Yesterday, I opened the door and felt the soft caress of a warm breeze against my face.

Spring has sprung and the snow is nearly gone and hallelujah - I wore sandals!!!

Over the weekend we all pulled on rubber boots and walked the property, making a mental list of all the things we had to do.  The kids were all UGH and I was all YAY because I couldn't wait to get my hands filthy in all that dirt!

We are still fallen from winter BUT we have lifted our faces to this new Spring and it feels like resurrection.

Spring cleaning is a family affair and though I'd love to say my family is a ready participant in helpful things that is just not true.

They want incentive.

And by incentive I mean cold, hard cash.

We had a stroke of brilliance - or rather, the husband had a stroke of brilliance - make a list of everything we have to do, post it, have the kids sign their initials on any job they help with and the hardest worker gets the biggest prize.

Within minutes of completing the list, Liam was out the door working - occasionally yelling to his brother, "I'm going to make your money too!"

Some of the jobs are a lot bigger than a child can handle but I told them that just by helping {an appropriate amount} they can earn an initial - even if it hasn't been completed yet.

And while Liam darted around gathering sticks and conning the triplets from next door into raking with him, I spent HOURS in the garden, cleaning out the old and preparing for the new.

*Sigh*

Today I have an aching back and sore legs and I couldn't be happier.

May is Joy Month here at SelfBinding Retrospect. I am partnering with DaySpring Cards Inc for a lovely little giveaway and hosting a Joy Link party opening on May 1. If you've got a post to share about something that brings you joy, whether it's old or new, be sure to come back on the first and link it up. 

Don't have a blog? No problem! You can link up an Instagram picture, a twitter status - basically anything that can have it's own unique address.  I'll feature some of my favorites throughout. 

P.S. You can jump start your chances on the necklace by liking my facebook page - it will award you 2 free entries into the draw the first time you enter - just click the button below. {You'll have to earn any other entries by sharing little Joy Snippets so start collecting them and you'll be able to enter every day in May!}