Update!

Swans we saw swimming next to our car when we left church.

Last weekend was fun! My landlord hosts a huge Flower Festival every year in his gardens so I of course had to go check it out.  My friend Sonya came over and we walked down to the gardens and slipped into flower paradise.  There were so many different types of flowers, and yard art, homemade baskets, flowers, soups, herbs, and local artistry.  We met an older man, I believe 82 years old, who I saw was having troubles walking down the stairs so I asked him if he needed help.  He, happily, spoke English and tucked my arm under his and off we went.  We found out he was American but has lived here for over 40 years, was a sculpture artist and lived in Verona.  He shared his family's story with us and just enjoyed visiting.  It was nice to have someone to talk to!

I found an unusual rose that as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it!  The roses looked like dainty cups to me.  The smell is intoxicating and vibrant.

Starts white in the middle and then edges with the pink.  

I thought I'd take you on a little tour of our place now that it's late spring.  I am in love with Italy and our home.  It is a place of peace and beauty.  I feel myself coming back alive and healing in some areas that have had to be blocked off for awhile to just get through some of the trials we've been asked to bear.  Truly, this has been a gift from God. 

"In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28)."  Donald L. Hallstrom,  

That is my favorite scripture.  I have read it so many times and it's promise has carried me through feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, abandonment, frustrations, hurt, heaviness of responsibilities I wasn't sure I could carry, and hope that I didn't have to do it alone.  My little piece of paradise I know is a physical gift of His to give my soul some rest as I get closer to Him.  My spirit is again touched with the charity of Christ, the desire to serve others and have the Savior in my daily life even more than ever before.  

So...I share with you a little of my peace.

After the garden show, I had a few days to get ready for my cooking club that I was asked to host and be in charge of for our ward.  I spent days cleaning out the overgrown flower beds, cutting back the ivy and then planting some flowers.  Our patio off the dining room.

Our patio.  My jasmine bushes are in full bloom and it smells sooo good outside.  

I saved this hydrangea plant from being swallowed and strangled by the weeds and ivy. Can't wait for it to bloom!

Our kitchen door surrounded by the jasmine bushes.

I love this statue in my side garden.

Les's favorite statue.  They look so enchanting with the greenery growing around them.

My old well.  I use the spigot next to it to water my garden.  I find this charming!

This is one of the views from my home.  Yes, this is what I look at every day.  I love to just go outside and sit in peace, think about life, or read.  I met a fun lady in my ward who paints and is willing to teach me.  I want to attempt some Italian landscapes and doors.  Can't wait!!  I am surrounded by inspiration.

Another view from our home.  This house is also built into the mountain.  A local told me these homes that were built into the mountains were used during WWII for Nazi headquarters, as they were hidden and relatively safe.  A mushroom farm is just up the road to the right.

Another view.  I love seeing the red, orange and rose colored houses.  So pretty.

Closer picture of the colorful homes.  

My front door.  Again, it's covered with jasmine and I had fun planting the pots.  The cat in the picture came with the house and has adopted us.  She makes me laugh every day.  She has the loudest meow and wakes me up early to feed her.  When I go outside, she follows me around, plops down, rolls around and begs to be rubbed.  I love animals and she brings me lots of joy.  

This is the view from my special spot, my writing or thinking spot on top of our house, next to our garage.  I pinch myself when I look over this and it's obvious I'm in Italy.  I LOVE it.

Another view from the top of our house.  You can see the vineyards lined up and full of grapes. 

The last view from the top of my house.  I just love those houses.  The colors just go with the landscape.

Here's our Fresco Room, (aka: Family Room).  I just kept things simple since the room is already very ornate.  I have grown to love this room.  

Another angle of the Fresco Room.  That fireplace didn't heat it up very well this winter so we didn't use the room much.  We will have to figure something out for next winter.  

Going toward my library.  

That door opens up and looks over the patio.  It's surrounded by the climbing jasmine and fills the room with delicious fragrance.  

Fun game table and another area for guests to visit.

Les has been in Germany for 2 weeks and came home yesterday with my new car, a VW GTI.  I wanted something small that would weave in and out of traffic easily and drive safely on the narrow roads, but still have room for my growing boys.  I'm excited to get to know her!

While Les was gone we went through a little excitement with an earthquake that shook our house pretty good.  I believe it was a 6.4 on the Richter scale.  We had several aftershocks and then another earthquake on Sunday.  Nothing was damaged, just some sleep.  It seems like no matter where we go, we get to experience nature's power.  Typhoons in Okinawa, hurricane in North Carolina, earthquakes in California and now Italy, flooding in Washington, and Les wanted me to add the strike in Hawaii that caused a huge shortage of toilet paper.  (I had a years supply, so I was prepared! Not really an act of God, but could have been uncomfortable.)  I am grateful we've always been watched over. 

You're all caught up now with where we are, except that we have decided to home school the boys. I have been disgusted (I know, strong word and I meant it) with the experience they've both had here so with much thought and prayer, we are going a different route.  I know it's the right one for us and we are all excited about the experience. We will be able to travel with Les when he goes to Germany or other areas for work, the boys will have a better education, more choices for electives, higher standards of excellence, great teachers and freedom to do some fun things.  Both boys will be joining the swim team, Landon is interested in ballroom dancing and we found a great studio here in Vicenza, Grayson wants to continue karate, and both will be learning an instrument.  I am excited for us to start our days with a yummy family breakfast each morning, scripture study, and then our schedules.  I have seen a marked difference in both boys, but especially Landon, as we have spent more time together as a family.  They are just happy.  I'm done playing Russian roulette with their education and environment.  I didn't think this would be my path, but here I am.  I could say that about almost everything in my life, but that is life.  Unchartered paths, new opportunities, adventures, and growth.  I'm so glad I get to do that with these amazing people and the love of my life.