The "Before" Of My Garden

This is the first year I've been excited to get out and work in my yard.  I don't know what it is this year.  Maybe it's the chickens.  And I've been reading about gardening with chickens.  My backyard is a disaster right now  and as embarrassed as I am, I've decided to share the pictures of my garden "before".  I'm hoping this will motivate me to get it in order so I can show you the "after" pictures.  So, here goes.  I'm sharing.  Please keep an open mind and check back soon to see what it becomes.  It can only get better, right?

Happy Birthday To Me!

This year for my birthday my mom and sister gave me the best gift.  A plane ticket to Florida to celebrate "Grandparents Day" with Kevin, Caroline, and Christian in September.  It means so much to me.  Every year I get an invite to join them at their school and it kills me that I can't be there.  It is in September, right after school starts and I know it will be difficult to get away because work is so crazy then, but they are willing to pick up my slack so I can go.  I can't tell you how much that means to me.

Also, this year, I'm on a diet.  The Ideal Protein diet and it's working very well and of course I can't have cake.  Laurie made me the most thoughtful cake.  I could eat the whole thing by myself-and I did!!!!  Isn't it amazing?  She's so creative!  And the plate is a bonus.