this and that

Spring is here, summer is near. I know this because last night, after a hard workout at the Y, I ate a salad on my porch while Jake played catch with himself throwing a green Nerf ball high into the air. Nori was impressed. It seems like our whole neighborhood is alive again and suddenly there are people to talk to and little kids wiping out on scooters in our front yard. Can't wait until the ice cream truck rolls on by at 4:55 p.m., just before dinnertime.

At daycare the little kids only have one more unit left before they abandon their curriculum for the swingset. So far this year they have studied the following units: Rainforest Explorer, Treehouse Club, Transportation Station, Suitcase Senses, Dinosaur Dig, Fury Friends, Going on Safari, Cowboys, Dunes and Deserts and next month is Food & Fitness. And I have the art projects to prove it. My favorite was when she came home with a camel who "humped" around instead of walking, as in "the camel, hump hump". Just wait until she hits the public schools!

I am feeling better, more energized and positive. International travel and time changes kicked my butt but hopefully I am getting back on track. On the home front, we did look at some houses which was thought-provoking! Our current mood does not have us moving soon as looking mainly served to remind us what we love about our home and neighborhood (mainly the frozen pipes and half-woodies in the driveway next door). But, if the right opportunity came along, you never know. We did the terrible thing of making a budget for ourselves (which I do not recommend). This little exercise allowed us to create different scenarios and gave us insight into changes we could make to have a better work/life balance. Being a working mom is not easy and I am entitled to a freak out now and again. Luckily, I have a supportive husband who doesn't let my crazy phase him...

Mr. SoS

Home sweet home!

unpacking!

After 3 glorious nights at the exclusive Hotel Ho, I can only say I am now addicted to the K-Cup coffee maker. The accommodations were luxurious, I give it 5 stars. A major thanks to Missy and family for having us there and letting us eat your food. Hugs to Kona, the chocolate lab, who had her ACL surgery on Friday... may you run free again one day after weeks of intensive canine physical therapy.

This is how we do it...

Gramps & Nor

Our travels then brought us south to Winona to reclaim our beloved pooch, Dorothy, who spent some quality time with her grandparents. Again, we ate others' food and drank their coffee. I must say the pork rib eyes here are not to be missed!

Char thinks Nori could be chick magnet if he took out to the park

Finally, home again in our own (full-size) bed. This has come up quite a bit recently and I will admit, we have a full-size bed. Yes, Jake is 6'2 and his ski-like feet hang off the end but if he curls up in a ball, he is fine. It's a pillow top I got in college and I love it. It is the secret to our 8 year marriage, as it ensures cuddling! Anyway, our floors are redone and furniture moved back. We had major dust cleaning to do but we back in business on Laurel Avenue. We missed you, house.

Finally, Happy 58th Birthday Dad! Happy 9th Birthday Mekensie! Happy 2nd Birthday Liam! Hope you each had an age-appropriate time!

Happy Earth Day!

Getting to Know You Wednesday

I borrowed this post idea from my pal Sabrina who borrowed it from someone named Michelle . Although she does a Getting to Know You Tuesday and she does a Getting to Know You Sunday. And it's Wednesday now.

1. Mens chests..hair or hairless?

As long as the butt is not hairy, I don't care.

2. How often do you run red lights?

Only when I drive down University Avenue most days.

3. If you could raid any celebrity's closet..whose would you raid?

Blossom!

4. Would you rather have more followers on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog?

I would have to say in real life and then when they are following me I would try to lose them by running red lights.

5. What makes you feel sexy?

Cookie dough

6. I get excited when...........?

I have day off, a clean house, and time with my family. Also, it is very fun to eat dessert on the couch and work our way through the DV-R queue. After reading classics, of course. Ooh, and vacations!

7. Are you the "outdoorsy" type or more "indoorsy"?

I like to look at nature through double-pained windows.

8. Would you rather have your dream home or a million dollars?

I would take the cash, quit my job and see where "the current" takes me. My mom always used to say"If I won a million dollars, I would just live off the interest", but we now all know that's because she would be shopping away the principle.

One of my students!

Nick Alms Feature Story - Feature Stories - CCE News - College of Continuing Education

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