~where the green grass grows~

Enjoying the beautiful green color I see each morning blurred through the bottom of the glass. 

 Spring is here!

And it is gorgeous!!

This week the kids are on Spring Break.

Nine days off school.

Love it! 

No major plans.

We are taking the boys fishing tomorrow.

We'll visit a lake I have memories from.

Baseball. Baseball. More baseball.

We'll enjoy watching the Cincinnati Reds on opening day.

They'll spend some time with grandparents. 

No big vacation or travel plans far away this year.

For the most part, we are staying in.

And sometimes that is the best kind of break we can have.

Tell me...

What was the best Spring Break vacation you can remember?

Where did you go?

It could be from your childhood,

high school days,

college years,

or your married/family days.

I almost forgot! 

I saw the boys whispering on the couch this morning and giggling.

It can only mean one thing...

April Fool's Day plans.

I can't wait to fall victim.

I love it just as much as they do.

These boys!  

~last night~

finishing:

this book before the big brother and I have an "Adventure" and go see the movie 

missing:

 a friend who lost their battle earlier this week, as I look behind at the beautiful backdrop of my boy's practice field

wondering:

how in the heck that boy of mine is fielding that baseball and not breaking his left foot?!?!

proud:

of all the hard work, dedication, and love this boy shows towards the sport

amazed:

by the 'Spring' sunset my boy and I shared on our ride home together

Happy Spring to you and your loved ones!

XX

~this moment~

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by SouleMama

 

O' Derek

 

~today...~

Today, I am:

waking to the birds singing outside our bedroom window

watching as the ground around us turns greener

appreciative of my family and friends

loving the site of daffodil's and grape hyacinths everywhere

expecting a package in the mail

deciding what character in my husband's novel I am enjoying most

enjoying the smell of the grill as our dinner sizzles away

listening as my little one sings his heart out during his shower

smiling at his song choice

hoping tomorrow is as beautiful as it was today

wishing all of you sweet dreams

~empty fortune cookie and shadows....oh my!~

Please tell me this means really, really good luck!!

Never, in my 32 years, have I opened an empty fortune cookie.

  My oldest offered to share his fortune. 

I declined, but thought the gesture was sweet.

 This sure made for a good laugh after the day I have had!! 

Have you ever cracked open this crunchy treat to find...nothing??

This morning before the bus came we anxiously anticipated the verdict of whether or not Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow or not.  The verdict is in.... looks like 6 more weeks of winter! I am totally OK with this prediction, considering it has been in the 50's and beautiful all week. Very unusual for February in Ohio!!
In keeping with the theme of this day, the following picture is one of my favorite shadow pictures of all time.  It is my father's shadow as he does yard work around a shed at my grandmother's home in Myrtle Beach. 

 

~Happy Groundhogs Day~

~what goes up... must come down~

Today is THE day.  

All of this holiday goodness will be packed back up and loaded into the shed.  The kids tried to convince us to just leave the Christmas decorations up all year.  Tempting as it sounds, when they arrive home from school today they will see a cleared out house.

My little one will probably be the most upset. 

He still has that *sparkle* in his eyes, weeks after Christmas....

a look I'll savor forever.

 

It's all about making memories.

The fun part is knowing that in November we will be pulling those boxes back out and making NEW ones.

It's time to get busy and carefully wrap up and tuck away our favorite Santa's, handmade ornaments, nativity set, advent calendar, and stockings.  They will sit patiently through the seasons until, once again, we will find ourselves unwrapping this magical goodness. And that *sparkle* will return. 

(Derek requested and will be happy to find 

that I'm leaving the mistle-toe up.  Who says we can't sneak kisses year round?!?!)