Future Engineer

Solomon is following in his big brother's footsteps and really enjoys building, although his deepest dream for when he "grows up" is to ride a dirt bike all day (and get paid). Yesterday he had been very busy with his Legos and when I asked what he was working on he replied: " I am designing a Super Duper, Jet Propulsion, Shocked Vehicle right now". Nicely put.

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Baseball Season has arrived!

It never fails, my sister once told me, that you will always have snow once during baseball season. Don't put the winter coats away!

Being the warm weather hound that I am, and also a bit naive, I took the clues from last week that it was definitely time to pack away the down and get out the Teva's. This was working well for us until Saturday morning when Little League officially kicked off the 2008 season. We were fortunate enough to have a noon game and by then it had warmed up to 45 degrees but with the stiff, biting north wind it felt as though it would snow any minute. The children and I watched from the van while Doug kept stats while protected from the elements by his down surround and fleece hat. Older sisters are usually right.

The side show was watching the boys chase their baseball caps around the field as each gust of wind passed, the umps stopping the game each time until each blue cap was righted. We were down by 3 but came back in the last inning to tie it up. It was an exciting game.

Goose Poop

Every year during the spring we have geese that land here, probably due to the pond. Lately there has been a duo that have been landing up on our roof then will make their way to the pond. The first time they were sighted on the roof, Solomon really wanted to go check it out and joined his brother outside. As I was pulling velcro rollers from my hair, he marched up and announced loudly "MAMA, I PHINK I HAVE GOOSE POOP ON ME". Sure enough, I stripped him down and prodded him into the shower. Living in the country is such a rich experience for children, don't you agree?

Exploring The Eastern Hemisphere

We have been learing about different cultures, right now we are spending 4 weeks on China. A friend whose husband has traveled there has graciously loaned us bags filled with goods brought back, lots of which are made from bamboo, even super soft beautiful blankets. The kids were eager to give the chopsticks a try and now eat every meal with them. I tried preparing several stir-frys in different sauces and with both rice and couscous but to no avail- they still "can't" eat Chineese food.

Everyone decided AJ should compete as she is quite proficient though her form is lacking. I suggested that she race Doug using ice cream, woudn't that be fun?

Franchesca was baffled...she can do amazing things with crochet and knitting needles but...

As for me, I prefer Solomon's technique.

40 (and Beyond)

Boy that birthday took it out of me! It's taken me 2 weeks to get back to the blog (smile).

Actually I'm feeling younger than ever thanks to some new clothes, new makeup and the Springtime assurance that the sun will shine, temps will climb and that we will handle what comes our way.

Here's my amazing family on my Big Day. I had Key Lime pie but tradition has established that no birthday go celebrated without the Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake.

Guess who picked out the frosting color?!

(Solomon did his own hair for the special occasion.)

April 2, 1968

On this, the eve of my 40th Birthday,
I have this to say:

"You are as young as your faith,
as old as your doubt;
as young as your self confidence,
as old as your fear;
as young as your hope,
as old as your despair."
Gen. Douglas MacArthur