Opening Day

It's baseball season again.

And this year, I get to take pictures.

I got a good man.

You may not know this,

but a long time ago

in a former life,

I used to be a ballerina.

But now,

in my current life,

I am a wife.

And sometimes,

my wonderful husband takes me

to see the ballet.

I love my current life.

Bad Boy

Camden is constantly asking to listen to the Beastie Boys. He absolutely loves them. I have to admit, I enjoy it too. Dan, on the other hand, is not a huge fan.

So the other night, as Camden got down to "Girls" and "Brass Monkey," Dan asked why he liked this music so much.

Camden's answer, in his sweet-as-can-be voice, with his sweet-as-can-be smile... "Because I'm a bad boy."

Sometimes, I get a little nervous about the teenage years.

Home

"Start by making your own home a place where happiness and love abound, through your love for each member of your family and for your neighbor. Try to put in the hearts of your children a love for home. Make them long to be with their families. So much sin could be avoided if our people really love their homes."

-Mother Theresa

Yesterday, my boys went back to school after the best Spring Break ever. No, we didn't go on a big fancy vacation. In fact, we didn't go anywhere. Not even to the store. I mean it, we didn't go anywhere. It was wonderful. A full week with nowhere to be but home. Together. It was wonderful.

A Little Miscommunication

Our new bird feeder is squirrel-proof.

Unfortunately, no one told the squirrel.

92 degrees

Was it really just a month ago that we were buried under over two feet of snow?

Why yes, yes it was.

Three Things

One

My boys just had a mid-day bath because their feet (and legs, and hands, and arms... and Camden's head) looked like this. We are really enjoying Spring Break.

Two

Despite our best efforts (Granny and I placed some extremely well hidden eggs in that forsythia bush), those kiddos found all the Easter eggs this year. I think they're getting too smart for us.

Three

Just a quick shout-out to the undisputed winners of Egg 2010. John and Maria won with this incredible, bare-hands catch by Maria. That egg went all the way over the house before it came hurtling down at her. Oh, and that egg? Turns out it was raw. Oops.

P.S.

Don't be fooled by Camden's pouty face. Easter really was a fun and happy day. Even for Camden.

I guess I should have made that four things.

Happy Easter!

We hope your Easter was every bit as happy as ours.

Deja Vue

Easter 2008

Easter 2009

As I'm boiling eggs to prepare for Easter, I can't help but think back to Easters past. And I can't help but secretly hope for a repeat of the last two years.

That darn forsythia.

Gets them every time!

The Perfect Date

Dan and I try to keep the romance alive. (It's not hard when your hubby's as cute as mine, I have to say!) So Saturday we went on a date. Best date ever. It's true.

After loading the boys' Easter baskets with candy from the neighborhood party, we left them with Granny and Poppy and headed out for a day on the town. Notice I said "day." We don't do nights. Just ask my brother about New Years 2009. Like I said, we don't do nights.

First stop was the piddle pot (that's the bathroom, in case you were wondering) at the Mosque. Not a real mosque. Not sure why they call it a mosque. But it's a pretty building. With a very tiny bathroom. So we waited in line for a very long time. I got to watch a beautiful college girl eat her dandruff. Good times.

The long line at the piddler was definitely worth it. I would not have wanted to leave during the main event.

We saw "Wicked!" And let me just tell you, it was wonderful. I will never watch "The Wizard of Oz" the same way again. That's all I have to say. Wouldn't want to ruin it for anybody who doesn't know the story - like me a week ago.

After the show - did I mention is was wonderful? - instead of sitting in the car for 45 minutes just trying to get out of the parking garage, Dan and I decided to take a walk. Though kind of chilly, the sun was shining and we were kid free. Nice!

But it wasn't long before our growling tummies needed to be filled. A quick swing by the garage proved that we would be going nowhere anytime in the next decade, so off we went on foot to find food. And find food we did.

Oh it was yummy. Italian. And I'm not talking Olive Garden or Bertucci's Italian (both of which I love). I'm talking Italy Italian. As in, everybody in the place was speaking Italian. And cooking Italian. And winking-at-me Italian.

And, I am convinced...

we ate with the Mafia.

Doubt me if you wish, but I know it's true.

Now that's my idea of the perfect date.

And don't you worry. We were home before bedtime. (See, told you it was a perfect date!)

My Excuse

We were late to church on Sunday. It wasn't our fault. It was the dog's. But to help you fully understand, I'll have to back up a bit...

On Saturday morning we went to a very fun Easter party at our neighbors' home. There were games and crafts and even a story. And of course there was an Easter Egg Hunt. Because you can't have an Easter party without an egg hunt. Obviously.

It was a wonderful time. We had so much fun! And the boys came home with the loot to prove it. Candy galore! Happy boys!

Well, as I'm sure will come as no surprise, my boys have a mean mom. Their mom offers one piece of candy OR one treat and calls it a special day. So in our house, candy lasts a long time. Really. Our candy bowl is still full of chocolate eyeballs and gummy tongues from last Halloween.

The grandparents were visiting for the day, and there were yummy, Granny-made sugar cookies available. So the candy got saved for later. But not put away. No, it was spread out on the couch to be admired. Worked for me!

Well, this arrangement appears to have worked for the dog, as well. But we didn't know how much she appreciated our display of wrapped candy bars until the next morning as we were racing out the door to church.

Apparently, candy bar wrappers are indigestible.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Because it's hard to mismatch boy clothes...

Did I really allow my children to leave the house like this?

Yes.

For ONE day.

Gotta show your school spirit, you know?

And at Gatorland, we have some serious school spirit.

Just so you know.

A Way With Words

Before we begin, I just want to say one thing. I have never, in my life, said a cuss word. Not once. Honestly. I've thought about sharing this story several times, but since it involves some words I don't say, and I wouldn't want to take this blog down any naughty paths, I've hesitated. But today, since I had a story I wanted to share about Camden, and I totally forgot it, I've gotta have something to share. Right? So here we go...

It was almost three years ago. Camden had just turned three and we were on a two-week cross-country trip from Seattle to VA. It was so much fun, I can't even begin to describe it! But that's not the point. The point is that about half-way through our trip, right about the time we set up camp in Nauvoo, IL, Camden discovered two new loves.

We all learned of Camden's newfound interest in big sticks while playing at the camp playground with all the other nice little Mormon boys and girls - and their mothers. Imagine the shock on everyone's faces when that seemingly sweet little boy shouted out,

"I have a big dick!

Jake, my dick is bigger than yours!"

Yes, those are the moments that make a mommy proud.

That was day one of our stay in Nauvoo.

By day two, Camden had become completely and totally addicted to graham crackers. So it should have come as no surprise when, right in the middle of a very nice older Sister's talk on bread-making, our sweet little three-year-old shouted out,

"Give me some of those damn crackers!"

I'd like to visit Nauvoo again sometime. But I'm not sure it would be good for Camden's vocabulary. Or if we'd be welcome.

Just a Thought

Jake was really sick last week. And I mean really sick. Poor kiddo. I spent three days worrying, cuddling, temp-taking, and cleaning. And not sleeping. It was terrible - for both of us. But through it all, I just couldn't stop thinking about how grateful I am for this blessing. I am so grateful that I was the one who got to take care of that sick little boy. Not anyone else. Me. Being a mom may not be all fun and games. And at times it can be really gross. But even when being the mom means cleaning up puke and holding your breath while the sickie insists on sleeping nose to nose, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Surprise!

I was out all day today (more on that later). When I got home, Jake had fewer teeth than he did when I left. No, it wasn't loose. His brother punched it out. He doesn't seem too broken up about it.

P.S. The brothers are still best buddies. These things happen, you know?

Family Flag

This is our official Family Flag, a commissioned work designed and created by the artist duo Jake and Camden.

We really like our flag. The straight-forward and understandable oars and family portrait represent our family well. But let me share my personal favorite parts of this great work of art.

1. The whine-bubble above Mayonnaise.

2. My beautiful, long hair and Dan's fat belly. (He does not, in any way shape or form have a fat belly. But Cam thought it added something to the picture.)

3. The addition of not only our house, but Camden's best buddy's house as well. And Dan's car.

4. The CTR shields in each corner (one of which turned out more like a heart) that, if you look close enough actually say "CAT." Cam is learning to spell.

5. The balloon stand on the top right, complete with balloon seller, American flag, and log to hold the balloons down. There are very fancy balloons, too, including a cat-in-the-hat hat, hearts and shields, Snake Eyes (from GI Joe), and...

6. "That girl from Transformers." That's right folks, our family flag features Megan Fox.

Apologies

Several days ago, there was an altercation in the neighborhood. It involved at least four boys, and drove all of them to their own homes, most in tears. Since two of the involved belong to me, I got the story twice. And without going into details (I've forgotten them), I will say I believed my boys that they were not the offending parties.

Later that evening, I learned two things. One, that I was right. The offending party was a neighbor, who took the walk of shame to various houses - ours included - to apologize. Two, that my children are rude. When the cute little neighbor apologized for his earlier behavior, my boys refused to look at him, wouldn't answer him, and got my blood boiling.

We had some very serious discussions that night. About how we treat others. About respect.

I think the lectures sank in.

The next day, Camden came home from school very sad. His buddy, who just days before had declared Camden his "bff forever," had retracted that grand status. There had been a disagreement over legos and the bff's were at odds. Camden was heartbroken.

Upon returning home, Jake announced that he wanted to stay outside. It wasn't until the bus passed by that I figured out why. Jake got the buddy off the bus, took him across the street to a little stand of trees, and chewed that kid out. It took about ten minutes, and eventually the two of them entered our house.

The buddy, under Jake's watchful eye, apologized.

Tears, Hotdogs, and Mud: A Basketball Story

Dan and I went to George Mason University. While I was never a huge fan of the school, I have to admit I had great professors. And we loved some of the perks. Such as free tickets to the Concert Hall (we saw so many incredible performances that, on our poor college student budget, we never could have afforded). And free tickets to sporting events. Our favorites were the basketball games. I will forever be a fan of GMU basketball.

Now, fast forward seven years (am I really that old?), and you'll find us paying to take our children to at least one game a year. When they were tiny they cried because of the noise. Then they got a little bigger and thought climbing up and down the stands was a good idea (those years were rough on my nerves). But this year... this year was awesome! Dan and I got to watch the whole game. And even more exciting, both boys followed every play, understood the game, cheered and had a blast!

Some thoughts on the experience:

*You know you're getting old when, not only do you think the graduating (college) seniors look like babies, but you tear up when they walk their mom's out onto the court.

*My boys can eat their weight in hotdogs and nachos. I guess the days of sneaking in pbj's and apple slices are over.

*Our ultra-competitive Camden cried when the Patriots lost. It was a tough loss, I have to admit.

*There's nothing like a body of water and a lot of mud to make a sad little boy feel better. We scared away the ever-present geese, stabbed things with sticks, and only lost one shoe.

*They may have struggled a bit this season, but some of those freshman boys are seriously good. I have high hopes for the coming years!

My Gator

Before we begin, I feel like I should let you know that this post is just going to be me bragging on my boy. I debated whether it was really appropriate to use this forum to straight-out brag. Then I decided that, you know what? It's my blog, and if there's anywhere I can brag, this would be it. So please forgive me. You've been warned.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the First Grade Awards Ceremony at Gatorland. Let me tell you, those kids are cute and fun! And the teachers are sweet and wonderful. It's a good place.

After sitting through many awards, many of them given to our buddies (so proud of those cuties, too!), Jake's name was finally called. He received the GATOR Award, which was given to two children from each class.

Without boring you with the details, this pretty much sums up what we already knew about Jake. He's a really good kid. He works hard at school, does well in his studies, and is consistently on his best behavior.

Dan and I are so proud (in a good way, of course) of this kid. We sure do like him a lot!

Oh, and Jake is pretty pleased with his award, as well. But his excitement is focused primarily on the bright orange pencil and a gift certificate for nasty pizza that came with the certificate. We all have our priorities.

Lent (sorta)

I've never celebrated Lent. I celebrate Easter. But not Lent. In fact, when I brought up the subject of Lent a week ago, it was to ask Dan exactly what it was all about. He didn't know any more than I did. Hmmm...

Well, thanks to the internet, I now understand at least the basic idea behind Lent. And I love it. I love that we can take forty days, just as the Savior did, to "fast" in a way and come closer to our Father in Heaven. And I love that it leads us right up to Easter, that most wonderful and glorious of all holidays, when we can really remember our Savior's gift to us.

So, I decided I was going to celebrate Lent this year. I decided I'd give up sugar - really, my biggest vice, and one I'd love to gain a little more control over. Only one problem. I didn't actually know when it started. So back to the internet I went and you'll never believe what I found out. Lent began the next day. The next day, people!

Can you see my dilemma? Can you see how hard it would be to give up sugar for forty whole days with so little preparation time (i.e. binge eating time)?

But guess what! I decided to do it anyway! And day one was awesome. I didn't even feel too tempted. Woohoo! I'm pretty great, huh?

Day two... I ate a cookie. I really didn't mean to cheat, I just ate a cookie. And I didn't even realize what I'd done until Dan asked me how Lent was going. Many hours later. Oops.

So I jumped right back in and got back on track, right? Wrong. I figured I'd failed (and didn't even feel all that bad about it) and went ahead and had a lovely time with all my sugary friends for the rest of the week.

But today I woke up re-resolved. I am going to do this. It may not be forty days. I mean, honestly, I am not going to skip out on the Easter goodness. But from now until Easter, no sugar will cross these cute little lips of mine.

Think I can do it? If you do, you wanna give me a little of that love? Cause honestly, I'm still not so sure myself. So any encouragement would be welcome - and very appreciated!