August 02, 2012

Mother's Gardens~ Questions

This past weekend while we were visiting my parents for our family reunion, I stole some time in the wee hours of the morning when the grass was still wet from the cold dew and captured my mother's yard and garden's to properly document and save forever.  I am very proud of my mother.  She had a vision when she moved to this house some 26 years ago.  There was not a stitch of landscape to be found.  Now it's a masterpiece.  Over the last couple of years she has earned the title "Master Gardener".  She plants new flowers and trees each year to keep up it's beauty.
As I took in the splendor she tried so hard to create for her children and posterity, I became very sentimental.  My parents are to the age of retirement.  This year has been hard on them health wise.  She has not been able to keep up with the yard as she would like.  It is very big.  Questions kept coming to my head.  "Who will take care of the yard in the next years to come?  What if they just can't live here anymore?  How can we let anyone else live and play and let their doggies run around in "our" yard?"  This would be a tragedy.  I hope that one day we can all own the house and keep it in the family forever.

~My Mothers Canvas~















She built this waterfall by hand.  We went into the hills and gathered huge rocks for months.  She studied and learned about the types of plants to go in and around it.  



There are huge fish living in there that are hand fed and kept warm in the winter with a heater.



Her vegetable garden has decreased in size to say the least.  It was twice as big when we were kids.  Now she grows just enough for her and dad.


An entrance to the pumpkin patch.




The apple trees give the sweetest applesauce you ever tasted.

Peaches this year too.

Take a rest and enjoy it all.




An entrance into the "Meadow"  where the fire pit is.


Dad's waterfall is also hand made with just as pretty fish living there.


Sitting in the quietness of that morning knowing the whole entire family (-1 brother and his wife and children) were asleep in the house left me with my own thoughts.  How sweet life is when you are all together with the family.  How that's the way it's suppose to be; together.  How it will be so sad when we have to say good by again.
Then more thoughts: Am I spending enough quality time with my own children and husband?  Are my priorities where they need to be?  Do my thoughts linger too long on how organized the house is, or are things just right here and there?  Am I reading the scriptures enough or is my heart in the right place in with my church responsibilities?  The answer is devastating.......No.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The month of August is already here.  The kids only have a short time before they go back to school.  I need to play with them, laugh with them, really be with them.  Not just flitting back and forth cleaning, weeding, organizing, blogging, reading, etc.
I need to start reading my scriptures each morning again, praying for the desire to attend to my church callings, serve others better, and start thinking of Christ more.
These should be my priorities.  After I do all these things, then I know the peace will return to my heart.
So I leave you with the month of August.....to return in September a renewed person with her priorities straightened out:)
Take care my dear friends.
-Steph-  





28 comments:

Earlene said...

Steph your Moms gardens a a TREAT to see and so glad you shared with us. BEAUTIFUL!
I think too..who will take care of this when I am gone because it is such a labor of love.
Gardening is so peaceful and thank your MOM.

Hugs Steph

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Steph, what a beautiful yard, the gardens, pond firepit, so so pretty. Yes, a labor of love, but gardening to me is my way to relax and create beauty as your Mom did. May you find peace within yourself, the Lord will do the rest. Enjoy time spent with loved ones,Blessings Francine.

Deppen homestead 1862 said...

Hi, Steph~ Gorgeous landscaping~ the gardens are peaceful & perfecly placed~love the pond~
one day at a time~ & live it like it is the last~
smiles
Teresa

Liz said...

What a great post, Steph! I loved looking at these pictures. Your mom is such a talented gardner, but more than just creating a beautiful place, she's created a gathering place. The yard is the perfect place for being with family. I've only been a part of the family for a couple of years, but I already have great memories of times in your parents' yard - our wedding open house, marshmallow wars, playing with the kids, being with family. This is a great tribute.

Christine said...

Hi Steph! What lovely photos of your mothers gardens and I wholeheartedly agree with you that it is a masterpiece!
It look likes an enchanted place to wander around in and savor the peace and love that flows from it.
August with your precious girls! You'll never regret it.
Hugs
Christine

BumbleBeeLane said...

Beautiful gardens! I find myself asking alot of the same questions from time to time.Yes sweetie find that peace,Love on those girls and hubby,take your break and reflect.Hugs!~Amy

Cindi said...

Awww Steph you got me all teary. You are such a beautiful person I think you do much better than you give yourself credit for. I will be praying for you my friend to find your peace and joy and center in God.
The gardens and yard are beautiful, your mom had done wonders and how neat that you were able to capture them with your camera. love you my friend, see you in September.
Be blessed
Cindi

alltheseboys said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I feel like the last six years have flown by and I've just let them. I've been so wrapped up in what isn't that I haven't opened my heart to the what is! I've been in so much paid and miserable..both physically and emotionally that I've closed my self off from everything I love and have to be thankful for. God, family, beautiful healthy children, a job I love,great friends, a wonderful home, and a crazy white fur daughter! I'm taking your lead Steph...I'm on vacation this next week with,y whole family...and I going to do some deep reflexion and figure out where I want to go! Thank you sweet friend! Katie

Jessica said...

Praying for your renewed spirit!

The garden is so beautiful. What a gift to be able to take photos of it and enjoy it right now. I wish I had done that before moving away. I lived next door to my great grandmother for all my schooling years, and she had a wonderful property full of her gardens and special touches. Now that she has passed on, most of it is gone now. Her son took over the house and property, so I am glad it has stayed in the family, but he's a cattle rancher, not a gardener. I went back after her passing and wished I'd had photos from before. I did take some that day, but it was not the same. My Granny was a wonderful homesteader and the most loving, caring person I've ever known.

I've learned that everything lasts only a season. God gives us gifts, and we should appreciate and love them while we can. Before we know it, things will be different and a new journey will begin.

Blessings!
Jessica

bettyj said...

Oh Steph, it is raining on my face! Wow what a post. I can see why you are so proud of your Mama's gardens. Spectacular is the only word that comes to mind. You are so young to have it figured out. You have your priorities and your family is blessed to have you, my friend. About the years to come. Life is a circle. Things change, we don't have to like it, but they do. I am selling a home with many memories. I don't want my family sad. I am going to look at it as a new adventure, and I bet your Mom and dAd will too when the time comes. Do you know how I know? They have raised you and you are wise beyond your years. Until September.

Sheila said...

I have know doubt Steph that you will be just fine and I will look for you in September! In the meantime, follow your heart and you will be renewed as Christ has a plan for you.
I can feel the love in the gardens as they have done a wonderful job turning a blank slate into a masterpiece creating beautiful life long memories for their children and grandchildren. That you will always have my dear. Embrace your loved ones and enjoy your time away.
We will all be here waiting come September!
hugz and blessings my friend~

Jan - Life on Buttermilk Hill said...

What a beautiful post, Steph! ...visually as well as emotionally. We are all reflections of our parents...I can tell what kind of parents you have by how you care for and cherish YOUR children. Your girls are sweet because you are. Enjoy your time with your family--but remember, the sweetest memories are memories of ordinary days with your loved ones. See you in September! --Jan

Marta said...

Beautiful post...I agree with you: time spent with family is the best time ever and you wish you could stay like that forever!!!
Enjoy your time with your family and see youin September.
PS Your mother's garden is amazing!!!
Hugs

Marta

Old Red Barn said...

Don't be to hard on yourself! That you know your priorities is wonderful in itself. And that little bit of me-time is necessary to recharge your batteries.

Hugs
Goedele

Unknown said...

Hi Steph, I think our mom's have lots in common. She has a gorgeous backyard as well that started out as weeds. She's really into roses and has a beautiful rose garden. I just wish I got her green thumb.
You sound so much like me. I'm constantly reevaluating my priorities and where my time has gone and who I've spent it with etc. Just remember we are all doing the best we can and that's all that matters. Sometimes a little break with some R&R is just what the doctor ordered! Enjoy the rest of your August and summer and take care!

Robyn ♥ said...

Hi Steph, I can totally see why you are so pondering in your Mother's Garden! It is just beautiful!
Have a wonderful August and enjoy your family! You are a great daughter, sister, mother, wife! Hugs!

TheCrankyCrow said...

What a touching, introspective, tribute to your amazing mother and your mother's amazing daughter. Her gardens/yard are incredible - enchanting, peaceful, thoughtfully planned, lovingly tended, and a testimony to your mother's talent and character. How wonderful that you took the time to document her crowing achievements. Your photos will be treasured dearly in the years to come. I know I remember well the gardens of my childhood home....started by my great grandmother; added to my by grandmother and own mother. Yet, when we returned last September, not a single plant remained....and it was then that I realized there were no photos. So the memories will fade in my mind and will never be shared with other generations.

As for your journey of renewal - I echo the thoughts of the commenters before me. You are wise beyond your years. What a blessing to know so young what is truly important in your life, and make the time for it. We will miss you during your absence, but I'm grateful that you've promised us a quick return. Enjoy your away time and hoping and praying you find all you seek. Smiles & Best Hugs ~ Robin

(PS - I hope to share my Christmas gift from you on my blog yet today if things go as planned....hope you pop in for a peek at least.... ;o))

Trace4J said...

Beautiful.
Oh the love in your Precious Mothers garden.
Lifting you in prayer Friend.
Isn't it wonderful when we hear and feel the nudge our of Heavenly Dad.I love this post!
Joy & Love
Trace

www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Firecracker Kid said...

Aww Steph, don't be too hard on yourself luv. Your God wouldn't be, you know. You're only human and I'm sure are doing the best you can.
Thanks for sharing your mother's little paradise with us. Sooo beautiful and serene. Hubby and I have been asking ourselves the same questions about his parents. It's part of that cycle of life that comes up and we deal with it the best and wisest way we can with His help.
Enjoy your time off and I hope you'll be better minded when you return :)
Hugs~Carol

Jen said...

LOVE the garden, would give a lot to be there and see it with your family!

Pendleton Primitives said...

So sweet. School begins here to but I'm doing my best to plan a fun filled year for the kids.
~Christina

Angi at drakestone primitives country cabin said...

Steph your mothers garden is wonderful.. A real growing project.. In life if you do your very best at everything what more can anyone ask.. Hugs Angi X

The Hill Clan said...

What a touching post Steph! It brought tears to my eyes and made me miss everyone all over again. I sure love and miss you!!

frontporchprims said...

Thank you to all my wonderful friends for you sweet comments that build me up and support me so well. -Steph-

julie said...

Steph, it's been a long time since I've been so filled with love and emotion. Reading your blog and the kind comments has truly touched me. All the hard work, planning, and effort put into the yard has certainly paid off with the enjoyment and sentiment of our family. But I didn't do it alone as you can well attest to. I am so glad you have such uplifting and sincere friends on your blog. I am so proud of the woman you've become. In every way your are cherished. I'm also impressed with your blogging abilities. It amazes me how you can convey such emotion and feelings through words. It truly is a joy to read your posts. Love forever, Mom

Old Red Barn said...

Seems like you're doing what I've planned already: changing the design of my blog! I like the header!

Goedele

ebmattson said...

Stephani, thanks so much for sharing your mom's garden! Wow! The beauty represents many hours of work. Bless her heart. Glad too that you had such a special time viewing it. Marcia

A Primitive Homestead said...

Your mothers gardens show the TLC she has put into them. It would be so wonderful if you & your family could someday make the someplace your home. My Grams homestead is so barren now since the 9 years of her passing. Once to beautiful with so much love showing. Gone now & passed on to my Aunt & cousin. I have really left my gardens go these past months. I must get them back into shape. My son who is gone. Oh how I hate to even say those words. He helped me create the gardens & keep up the cleaning of the gardens & building of the fish pond. He knew how much the gardens ment to me. Without him I would not have my fish pond. In June he placed a huge rock in front of the porch step before leaving for work. I found it after he left that day. He got it while riding his dirt bike on a trail. Hauled it home in the bed of his truck & left it for me. That rock means so much to me. I often worry no one will care for my gardens after I'm gone. The legacy & love my son & I shared building the gardens will die also. Blessings!
Lara