I can’t remember a time I didn’t dream of owning my own home. I think that I most wanted that after I blew my mother’s inheritence in 12 months and was left with nothing but a pretty sports car and a baby on my hip. My first few years in adulthood were a learning lesson that most don’t see until later (if ever), after parents quit sheltering and paying the way. I never had parents who paid my way, and a small inheritance doesn’t last long when you’re without guidance or experience.

But we survived our youth, and in my late 20’s, we bought our first home. It was a hole in the wall when we bought it. But Colorado real estate ain’t no joke, so you take what you can get and go from there. We laid floors one month, bought new appliances the next, then tore down walls, then hung crown molding, paint, etc. until it became what it is– Home sweet home. And I love our little home– all the love, memories, sweat, tears, and whatnot that go with that. I can imagine growing old here, and thank goodness I’ll never have to grow young again.

This mother’s day was spent appreciating the things I’ve been blessed with– my healthy family, our strong connection, our cute little home, full bellies. When you read about all of the things going on in the world, you might realize how fragile it all is. The people in China didn’t love their children less than me. The people in Myanmar didn’t appreciate or deserve their sweet little homes less than me. God doesn’t love me more. And I don’t understand why things are the way they are… so I pray for the families in those places… and I embrace mine that much more.

We’ve spent every spare moment over the last week (including mother’s day) tilling, deweeding, reseeding, and giving tlc to our little yard. We’ve finally moved from the inside out and can now start really gardening and landscaping this year. Which has proven to be so good for the soul– sun on my skin, dirt in my hands, seeds between my fingers, hay in my nose (ahh. ahh. AH-CHOO!)= Life’s Goodness.

Here’s a glimpse at our week:

Bella helping mommy plant seedlings. Now I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking it too: “STEPHERZ, is that styrofoam you’re planting those seeds in!?” Yes, but I didn’t actually buy the styrofoam. They were leftovers from an office meeting 2 years ago and the guilt has kept me from using them or throwing them away. At least they are being put to good use before they enter the landfill!

Seedlings basking in the indoor morning sun…

A very handsome, green-thumbed, and helpful teenaged boy…

My little Boho Cowgirl…

A tuckered out gardener with his blankie…

And laying grass seed isn’t as much fun without a hay fight!

It’s also not much fun for mommas unless there’s a hott shirtless man running around the yard…

Now that the yard is tilled, the seeds scattered, and the garden started, we wait for Mother Nature and the goodness she brings…