"Deck"orating - Finale!

*Linking with Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ *
You've Come A Long Way, Baby!

Let me just tell you, that when we bought our house 2 years ago, there was a tree growing through the deck! A tree! Well, ok, maybe it wasn't exactly a tree, but it was the biggest weed I have ever seen in my life, growing right up through the middle of the deck. The nice word to describe our backyard was "neglected". So, you can imagine my delight that now our deck looks more like this...

And this...

The umbrella was my Mother's Day gift from Yankee Boy and the Rascals (is it just me or does that sound like it could be the name of a Band!).

There was still a blank spot though...

We used to have a fountain there but it finally gave out after years of faithful service. So, I went on the hunt! Do you know how EXPENSIVE fountains are these days? Oh my! But look what I found...

This was on the wall at Lowes and I fell in love! I thought, well, I guess I could splurge just a little. I couldn't locate any in boxes so I asked the sales clerk if they had some in stock. He said 'no' so I offered to buy the floor sample which he then sold to me for 50% Off! It pays to ask folks!

Here's a closer look...

With the windows open I can hear it even when I'm inside!

What's that? What does that little pot in the front say?

Rascal #1 gave this to us as a present at his Kindergarten Graduation. He was very proud to see it receive such a prominent position by the fountain.

I can now say that I finally love my deck!

Wish you could come join me for dinner!

And, here is a little more of our backyard for good measure.

This is the garden area before...

We are not ashamed to put our children to work!

Here is the after...

My first attempt at growing my favorite flower is finally paying off!

I can't tell you how much I adore Sweet Peas! They are nostalgia personified!

Kim at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ asked to see more of my yard, so this is for you Kim!

This is a little courtyard area in the front of the house. It is very shady and nothing would ever grow very well. So, we put down pavers with ground cover in between and it adds so much more character to the curb appeal!

A bigger view...

Next week my baby girl turns 3! So, in honor of her Birthday, we will have a week of all things "Girly"! And, I'll share a little bit of my road to motherhood and why my children's birthdays are so significant. Have a great weekend!