Back Fence!

This area is the south side of our lot, or "the back fence flowerbed" as we call it. It is a really long section of fence, that we planted heavily with trees. I have put in some perennials, but I will add a lot more in the spring or as I find cheap ones. We like our yard very private and we have planted a total of 45 trees. Now, if we only had grass.

Before

During

After

Like Mother, Like . . .

Preston saw this praying mantis out on the lawn the other day. He dashed in and got the camera and took about 25 pictures of it. Ah, I've taught him well!  :)

Notice how he grabbed the good camera. I had to use my phone.

Never Forget!

Today we took the boys to The Healing Field to honor the victims of 9/11. There are 3,000 flags on display and each has a tag attached to it with the name of the person killed, where they worked, age, and some personal information about them. It is an incredible sight to see, and it feels like the flags go on for miles.

Favorite Picture!

This is absolutely my favorite picture of Preston and my Dad. It was taken back in September 2003, on Preston's first trip to Disneyland. It was at the end of the day and we were sitting on Main Street waiting for the parade to start. A guy went by selling balloons and all Preston had to do was look at Grandpa and he pulled his wallet out. Then he asked for some water. They got up from where we were sitting to go get it from that little cart you can see. As an afterthought I grabbed my camera. I'm glad I did.

 

I recently made this out of it. It is 8x10 and covered with that finish that I'm in love with that makes your photos look like canvas.

10!

Today is Preston's 10th birthday. You don't know the meaning of the term "time flies" until you have kids. I love you buddy, I hope you have a very Happy Birthday!

On Sunday we had a BBQ and cake and ice cream for Preston and Sonny's birthdays. This Friday night is the "real" party. We are having seven 9 & 10 year old boys at our house for a Harry Potter bash & sleepover. Yikes! If anyone feels the need to make a batch of margaritas and send them over feel free!

Shade Bed!

I love plants that grow in the shade. At our old house we only had one small spot for shade plants, but at the new house we have a bit more space. I planted coleus and hostas, two plants I love. I also plan on planting bleeding hearts behind the tree. I can't find them now, but I'll get some in the spring.

Ha! I am calling this my "shade bed" but look at this picture...it's in the sun!  It actually gets sun for about an hour in the late afternoon. The rest of the day it is in the shade.

I love the colors in this coleus!

68!

On Sunday we celebrated my mom's 68th birthday with homemade ice cream and brownies. I'll use any excuse to make ice cream!

Happy Birthday, Chickie!