"IT'S NOT THE LENGTH OF THE GESTATION, IT'S THE EXTENT OF THE ATTACHMENT."


Friday, September 12, 2008

The Year Long Project

Several months ago I mentioned that we got a fountain for the boys. And we were going to put it up when I quit being so lazy. And we were going to place their temporary headstones out there with it. I am proud to say- almost one whole year later- that the fountain is up! But I am still lazy- we can't win 'em all.


Here is the before photo:

The total project took about 3-4 hours to complete. We marked off the area, cleared the grass and stubborn weeds. Measured out weed-blocking fabric, put it in place and anchored it with landscape edging. Then we spread out play sand underneath pavers to level off the area where the fountain would be placed. Once that was done, we put the fountain in place, checked to make sure that the pump worked (which it did) and filled it with water. Pea gravel was spread around to anchor the fountain and the stones that adorned it.

During the grass/weed removal step, we found Legos buried in the soil. Almost as if it was a sacred Lego burial ground. Little boy artifacts. Wanna know what's weird about this? We are the 3rd owners of this house and neither of the couples before us had children. The first couple was in their late 30's to early 40's. He died unexpectedly while playing basketball with some friends from a heart attack. Tragic, I know. The second couple didn't live here long as he was transferred to Colorado for business. They had children but they are grown and I highly doubt they played with Legos in the dirt. Is it a sign?

We planned to get the fountain in place by Sam's birthday, but there were bunnies living in that corner the weekend we planned this project. So we waited til they moved out and did it over Labor Day weekend. In the 100+ degree weather in the sun without shade. It was sweltering. So we set up a canopy and plugged in THE FAN. Needless to say it helped.

Here is final outcome!

A close-up of the fountain.

And a side view for good measure.

A bunny and stones from Ronald McDonald House. One for Sam, Jack and my sister, Adrianne (they mispelled her name).

Hope you guys love it as much as we do. I think it turned out great and I love going outside to look at it. It brings me peace.

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ETA: On the box the fountain came in, was the name of the fountain in 3 different languages: English, Spanish and French. The name of the fountain is 'Playful Cherubs'. In spanish it is 'Angelitos Juguetones'. I was going to make this the title of this post, but just to be sure of the translation, I looked up the definition of angelito (little angel) and this is what they say it means- "dead child". WTF?

17 comments:

Antigone said...

Beautiful fountain. It looks like a peaceful place for you to go to to honor your children.

About the translation, I've seen many poor translations online and off.

The Nanny said...

What a beautiful, peaceful area...it's just perfect, Monica.

Kristi said...

What a beautiful fountain, a peaceful corner. Is that corner outside the living room?

I got chills regarding the Legos. I wonder if some kids were visiting the previous owners & left them. No matter. The fountain was meant to go there.

Ya Chun said...

It's lovely. Thanks for sharing.

Cindi said...

Your fountain area is beautiful! I love the stones and the bunny too. I'm glad that you have a place where you feel peaceful. You deserve that.

mrsmuelly said...

It's beautiful. I do believe that the legos are a sign. The boys are letting you know that they approve of that spot. It's absolutely perfect.

Reese said...

Very beautiful.

Monica H said...

Kristi, yes it's outide our living room. I wanted it there, because I didn't want to walk the perimeter of the house to see it, and because when we're inside watching TV we can hear the soothing flow of water. I walk outside to just stare at it because I think it is just perfect.

I'm glad you all like it, because I think of all your babies here too.

Devon said...

it's beautiful! absolutely beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Monica,

This is truly something special.
What a stunning tribute. I love the bunny. Absolutely beautiful. REALLY.
One day, when I am ready to honor by daughters in someway, I will come to you! That's how moved I am!

Rachel said...

I love it! You have such great ideas.

Monica H said...

The View From This Place-

Thank you so much. That is such a wonderful compliment. I would be more than happy to help you honor Emi and Daniella if you should ever need it.

That means so much.

Missing_one said...

This makes me cry at how beautiful this is!

I have wanted to do a fountain for Jessica, but haven't...


truely beautiful!

Anonymous said...

oh I love it, it looks so peaceful and serene...and the legos is definitely a sign, you picked the right corner love!

Anonymous said...

I love it, too! I'm glad you finally got to install it. And I agree with everyone.....the fountain was meant to be established where you put it. It's very obvious because of the leggos.
I want to see it in person.
Oh, and I have been thinking about your boys lately. I see dragonflys everywhere and every day.

J said...

Such a nice fountain!
What a great idea!

Mother Hoodwink said...

It's so ironic that I happened to stumble onto your blog today. Yesterday was the four year anniversary of losing my son due to my incompetent cervix.

Your tribute is beautiful.