Enthusiastic Yard Work

With the horrible events that took place in Boston this week I have to begin this post by asking for people's prayer.  Sandy Hook is still in our minds and now an exciting event such as the Boston Marathon was turned to tragedy.  Please pray for New England.  For the many that are broken physically and emotionally.  Also for those who seek to do evil, that they would be saved from the evil that they seek.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Tis the season to ramp up on yard work.  We're excited to get a new tool to help with yard cleanup.... well some of us were excited-

Little man does not like loud noises.  The leaf blower is a re-fab from our local small engines shop.  I am pretty sure it could double as a jet pack.

I ripped up the old landscaping fabric that had become a weed blanket (weeds and grass were growing all over the top)-

Some Shasta Daisies had spread along the top of the fabric also.  I tried to remove them without disrupting the root system and replant them.

I also planted some Echinacea (purple coneflowers) and Black Eyed Susans.  We hope they grow well here and pretty much take over this bed.

Jonathan is still working on improving the grass in our yard so the kids and I try to water the new seeded areas daily.  On warm days like today it doesn't seem as tedious.  Little girl has shown an obvious liking for playing in the water-

Little man deemed this area in need of special attention-

She followed it around like a dog follows a treat-

More close-ups for the grandparents-

Little man got a spring buzz cut.  I like it better short, Jonathan likes it better long.  We compromise with the seasons (long in winter, short in summer).  Still very blonde?

More water was found to play in-

First garden news of the season.... stuffs comin' up.  Everything has taken its time to germinate with the cool spring weather, but we finally have progress-

The sugar peas germination percentage has been very poor.  After some trouble shooting we will have to try new tactics next spring (poor soil structure is mainly to blame).

The seedlings in our raised bed on the other hand are thriving.  Carrots, beets and garlic are coming up and doing well.

Thanks to a fellow gardening friend I got some free Arugula seeds that I planted today.  I also have parsley and leaf lettuce popping up in pots, and cucumbers (pickling variety) that should start popping up soon.  I check them daily like an anxious kid.
Here are a few planting and growing lists that I find helpful-

• Special thanks to Torie for sharing this site with me.  Mavis shared growing guide here.  General overview growing guide.
• I like the breakdown and information on this one from the Old Farmer's Almanac, here.

I plan to write a post about raising your own chickens and if its been worth it for us.  Thanks for the positive feedback, friends, on the pastured raised pork post. :)  I hope to also post a 2nd year in review of our house updates since the anniversary is approaching (and its been awhile since I've posted anything about the house).