Tree Outside My Window

This is the tree I admire while washing dishes in the sink. It is never particularly glamorous, but for a few days each spring, wearing its dainty green flowers it looks better than all the other days combined.

Playing in the Sand

They assured me that they are "playing Vikings", not just playing in the sand.

Coming Down the Stairs

MCL

I am pretty sure that I injured my knee (MCL) when I fell on the stairs last week. I was holding a squirmy, wiggly, tantrumy Gus while talking on my cell phone climbing the stairs. I tripped--something I do on a regular basis, and landed on my knee instead of dropping my son or the phone.

It hurt. Really. Really. Really bad. I told my sister that I would call her back and sat in the rocking chair in Gus and Izzy's room for five minutes trying not to (1) pass out and (2) cry. I developed a massive bruise on my knee. My knee has been hurting ever since, especially when I fully bend or straighten my leg. I have been running through the injury, but according to the online articles I read today, I need to stop and do some serious RICEing.

I'll be fine. I just thought people who know me well (like my mom) would have a good laugh at my expense. Who would expect me to injury myself while falling on the stairs?

Skins

I'm pretty sure that I need this mixer. Here's the thing...I have this mixer, but it's white.

I need to invent skins for Kitchen Aid mixers. Then I could change the color of my mixer seasonally, or with my mood or with my desire to see Spring Green bling on my kitchen counter. I am sure that there are other women like me out there. This is it! My million dollar idea! I'm a genius!

Stowaway

I found these while unpacking the groceries. Let me assure you that I did not put them in the cart. Why didn't those little noodles sneak chocolate?

What am I going to do with prunes? Bleech.

Picnic in the Garage

Picnic in the garage...with crunchy chips.

Look What I Got In The Mail...

Very, very excited.

On My Camera

Pretend for a minute that he doesn't have a nuk in his mouth and he isn't about to cry...isn't he the cutest ever?*

What about her? Would she get your vote for scariest ever? To answer your question, yes, I'm pretty sure she has a runny nose and dirt on her face.

*Yes Cate. It is Hank's shirt.

A List

(1) This is basically the only picture we have of our family in our "Easter pretties". I was running late and feeling crabby Easter morning--Lent really wears me down. Why do we have to get up at the crack of dawn and eat breakfast together? Seriously. Chris did take a picture of me running ferociously toward the camera, but I'll spare you the image.

My parents came up for church and brought a ham to cook for dinner. My husband and father took a sauna in the afternoon. We all went to the park to play and came home to ham, roasted veggies and au gratin potatoes for dinner. Dessert was leftover Orange Butter (birthday) Cake with strawberries. It was a nice day...a really nice day.

(2) Jeannette and David came to visit this past week. We enjoyed their company. We drank lots of coffee and ate lots of good food.



(3) We played Scrabble on Thursday night. Jeannette and Dave won easily. It wasn't even close.

(3) I had a few homeschooling moms and many homeschooled children over on Friday afternoon. A good time was had by all. I should do that again soon.

(4) My sister talked me into running a race with her in September. I have been running again for 5 (6?) weeks now. Exercise is so good for me--why do I resist the treadmill so much? I have been feeling better emotionally and sleeping better as well. I got a new pair of shoes yesterday. My feet (and shins and knees) are rejoicing!

(5) Lily has turned a corner in reading. I AM SO PROUD OF HER! My heart gushes while reading her cryptic, phonetic handwritten messages and while listening as she reads picture books all by herself.

(6) Kyle and Grace's wedding is coming up quickly. I am in charge of the rehearsal dinner. It should be fun!

Birthday Pictures

Izzy is fwee!

I love Quare and Widee and Gus as much as she does! Happy Birthday Iz!

Zoo Adventure

Peacocks are always a highlight.

My own small mammals.

Train ride!

Claire and my almost-birthday-girl.

I have been itching to go to the Zoo lately. With the good weather forecast today, I told the kids to jump in the car this morning immediately after Matins. We were on the road after ten minutes of cooperative packing and organization--"Run! Get Gus's blankie! Sandwiches! Juice boxes! Everyone go to the bathroom! Get the stroller! Sunglasses! Let's go!"

Somewhere along the drive Isabel announced that she forgot to put on underwear this morning. Not a really big deal--unless you're wearing a dress! Who forgets underwear? Only my girls. We stopped at a Kohl's and bought a new pack of Dora undies. She was pleased. I was not. Grrrr.

I forgot that it was spring break for most area kids this week. I think that everyone and their brother was at the zoo today enjoying the good weather. Oh well. It was fun to be apart of the masses.

"Kids! What was your favorite animal today? Elephant? Tiger babies? Giraffe? Octopus?"

"The chipmunks!!!!"

Sheesh. Why do I put forth the effort?