Summer Yard Sale Farmhouse Finds...

You guys. If only you had been with me on Saturday. 

There's this mini farm that we drive by often, and almost every time we pass it, my husband and I have to comment on it. We take turns, but inevitably I will say, "Oh I love that place - it is so cute..." or my husband will say, "That's a really cool place, isn't it?" It's like we can't go by without acknowledging our mutual appreciation.

On Saturday, we were on the way home from one of our son's soccer games and guess who was having a yard sale? 

Yes! The charming mini farm. 

It felt like my husband was driving in slow motion as he found somewhere to park... I was ready to hop out mid-stop! At first glance, there wasn't a ton of stuff. But then, I looked over in the opposite direction and saw a dream stack of farmhouse antiques. There was a lady trying this antique caddy on for size. She sort of looked it over, picked it up, examined it and set it down... I made my move.

The Start of Yard Sale Season {A Few Things I'm on the Lookout For}

The weather is getting better (in most places) and soon we'll be seeing yard sale signs on every corner. I thought I'd share a few things that, if the price is right, I would never pass up!

An Entryway Arbor...

The arbor in the front of our house, that helps define the entrance, 
is now covered in spring-green vines... 

One of my favorite plants - the lilac - is in full-bloom near the arbor...

There's a touch of wisteria (though it grows more prolific in other areas of the yard). 

A simple stone path leads from the arbor to the front porch...

We added some strands of lights to the arbor to provide some much needed light out front. Some day, we'd love to add some built-in lighting... 

It's always amazing how quickly things grow! The first picture in this post was taken about ten days ago. If you compare it to the picture below, taken today, you can see such a change in the tree, vines and lilacs...

We've been enjoying the sunshine today... Our youngest and I took a blanket out on the grass and enjoyed a library book together (until our crazy cat started showing off his daredevil climbing skills in the tree above...tough competition when you're trying to read a book to a 5-year-old boy! ;). 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope your day is going well...

xo

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~ Signs of Spring ~

We visited these adorable sheep not far from our house last spring. Aren't they the cutest?! I was convinced that this spring we would be welcoming some sheep to our little farmstead... But for now, we are aware of our limitations, which include anything with hoofs. Stay tuned. (As in 2 - 5 years. Maybe. :)

And while it's not quite time for spring lambs yet, there are

 little signs of spring popping up all over the place! 

We are welcoming the changing of the seasons early this year in the 

Pacific Northwest. First, with the crocus...

Budding branches...

And daffodils...

This will be our second spring living here. I can safely say that I am a novice gardener (and that may be overstating it :). These bouquets of green have only appeared within the last week or two. I remember something florally growing up out of them last year, but am at a loss. Iris? Anyone? 

I've done a little research and I believe these delicate, deep purple flowers are a type of buttercup. Validation or correction, please. 

Lenten rose?

Since moving from a yard of ~9,000 square feet to an over 2 acre property, we're trying to become more realistic about gardening and yard maintenance (though I still have my dreams!).

Instead of thinking, "Today I'm going to clean this yard up," I  think, "Two or three wheelbarrows-full of clean-up is better than nothing."

Another thought I use to encourage myself is, "Well, it may not look great, but at least it won't look like an abandoned house!" This is what I tell myself most often. Seriously. And for some strange reason, it is a real motivator. Whatever works, right?

I used to think leaf clean-up was something you did in the fall. And it is. If you do it in the fall. We started then, but you guys, there were SO many leaves. You all told me to do a little bit each day and to stay on top of it. We did. But then we stopped. So here we are and life goes on... In fact, it goes on quickly with three growing boys.

And that is what I remind myself most often. We didn't move here for a magazine-worthy yard. We moved here so that our tres hermanos could have some wide open spaces... some room to roam and explore. 

We're thankful for the memories already made and look forward to more to come...

I do hope to learn more about gardening each year. One of the things I enjoy about blogging is learning from others. Thank you to those of you who have shared your gardening tips. Please, keep them coming! ;)

xo

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