Merry Christmas!

Heavenly Sunshine

Years ago when my children were young, as soon as the temperatures started to warm up, we had a tradition of bringing all of the Tonka equipment, tractors, buckets, shovels, and even kitty litter scoops out of the basement and place them carefully in the garden where the summer creativity would take place. They spent many hours in that dirt, not only building haul road and pits, dirt houses and mud pies, but soaking in God's gift of vitamin d and the nutrients in the soil that gave them strengthened immune systems.When my children were older, they spent time helping plant, water, and manage the garden. They learned patience while watching a 10 foot tall sunflower grow and seeing the blossoms on the cucumber plants. They learned the huge responsibility of keeping their produce watered. They also learned the satisfaction and joy that comes from eating the first fruits and veggies from the garden.This year will be a memorable one because our youngest son, Ethan, will graduate. Last week we attended our last sports banquet, this spring we will have our last graduation party, and this summer will be our last 4-H fair that our children will participate in. But wait, there's good news! We have five grandchildren and one on the way! We are thoroughly enjoying this stage of life as we spend time with our children and their children.I hope that you will get a chance to go outdoors and soak up some heavenly sunshine this week and reminisce about special times that you've had in your garden with your family!