Freshening Up the Backyard

Yesterday afternoon the outdoor temperature (low 70's) combined with the sunshine motivated me to get down to the store and purchase some flowers to freshen up the backyard with. The color variation and flower choices were overwhelming, but after strolling the garden center for nearly an hour, I finally made some choices and came home.

Before I could plant them I had to do some ground work. I pulled out old plants that had died, trimmed the rhododendrons, as they were WAY OUT OF CONTROL, cut back some wild rose bushes that are growing in the yard, and raked up the pine cones and dead leaves that had fallen from the trees. Once this dastardly deed was completed, I was able to get those new, beautiful, vibrant and refreshing plants into the ground. The end results screams SUMMER!

Almost four hours later I dragged this worn out body into the house and collapsed. Yard work is EXHAUSTING and I think every BONE in my BODY was ACHING. I was SO spent!!!

Thankfully, I got all the yard work done just before the rain moved in. God's timing couldn't have been any better for these newly relocated plants. Once the weather clears up, which may be a few days from now, I will update this post with some pictures.

Updated 7/3/2012: Here are the pics I said I'd post:

Now all I need to do is purchase some mulch and it should complete the look.

Father's Day

This is a picture of Glen and Steve from 1968. On Sunday afternoon we took Glen out to lunch to celebrate Father's Day. He has been doing the job since April 1963 when Dave (Steve's older brother) came on the scene. We really enjoyed his company and the time we spent together.

While at the restaurant, I was able to get a new photo.


Although I was glad to spend time with my father-in-law, I couldn't help but reflect back to my own dad. My dad had his quirks, but he was my dad and I loved him so! I really, really, miss him!

Fender Bender

If you have a FB account than you probably already know that Steve was in an accident yesterday. Every day before Steve leaves for work I say, "be careful honey, there are a lot of crazies on the road". To which he usually replies in a jovial manner, "I know, I am one of them."

Sometimes we take for granted all the blessings God bestows upon us, and his protection is a blessing we almost expect daily. However, we never know once our loved one walks out the door, if that will be the last time we see them.

Steve travels almost an hour and a half, one way, to work five days a week and has been doing so for almost four years now. I just can't help but praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy. Truly, I am thankful for the hedge of protection God surrounds Steve with on a daily basis. Thank you Lord for the reminder!

You Read It Here!

For most people purchasing a television would not be a big deal, but for the Vaughn household it is!

I have been married to the same guy for almost 30 years and this is the very FIRST time he has EVER shopped for a TV. Every other one-eyed demon (as he affectionately calls them) we have ever owned, was only because my folks purchased them for us.

My second surprise came when we hooked up the television. How many digital channels does one person need? I've never seen so many available channels! It was like a whole new world had opened up to us!

Technology sure has come a long way; sometimes it is just plain hard to believe.

Looky, Looky What Steve Spotted

Yesterday, while we were working in the garage, Steve calls me and says, "Hey, you want to see a snake?" SERIOUSLY!

Of course I did! Steve found the snake coiled up in the yard. Every time we got near it, the snake would stick out its tongue to smell his surroundings.

The snake finally had enough of us watching it, so it began to slither away. The snake was at least two feet long. That is probably one of the longest garden snakes I've seen since we have lived in this house.

I don't mind seeing a snake, as long as it is in the grass and not in my garage or house!

WA State Convention

Last Friday and Saturday, Steve had the privilege to go to Tacoma and participate in the Washington State Convention.

Steve, along with Jim, Levi and Tim were all elected as delegates to represent our district. The men walked away with even more understanding of the political process and really enjoyed the overall experience. I really appreciate their willingness to be involved in the process and their ability to comprehend what is at stake. Thank you so much for representing our district, and the constitution!

Maybe one of these men might be the President of the United States one of these days...you never know. :)

PiT Exchange

During the month of May we had the privileged of getting to know a young man from Leighigh Valley Baptist Church. Ben was lent to BBC, and while he was here he worked with our SPGs on video recording and also participated in many of the ministry outreaches of our church.

We were able to take him out for a couple of meals during his stay and we enjoyed getting to know him. We especially appreciate his love for the Lord and his desire to want to serve him on the mission field. He is quite the young man.

Not only is he personable, but God has blessed him with instrumental talent! Benjamin plays the piano, the trumpet and the ocarina. The last Wednesday in May he played a special with Alyssa and Christopher Hower. Below is a picture of the trio playing that evening.



A blessing indeed!