A Little Help From My Friends

Today was one of those days that absolutely could not have happened without amazing family, friends and neighbors. We're continuing our work on the backyard and I had big plans for today, which included buying mulch and applying it the lower back yard around the lawn, mowing the lawn (after our lawn mower hasn't been cutting it, pun intended) and being outside as much as possible in the amazing spring weather. 

My sister Anna lent us her truck so we could pick up pea gravel and bark mulch, and then volunteered to watch Porter while we took care of the yard. Porter had a fantastic time at the park with Anna, Micah and Quila and her truck worked perfectly for the 2 (yet not nearly enough) loads of mulch. 

Upon returning home with our mulch we found our wheelbarrow had a flat inner tube. Thankfully our wonderful neighbors were home and more then happy to lend us their wheelbarrow. I don't have a picture, but it's been in their family for generations, is green and weighs a ton. It's quality and will probably be passed on to their grand kids. 

In the midst of all the mulching I  also had to mow our new lawn. It grows fast and dense in the spring. If I don't cut it weekly then it will break anything less than a goat. Our electric mower has been on the outs lately, which is disappointing because I was thrilled about having it. Luckily, Chelsea and Shaun also have an electric mower (cordless), which is bigger and much more efficient than the one I have. We got to borrow theirs and take it for a test mow. I do believe that I'll be purchasing one of Earthwise mowers later this week. Oh happy day, I get to keep using an electric mower and it will actually cut my lawn. Hurray. 

So, to summarize why I have the most amazing people in my life:

• Borrowed truck for large loads
• Free child care with lots of love included
• Borrowed/test drove electric lawn mower at a moments notice
• Borrowed heirloom wheelbarrow

These were all amazing acts of generosity, and the results were: a mowed lawn, happy baby, started mulch project, and the most tender part- I got to spend quality time with my husband too. It's something we've neglected for too long and I hope it will become a more regular occurrence. Surly it will since Porter has so many people who love him that live near by, and I'm starting to ease up on the mother henning. A little.

I love when flowers that I planted actually grow!

Quality time with the hubby. His words, no joke.

Adding (wet) pea gravel to the dining area.

The mulch didn't go as far as I though. We're going to need more, lots more.
The dining area, covered in pea gravel, is complete.

Bark mulch and gravel.

Freshly mowed. We're mulching all the areas around the lawn. Weed fabric is already laid.
Who knew that would be the easy part?

See all the green spots in the mulch? Those are actual plants that are going to grow into my Aroma Garden. I don't know if I'm more excited because the mulch is actually working or that the plants are actually growing.

The parsley that won't say die.

I planted this parsley years ago and it just keeps coming back.

After a long morning playing at the park with Aunt Anna, Micah and Quila.

Another generosity from the Titus family. A jungle gym worthy of my little climber, replete with latter, steering wheel, slide and under deck hiding area.

To all of our friends and family
THANK YOU!