Mother's Day Bouquet

A few blooms for my Mother’s Day bouquet:

Patrick, after hearing my explanation of the word “commotion” (making a lot of noise and causing trouble) pointing to himself and saying “I’m a commotion.”

Madeline’s new morning routine of helping me with my makeup: applying blush to my cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. A co-worker asked me if I was feeling OK the other day because I was so flushed.

Patrick, our fledgling reader, quickly flipping through the pages of an illustrated library book and explaining “I’m just taking a picture walk.”

Also related to reading: Patrick, watching me look at a magazine and asking me if I was reading it because, “I can’t see your lips moving, Mommy.”

The new game we’ve devised to get our steadfastly stubborn Maddle to do almost anything….”whatever you do, do NOT brush your teeth, wash your hands, put on your socks, eat your apple slices….” and her howls of delight as she defies us and mocks our feigned shock.

The look on Patrick and Madeline's faces when they presented me with their Mother's Day gifts of flowers planted at school.

And one from Donald, picked up from a conversation with Madeline:

"Daddy, I wish you could be small and just be with me (be my friend)". 

Batter Up!

A picture-perfect spring day was our backdrop for Patrick's first T-Ball game on Saturday. He was so excited to wear  a real uniform and play in a game with all of his friends. He had three at-bats, three hits, and scored two runs for the Volcanoes, and played catcher, shortstop, and third base.

I kept thinking about Papa yesterday, and as Patrick walked up to home base I finally remembered why. Patrick took some of his first swings with Papa (who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates) nearly four years ago, He would have been so proud of his little slugger.

Patrick's first swing, July 2009

Rising First Grader

We attended a sweet ceremony at Maury tonight. Patrick received a special ribbon from Ms. Dinan and showed us some of the amazing things he's been working on in class, including an adorable journal. Alligators and his rubber band-shooting gun appear to be top of mind.

We Acquire Beachfront Property

Ten square feet, right on one of the most happening beaches in town. It has a grill, a phone, and even a working doorbell. Donald spent all day on construction, but he had two eager helpers.

Pinspiration

Pinterest is making my life so much more crafty.

St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Dip

Easter Scenes

Put Me In Coach!

Patrick started T-Ball this spring, and it's been a ball watching him play. Before the season started Donald researched drills and really put Patrick (and friends) through his paces.