blessings...

Spring has sprung almost overnight! The sun is shining, the birdies are singing, and the grass is greening! I walked outside this morning in my bare feet all over it, watering patches where Jasper had been (doing quick little doggy things on our poor lawn at the end of the winter). I know it will recover. He lay in the shade on the north side of the house, as the rest of the backyard was flooded with warm sunlight- so beautiful to me! I also watered some prettier things, like the crocuses, and the rhubarb, and the daisies, and the 'hen and chicks' - funny little plants from Mom's busy gardens! I have windows open all over the house, and we are going to have to put the screens back in, because the bugs are back! It's a good day when even that is good news! Happy happy springtime!

Jack turned 15 on Sunday. I'm not sure how this happened- just yesterday he was a fat new baby I was holding.. breathing in deeply as I soaked up the delicious smell of his baby head. These days we threaten to cut off his milk rations to afford his jeans- it's time for his legs to stop growing already! And his feet. But not his good heart. I love my son; and I am a happy mother because I know he feels it. I've noticed how he's started showing his mama a certain consideration in the last few months. Very endearing, I must say... When he leans down to submit to an occasional kiss on the cheek, or opens a door for me- then I feel like my boy is turning into a man- a gentle man. He is strong and smart, and he makes me proud. He is kind to little ones, and to older ones... He works hard, and his laugh is like sun breaking through clouds. And he can cook! I always hoped my children would have a big brother to look out for them; Jack fits the bill- and then some. But my fa...