Springtime

We have been spending a lot of quality time together as a family out in the yard the last few days. Spring planting season is here again! After much debate we decided to rip the rose bushes out of our front planter and start from scratch. I've had a hard time with all of the landscaping at this house because I really hate it, but I also hate the idea of getting rid of it, because I know someone at some time spent a TON of money getting this professionally landscaped. Just wait until we get a chance to rip out the giant evergreen tree in the backyard--I'm not a tree hugger, but that is going to be hard (but it has to go.) Anyway--last night we ripped out the three rose bushes that have given me more injuries in the past eighteen months than I care to admit and replaced them with lilac bushes--so beautiful, so thornless. I also planted some delphinium and this morning put the annuals in. So by the end of the summer it should all look great! We also transplanted an aspen tree, added two more and planted a maple tree in the front and center. Hopefully in a few years our house will look nestled in among a beautiful aspen grove. I love the aspen trees this time of the year--they seem to just sparkle!! And just now I mowed the lawn again--a completely different experience when the grass isn't over grown!! Maybe we don't need a real lawn mower after all! So, here are our before and afters...

Say goodbye to the rose bushes of death...

Out with the old, in with the new...
Not the greatest shot of our new aspen grove--it's over on the right. They will be huge in a matter of years...
On to other random events from our life. I am completely and totally done Christmas shopping for my kids!!!! (minus a few stocking stuffers...) How is this possible you might ask?! Dare I share my secrets? I'm sure you will all sit with mouths open in abject horror if I admit that I got all my kids Christmas presents from garage sales. I know my own siblings find me to be somewhat off my rocker on this issue. But--laugh and mock all you want! I found so many incredible deals on very gently used toys! My kids will never know the difference (they never have in the past!) and my budget certainly does--I spent less than $100! For all four kids! Woo hoo! How do you think I came up with the money to pay for the aspen and maple trees--the Christmas fund! Well, I am obviously pleased as punch with my frugal little self. Hope you all had a great weekend too!