We've had quite a bit going on here the last few weeks (apart from Easter). My parents visited for a week at Easter and I helped plan decorations for a major school event. We also painted our house, built a new fence, and had a new retaining wall and patio and sidewalk poured...Things have been a bit hectic. But the yard is looking fabulous and I can't wait to share pictures.
But first....Easter. Did you have a fabulous, meaningful Easter? I hope so. I'm going to post your Hill of Calvary photos soon. Promise.
I've decided that Christmas isn't the only holiday worthy of "baking cookies." I've been stuck on this cookie recipe (I use almond instead of orange extract). It works wonderfully for sugar cookies. And, did you know that you can make your own colored sugar?! I'm not sure why it took me so many years to realize that you don't have to buy colored sugar in tiny bottles in the cake mix aisle. Just put some sugar in a zip lock, add a few drops of food coloring and shake. Seriously?! This amazing discovery has changed my cookie making forever. Instead of icing dripping everywhere, we are going to have SUGAR in all colors.
And on to....hot cross buns. A couple of years ago, I made a double batch of buns to deliver to friends on Good Friday. It was festive and fun, but the buns were pretty dense and dry. So this year, I started early making test batches in March... My favorite recipe is the Pioneer Woman's version.
And now on to the yard...Here are my children working hard dismantling the crumbling stone patio. They seriously worked for two hours straight helping Matt and I haul rock to the driveway. This is one situation that I am in total support of child labor.
Our family was blessed with a wonderful gift that made this backyard transformation possible. I can't wait to take some "after" pictures to show you.
See that little garden shed on the side of the house? Gone.
See that peeling paint? Now a beautiful yellow.
Uneven patio? Clean (soon to be stained) poured cement.
Did I mention the fence? Whenever a big wind blew, we would hold our breath praying it wouldn't fall down. Now it's a sturdy new thing, with picket fencing up in the Widdi Woods. Sigh.
I never knew the joy that new cement and fencing could bring. I can't wait for this summer's garden party.
Hello, Red Door and Black Shutters! You make me oh-so-very-happy.
Comments