What Spices and Sweetens My Life?

Outside My Window...spring is playing its mischievous tricks. Saturday the weather was fine and 70ish. Sunday we woke to a snowy 30 degree day. Monday held on to the clouds and chill. Tuesday it was fine and 65. I say to Miss Spring, surprise me today, but please, make it fine.

I am thinking...of all the quilts finished at our Humanitarian Service Day yesterday. I believe 60 quilts were completed. I went and offered my support but felt too weak to attempt anything more.

I am thankful for...many things. This week I feel especially grateful for our safe home. It is comfortable and spacious. I had a bit of energy yesterday and walked around my back garden. I'd forgotten how much I love it back there. The perennials are starting to leaf out as is the lilac tree. Lettuce is coming up in the kitchen garden, and the buds are swelling on the peach tree. Our front yard is awful, but the back is a little Garden of Eden.

I am reading...The Welfare State by Clarence Carson again. Spencer and Nephi are finishing up the Carson series before Spencer leaves in 3 weeks. They've been a little lax with some of their studies this year. So they have 3 weeks to finish volumes 5 and 6. Why am I pushing this? I want Spencer to be well versed in U.S. history, government, and economics before using textbooks from a socialist viewpoint. Sadly, even BYU uses some of these--they are everywhere. In addition to helping him gain the whole armour of God before he leaves us, he needs the whole armour of the Founding Father's principles as well.

From the kitchen...our food is getting a bit on the Spartan side. I have all good intentions, then my energy wanes and my breath becomes labored. I did get the chicken broth made and frozen. I did make my pot of beans. But the bread I mixed up is in the fridge as refrigerator bread dough. I'll make a couple pretzels for Spencer and maybe a fresh loaf today. Probably, I'll turn a bit of those beans into a pot of chili. That doesn't take a huge effort.

I am wearing...a pink flannel gown I made a couple years ago. It is so comfortable and feminine. I really hate to get dressed now. Anything tight across my chest makes it hurt so much. I really am getting to be such a whiner.

I am creating...a lovely garden in my mind. Yesterday, I spent a short time looking up pictures of different perennials on the Internet. My pie in the sky garden is absolutely lovely. I'm getting to know the Latin names for things, which is quite fun.

I am going...to stay home until Nikki has her baby. If she still wants me, I plan to go to Seattle to help her. I'm not sure how much help I'll be, but I'm so excited to be asked.

I am hoping...that a bit of information I discovered last night will apply to me. I have hope after so very long.

I am hearing...the heater kick on. Does that mean Miss Spring will not give me what I ask--a fine day?

Around the house...I'm enjoying the flowers that Joseph sends. I found a way to keep a bouquet fresh for up to three weeks. So my weekly bunches are scattered around the house. I love flowers.

One of my favorite things...is talking with my children. Yesterday, I took Spencer to a Dr. appointment in Saint George, which is a drive of almost an hour. We talked about this and that and had a marvelous time. We have solved the problems of poor education and juvenile delinquency in this country. If anyone reading this wants to know the ultimate solution, just ask--we'll tell you. ;)

God's hand...is so evident in my life. He lifts my spirits during hard times. He teaches me in His own way. He leads me to the answers to my prayers. He loves me inspite of my failings and encourages me to do and be better.