Daybook: Laetare!

Sunday, late afternoon...

Outside My Window

The birds are making some raucous music

I am Listening to

Birds. And the dryer, washing machine, dishwasher--all my "servants: up early and working for my household..

I am Wearing

pajamas.

I am so Grateful for

~ a giant bowl of Pho at 8:00 last night. First time I ate all day yesterday and we squeaked in after soccer just before closing. Good recommendation, Barbara!

~encouraging knitting emails and notes. It's been pure joy to learn this art, mostly because people are so nice.

~surprise sushi

~Connecticut in the finals: Christian picked UConn to win it all. He was, by his own admission, under the influence of all kinds of pain meds at the time. Everyone laughed at him. But here's the deal: if UConn wins, he will win the office pool. What office, you ask? Oh, ESPN Washington. How fun would it be to go to work with Dad and claim that prize? From all those sports experts. Very fun. Tonight, we're all UConn fans.

~Spud and Chloe sweater weight yarn. I am not sure I could wear it without itching, but, so far, I can knit with it. Hooray for that. Wish it weren't so pricey, though, because I have my eye on several patterns at the Spud and Chloe blog (linked above).

~Soccer friends. The outdoor season started yesterday and it was good see soccer friends again.

~Soccer sisters. Oh, how much fun did my girls have while the boys played! There's something special about sister friendships formed on the sidelines oever years and years.

~Butch Morley, the team chaplain for the U17 National Team. I was really worried as I knew that Patrick was going to learn of Ty's death, by text messages from guys up here likely, before we could talk to him. And then I was worried about him being down there all alone to process it. But he wasn't alone. I don't know the details, but I do know that Butch was there. And Butch has been there all year. And I'm ever so grateful to Butch for his kindness and his generosity and his love of Jesus.

I'm Pondering

"See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little. "
~Pope John XXIII

I am Reading

Got that in great detail here.

I am Thinking

that we began Lent with a funeral and now, midway through, another funeral. An icon in the DC Metro area soccer world died Saturday, leaving an entire generation of soccer players and their families grieving.

I am Creating

A sweater shrug :-) I casted on for the striped version for Karoline this weekend. It was slow going at first, as I learned a new yarn and a new technique but I'm so enjoying the colors.

On my iPod

nothing new. 

Towards a Real Education

Still pressing on to tie up loose ends before the bluebells. And making some plans for nature studay on the banks of Little Rocky Run.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I've given up on normal. This week won't be normal either. Mike's dad fell yesterday and after a day spent in the emergency room, was admitted last night. Any week that begins with a hospital admission isn't likely to be a normal one. So, we'll rely on the basic plan and just do the best we can.

To Live the Liturgy...

Yesterday was Lataere Sunday. Halfway there! Increasingly, this Lent has been about discerning who God created me to and how He calls me. I'm finding the answers a bit surprising. I'm grateful for the time and the prayer.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me. A great deal of testing and specific diagnosis lies ahead this week. Please pray for wisdom and prudence and the grace and strength to know and do His will.

for the soul of Ty Lewis and for his family and for the countless soccer families who grieve his loss.

for Mike's dad and for his mom and for his medical care.

for Marisa, who surely will have her baby this week. Surely as these things get.

 In the Garden

It has rained and rained and rained. And now, it's not raining and the day will be warm. Perfect weeding weather and we have just the weeds!

Around the House

Oh. my. goodness! What  a huge difference a fresh coat of paint makes. Michael is on a roll. He's nearly finished with the first floor. And he has grand plans to finally finish all those things the "professional basement finishers" never finished when they ran off with our money nine years ago. And then the upstairs needs painting, too. I may never let him get a real job;-).

From the Kitchen

Recipe testing some meals inspired by the farmer's market for the summer issue of Faith and Family.

One of My Favorite Things

Sunday mornings with three and four year olds in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. Karoline's godmother, Mel, is the teacher there and usually, Mary Beth is her assistant. Mary Beth stayed with a friend last weekend and went to the Pure Fashion show, so I stepped in for her in the atrium and Sarah Annie got to come along for the first time. Twelve hours later, she was still singing the songs. She had a wonderful morning. And so did I.

Sarah Annie this week

She got into some Revlon Color Stay lipgloss on Saturday. Stay, it does. ON HER FACE. It will not come off. I've tried oil, soap, makeup remover, baby wipes. Nope. It Stays and Stays and Stays. Pretty scary, huh? It's been forbidden in this house henceforth. Back to Aveda.

A Few Plans for the Week

Plans? Hah!

The absolute only plan I am going to make is that I dearly hope to make a HAPPY trip to the hospital.

To visit a new baby. Baby, do you hear me? This week would be good and if you cooperate, you might get to see the bluebells this year. Maybe.

Picture thoughts:

 

Taken just before church yesterday. I resisted the urge to pin a note to her explaining that I had, indeed tried (hard) to wash her face.

{{Comments are open. I have been terrible about responding to mail. Please forgive me? I do read every single note and I do pray for you. But, I don't always answer promptly. I'm hoping that having comments open on occasion will give me a chance to answer the more common questions for several people at once and will give you dear ladies an opportunity to talk with each other. They are moderated, so if you don't see yours at first, it means I'm busy knitting, it will appear shortly.}}

Daybook: I thought it was spring

Sunday, late afternoon...

Outside My Window

It is cold. Really cold. There was snow on the ground when I got up this morning. In Virginia, at the end of March. Crazy.

I am Listening to

VCU play Kansas in the SW Regional NCAA Basketball Final.

I am Wearing

Jeans, warm socks, boots, tshirt over McLean Premier Soccer Celtics sweatshirt. I'm just in from a pre-season tournament for Stephen and Nicky.

I am so Grateful for

~sundaes on Sunday

~Rita's Italian Ice --- Sarah's first taste:-)

~doctors who genuinely care and go above and beyond to help the healing process

~Christian's fish and chips after an exceedingly long and cold soccer day

~robins in the snow

~leather boots

~sunshine on a cold day

~soccer dad who cheerfully took my volunteer slot (and pregnant mom of seven who spared her hubby so he could help me)

~watching my little girls enjoy a surprise cup of hot chocolate (another kind soccer mom)

~knitting in the car

~Paddy's report card

~Mary Beth happily off on ski trips with the Stantons

~Fr. Shultz and his heart for the kids in the St. Tim's youth group

~my three youngest, who seem to have "found" each other for hours and hours of play together

~forsythia glowing gold on a gray morning

I'm Pondering

How long do I really have to figure out how to live full of grace, full of joy- before these beautiful children fly the coop and my mothering days fold up quiet?"~Ann Voskamp  One Thousand Gifts.

I'm pondering that a lot lately, as I love with  mothers whose days are likely not to be as many as most.

I received a Christmas letter from a woman who was totally jubilant about her empty nest. She said she couldn't understand why some mothers don't dance for joy when their young mothering days are over. She was just so very glad to finally have her house to herself! Clearly, it got under my skin. I've been thinking about it since late last year.

And then I think of the moms who would give anything to know that they will be here with their children for just one more Christmas. I know it's not the same---dying and having your children leave home--but I do wonder about those mothers who are just so glad to be finished with children. Did they miss the joy in the moments when their children were at home? Is that why they were so eager to have them leave? Were they ever content to be the heart of home for a young family? Or did they always just wish it were finally over? I don't know.

For me, I know there will be a certain sadness when my mothering days fold up quietly and I move to a different stage of life. I hope there will joy--not giddy-I'm-so-glad-they're-gone joy--but quiet joy of knowing the days were filled well, lived well, prayed well,  and the joy of our futures bursting with hope.

I am Reading

Got that in great detail here.

(But I am making an exception to my "no other books" rule because I'm reading an advance review copy of the third edition of Educating the WholeHearted Child before the print deadline. It's awesome. And inspiring. Much more later; it's a review copy, after all.)

I am Thinking

that I hit my stress threshold last week. Something had to give. We found a new home for the dog. Now, I feel considerably less challenged in my own home. No one is barking incessantly when we have company (or when someone is napping.) I am no longer worried about yet another unexpected vet bill. And I am not spending an hour a day vacuuming so my children won't wheeze in the presence of the dog who wasn't supposed to shed. All good.

Except for the fact that my kids are mad at me.

 

I am Creating

A sweater shrug for Katie for Easter. It's nearly finished.And then I will start a striped one for Karoline. I tend to obsess with new crafts. Three times for the same sweater is a very "me" thing to do. Maybe that's why God provided three little girls in a row? By the time I get to the third, I've learned so much. I do love this pattern (not that I know much about patterns). And~ sigh ~I can't say enough about how much I'm loving knitting. I have about ten things queued up: a baby cardigan, a patchwork lap blanket. an idea for kitchen dishcloths, a sweater for Mike, a sweater for me. I ordered some Spud and Chloe sweater yarn in the hopes that I can tolerate it. If I can, then, well, there will be a lot less blogging and a lot more knitting. I really love sitting and keeping my hands moving and talking and listening and creating when I knit. Did I mention how much good this is doing to my soul?

On my iPod

Hide 'Em in Your Heart by Steve Green. My little girls love this as much as my big boys did when they were little. And since my big boys can still sing these verses, I can say that the CDs fulfill their mission. It makes me so happy to sing these songs in the car and my heart about bursts when I hear my littlest sing several of them all by herself. Nothing sweeter than songs of Scripture from in a baby's voice. 

Towards a Real Education

We're trying to tie up some loose ends and finish up some subjects before the bluebells bloom. Then we'll take some long days at the creek for intensive nature study (and bigtime fun).

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Oh, dear me. The rhythm thing is something for which I'm fighting. Christian has been so needy until--well, yesterday. One thing after another and all of them urgent. Rocks the rhythm. But yesterday was good and the new bleeding  crisis of late last week (caused by the medications for the bleeding crisis of the week before) seems to be healing so maybe we can have one of those "normal" weeks. Whatever normal is.

(Incidentally, if you need an orthopedist in northern Virginia who specializes in upper extremities, I've got your guy. As bad as this nightmare has been, he's been awesome.)

 

To Live the Liturgy...

This has been a very good Lent. What's a "good Lent" any way? I think, for our family, a good Lent draws us closer to God and brings a steadier, stronger peace to our home. It's not perfect. And it's not nearly over. But this one is good.

Last one was good, too. Not peaceful at all, but good. More on that later this week, God willing.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

 In the Garden

There are tulips coming, but today they are sitting in the snow. The vinca has bloomed, too, always my little tease that there is a profusion of blue flowers in my not too distant future.

 

Around the House

I admit it; I am not waiting patiently for bluebells this year. Not at all. I'm eager, very, very eager. So I'm forcing it a bit indoors. I'm Michael is painting the sunroom blue, the kitchen green, and the family room a honeyed hue of the sunlit creek banks. It was inevitable. (Did I mention my husband has been gone this week? It's going to look a bit different around here when he returns.)

From the Kitchen

Onions, salmon, garlic, cilantro, green salads...not all at once, necessarily. When Mike's gone, we eat things he doesn't like.

One of My Favorite Things

Stitch markers. Okay, silly I know, little tiny rings that are ridiculously simple, but how cool is it that you put them in just the right places and do certain things around them and get sleeves and such? Very cool, I'm telling you.

Sarah Annie this week

She's giving up diapers for Lent. Go Sarah!

A Few Plans for the Week

Ballet on Monday. And Soccer.

Ballet on Tuesday.

Soccer on Wednesday.

Soccer on Thursday. And Ballet.

Church soup supper on Friday.

Soccer season officially starts on the weekend.

Atrium Sunday.

Final Four Saturday (party for youth basketball buddies)

Regular "school". every. single. day. I hope.

Laundry every. single. day. I hope.

(oh, and the neurologist and the physical therapist.)

Picture thoughts:

{{Comments are open. I have been terrible about responding to mail. Please forgive me? I do read every single note and I do pray for you. But, I don't always answer promptly. I'm hoping that having comments open on occasion will give me a chance to answer the more common questions for several people at once and will give you dear ladies an opportunity to talk with each other. They are moderated, so if you don't see yours at first, it means I'm busy knitting, it will appear shortly.}}

Rainy Daybook

Outside My Window

It is pouring. Raining hard, really dark. I'm praying for safe travels as Mike flies in this storm this morning.

I am Listening to

SportsCenter. Nicky is obssessed with March Madness.

I am Wearing

Black cardigan, white silk shell, black skirt, boots. Wake today.

I am so Grateful for

my eldest son, who understands that to live a life of ministry, of openness to God's call within a family, isn't quite as simple as signing up to do good deeds. It's answering the real life calling and meeting the needs of the people God puts in our lives on the ordinary days. He's made it possible for me to extend myself beyond the norm to do some outreach that would have been impossible without him here. 

I'm Pondering

Just these two words He spoke changed my life,

"Enjoy Me."

What a burden I thought I was to carry--a crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me, "I know a song, would you like to hear it"

And laughter came form every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky,

After a night of prayer, He changed my life when He sang,

"Enjoy Me."

~St. Teresa of Avila quoted by Ann Voskamp in Chapter Eleven of One Thousand Gifts.

I think this is my spring song...

I am Reading

Got that in great detail here.

I am Thinking

Christian had to stand outside at the 7PM Mass on Ash Wednesday. The crowd spilled out onto the yard. Isn't that awesome!? People who don't usually go to church, found themselves there last night. I think it speaks to the hope of the human spirit. Lots of people wanting to get Lent off on the right foot; lots of people hoping to grow closer to God before Easter. Maybe even lots of people turning twoards God in the Church for the first time in a long time. Some of the regulars grumbled something about giving priority seating to those who show up every week. I say let them stand outside! Make room, make way, let the newcomers sit right up front. Let them see it all up close. Let them fall in love. And maybe they'll keep coming back again and again. That's certainly our prayer.

I am Creating

Not much this week. I am looking forward to starting to knit my first sweater, just as soon as the yarn arrives.

On my iPod

also covered in this post.

Towards a Real Education

 Lots and lots of reading this week. Mary Beth is playing the teacher role, more or less, and keeping everyone on track rather nicely.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Lent began yesterday. I found myself in a flurry in my closet, trying on and discarding clothes suitable to wear to a wake and funeral. My wardrobe is in a state of sorry mess. And it will likely stay that way for a while. My weight and shape are changing in these post baby years. Clothes are tight. Or loose. Money is tight. I compromise. I don't always wear what I wish I'd wear when I go out, whether to Mass or the grocery store, but I remember again, that the disposition of my heart is what's most important. And that a smile is the most beautiful thing I could ever wear. And God whispers again:

Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.

But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?

To Live the Liturgy...

 Liturgy is conversation with God. I'm praying that all my conversations will echo that great conversation.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me. Today is an important day in discerning.

for the soul of Dr. Charles Ubelhart and for the comfort of his family.

 In the Garden

rain, rain, rain. Karoline is already dressed in raincoat and boots and off for a worm hunt. Crazy girl loves worms in the rain.

Around the House

We're tied purple ribbons to all our icons and pitcures and cruicifixes. We've hung the stations of the cross in the sunroom where brightly colored artwork hung previously. The purple letters on the mantel spell "repent."

From the Kitchen

Baked stuffed potatoes and salad last night; tomato soup and grilled cheese tomorrow night. Wednesday and Friday days of abstinence...

One of My Favorite Things

Sarah's new insistence that I not only hold her, but I hold my cheek next to hers. I'm gonna miss this.

Sarah Annie this week

She loves to say "Ready, steady, go!" and then run as fast as she can into Mike's arms. he snuggles her up and she alwasy, always says, "I love you, Daddy." Over and voer again.

A Few Plans for the Week

My mother is in town unexpectedly because a dear friend died.

wake today; funeral tomorrow

soccer tournament over the weekend

must settle back into routine next week

Picture thoughts:

 

BM is for Bryce Mitchell, unofficial patron of Foss soccer.

Daybook: Spring Hopes

 Outside My Window

The sun has just come up on what promises to be an truly beautiful day. I can hear birds singing outside the window. Spring promises. And I believe her.

{Nicky has just joined me in the front room. He sees a bluebird. We stop and watch together. Spring. Good, good spring.}

I am Listening to

those aforementioned birds. Sweet music.

I am Wearing

pajamas. Just rolled out of bed and want to use the quiet this morning to gather my thoughts. Then, I plan to click the computer closed until I get a bit of a writing session in a cafe later today.

I am so Grateful for

a husband who trusts. We've made some tough decisions the last few months. He's been steadfast in the trust department.

I'm Pondering

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust

Someone sent me note cards with that quote on them. Isn't that charmingly perfect for a new gardening season where the focus is on gratitude?

I am Reading

on my Kindle: You Can Understand the Bible by Peter Kreeft. I dearly love Peter Kreeft.

on audio while knitting: One Thousand Gifts (yes, this is the third time through--the audio version is my favorite) and  Truth and Life Audio Bible New Testament. Both of these books are available on audio for free if you are new to Audible and sign of for a 30 day free trial. I had been listening to a different audio Bible but this one is endorsed by the Vatican with an imprimatur  and oh. my. goodness! it's exceedingly well done.

in book form: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Someone wrote to tell me yesterday that the audio version of this is really good, too.

I do love audio books. I like to tuck my iPod into an aprom pocket and listen while I clean. It helps to keep me on task. I'm much less tempted to wander off and check my email or get distracted by a catalog or otherwise stop working. As long as I'm working, I can keep listening and I do like to listen.

I am Thinking

That sometimes a little humor makes a serious point very well. The world is full of legalists and pharisees. Jesus spent an awful lot of time addressing them. He must have known we'd struggle with legalism, fueled by envy, until the day He comes again.

I am Creating

washcloths. Lots of them. I'm also helping Katie with her mittens and Mary Beth with her hat. And I'm about to launch into some serious Becky Higgins retro-scrapbooking with a big box of photos in the basement and the three nearly grown boys whose childhoods are held there.

This is exactly what I wrote last week. Still at it. Mary Beth has finished her hat. Patrick has requested a knitted hat. Why he needs a knitted hat in Florida in the spring and summer is somewhat unclear. He mumbled something about needing it to wear to breakfast...

Bedhead? Isn't that why baseball caps were invented?

 

On my iPod

Joel Clarkson. I'm working on a way to share this music on my blog. But for now, take my word for it: well done.

Towards a Real Education

Looking into high school co-ops for next year. There are several well-established homeschool co-ops or small schools that allow part-time homeschooler involvement. Several of the girls in Mary Beth's dance school attend them. Unfortunately, most have very exclusive statements of faith--that is they exclude Catholics. It's hard to see her grapple with exclusion.

A followup from last week: a couple people wrote to tell me about "statements of understanding." Apparently, some co-op will allow you to sign something that says you understand the statement of faith and won't argue or debate it. So, there's that possiblity. Also, I had a long conversation with a tutor at Classical Conversations who said she'd be welcome there. I'm not sure we want that level of intesity (nor am I sure it's in the budget), but she is going to shadow there next week. One thing is certain, homeschooling high school without a peer group for her and for me is not a good idea. She's my fourth. I know what has worked and what has not and I am determined to find some sort of group. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

We are doing "pre-Lent" in a big way this year. Patrick is home this week, but he won't be home next week, so I'm spending focused time with all my children discussing their plans for Lent and their walks with God. It's a good thing, one that I think will become a tradition.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

My sincere apologies to the good folks at Kind Conversation. I promise to check in soon. Gosh. Today, I promise.

To Live the Liturgy...

There are so many, many Lent ideas out there. I'm not reading them this year. One thing I'm doing to get ready for Lent is winnowing my time online to very little. So, reading Lent ideas isn't going to work for me. I'm looking forward to springtime quiet. And I'm so grateful that God has graced me with happy optimism about this spring. Happy, happy.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

for these two darling boys who will be baptized this weekend.

 In the Garden

Patrick and Karoline worked hard to get everything ready for spring planting and blooming.

Around the House

all the windows are open!

From the Kitchen

chicken fajitas last night

grilled pork tenderloin tonight

pasta tomorrow night (soccer tournament and basketball finals--carbo loading)

steak and potatoes per Patrick's request before he goes back

lots of super fresh eggs from some very happy spring chickens

One of My Favorite Things

the smell of spring

Sarah Annie this week

her favorite pasttime is pulling a chair up to the pantry and opening the door. There, she finds shelves of  alphabetized spices mounted on the inside of the door. She likes moving them around. And now, she likes opening them, too. And dumping them. I have never--in nine kids--had kidproof latches. I'm seriously considering it.

And my vacuum smells awesome.

A Few Plans for the Week

Girls Club at the mission church tomorrow

Mary Beth and Nicholas both play in basketbal League Championship games Saturday. And Katie has her last game (which she is persuading everyone is a championship).

Stephen plays his first soccer tournament of the season

Paddy goes back to Florida on Sunday.

Nothing real notable for next week; we didn't get terribly behind on schoolwork this week, despite Patrick's presence, but we will work extra hard next week to make up for anything not done this week. 

Picture thoughts:

Daybook at February's End

 Outside My Window

Is the busy main street of downtown McLean on a weekday afternoon. Michael is in Florida this week, so I'm back in my soccer driving and Starbuck's writing groove.

I am Listening to

a sweet girl at the table next to mine, trying to impress the socks off an Ivy League alum at a college interivew. They do these interviews at this Starbucks all the time. Very enlightening.

I am Wearing

Jeans, a cotton turtleneck sweater, and Elizabeth deHority cashmere socks in blue.

I am so Grateful for

an amazing week just passed.

I'm Pondering

One more thought on Simplicity: Contemplative simplicity isn't a matter of circumstances; it's a matter of focus.~Ann Voskamp 

{Next week, we take Small Steps, pondering sacrifice.}

I am Reading

through this list of "Best Homeschool Blogs." I've found several new ones there. Good reading.

I am Thinking

so many, many thoughts! My head is awhirl. It's been a week of inspiration and I'm processing. I think that God is mighty and His plans are perfect. I pray that I can walk in His will and truly take to heart the lessons He's allowed in my life in the last year.

I am Creating

washcloths. Lots of them. I'm also helping Katie with her mittens and Mary Beth with her hat. And I'm about to launch into some serious Becky Higgins retro-scrapbooking with a big box of photos in the basement and the three nearly grown boys whose childhoods are held there.

On my iPod

I am listening to Ann's book, One Thousand Gifts, read aloud to me, by her, as I knit. Follow this link to learn how to get a free 14 day trial and one book at Audible.com. If you are new to Audible.com, you can download and listen to Ann's book for free.

Towards a Real Education

Looking into high school co-ops for next year. There are several well-established homeschool co-ops or small schools that allow part-time homeschooler involvement. Several of the girls in Mary Beth's dance school attend them. Unfortunately, most have very exclusive statements of faith--that is they exclude Catholics. It's hard to see her grapple with exclusion.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I'm ready for the rhythm of Lent. It's so late this year. Feels strange to mark these late February days in Ordinary Time.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

My sincere apologies to the good folks at Kind Conversation. I promise to check in soon. 

To Live the Liturgy...

pray the Hours. Go to Mass. Amen;-).

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

Around the House

My big kids did an admirable job of keeping the house from dissolving into disarray while I was away much of last week. We're in a pretty good groove. I really, really, really want to paint. Really. Oh, and the laundry? All caught up. Seriously.

From the Kitchen

It won't be long now: asparagus, strawberries, artichokes. I love to craft spring menus.

I've been really good about being gluten free in the last month and I do see and feel a huge difference. It will only get easier as the weather warms and everything can become a salad.

One of My Favorite Things

Learning to knit. Yes, indeed. Way too much fun. And highly addictive.

Sarah Annie this week

She refuses to answer to Annie any more. Or even Sarah Annie. This could be problematic very soon, because...

A Few Plans for the Week

Patrick comes home on Saturday! He's never, ever called her anything but Annie. Could be a showdown.

Lots of basketball--it's playoff week. We're going to be going and going and going and going.

Lots of work in the rose garden.

Did I mention that Patrick comes home Saturday? Can Hardly Wait!

Picture thoughts:

Who took my little boy and replaced him with a man who has tree trunks for legs?

In this game, the US played Major League Soccer's New England Revolution.