Backyard oasis...

There are very few things that make me as happy as getting my garden in!

My tomato and pepper plants got to my door step today

and I almost assaulted the UPS man getting the box:)

 The tomatoes are all in!

Amish paste, Brandywine, Mortgage lifter,

and Cherokee Purple: 

my mouth is watering already!

The black pots and the crate are growing my potatoes 

and doing well.

 I was so excited to get out my "map" of this years garden to 

guide me in my planting. 

 I decided to pot two of my pepper plants and see how they grow.

My seedlings didn't so as well as I hoped:( 

Good thing the girls and I went to the Amish the other day so 

I could pick up a few.

 I just love my hanging basket on my garden shed.

My strawberries are flowering! 

The idea I got from pinterest of replanting cut green onions 

is working great. It will be nice to cut when needed.

 My basil transplants got put into the dirt today.

I will be planting my seeds in the other containers to get them started. 

 My little helper put out our rock strawberries for the birds.

 I love seeing the girls diggin' in the dirt.

 My Aunt Mary got me this beautiful hanging basket for Mother's day.

 My wonderful husband dropped everything when I said,

I needed the flower boxes for the screen porch done so I could

get the rest of the flowers planted.

Not only did he make them,

he helped me plant all the flowers too.

I'm such a lucky woman!

 I just love my little backyard sanctuary!

My grandpa's glider will be the finishing touch.

 My apple trees are blossoming!

 My cherry trees are budding.

It feels good to get a little vitamin D 

and dig in the dirt.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Around the house...

With the weather getting warmer, 

my helper and I have been busy.

 She has been finding toads and LOVES to water

or should I say over-water the flowers:)

 I went to the Mendota Greenhouse for our flowers-

the girls helped me pick out the flowers.

"Please mom, can we get this one?"

How can a mom resist?!?

 We have had an influx of birds.

The newest addition to the feeder is the indigo bunting...

it's has been like an airport around here lately.

 We have had the most varieties of birds 

I've ever seen living here. 

 The girls helped plant too.

 This was Joey's pick-Begonia.

I was busy landscaping the side of the house by my new screen porch.

Two lilies came from church on Sunday...perfect additions.

My sister-in-law has some other plants to add and there is plenty of room. 

 I love thinking about where all

my plants came from. 

A Blessed Day....

spent with family and friends.

Oscar celebrated his 1st Holy Communion on 

Mother's day.  

What a special celebration with God and people we love...

there is nothing better.

I'm feeling so blessed and loved today.

Thanks to everyone who made today so 

special for us.

Flying High....

on happiness today.  I can't contain it!

We just heard from the cardiologist that we don't 

need to head back for another appointment for four months...AUGUST!

That's incredible- 

the Doctor is happy with her blood pressures and 

only needs me to keep track once a week....

I don't need to call unless there is an increase.

Although, I'll miss my weekly chats with Dixie(the nurse).

We are putting off the next echo for a while as well, 

which means unless there is regressions as far as bp and pulses,

we don't need to even think about the 'possible' surgery come fall. 

Not that it's off the table for good,

but we are at a whole better outlook than we were a few months ago.

Here are a couple of pictures from the last week:

 Day off for Holy Week:

Forts made from quilts that I made ore was handed down.

 Milk jugs filled with sap for maple syrup-

my car never looked so good.

 Cooking away and waiting for 219!

 Things are popping up in my flower bed...

And I love to see green instead of white in the Spring!

 My husband hard at work keeping this mama happy.

 Building me a small porch for my soon-to-be glider!

 What an amazing husband I have-

he stops working to push the kiddos on the swing...oh, how I love this man!

 Sometimes, I just can't look!

 We had a little camera fun and put the kiddos in the holes Zach dug out.

 Oscar's getting tall.

They thought it was pretty fun.

 Don't worry Grandmas...we explained to the kiddos that they were not to go 

NEAR a hole unless mom and dad were there.

Have a blessed Holy Week Everyone!

There is nothing better...

than getting your hands dirty.

 Today has been in the sixties and 

after this winter, today was much needed.

As you can see, Mittens was 

my sidekick throughout the process.

She always jumps up and walks the edges of my garden boxes.

 I couldn't help myself,

I just had to get into the dirt.

The boys put up the last of the maple taps after 

mass this morning.

 Evelyn was as happy as could be,

making her potions and recipes.

 Zach shoveled the last bit of snow off the deck 

and the kiddos turned it into a game:)

We still had the sleds out, so why not.

 The kids enjoyed the first race of the season down our back 

yard.

 They were so excited to get out their big wheels.

 Evie's bike still fits her and she gets around pretty good.

She's the one I have to keep an extra eye on:)

They parked their bikes against the snowbank.

We had a beautiful day and a great weekend. 

I'm rejoicing...what an amazing life!