Hittin' the yard Part 1

Anyone who has ever tackled a remodeling or a construction project knows that in the process, your yard takes quite a beating. Our's was no different. Between the renovation, move and everything else last summer, we decided to not even attempt to work on the yard. This spring, however, we hit it with full gusto!

Here are some of the before shots. Remember that these were taken in March when everything was dormant and nothing was up yet. Pretty bleak!

 

 

First step? To pull out alllll the invasive ivy. What a chore. Back-breaking more like. It still almost completely covers the large tree in the back corner, but we're going to leave that...until later.

Once we pulled all the ivy out, we needed some plants.  lots of plants.  Then, we heard through the neighboorhood grapevine, that since one of the houses was being remodeled, the plants in the garden were free game--rather than be demolished by trucks and worker dudes who have no regard for anything green, we could come pick and choose.  Jackpot!!  I can't tell you how many wheelbarrow treks J made back and forth.  The Noodle and I were his moral support.  Ha!  Here's what we got:

We did end up giving some of the hosta, iris and peonies to J's folks, so not all of these are ours.  But still.  I can't even begin to imagine what it would have cost us to go to the local gardening center and loaded up like this.  The ultimate in recycling!

Check back to see our progress.......

It's the berries!!

The start of summer vacation means strawberry pickin' season.  Yeah for u-pick fruit!  Can't get more ripe, fresh or local than that.

This year we picked 2 buckets full.  In years past I've gone over board and picked and picked and picked.  The problem (if you can actually call it a problem) is that, in my opinion, strawberries don't freeze very well.  Unlike blueberries or raspberries.  Still, there's strawberry jam, strawberry shortcakes, strawberry smoothies, plain strawberries, strawberries on cereal, strawberries on yogurt...I could wax on and on!

Picking strawberries is serious buisness.

Sneaking a few in is even more serious.

The payoff?  Strawberry custard.  Mmmmm delish!!

Kindergartener...nope, make that first grader!

First and last days of kindergarten!  Sniff, sniff.



Mother's Day

This year my Mother's Day started a little early.  I was pampered by the Noodle Friday morning at 'Spa-la-la', located in her Kindergarten classroom.  No expense was spared and I got pampered with only the best in service and attention!!

A mani/pedi, massage, hair style, make-up application, some tasty refreshements and of course, good conversation!

We were told to come with a clean face and remove all our nail polish.  Thankfully, a little bird had told me to perhaps bring more, ahem, neutral, light colors for polish and make-up.  Good thing.  Ha!

When she handed me her little gift, which was a plant with a poem, I got all choked up and started crying.  You just never know when emotion is going to well up!

Yesterday, after a coooold soccer game, we went out for brunch.  Chocolate chip french toast with whipped cream?  Um, yes please!  It was exactly what I needed to warm up.

This morning, before we left for church, I found the Noodle sitting in her toy box very intent. She was busy making boxes and writing all sorts of things down.  Interview questions for me, I found out.

Then it was time for church.  The Noodle sang in the choir--such a sweet song about a mother's love.  The rest of the day is going to be pretty low-key-- just snuggling on the couch, reading books, playing matchbox cars and figuring out how to make a bow and arrow (thank you Merida). 

For so many years, this had been such a hard day. Tears were all too common. Now, the tears of saddness are replaced with tears of joy and thankfulness. How blessed I am. 

Hello Monday--Spring Break!

It is Spring Break around these parts and we couldn't be more excited!  Our Easter weekend was lovely--celebrating our Risen Lord, spending time with family and we won't even begin to discuss the amount of sugar that has been consumed.............ack!

 

Here are a few pictures from the past few days.  Let's shout out some hellos to start the week off right!

Hello to playing "Donations"--one of the Noodle's favorite games right now!  Not sure exactly all of the rules, but basically it involves her dragging her wagon around and putting stuff in or taking stuff out.  "Excuse me kind sir, but do you have any donations?" she inquired of J...cracks me up (and I'm sure this game says waaaay too much about our family!)

Hello to warm temperatures followed by snow flurries.  We take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back!

Hello to beginning to tackle the back yard.  We didn't even touch it last summer.  Not.a.lick.  Now's the time to weed and remove the vine that's been creeping, creeping, creeping.

Hello to creative uses for hard boiled eggs--we've got a bunch.

Hello to a new book that I just started (a 600 page mystery)--yipee!

Hello to another round of pony camp with the Noodle and her best friend.  They are both PUMPED!

Hello to lazy mornings with a little extra coffee to enjoy.  Ahhhh.

Hello to a new pet--Swimmy met his demise during SuperStorm Sandy...basically he froze to death.  Sad, but true...sniff sniff.  Time for a new Beta (looove the ease of taking care of these little guys)!

Hello Spring Break!!!  We are more than ready for you!
Linking up with Lisa here.

Simple Saturday morning pleasures

There is something wonderful about having a morning where you can just....be.  Be in the moment.  Be a bit slower.  Be aware of the creativity.  Be present.



The sun is shining and the lake is gleaming outside the window as I gaze out.  I've got a cup o'joe steaming next to me and Pandora streaming in the background.  The Noodle is happily chattering and "baking cookies".  She's been at it for the last 45 minutes.  Peace.

I've got a mountain of ironing to do, which crazy as it sounds, I love to do.  Something relaxing about smoothing away the wrinkles, feeling the warmth, smelling the clean laundry smell, and letting my mind wander and float.

Peace out.

Hello Monday

Happy start to a brand new week.  There's a little more warmth in the sun and a little less snow on the ground.  As I walk around the yard I see that the daffodils are just starting to unfurl their green fronds and the crocus are adding their bright jewel colors to the gray landscape.  We're half-way through March and spring is becoming more and more evident.  That's definitely something to smile about!

Hello to longer days, brightness and lightness.

 Hello to thoughts of gardening and pins that will turn into reality (hopefully!).

 Hello to our church's production of The Three Trees...the Noodle is singing in the choir and has been belting out the songs.

Hello to new recipes to try out...Jamie Oliver's mac-n-cheese w/cauliflower?  Spicy Thai noodles?  Yes please!

Easter is right around the corner...let's hit the ground running :)
Linking up w/Lisa