This spring has been a whirlwind of transformation and transitions, a season of change. I welcome change. I find it invigorating, but I also think it is important to look back, see where you have been, reflect on the blessings, forgive yourself for the mistakes, and learn how you can do better the next time or next opportunity. Hannah graduated from high school a few weeks ago and as I went through photos to create the slide show for her graduation party, I felt love and gratitude for the beautiful young woman she has blossomed into. I feel happy and blessed to be her mom, of course, there were plenty of moments when I didn’t feel so joyful during her 18 years, and there are decisions, actions, and words I now know I would do differently, say differently, but as a sift through memories frozen in time, I know she has been a gift to me. A sometimes exhausting, demanding, nerve wracking gift, yet I am so glad God gave her to me.
Another huge milestone was Donovan turning 13! This year he morphed from a kid who had to be nagged to get in the shower and brush teeth to a squeaky clean, old spice smelling teenager. And I’ve officially become the annoying, pea brained, clueless mom to him as I am already to the girls. I miss my little cuddle bug already, but I look forward to this time in his life.
I’ve also been working on the transformation of Buttercup house’s yard. I ordered 4 yards of mulch, made several trips to greenhouses and the farmer’s market, and planted my herb garden and started my kitchen garden.
The herb garden is thriving and we made our first batch of fresh pesto already!
The kitchen garden is in, tomato trellis was added this weekend. It took a lot of digging, weeding, and sweat and tears, but we harvested our first garden bounty, Kale! And made Kale Chips and they were actually delicious!
As I labor over the gardens, flowerbeds, and fret and learn how to navigate the new phases in the lives of my children. I think about how wonderfully God made it all. The theme of transformation runs through and connects this world we exist in. From the tiny seed that sprouts and transforms into food for our sustenance or a beautiful flower for our enjoyment, to the physical, and spiritual transformation of my children, I know that is the plan…..
For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
As I reflect on Ecclesiastes 3, I think about this season of my life, and I am grateful that God has placed me here, in this time and in this place. I am grateful to be mom to Alex, Evan, Hannah and Donovan. I am grateful to be wife to Gregg. I am grateful to be daughter to Nadine and Don. I am grateful to be sister to Susan & Chad. I am grateful to be tending the plants and flowers here at Buttercup House. God is good! I’m ready and grateful for each time that God has planned for me.
Creative. Life. Adventure. 