Still catching up...

Spring Arrived!  

And with it came a bounty of beauty around my house.

This tree is right on the line between us and our neighbor, and I think it's just about the prettiest tree ever!

 

Our tulips amaze me every year when they poke their little greens up through the ground before they open those velvety red petals.


It's just too bad they only last a couple of weeks.

 

These rhododendron bushes are always a visual treat for us...and those who drive by.

 

 And there's nothing quite like Mother's day pansies handed to you at the end of sacrament meeting by your adorable little girl:

 

 And along with the arrival of spring, came the arrival of...

Naomi and Sunshine!...

Like a lot of Americans, Naomi's house was foreclosed on and will be up for auction in a couple of weeks. (She gave me permission to talk about this.)

She's been a close friend for a long time...and neighbor...and member of our church.  When she needed a place to stay for a couple months, we were happy to take her in....and her little dog too. ;)

She loves my kids.

And they love her.  

Hallie calls her "sister."... (which is exactly what she is).

Naomi is a HUGE help to me!

 

She cooks twice a week.

She cleans constantly.

She babysits my kids on a whim. (!)

Did I mention her meals are of a decadent nature?...they are!

There is something to be said for "live-in" nannies.  She calls herself "Nanny Naomi" with a smile on her face.

She also became my "stunt double" when it came to a missionary wanting to take a picture of our family right before he was transferred, and I wasn't there to be in it.  Darn. 

But she told me it was okay...she was my stunt double.  I thought that was hilarious!

She had this floor looking like it did the day her son Peter put it in for us. (We had forgotten it was so light in color!):

  

We went from wondering how we were going to adjust to having a new person living with us to wondering what on earth we are going to do when she leaves.

My kids also love Sunshine.

...with a passion.

   

 

We went outside to play with the dog and to "teeter-totter."

...and it was a bit chilly! 

 

Sometimes I fail to carve out the time to wipe down Chandler's face, and comb his hair.

But I think if anyone could pull off the results of that kind of neglect, it's hand's down this boy right here:

 

Did I mention they love Sunshine?

To be completely honest, that girl on the left dreams about owning a dog every second of every day.  

 

She doesn't understand that a dog may just push her mother over the edge at this particular stage of life.

What with the prospect of more babies and all.

I'm not pregnant.  

But hope to be a couple more times before all is said and done. ;)