This time of year I find myself repeating: “April showers bring May flowers, April showers bring May flowers. . .”

“There is, indeed, something inexpressibly pleasing in the annual renovation of the world, and the new display of the treasures of nature.” -Samuel Johnson Lilac leaves emerging

I had a perfect birthday. The weather was beautiful- a gift from heaven, and my husband arranged a delightful spring-inspired day. Starting with a breakfast of multigrain waffles with homemade raspberry sauce, followed by an activity of making a bird house- per my request. Then a picnic, soccer and a hike in one of Cleveland’s…

You know how when you were a little child you always tried to be on your best behavior for your parents’ birthdays? Or how your Dad would say, “Let’s try to be super helpful today, because it’s your Mom’s birthday!” Little did I know that my husband and son would take up such pursuits so…

I often get the question, “How are you adjusting?” in regards to having a newborn. I usually give the expected response- “Whew! Yeah, adjusting!” But in reality, the adjustment has been much less than I expected. Sure I often cook and wash dishes with Scotland in the baby bjorn. Sure, I may be bouncing a…

About two weeks ago, after several days of thinking about my summer garden plans, I had the thought, “I don’t have to do a garden.” The feeling was liberating in a strange, nearly silly way. I love gardening- I mean I wrote a whole blog about my garden last year, but somehow the affirmation that…

. . .but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 One of the main things that sets my church apart from others is that we believe that God still works through prophets- that there is a living prophet on the earth today. I believe, in fact, I know that there is…

While Stan was here we decided to visit the homestead where his ancestor once farmed and joined the church. Jacob Foutz lived about 60 miles from here on 80 acres of land with his wife Margaret Mann. Historic records noted the streets: Hagerman, Riggle, and Snyder as being corners of his property. With the use…

Our dear friends Mary and Steve welcomed their little daughter Lydia into the world on Thursday. She’s a doll and has her mother’s gorgeous red hair. Mary and I were roommates in college for two years and have been best friends ever since. Just by chance we got pregnant a month apart. It’s been so…

This afternoon I was trying everything to get Scotland to take a nap. He was fed, his diaper was fresh and yet no matter my attempts he wouldn’t fall asleep. I tried rocking him, singing to him, jumping him, massaging him, patting his back, shushing, but he was restless. Finally, I thought of Tom and…