Why oh why did they create HOA's

Things are still great in our honeymooner stage all though it is coming to an end. Our first year anniversary is coming just around they cornner. I know I know, where did the time go. We have had a great first year! I have to say I did marry a great man! The waiting for sure paid off in the end. So since our first year anniversary is coming up that also means our fisrt year in the house is coming to an end. If anyone of you lives in a community with a HOA you know what that means.... Time to do the backyard and not just anyway you would like it BUT how the HOA would like it. Man do they put you through the ringer. Lets just say we still haven't heard from them about our plan we submitted if it was approved or not. Tick tick time's a wasting!