"Carrots"

In preparation for Connor's Easter party at preschool on Thursday, we got to work making "carrots". With C&C's help, we got them done quickly. They turned out so cute!

Profound Impact

This morning as I drove into our church parking lot, I was amazed to see an enormous crowd of men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds gathering at the edge of the parking lot. I was immediately overwhelmed with emotion and tears began to stroll down my face. You see, what they were waiting for was to be let into the Free "Sale". Members of our church donated items (not junk either...nice quality items) that were going to be given away for free to those in need. The entire church parking lot was lined with tables overflowing, with clothes, household items, furniture, tv's, microwaves, lamps, etc... As I walked across the parking lot, drying my tears, I couldn't help but feel so grateful that I had been given the opportunity to witness such a profound event. I was so touched by the outpouring of support and donations that had been given.

The Pastor gave the green light and the area was soon flooded with people scooping up items for their homes and families. As I was standing next to a leather chair that one woman asked me to hold for her, she whispered "This is such a blessing to me. I don't have a couch or chair in my house to sit on." Stories like that are numerous so I will not share them all. But I will end the post with the most touching story of the morning...

A man, obviously out on parole, had collected a number of things for himself. When he was finished and about to leave, he approached a Pastor and asked where he could make a contribution. When the Pastor responded, he explained to the man that no contributions were being accepted. The motive behind the event was to give back to those in need in our community. The man insisted on leaving a contribution so handed the Pastor a check, pre-filled out by the Parole Board, for $0.11.

I need another tissue to try my tearing eyes...what an incredible, powerful day. One that I will continually replay in my mind. Absolutely amazing.

P.S. The Washington Post was there shooting and interviewing so be on the lookout sometime in the near future. I'm sure his story will do this more justice.

Love Notes and Boo Boo's

The other night, as Connor, Carly, and I were sitting at the table eating dessert, the folliwng conversation took place.

"Mommy, do you know how to spell Riley?"
"Yes"
"I mean Riley. Do you really know how to spell that?"
"Yes, honey, I know how to spell Riley."
"OK, good, I want to write a note to tell her I love her"

Matt, who was washing dishes, and I, were completely taken by surprise and had to chuckle a little to ourselves. First crush? I do know Riley, though. She is a cute little girl in his preschool class. At least we know he's got good taste!

Another day, Connor and Carly were running around outside. Carly came in complaining that she hurt her buns. Connor said that she had fallen and hurt herself. As I was cuddling her, trying to make her feel better, Connor ran into the kitchen to get his Doctor's Kit that he'd made recently in school. He came back with a Band-Aid and instructed Carly to show him where her boo boo was. She pulled down her pants and stuck her toosh right out. Connor preceeded to remove the Band-Aid from the wrapper and put it on Carly's boo-boo! If anyone had been peering into our windows, they would've surely wondered what kind of monkey business was going on in our house!

Those Silly Leprechauns

After a bit of inspiration by the most clever and creative mom I know, I decided to play "Leprechaun" and do some silly things around the house after C&C went to bed tonight. Matt had a meeting late this evening so I was on my own (and he had no idea of my intentions to be so silly). I put the kids to bed, waited a bit until I thought they were asleep and then got to work tipping over chairs, rearranging furniture, decorative items, and toys, and adding green food coloring into the toilet bowls so the water would be green in the morning. As I stood back to admire my work, I noticed that the food coloring had stained my fingers...ugh! I used soap and scrubbed, and scrubbed, and scrubbed. The color slightly faded, but is still visible. My identity is going to be given away! My thoughts were interrupted by the telephone. While chatting with a friend, who appears in the living room...CONNOR! I almost threw up! He glanced around the kitchen at the misplaced chairs, then in the living room he saw the pillows stacked, ottoman tipped over, and decorative items rearranged. He was clearly confused, but excited at the same time announcing, "Mommy, the Leprechauns have come to our house already!" (I'm still on the phone) Of course I played along, "WOW...they came early. They must have come while I was upstairs checking on you. Those silly leprechauns!" Meanwhile, my friend on the other line was totally confused so I had to explain in "hieroglyphic" terms what was happening in our crazy house. Connor continues walking around investigating, and putting things back where they belong. But he was clearly searching for something while doing so. For what I asked..."Gold" he said very seriously. Meanwhile this whole time I was trying to hide my green stained fingers from Connor. I tried numerous times to convince Connor to go back upstairs. He finally did, but only after emptying an entire box of raisins on the coffee table. A snack for the leprechauns...they might be hungry if they come back ya' know!

Lesson learned...make sure the kids are asleep before attempting this crazy ritual again!

Did those silly leprechauns come to your house?

Who needs a gym membership....try this!

Snow, snow , snow!

Just about 6 inches...

OK,..there are times when money does indeed buy some happiness, in my opinion. However, for now, I am thankful that I am blessed with a strong back, a healthy heart and time off of work to get the job done.

Last night through this morning it was mezmerizing to watch the snow fall steady and peaceful. We were due for a good snow storm around here and we finally got it. So, this morning we headed out to play. As for me, I could not stand the fact that the roads would soon be plowed and my driveway would remain white. Why do I have this pressure or urge to shovel? I know what I'm in for, have no power tools to use for this challenge and would rather play. Even better, I would really love to get in the car and go skiing. Nevertheless, I instinctively grabbed the shovel and got busy. I could not be the guy who was burning rubber and racing my engine to get up my driveway tomorrow.

The tool: One shovel, Zero HP

The fuel: Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Milk and Coffee

The job: Driveway and walkway

It's the first time I have shoveled our driveway since we moved here and I wish I could say it is the last. I am relieved it's done, but I do not look forward to the next 6 inches of snow in my driveway. Then again, maybe by then I'll have something fun to use that will assist me? You never know.

Connor and Carly had fun too. Maybe I'll put them to work next year?

A Day of Fun for the Boys- ThunderNationals 2009

It was a spontaneous decision inspired by Mrs. Skammer, Connor's preschool teacher last year. She posted some pictures online of Monster Trucks and I had questions. It made me remember how much I love Bigfoot when I was a kid. Does anyone else remember Bigfoot and all the Bigfoot trucks,...they were cool right? Well, ironically, the trucks were coming to town soon after,....ThunderNationals at Richmond Coliseum. So, I had to get some tickets and share the experience with Connor.

Connor invited a friend for the day and Alex came down with his Dad (Greg) all the way from Centreville, VA. It was a blast! We saw a little of everything. We hit McDonald's on Broad Street first,...Connor's luxurious choice of restaurant dining. Unfortunately, the rain brought many unusual people inside and our timing was bad. Police arrived after a "little" domestic dispute,...long story! We left after the man locked himself in the bathroom. How do these things manage to work themselves into my day? Sorry Greg and Alex,...Richmond isn't always like this,...I promise.

Anyway, then we went to the show and the day got much more exciting. We saw Monster Trucks jumping and racing, Quad racing, Motorcycle jumping and so much more. Our seats were perfect and these pics will prove it:

Connor's favorite at the start of the show was Grave Digger, no question. However, every truck had a favorite moment and we had trouble deciding by the end which was our favorite.

Monster Mutt was original indeed and cute as he chased the bone.

Bad Habit got HUGE air,...even with only front wheel drive today!

Backdraft had cool lights and looked like a fire truck.

Eradicator stole the show today with big air, awesome wheelies and the best donuts/burnouts you can imagine. You've gotta see these plus this video:

Finally, no one will ever forget Martial Law today and the killer crash right in front of us. WOW!

While we were not being entertained by the awesome Monster Trucks, the other machines raced around the Stadium with quick turns and sweet tricks. Check this out.....WOW!

As we were leaving, it was raining and wet. By the time we got home, it was white and snowy. Less than an hour between the show and our arrival home and it was a winter wonderland. So,..we did what anyone would do,....keep playing and having fun. Thanks to mom, we have a new friend outside for tomorrow. Here's some pics to prove it.

It was a good day and it was fun to spend time with our friends Alex and Greg. Thanks for making the trip guys and we're glad you made it home safe and sound in the storm.

Thanks Mrs. Skammer for the great recommendation.

Thanks Mommy for welcoming us home with fun in the snow. WHAT A DAY!

Let's hope for a snow day in the morning to play some more tomorrow. = )

Good night! ZZZZZZZZZZZ.