A Dream Come True

We've been doing a lot of gardening since we've moved into The Homestead.  There is a lot of work to be done, but it doesn't feel like work to me.  The smell of the earth as it is turned by my shovel is one of my favorite scents in the world.  I feel such a sense of joy when I am outside working in my garden.
The boys have been working right alongside me.  This day, we were spreading compost in our beds to prepare them for planting vegetables.  They really wanted to use their wheelbarrows, which are a joke.  Much too small--but they insisted.
I like to be out there together.  We are making something.  We are making our own little paradise.  We planted flowers that would attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and they notice every single butterfly or hummingbird that visits our yard.  If I hadn't made them part of the process, I don't know if they'd notice as much.  
When the squash and cantaloupe seeds that they planted came up, they were so excited.  We saw how the plant inside pushed the hard, outer covering off once the soil, water and sun worked their magic.  That is what the garden is.  It's magic.
Every time we are out in the garden, working together, admiring our flowers, watching a butterfly, or hunting for a ripe tomato, I am so thankful.  I am thankful that I have this place to make magic with my kids.  I am thankful that we have our own living laboratory in our back yard.  I am thankful that once again, my husband has made my dreams come true.  

I have waited a long time for this.  And I am loving every minute of it!