Landscaping!

We've finally had a chance to put some work, sweat, and blood (it may sound dramatic, but it was!) into our front yard. Boy oh boy was it a beast!! We didn't realize how much the weeds had overtaken the place. Even after blasting them with weed killer three times over the past couple weeks there were still tons of them. Thankfully our neighbor let us borrow their tiller and that helped immensely! And now two days later, sore bodies and all, we are so excited to have a much nicer looking front yard!

Here are some of the before, during, and after pictures of our landscaping adventure from different views!

~View from the garage side~

BEFORE

DURING
AFTER

We're also very excited about the oak whiskey barrels we got to use as planters in the front! I can't wait to plant some fun things in them hopefully this week! (Derek also got to get a chainsaw to take down all the unruly bushes in the front...very exciting!) :)

BEFORE
DURING
AFTER

~The difficult chunk of work (with a lot of "during" pics!)~
BEFORE
DURING

Getting all these bricks out was one of the most tedious jobs I've ever done! And they lined almost the entire front yard! It was pretty painful and I've never seen so many gigantic worms!!

AFTER

~Up against the front of the house~
BEFORE
AFTER

~The whole front from the left~

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

We are so very thankful for this house, yard and all the improvements we've been blessed to make on them. And we feel especially blessed that we have each other, family and friends to share it with!

"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."
~Hebrews 3:4

1000 Gifts (continued)

8) Watching the Padres WIN yesterday with my wonderful husband while eating baseball style peanuts and beer. We had our own mini opening day party with just us and the dogs! It was wonderful!!

9) My many supportive sweet friends who can make the sun shine brighter!!

10) Sweet hugs from Crystal's cute little 18 month old tonight.

11) How excited Bear is to see (and jump all over) me when I walk in the door....even after been gone only for a little while.

12) How cute and excited my husband was tonight recapping the basketball game he got to go to with all the free food he could eat!

13) Walking the dogs today in the SUNSHINE!!

14) My comfy comfy bed that I'm in and that I'm ready to go to bed!!

15) Verses like these at just the right time...

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:4-7