2026 Update: Written 2013 during a season of loud houses, busy weekends, and endless to-do lists. I hated gardening then. I really did. I see it differently now — but this moment still makes me smile.

I had coffee and cookies for breakfast.

You know why because I wanted to!

The house was finally empty after a busy, loud house full this weekend.

The Mr. and I got the dreaded yard work done.

Mowing, trimming, sweeping, tidying the barrage of toys and sports equipment etc left around from the children, balls and pool noodles on the trampoline…

and gardening, Uggg.

I hate gardening!

Yes, I know it’s a strong word, that’s what I tell my children when they use it, don’t use the word hate unless you really mean it, well I DO!

I have no idea how people think gardening is ‘relaxing or leisurely!’

Seriously?

Snuggling on a couch…