'.  Thank you so much. 

People at work were so kind.  I hurried home and dove in to the task of repainting my bathroom.  It was actually fun.  Taryn must have inspired me and given me confidence.  Shelley and I had done two coats previously, but I wasn't happy with the color.  Well, I think the third time was the charm.  You won't be able to tell by this pic, but I love the results this time.

Hummm!  This really doesn't tell the story.  Guess you'll just have to come see it.

On Sunday, we gathered and Jeremy and Mand's house.  It was wonderful.  Everyone contributed fabulous food....chicken salad sandwiches on foccasia bread, veggies, chips, delicious green salad, fruit and the 'best ever' Lemon Curd Cake.  Yummm!  My mouth is beginning to water.  The children played so cute together and Haillie strummed her guitar and sang some new songs for us.  Her talent is exploding!!!  The biggest shock and delight was opening up the astounding surprise!  Thank you so much, Britney and Cass, for creating an amazing lasting memory of our 'ADVENTURE' to Lake Almanor.  I can't wait to share it with each of you.  So many fun pics and cuddily cousins having a great time.  What a labor of love!  Thank you. 
In the near future, I hope I can be typing this BLOG on an updated computer.  You were so sweet to contribute to that investment.  I know it will simplify and expedite things.  No playing the piano while I wait for things to 'boot up'.  It was a wonderful birthday and I truly give THANKS to each of you!



Jensen shared this fun pic.  Look at ALL the detail he drew!!!

 See what I mean?  We sang a little Beattles tune about "When I'm 64!"  It was great.  Thank you ALL so very much.

Next, Casha's birthday followed.  It was wonderful to share in her celebration.  Hope she'll share some pics of that.  Her little family really made it special for her.  Aren't children the BEST?

Easter came the very end of the month, and I was treated to a visit in North Ogden with the Stowers family.  I wish I had taken my camera.  There were a lot of children who enjoyed each other and hunted throughout the backyard for surprises.  Art, Nate's dad, gave a beautiful message and we enjoyed a delicious dinner.   

I am so grateful for the many blessings which surround my life.  I know that the challenges we have, build character and refine us in ways which will bless our lives if we stand strong.  My upcoming Relief Society lesson teaches that "if we have established a proper character, we can confidently invite God to search our hearts."  It is the consistency between what you say you will do and what you actually do.  It is who you are and what you do when no one is looking.  We will work on it for our lifetime...and beyond.

I have wanted to choose a family scripture to serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for us.  I would welcome any suggestions which you might have.  Here are a few I want to consider:
1.  2 Nephi 31:14-21
     Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life.
2. Mosiah 2:41
    And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
3.  Mosiah 5:15
     Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all.
Please share any ideas which you might have.
Well, April is flying by.  Lots of fun events coming up for you.  Thank you for participating in our BLOG.  I think it is great.  Let's keep trying to aim for the 1st week of each month.  I'll try harder next time.  This time was SOOOOO much easier, thanks to some good tutoring.

Love you all so very much,
Mom/Nana