Fruits of our Labor

David grew up with an impressive and delicious garden. I was a bit intimidated to do our own, because I thought eveything I would touch would die. I also did not think I would enjoy it. Needless to say, I have enjoyed it and even get a little preoccupied by it. I love going out and checking it and seeing how it grows each day. I think I even get more excited about it than Adam does.

David, Adam, and my Dad got the ground ready. It was a lot of work to till the ground. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first with just putting seeds/plants in the ground, with little prepping, since square foot gardening is such the craze, but that is what we did and amazingly, IT GROWS!

Adam hard at work

Garden in May Just Planted

David helped me plant everything and then said, "Okay, this is yours now!" I was nervous, so even though he said it was mine, and he was busy with the yard, he still did a lot of work for me with it:)

We got a crazy snow storm the end of May. I took this picture after most of the snow had melted, because our garden was covered with a sheet of snow. I never thought our plants would survive and was so dissapointed, but plants are resillient I guess!

Garden in July

When we came back from a trip, I could not believe how much our garden had grown! I feel like I am the mom of a newborn child or something, so sorry for such a long post:) H/H! I am just amazed that things grew. I didn't even have to do much, that's the crazy thing.

Banana Peppers

Bell Peppers

Zuchinni Squash

Roma Tomatoes

Broccoli

Strawberries

I have never been much of a vegetable eater, and don't really know what to do with most of this, but I am excited to try out our harvest. I think everything tastes better fresh, so it should be good. If any of you have good ideas or good recipes on how to use these veggies, I would love it!

We also have green beans, lettuce, and a raspberry plant.

Not all Fun and Games

I know it looks like we play a lot, but we work too:)

(Or I guess I should say David works hard!)

I guess once you buy a home, people weren't kidding when they said home projects would now take up all your extra time. Well, we decided to hit our yard this year. We still have a long ways to go, but have gotten a good start!

Last year when we moved in, there was grass in the front yard, but no sprinklers. We did our best to keep our yard looking nice watering by hand. This year, David has started putting in the sprinkler system, and boy is it a lot of work!!

I guess I can say I helped a little, but all the credit goes to David that is for sure!

Michael came over one day and really helped David get things going. He was a huge help!

Our poor yard all torn up, but look at those nice, straight trenches:)

Our little helpers!

Enjoying the show!

IT WORKS!! Phase one is complete. Backyard, here we come.

David has seriously worked so hard and really done a great job at figuring all this stuff out. For all of you who have done this before, we feel for ya! Way to go. It will feel good to say we did it ourselves, but I am pretty sure this is the last time we will ever do a yard again:) H/H!

Grandma Great

In loving memory of Grandma Great

I have had the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the wonderful life of my Grandma. She lived a full and vibrant life and gave so much. She is a true example of love and selflessness.

For the past 10 months, I have been able to go and visit her pretty regularly with Adam and Brandon (after his birth). I will miss that time with her and hope that in some way I was able to serve her in a way that she has served me throughout her life. I have so many memories of Grandma that I will cherish and hold onto. She was beautiful in every way!

Grandma and Adam

One special memory I have of Grandma, was her being there when Adam was born. We had Adam at the Payson Hospital. Grandma used to be the charger nurse for Labor and Delivery there. One of the nurses that was helping me with Adam actually knew and remembered my Grandma!

Grandma and Brandon

I am so grateful Brandon had an opportunity to spend some time with his Grandma Great. Although he won't remember much, (and was asleep most of the time on our visits:), I know she will be an influence for good in his life.

This was taken at Grandma's 92nd birthday in May. She was able to be at her own house for a couple of days, surrounded by all those who love her. That was probably the best present she could have had. She was just glowing that day, even though her health wasn't great.

Grandma loved her family and has left a wonderful legacy for all of us to follow. I will miss her dearly, but am grateful for the peace I have in knowing she is happy and that we will all be together again.