Josh and Becca Thrap and Family

But not for long! (I hope!) This weekend Josh and I did something we haven’t really done before. After obtaining a couple estimates from some lawn care professionals we decided (what we already knew to be true) that we do not have money in the budget to have our lawn taken care of like ALL the rest of the neighborhood. But we knew we HAD to do something, because our lawn is CLEARLY the eyesore on the street. Before we moved in here I clearly remember my mom and sister offering all kinds of yard and landscaping help, none of which has come to fruition. So, after two years here doing next to nothing it is time to put the smackdown on our unruly lawn. Now, don’t get me completely wrong, Josh has always done a good job of keeping the yard mowed and the kids pick up sticks and rocks and stuff for pennies, but our property is covered in a thick layer of thatch so it looks brown instead of green, it feels stiff and crunchy, and it’s covered in dandelions. Last year Josh planted some tulips to try to help it look pretty, and they did, but now they are passing their time and we’ve got nothing else growing in. I have never really been one for yard work, gardening, or being outside in general. Saturday, however, Josh and I went to Home Depot and picked up materials to de-thatch, aerate, re-seed, de-weed, and fertilize our yard! We looked at a couple plants and trees too, but decided we better start with the grass and then we can move on providing we stick to it. So while the kids were with Jason and Elise we spent hours OUTSIDE! Josh mowed and dethatched the entire front lawn and South side. I aerated the entire front lawn and South side and got ice water for us to drink :). Later that evening after we picked up the kids Josh grilled some pork loin chops and while they were cooking he sprayed the entire backyard with weed killer. Yesterday Josh’s nearby family came over in the evening and we had a potluck followed by a rousing game of kickball. I wish I’d taken some pictures or video. (Dad, I’m gonna want my camera back when we come for Mother’s Day.) Our plan is to seed over the front lawn today when Josh gets home and add some rich topsoil and water everything, and I may try to get the North side of the house aerated. Once that is done we have to wait two-three weeks before we can do more. During that time we may be looking at some plants. I’m hoping to get some good-sized lilacs for the South side of the house, perhaps a fruit tree or two, two hanging plants, and Josh wants a vegetable garden. Mostly though, I just don’t want to have the obviously ugly lawn in the neighborhood.