Well, the redbud tree it was under was dying and had to be cut down a week ago. Our many grateful thanks to our friend Paul and the crew members he sent over to help us out with that tree and several other projects!

We watched from the east porch.

The girls were really happy to see the chip pile being replaced. They had accused Pa of “melting the mountain” when he used the last of the old chips. The truck was loud, though…

Once the tree was gone, the hostas were in need of a new home. We worked on moving ‘Sagae’ this evening. DH began by digging around it. It was tangled with the redbud roots.

“Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough…”

It came up in one large piece and one small piece. The small piece was planted under the redbud tree east of the kitchen.

The larger piece was planted in the long bed under the Southern Red Oak.

Done!

Tomorrow, we’ll work on moving the other hostas that had been under the redbud tree. With a good soaking drink and the shade returned to them, they should be fine.

~~Rhonda

While they made and consumed pancakes, I made the Sunday bouquet. The hydrangeas are just coming on strong. They are in varied stages of bloom. We have some bushes that tend to pinky-purple and some that are blue.

I wish I’d taken more pictures of dinner prep, but I did get this one of the twins helping their aunty shuck the corn.

My father-in-law always looked for the first strawberry of the season on Mother’s Day. Our traditional Mother’s Day treat is strawberry shortcake, in his honor. After dinner and cleanup, Rose Red helped Pa make the shortcake.

With the beautiful day, we decided to have dessert outside. DH brought his mother over from the nursing home and she really enjoyed looking out over the backyard gardens, as well as the gorgeous weather.

Snow White loves strawberries.

Rose Red would like more, too.

It was nice to get a four-generations picture while our son and his daughters were here with great-grandma.

Later in the day, our younger son called, so I had all my children accounted for. I am grateful for the blessing of such loving children.

My thanks to my family for giving me a great Mother’s Day. I love you all!

~~Rhonda

Now to think about the menu for the week.

Monday
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Rice

Tuesday
Chicken Caesar Pasta Casserole with homemade Caesar Croutons
Garden Salad
Steamed Green Beans
Corn on the Cob

Wednesday
Baked Dijon Salmon
Accordion Potatoes
Garden Salad
Peas

Thursday
Chef Salad

Friday
Homemade Pizza

Saturday
Spicy Shredded Pork ~ I follow the pork recipe’s ingredient list, but I don’t blend them. I put the roast in the crock pot and throw everything in on top. I know it’s not the same as roasting it, so it’s different than the meat the original recipe would produce, but it’s still delicious! And easier.
Homemade Buns
Veggies and Ranch Dip

Sunday ~ Church Spring Picnic at our house
Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole (scroll down to bottom of post for casserole directions)
Homemade Rolls
Cookie Sheet Pie

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

We talked about a lot of things…butterflies and birds and ants and beetles…

…flowers and trees…and wind…and the bright warm sun…

…and frogs…and ponds…and eggs…and tadpoles…

…and rocks…and seashells…and dragonflies…and lizards…

With a good peppering of “I’m hungry…” and “I need a drink, Ma…” and “I have to go potty!”

Just the usual. ~~Rhonda

There was time to play with the rocks in the driveway.

And time to help Pa plant a few daylilies he had divided while digging.

Any time Rose Red sees the shovel she asks, “Can I dig? Can I dig?”

All done.

Snow White helped package plants for the yard at the farm.

And Rose Red checked the mail. Just to be sure.

While all that was going on, the girls’ parents pulled weeds. Yay! Thanks, again! We hauled two wagon loads, piled high, to the compost pile.

~~Rhonda

They helped Pa drive the tractor…

And let Ma give them rides…

Played on the “park” as the girls call it…

Snow White will climb to the top of the slide and come all the way down. “Ta-daaa!”

Rose Red prefers to climb half way up from the bottom and then slide down…

We scratched a few itches…

And watched a few flies…

Played a duet using the timer and the piano…

Helped unwrap “presents” from the boxes I brought back from my parents’ house.

They liked the salt cellars. Perfect for eating little M&M bits. Which we did.

All in all, a fun day filled with fun adventures.

~~Rhonda

And they helped clean out the mixing bowl, too.

~~Rhonda

“Look at the baby ants!”

Fascinating!

Having the ant crawl over her fingers and hand didn’t bother her at all. Different story for her sister.

Had to show it to Pa.

Putting the ant back “so he can go home and find his Mommy and his Daddy.”

Long after her sister lost interest, she kept watching and playing with the ants. Her ability to focus on one thing over a long period of time always surprises me.

~~Rhonda

The first few strokes were a little hesitant.

Zak is so compliant and easy-going that it didn’t take the twins long to relax and enjoy brushing the kitty.

The girls also enjoyed playing with the collection of rocks we keep on the east porch.

And Saturday afternoon DQ treats were much appreciated.

Just another day at Pa and Ma’s house.

~~Ma

Pa’s short garden shovels are just the right size for little gardeners.

DH and DS pulled the old plow out of the barn and hooked it up to the mule…I mean the lawn mower… They plowed a furrow for the grands to plant flower seeds.

Planting sunflower seeds (and digging, digging, digging).

Lots of weed pulling, lots of raking, lots of burning leaves and sticks.

And lots of clambering up and down her favorite climbing tree. She kept checking with anyone who had a clipper in hand. “Not my climbing tree. Don’t cut down my climbing tree.”

Concrete was mixed for the posts of the chicken coop.

The base of the coop made a perfect stage.

And when you live in the country, the hose is a good place to get a drink. No time to waste by running inside on such a beautiful day.

We’re looking forward to many more fun days on the farm.

~~Rhonda