This Is Not A Gardening Blog

In one of the most productive weeks of vacation I think I have ever had, we've managed to accomplish a pretty big chunk of the Get Ready For A Wedding Reception list.

Well, that's not actually accurate; there's a ton of stuff yet to do on that list. But, this was a big one - as much a mental accomplishment as physical, although the fact that it's taken me the better part of three full days to finish gives testament that it required a good bit of exertion. And time.

And my muscles, they hurt.

But I'm pleased with what we accomplished. Interestingly enough, I'm most anxious for the kids to see it (and hopefully be pleased as well.) It seems that our home is constantly in some state of not-quite-finished; whether it's the porch cluttered with sound equipment, a barbecue grill and boxes of random junk; the flooring that's not yet completed...a bathroom that needs to be painted...etc. I'm still clinging to some fairy tale version of what it means to be a parent - the part that includes having picture perfect, nicely decorated bedrooms and a perfect lawn.

Plus a pool.

And a three-car garage.

(We'll never get there. And I'm almost out of time, as kid #4 of five leaves for college in a few months, and I'll have one shot left with my youngest....)

Anyway, I digress. I took a week of vacation, I did a lot of stuff and for three days I worked on the front yard and I think the kids will like it. Trust me when I tell you it was a mess - I did not do ONE THING to clean beds or weed last year, and it was obvious. Here's one before photo, of the "pond" area we were trying to clean out:

Icky.

And here, in no particular order, are a few photos of the results of our labor. Let's start with a pretty picture of the lilac thing (I think that's what it is) that blooms prolifically every year and then tries to take over the yard with its long, stringy fingers:

Note: I will never be a real gardner, because I have no earthly idea of the proper names of any of these plants. This is a purple thingy. Lovely, whatever you call it. I wish it would bloom in July, when Shannon is having her purpley wedding reception here.

And here are the remaining of the shots, in random order. I know this is not a gardening blog - but for today, let's just pretend, shall we?

And if you're proud of our hard work, leave an encouraging message in the comments. I'm a words girl; affirmation will make my achy muscles feel better.