Spring on Hazel Ridge: Garden Dreams, Slowing Down, & Finding Magic in the Little Things

🌷 Spring Life Recap: Raw and Real

Spring started out fast and furious! School events, testing season, end-of-year trips, and all the noise that comes with wrapping up the school year. Life was busy in every direction, and it felt a bit like autopilot with glimmers of peace and glimpses of summer here and there.

But as May turned the corner and school let out, everything shifted. I finally slowed down. I spent nearly a week at home, doing less and noticing more. In that quiet, I could finally see spring for what it really is: a season of blooms and beginnings. I’m in a season that allows me to schedule less, and I know that won’t last forever.

So I’m soaking it up while I can. Slower mornings and space to just be. It’s temporary, and I’m okay with that. But right now? I’m taking full advantage of the quiet while it’s here.

Here’s a look back at what spring had in store for us this year.

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A Backyard Upgrade Worth the Wait

With Aubrie nearing four and spending more and more time outside, we knew it was time for something built to last and spark even more fun in our backyard, so we took the plunge and said yes to this swing set. We actually hit pause on this purchase last spring. At the time, we still had a hand-me-down playset we’d found on Facebook Marketplace and figured we could stretch it one more year. It was a good run, but time for a change!

We’re so glad we waited. This new swing set already feels like such a gift, not just for her, but for all the cousins and our friends, too. We have loved everything about it so far! I’m working on a full review. I’ll link that here soon.

Aubrie has already summoned both Mom and Dad up into the “treehouse” more than once, and honestly? Jeff and I agree that the slide might be the best part. The worst part? Putting it together. It actually wasn’t overly complicated, but it took about two full days. Jeff and I were pretty tired after the assembly, but that first trip down the slide made it all worth it. Aubrie’s trip, I mean. 😉

Women, Wisdom & a Weekend Away

Early in the season, I had the chance to attend a women’s conference with a good friend of mine, and it was exactly what my heart needed. We talked about business, life shifts, and how we’re learning to make room for ourselves in the middle of motherhood.

I also had the chance to hear one of my all-time favorite authors, Brené Brown, speak as the keynote at the conference. Her message? Be chalant. Yes, you read that right. Chalant. Not nonchalant. Praise this woman. I even picked up one of her bestsellers – Braving the Wilderness.

That one phrase hit me like a truth I didn’t know I needed. In a world that constantly nudges women to shrink themselves, soften their voice, or “play it cool,” Brené reminded us to be the opposite: to care. To show up. To give a damn, and do it without apology. Thanks, Brené, for the much-needed reminder to take up space with love and intention. ❤️

During our downtime at the conference, we carved out a little space for some fun of our own. The kind of memories that live deeper than the lens can capture, though we definitely tried in between our iced coffees and must-have snacks.

These are the friendships I hold close. The kind where you’re fully seen, fully understood, and gently pushed toward the best version of yourself.

They’re rare, and they’re everything. And I’m thankful for that.

Simple May Day Baskets

We kicked off May with a tradition I’ve always loved, though this year, we kept it very simple. Homemade May Day baskets, made from construction paper, flowers from the yard, and a touch of good old paint. Aubrie painted a different picture for each one, each basket was held together with tape and handmade love.

It wasn’t fancy, but it was full of heart. More than anything, I want her to grow up knowing that it’s the thought that counts. I hope she always finds joy in delivering May Day baskets, even on the rainy days.

Aubrie is really into painting right now, and I found something that makes it easier on Mom which is a little painting station. The water dispenser lets her rinse her brushes all by herself (huge win), and normally there’s a mat under it…but it was drying when I snapped this. Instead I rummaged up a trash bag. 🤪 #RealLife

Simple setup, less mess, and she feels like a real artist. She even says so herself!

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Garden Planning & Raised Bed Dreams

Me? A garden girl? Not exactly…at least, not in the past. But 2025 might be my year to start.

This spring brought a bittersweet shift: my mother-in-law decided to step away from gardening the space she once tended so faithfully to focus on her own garden at home. And if I’m being honest, that made my heart ache a little. Watching Aubrie learn from her, and myself as well, was a memory I was not ready to tuck away.

So I decided to not let the memories go. Instead, I stepped in, not to replace her, but to carry it forward in our own way. Raised beds, fresh plans, scribbled sketches on paper, and a lot of hope. I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing, but honestly, I’ve found that’s part of the fun. Low expectations? Sometimes the way to go!

There’s something beautiful about beginning again. About honoring what was, while letting yourself grow into what could be. It’s not just about plants. It’s about building something that can grow right alongside our family.
Something rooted in both past and present. And my mother-in-law helping alongside us. Below is where we started at the beginning of the gardening season. Well, actually it was kind of late into the season, but that’s fitting!

We decided that if I was actually going to enjoy this process, the area had to be as weed-free as possible. I knew myself well enough to know: if it felt overwhelming, I’d lose interest fast. So heavy duty landscaping fabric it was.

Jeff tilled the space, and then we all got to work laying it out and even Aubrie pitched in, dragging pieces of fabric across the dirt with Bridger right by her side. I sketched a layout leaving room for plenty of pumpkins, a spot for raised beds, a few in-ground plants, and even a little sitting area (to come).

I definitely have the vision (maybe not the knowledge)…It’s just a little hard to see it yet. But we’re getting there. My biggest tip for doing something like this? Invest in heavy duty landscaping pins, not the cheap ones. Trust me.

Next up was building the raised beds. For what? I’m not sure. Maybe some flowers. Maybe some lettuce? Whatever the Garden Gods decide is right for me. It will take many prayers and many, many good rains.

We went back and forth on what kind of lumber to use and finally landed on landscaping timbers. The price was right, and honestly, I just liked the look of them. We bought 18 total and cut 6 of them in half to create this look.

We used long screws and stacked the timbers for a simple, sturdy design. Eventually, we’ll probably add another layer (or two) to give them a bit more height, but for now, they’ll do just fine.

We ended up with two 4×8 raised beds, and seeing them in place made it all start to feel real. Isn’t it cute? Don’t mind my plants in this picture; they were going through a bit of transplant shock. They popped right back up! 🌱

After Jeff filled them with brush and soil, I added some pavers that we already had in between to create a little walkway. I plan to add mulch or cedar chips soon. Then we built an arch for the pole beans using two cattle panels and posts. Jeff was the real champ in this process. I did a great job of holding the panels in place. 😊

Of course, I had to add a little flair, so I wrapped the arch with solar lights. Because let’s be honest… I’m really hoping my beans grow, but at least it’ll look cute either way and I can frolic through the garden at night like a fairy. I haven’t captured any pictures the lights in the dark, but stay tuned. I can’t wait for all the glow. 🤩

We ended up planting a few different kinds of peppers as well as some lettuce in the raised beds. I plan on getting some marigolds to add to the edges. We had a lot of fun shopping for plants with my mother-in-law!

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Simple Fairy Garden Magic

Speaking of fairies, we decided to make a little fairy garden area in what was once the strawberry patch. We moved the strawberries to a different spot, and now we have a little area full of color and whimsy with hopes of wildflowers growing beside it soon!

I found the tires on the property, something my mother-in-law had painted years ago, and decided to give them new life. I grabbed some mulch, a few pavers, and flowers to pull the space together.

Aubrie and I had a blast picking out fairy creatures (and a few gnomes, of course) from Dollar Tree and Dollar General. We finished it off with a few solar lights, because… well, everything’s better when it glows at night.

We’ve had so much fun checking to see if the fairies visited during the night. Aubrie and I head out to look for clues in the morning. Tiny footprints, moved pebbles, or a flower that looks just a little different. It’s become one of our favorite parts of the day.

Greenhouse Glow-Up

Since the garden was going through a transformation, we didn’t want the greenhouse to feel left out, so we gave it a fresh coat of paint. And by we, I mean my dad. The best painter there ever was. The greenhouse was built by my husband’s family several years ago. It’s really a piece of art! I love that we are bringing it back to life again.

I think she’s looking pretty fabulous! I debated on what color, but white seemed timeless, so we went with it.

The missing window on the right actually inspired me to create a little chalkboard area. I used chalkboard paint from Amazon. I can’t wait to create sweet messages and let Aubrie display her creative skills.

I even cleaned up the area around the greenhouse and planted some flowers. I’ll update you on how that’s going in my summer post, if I manage to keep them alive! 🤪

Sunrise Mornings and Real Talk

Most mornings lately have started slow, which is a big shift from the school-year routine. Coffee in hand, I’ve been sitting outside, taking in the view and letting my thoughts settle. No rushing, no loud alarms, just quiet, and a little space to breathe. It’s been so nice.

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Growing Behind the Scenes – Spring Edition

Lately, I’ve been working on slowing down and prioritizing the things that actually make me feel good.

In a world where every minute feels like it needs to be scheduled, I’m learning to embrace the idea that slower can be healing. It’s better for the nervous system. It gives your mind, your body, and your soul space to breathe.

There are seasons for chaos and hustle…and there are seasons where life whispers, “Not right now.”
And I’m learning to listen. It’s hard and it’s challenging me every day, but I’m learning.

This spring, I’ve found so much peace and magic in my own backyard. And as we head into summer, I’m looking forward to sharing more of that slow, sacred space with others. There’s something really special about inviting people into the quiet corners where life feels most alive and nourishing those relationships in meaningful ways.

Why I Share This

My purpose in starting this blog was to share glimpses of my life that feel like magic to me in hopes that if you’re in a season that needs a little extra magic, you might feel inspired to create your own.

One of the most important things I’ve learned in my adult life is that life is what we create.

And while life comes with battles we can’t always fix, if we have the chance to build small joys, whether it’s through a project, a quiet moment, or a little adventure, we owe that to ourselves.

My goal is to focus on what we do have and make it something beautiful.

I’m learning, growing, and changing every day.

Just like all of us.

Thanks for being here with me. I plan to share more with you soon, and as always, I wish that you find the magic you need today. ❤️