Packed, Under Packed, Possibly Overpacked?

I just spent two hours agonizing over what to pack for Paris; I literally walked articles of clothing back and forth between my closet and my suitcase a minimum of five times, each. At this point, I honestly could not tell you which items made the cut and which were thrown, haphazardly, back into the closet.

I sincerely hope I have decent outfits to wear once I arrive in France.

It would be a shame to have to go shopping.

...a crying shame.

Three Out of Four Ain't Bad

Today's baseball double-header was a clean sweep for the boys; they took the first game 10-0 and the second 11-0. The Cub got to act as courtesy runner for our pitcher, and, he brought in four runs. He impressed the coaches and the crowd with his awesome base-stealing ability, and he created a wee bit of anxiety by barely squeaking by on a couple of slides; he likes to keep things exciting. In addition to running, he also got to play second base for a couple of innings, which thrilled him to pieces.

But, the best part of the day, according to the Cub, was the fact that Tones finally got pulled up to Varsity, so, with the Cub and Mikey already playing, we had three out of four of The Fearsome Foursome together again.

It was nice to see.

After the game, I had the pleasure of driving Mikey and the Cub home. Four hours of baseball under the spring sun produced two, shall we say, aromatic boys. Luckily, it was a beautiful day for a drive with the windows down.

And, honestly, I wouldn't have missed it for the world, stinky armpit smell and all.

Friday Favorites: First Day of Spring!

Yesterday, as I pulled into my driveway, a flash of color in my flowerbed caught my eye and I was immediately annoyed by the thought that someone had tossed trash into my yard.

I parked in the garage and got out of the car. As I made my way to the flowerbed to pick up the trash, I realized that it was actually a purple crocus that had pushed its' delicate little head up from the cover of dead leaves that blanketed the flowerbed.

Today, I cleaned all of the dead leaves and winter debris out of the flowerbed, uncovering several more purple crocus blooms as well as some white ones. I also discovered tulip and daffodil shoots that, with any luck, will be ready to bloom by the time I return from my trip.

I love spring; the rebirth of nature is always such a phenomenal and humbling process to witness.

Throwback Thursday: Love in Black and White

When I got my first really good camera (the non-digital version of the Canon Rebel), it was only natural that my favorite subjects to photograph would be my children. What was not as expected would be the fact that my favorite medium for the photos would be black and white film.

Black and white portraits became my signature thing, so much so, that, when Hugh purchased my first digital Rebel a few years later, I was reluctant to give up my precious stock of black and white film; I really didn't think that digital could compare.

I was wrong, of course, and I quickly grew to love the new camera. I especially loved the fact that I could shoot in black and white mode at the click of a button; it was more convenient (and less expensive) then reloading film, and, I never had to worry about wasting money of prints that were less than perfect.

Not that there were ever any pictures of my kids that were less than perfect, but, you get what I'm saying.

This weekend, I purchased a frame for the latest black and white portrait of the kids. I displayed that picture next to the first portrait that I took of the kids and it invites the usual comments about how much the kids have grown as well as less expected comments about how my talent as a photographer has evolved. I don't know that I am any more talented than I used to be, but I do know that I still have the best subjects for my efforts.

Paging MENSA

Earlier today, I ran through the drive-through window of the A&W for a small order of cheese curds. PMS is having its' wicked way with me and I was craving chocolate like it was my job. Since I am staying true to my Lenten vows, I fought the urge to stop at the dollar store for a bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs to strap on my face feedbag-style and, instead, allowed myself the indulgence of the fried chunks of cheese.

Have you ever heard of the meat sweats? I had, but, I didn't think they were a real thing (kind of like ice cream headaches , which, I've heard of but never experienced). Then, halfway between Hooterville and Petticoat Junction, and, three-quarters of the way through my small order of cheese curds; I got the most god-awful sweats and general over-heating that I had ever experienced.

I thought for sure that I was having the cheese version of meat sweats, I mean, that could be the only explanation.

Then, I realized that I had accidentally hit the button on the seat warmer.

Ohhhhh.....

I am a genius, hear me roar.

Luck O' the Dodgish

This evening, I volunteered my time at my ASTRA group's annual dodgeball tournament. It was the best attended tourney that we have hosted yet, with eight teams entering the competition, including the team that the Man-Cub played on.

The Cub's team failed to place in the top three, but they swept the competition in the best costume category, and, I'm pretty sure they had a good time.

 

Once the tourney was over, the Cub and I headed home for a corned beef and cabbage feast that had been lovingly prepared by Katie and The Teenager. The house smelled ah-maaaazing when we came in and the meat and vegetables were cooked to perfection.

I am raising such talented kids, I can't brag enough.

I'm lucky, which, makes sense because I am part Irish.

Happy St. Paddy's y'all! (I am also part Texan)

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

It occurred to me today that, once I get back from Paris, I will have only a few days to prepare for Easter. I already have the house decorated, so, that won't be an issue, but, if I intend to deliver on the promise of the Easter Bunny, then I had better get a move on.

So, I dusted off the Easter baskets and organized my supply of faux grass and plastic eggs. I purchased a few bags of candy and some additional treats and stashed them in the guest room. I need to check with The Teenager to see if she is planning on making the trip home for the holiday, and; if that isn't something that she wants to do so soon after spring break, then I will put her items in an appropriately decorated care package, rather than in a basket.

I know it seems silly to still be playing the part of the bunny to children who are nineteen and sixteen, but, they are still my babies, and I'll be the bunny for them until the day I die. That's just one of the responsibilities that I took on when I decided to become a mom, and; I take my responsibilities seriously.

(And, I like candy. Not gonna lie)