Dandelions

I remember as a little girl thinking these were the most beautiful flowers and our yard and field had many of them. It was wonderful especially because I knew my mother loved them too. At least that is what she told me when I would bring them to her. I grew up and learned the reality of this little or in some cases huge weed. I did not like them, until today. 

I was out in the yard pulling some weeds and watering the garden when the Silly One came up to me with a small dandelion in his hand and said, "Mom! I got this flower for you." This is the first flower he has picked and given to me of his own doing. It was so sweet and I told him I loved it. 

How Does Your Garden Grow?

This is what I got out of my garden this morning. So far we have only had a few strawberries and the juliette tomatoes and so I was excited to see the others. 

This is what my garden looks like right now. I think it is going well and just put up the trellis so hopefully it works. Right away the eggplant had more room so that is good. 

The crops I have growing are pumpkins, squash, strawberries, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, corn and cucumbers.

The lady finger eggplants, they are so cute!

The first pumpkin, this makes me actually excited for the fall. 

Just about everyday the Silly One will say, "Mom, our plants are growing." Yes, yes they are. 

America, America!

I have always been a proud American and love celebrating the greatness of this country I am blessed enough to live in. I am especially proud around this time of year, obviously, and love when the Olympics come as well (23 days and counting). One of the things I love the most is seeing an American on the medal podium with their hand on their heart singing the national anthem. Seriously gives me chills every time.

 Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower said,

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." 

I tend to be one who gets quite emotional and passionate about certain things pertaining to politics, including the recent ruling by the Supreme Court. I won't go into all that but wanted to share that while stewing over things a thought came to my mind. This is a choice land, blessed above all others. This scripture came to my mind in the Book of Mormon (of course I had to look it up to find the exact wording):

"Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promised, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever." (2 Nephi 1:9) 

In short, keep the commandments and God will continue to Bless America. Our daily actions determine our freedoms. I hope that my boys grow up with the same patriotism I was raised to have and enjoy this blessed land of America, land that I love!