Pond Reveal

Last Sunday, my oldest (and equally impulsive and crazy) son and I woke up with this big idea: WE NEED A POND!

After four trips to Lowes, five trips to the rock yard (and a quarter ton of stone in my minivan), one long, hot trip to Menard’s garden center (on a 90° + day to buy pond liner) and many stops at local nurseries...

Here’s the reveal!

Construction Project - Operation POND

SO, did you ever wake up on a Sunday morning and think, “You know what we need? We need a POND!”? So then, you and your oldest son (who is equally crazy and also loves gardening and is in complete agreement that a pond is absolutely necessary because you both saw an AMAZING pond at a garden walk yesterday) get in the car, go to Lowe’s and buy a pond. But, upon returning with said pond, you both decide, “This pond is too small! We need a BIGGER pond.” So you dump the first pond in the family room and go to Menards and wait forever in the 90° heat for the forklift guy to bring down your BIGGER pond, which neither of you are 100% sure will even fit in the minivan. (It does.) Then you get home and start digging. And digging. And digging. The 19-yo does most of the digging, but neither one of you can believe HOW MUCH DIRT needs to come out. (And, BTW, you have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA how you’re going to get rid of all of it.)

So Sweet

Construction site, all tucked in tight, the day is done, turn off the light.

Beautiful Red Arrangments

It’s sooo hot today, I clipped a few faves to enjoy indoors.

Beautiful

These caught my attention in the garden today.

Hydrangea Arrangements

Trying to create arrangements with unusual things around the garden — sage, papyrus, spearmint, aquatic mint and a few Annabelle hydrangeas. 🌱 Aesthetically, the results are mixed 🤷🏻‍♀️, but it sure smells good! 🥰

Beautiful Garden

A “then” and “now” of our first attempt at a water garden this year.

It’s been a fun experiment for my oldest son and me — Our only real disappointment has been lots of lily pads, but, alas, no lilies. 😢

Author's Garden Fun

I can’t imagine why my family thinks I’m weird. 🤷🏻‍♀️ (I mean, it’s a kids’ author’s garden, right?)

Lovely

When you want something to make you feel really inadequate. 😲

Construction Site: Demolition Mission

Because: DEMOLITION IS SO AWESOME!!! 👊🏻 Our next book in the Construction Site series is all about BRINGING IT DOWN. Preorder now; debuts September 29th!

Nap Time Reading

Raegan is two-and-a-half and has EXCELLENT taste in nap-time reading selections! 🥰❤️📚 Thanks to Mike, her awesome dad, for sending the photo along!

The Cat In the Hat

“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.” — Dr. Seuss

Summer Fun

Lake days. ❤️

Garden Path Change

A garden path, 4+ years later. “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." ~ Audrey Hepburn 🌱❤️ (I have wonderful, very understanding neighbors. )

What an Honor!

I’m so honored that “Mighty, Mighty Construction Site” made your list, Malachi! 🥰❤️🚧 (Photo Credit: 📷 Malachi’s dad; thank you for taking/sending the photo!)

Precious Life

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 🌎 ~ Mary Oliver

LOVE

LET. LOVE. RULE.

Pink!

Peonies

Shabby-Chic

A shabby-chic garden chandelier and a string of battery lights... 💡💫

New Beginnings

I took this photo last night; it’s the first rose to bloom in my gardens. I’m usually so busy, I don’t see what blooms first, so I don’t know if yellow always takes the lead? But, I feel blessed to be paying attention this year. 💛 Yellow roses: symbolizes joy, delight, friendship and new beginnings.