This is a flag stone patio I built for a client who wanted a deck much easier to take care of and less than a deck. you can build this yourself with about $600.00 add railing later.

Thanks Nancy here's one for you.

Hello there. EBHD AMAZING ONCE AGAIN. RICK IS SICK RIGHT NOW SO IT LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER 2 days but we are definitely starting around Jaelynn's tree. Thanks again. Your work is beautiful.

Just found all of you. Thank you for sharing your personal story Kerri. I was brought up on a farm and learned what it was all about when I was older through all my parents' stories. I have such high regards for the farmers in this world. It's a calling that not many aspire to. I love all the love that is seen here from all the commenters. I know God will hear us all! You are in good hands with many ideas presented. Your dream is coming true with everyone's help. I wish you and your family the best on this exciting journey for a beautiful memorial and space to be. Your personal paradise on earth for your family . Blessings to all. God Bless You!

Hello everyone, just to keep you posted we have not started yet. It started raining today so it looks like possibly tomorrow. Can't wait. Hopefully we will have good weather. Have a great day everyone.

Kerri, I just wanted to tell you how much I admire you. I was telling my husband about this thread this morning and couldn't hardly get it out, I was so choked up. I was telling him how I didn't think that people like you still existed. You have had more than your share of heartache and yet you are so grateful for the smallest things and you worry about others. You are selfless and an inspiration. I can't wait to see your project unfold.

Hi my houzz family. Today is Sunday and what a beautiful day. Today I went for a walk down our path and I took pictures to show you what I did just to have a place to sit and pray, thanking God for all of you and His timing for Jaelynn's Courtyard. I had a small table and 2 chairs, their iron so not looking too good, but it does its job. I walked out there and just sat and looked around. Very peaceful. Hopefully soon we can start. Have a great day everyone. We'll chat soon.

That little metal bistro table is awesome!!! If you buy for a few dollars some cans of spray paint and paint them black or whatever color you like that will be perfect! You also can buy 2 little outdoor pillows for when you are sitting out there and a small pot of flowers on the table and that would be awesome!

http://houzz.com/photos/1183573

http://houzz.com/photos/1774149

okay so what is the final decision on this project? did we all agree on what she is doing? :) :) did I miss the vote? :)

Mousemaker: I believe Kerri and her husband are thinking over what to do. Use of materials they may have at hand is probably key, as the budget is limited. Doing something large would be a multi-year project.

at the moment I really have no suggestions to make, but your story touched me and I cant wait to see what you do with yoru yard. and you do deserve a retreat!

I really love the plans that concentrate on life! All the great ideas for the boys are awesome! I think of one more that boys so love to do and MIGHT not be too expensive. It is a sport becoming more common in the US, and requires only a small pit with low barrier and a set of bocce balls. I think that would be something most boys would enjoy, tossing balls and competing. All of the ideas are truly beautiful. I especially love Judy M's last few ideas just above with the bistro and flowers. I hope you have many wonderful years to work in your yard both with a tribute to your daughter, especially areas where her family can live and play - life being the tribute your little girl would have wanted for her family most! Peace and joy to you amidst all your hard work on your gorgeous farm!

I have some daylilies I'd love to share, if we can figure out how to do that. Don't post any personal info on the www though! Now isn't the optimum time for planting anywhere thought. Total waste of resources to try to keep new things alive in beastly august heat.

Thank you for sharing that here with everyone. I think that a nice patio as mentioned before would be just perfect for what you are looking for in terms of relaxing there.

nwduck, I was only trying to inject some humor. I do understand. :)

Don't know how this would work but I propose just for this project ( THE JAELYNN'S MEMORIAL FOUND) to build the space a mother desperately needs . Paying it forward . I will commit $ 200.00 to the project. The founds collected need to be placed in escrow st for the project . Any and all donation to this cause will be accepted. We do not have any place yet or anyone legally able to collect these founds . This is just to commit a number $ anything will help not to send money now . Until everything has been set up with an independent entity .Bank, Lawyer etc... Would anyone be interested in helping. I know you having to take leave from your part time job to take care of your son will put a hold on theses plans, I hope we can all help you with this. NWDUCK need your help with this.

There is a website--gofundme.com, where someone could start a Memorial page for Jaelynn. Lots of people have requested money...

Hello everyone. What can I say, but I am deeply moved by you and EBHD's Comment. This has never happened to us before, and we certainly was not expecting this. God has given to me all of you and He even has opened doors to personally talk to some of you via telephone. Thanks family. Some of you may know that as of Friday, I had told my employer i need to be at home with Elijah. He needs me. So we are at another season, and only God knows the direction he has for us. EBHD, and all of you there are no words to express how thoughtful you have been by keeping my daughter's memory alive. I know I will see her again. When I'm having "a moment" I go back to the day when we held her and told her we will be together again, and sharing with her that she will have the best parent to take care of her..JESUS. After telling her that she acknowledged our voices with her beautiful little cry and peacefully went to Jesus' arms. I'm sorry, I just need to share this. I miss her so much. To share this with you means a lot, for only God knew that there was a reason why we waited fourteen years to have something. We know now....Jaelynn's Courtyard only she is going to enjoy seeing it side by side with Jesus and i thank Him for that, and for you. Your thoughtfulness in wanting to help our family is PRICELESS:) Thank you again. Know matter what God has in store we know that all of you have brightened our lives with your kind hearts and ideas. Until tomorrow....

Also, I'm learning how to click on names and follow your boards. Didn't know how to exactly do this but we're getting there:)

In the mean time while you wait to build your dream you and your husband can rest here for a while ,I don't think my customers will mind at all .

We created this collection of tulips for one of our customers Print them for your family.

Kerri, how far from Jaelynn's tree is that gorgeous area where you put the chairs? That would be a wonderful spot to create a relaxing area.

Hi everyone, well, we had plans to dig around Jaelynn's tree this weekend but my husband Rick and Elijah both have sinus infections and ear infection. It seems like when we just get over one thing something else comes along. Its kind of a let down, but always God is faithful. We just have another bump in the road, so looks like 2 weeks from now. Next week I have to go and be with my twin sister who lives 2 hrs away. She has a condition regarding her nerves and is 100% disabled. She's going for surgery to put a pain pump inside her body that will administer the meds. EBHD AND NWDUCK, THANK YOU FOR YOUR pictures of all the flowers you sent me. I'm going to print them for my sister as well. They are so beautiful. I feel bad that I can't start sooner. You all have been so good, and again EBHD COMPANY FOR NOT EVEN KNOWING ME, YOU HAVE DONE SO MUCH WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS. All I can say is thank you from the bottom to the top of our hearts

Hi cani, thanks for replying. If you look at my pics above I took a picture of the path. I just have to walk out my back door and go down the path, turn, then straight down another path are my little chairs and table. I take this path when I need to collect my thoughts and spend time with God. Thanks for asking

JudyM thank you too for all your pics and ideas. Just Beautiful! Just everybody here is amazing, so please if I have not thanked you please forgive me. You all bring joy when I hear from you. I will try to everyday check in. Sorry it's been a few days. Take care

Happy to help Kerri, take care and when you're ready to start, we can offer support.

Have you started the project yet?

We have not been able to start yet. I am sick right now. We hope and pray we can start very soon. Thanks for thinking of us.

Kerri, I just wanted to tell you I think there is a lot of beauty in the view out the back of your house and over the field to the distant trees. I find it peaceful, verdant and abundant. But I agree you and your family need a peaceful serene rest as well. From my experience of midwest summers, you need shade! and a comfortable place to sit. This can be done at a reasonable cost.

You may also like more flowers - I suggest containers or maybe a nice raised bed bordered by the telephone poles you have available - and bird or other animal feeders. Bird bath is also a possibility to draw more beautiful animals to your view. Best wishes and blessings to your and yours.

I love it, to make it more country add a white fence, or even bob wire

Hello Kerri.
I’m so sad hearing about the loss of your precious daughter.I’m here to offer some words of encouragement, having walked in your shoes. When I was in your place, I would be reminded of Abraham Lincoln, who lost so much in his life, and I would try to hold onto his promise.
“In this sad world of ours sorrow comes to all and it often comes with bitter agony. Perfect relief is not possible except with time. You cannot now believe that you will ever feel better. But this is not true. You are sure to be happy again. Knowing this, truly believing it will make you less miserable now. I have had enough experience to make this statement.”

I love the idea of an outside room, especially with an outside cooking area.. Sam's club had a wonderful cooker that looked like a stove.. No Pergola, put a small building that looks like a house, I called it my craft room, surrounded it with a deck and hottub. I like them (pergolas) but they really obstruct the view.. Create outside rooms.. Just get started and it will happen, It took me 3 summers in one house in a yard that would not grow grass.. I had flowers, herb gardens.. I've created Celtic Gardens too. they have a design, walkways, you could use it for herbs, tall flowers/bush in the center.. look online to see designs, I've never planned a whole area, I just started with one section and then it went from there and developed as I got the ideas and what I wanted.. then it became a masterpiece

Jaelynn's tree - One of the things that we did was build an octagon planter box about 3 ft high around the tree.. partly to cover the ground roots.. it made a great shade garden.. even some spring tulips and crocus grew there too, plus it was beautiful in the spring

The other thing I've always done because I've had a fence is a fence vegetable, flower herb garden all around the fence.. 2.5 to 3 ft out from the fence.. you already have built in trellises for the climbing things like cukes, zukes, tomatos.. but lots of room for herbs flowers strawberries.. etc.. no trimming the fence.. it works great.. plus it leaves the center of the yard as a yard... and it's easier to take care of than a 12x12.. those are overwhelming to me

Hi everyone, thanks for all your love and support. We still have not started digging and I am sad...still not feeling well. As soon as we are able to start you all will be the first to see the pctures. Each step we take you will be with us. Thanks so much everyone. Harvest season is around the corner and Rick will be in the fields. Hopefully we can start before that. Thanks to for patiently staying with me.

Short of ticking someone off, Mr Marchmain, you sound like a GRINCH... We are all having FUN throwing ideas out there to help Kerri.. yeah if you got with all the high end stuff in the pictures.. but that's not what this is about.. it's IDEAS being tossed out there for contemplation.. First of all the deck.. costs betw 1000 to 1500 and if it takes a year.. so be it.. all of the suggestions for Kerri, are exactly that SUGGESTIONS and ideas.. What Kerri has is an ONgoing project .. it took me 4 years once started to get my yard the way I wanted it and it looked great... No-one on this site I believe expects it to be done this summer or even this year..yes a lot can be done with flowers/and some inexpensive deck furniture.. Heck I used my Microsuede Loveseat and chair on my condo patio under the stairs and when it rains I cover it.. As I said all these are just IDEA suggestions..

Kerri you keep trooping and don't pay any attention to anyone with an attitude. make you wish list and then as I said one item at a time.. I just happen to think, because of your son.. you might be able to get some free help not only with labor but material from Habitat for Humanities in your area.. Kaitte

Hello friends. Feeling better today. I want to start digging Tuesday. Even if its just pulling grass around Jaelynn's memorial tree and hauling it with a bucket;)it's a start. Pictures will be soon. EBHD again thanks for your designs and your idea symbolizing her growing up. If it takes years to create Jaelynn's Courtyard I already know that her tree is a symbol of her growing up. She is already 4, not sure how old in heaven but she (the tree) will grow to be beautiful. Everyone keep staying with me. Because of all of you, we are close:) \0/

Good, I think as we age, I'm 61 next week we learn the world is not going to fall apart if we don't do "something". Some days it's good to do nothing but relax/dream/contemplate, enjoy your husband and Elijah. As you said even 1 bucket is an accomplishment some days. Do just that one day at a time, do what you can, and know you did well. We are all part of this Universe, draw from it!!

Hello everyone, have not started project yet:( please stay with us and as soon as we can start I will post the first dig:)

Hi Kerri!
Just wanted to let you know that you were in my thoughts today...hope that you are as well as can be.
xoxoxoxo

Hello everyone! We'll today my husband surprised me with the beginning of Jaelynn's Courtyard. He carved a bench out of wood from our woods and the rocks we're dug up from our field. Great job hubby:) Can't do much cost wise, so this is perfect. Sorry have not posted sooner. Thanks again for your ideas. Soon as we can do more we'll post. Blessings\0/

Perfect...

Very nice, Kerri! He's a good hubby, you'd better keep him...

Looks great! I noticed that our tree isn't staked and looks kinda crooked. I would get that staked ASAP. Since it is such a small tree I am worried about it falling over.

That's a cool bench! and creative way to use the wood!

Hi Kerri...Great job on your courtyard, it always means more when something is done from the heart, like your husband's bench. Your courtyard/tree area is a great way to remember your daughter. And I am so very sorry for your loss.

Wanted to suggest a few perennials mixed in/around the base of the tree? Year end clearances sometimes have them for next to nothing...also if you know anyone with any that you could maybe take a chunk off of? I like coneflowers..they are hardy and add color.

Your son is an adorable child, I am so happy for him and you/your family that he is doing well after surgery. Having such a loving family undoubtedly has added to his improvement. May he continue to thrive and improve.

Jaelynn's tree died. We had hoped it would come back this summer but half of it is dead and we don't know what to do. Very sad. Any ideas?

Prune away the dead branches and limbs. Keep it well watered. The large rocks remember are retaining heat so extra water. Now for the part that may seem far fetched. Roll up a newspaper tightly like a club. smack the tree trunk all the way around forcefully. Literally beat on the tree trunk with the newspaper. I don't know why but it does stimulate trees. Lastly, talk nicely to it (as I'm sure you do) and don't forget to pray. I know that there are people that believe differently but all life matters here and above. Best of luck to you.

Kerri, i am sorry for your loss, too. I live in your cornfield world, btw. I loved your comment about not having a porch. I relate. People think all farm houses have these wonderful wrap-arounds. They don't....I don't either. Not understanding if you want a relaxing retreat near the memorial tree or just your own retreat. I would plant a simple flower garden (day lilies come up yearly and multiply. ) around the tree and put a bench near it. Plant flowers that come ip each year. I also love ornamental grasses because they blow in the wind and I find them peaceful too. Maybe use them as a visual background for your retreat. As the seasons change, their colors change too. I just purchased some at 50% off due to the nurseries and garden centers are getting close to closing out the spring plants. If you don't have a small patio off of the back of the house, I would make plans for one. Maybe it can be placed where you can view your memorial tree from afar. We just replaced our old chunky patio and sidewalks with a simple concrete one. I planted my grasses and container pots as decorative accents. I love my personal retreat. My husband spends his time in the workshop and I enjoy my relaxing space. It is nice to have it right off of the house. My dogs enjoy it too! Your relaxing space can be simple ...whatever makes you smile.

Oops! I missed the photo from the back of the house. The memorial tree is closer than I envisioned. Funny how a cornfield expands the visual! A larger patio off of the back would be awesome! Large enough for a table with umbrella. Dinners outside or coffee in the morning. Your preference.