Easter-out of order

Our Easter was wonderful! I will admit, though, that it was a bit out of order. I had grand plans of fun-filled days before Easter, but we got loaded down with responsibilities and didn't get around to the festivities. Rowan had a big party at school on Thursday so at least he got started early. Friday John and Rowan had the day off so we went out to the D's house for play. They have moved to a great home with lots of land. John was helping build a fence around a big garden that we're co-opping (for lack of a better word) with a few other families. We are so excited to see what actually grows. They planted collard greens, lettuces, potatos, onions, strawberries, and carrots and will plant tomatos, squash, blueberries, cucumbers, okra, green beans, and corn after April 15.

On Easter Sunday we went to church, of course. I sang in the choir and we put on a beautiful performance. The weather was pretty chilly so we took pictures afterward, which was a mistake since everyone was already hungry and I still had a lot of lunch to make. Holland would NOT open her eyes-she was in a mood!

Our Easter lunch was delicious-ham, pineapple casserole, asparagus, warm potato and green bean salad with lemon dressing, rolls, and strawberry shortcake (with homemade whipped cream) for dessert. I was pleased and so was everyone else.

After lunch was rest time-for all of us! Then we had an egg hunt outside as the weather had warmed up quite a bit. We hid the eggs 3 times and the kids had a great time searching our big yard.

I didn't want to cheat us out of Easter traditions, we THEN colored eggs when we came in from the hunt. I know it sounds crazy, but you just have to do it! Besides, the NC Tarheels were playing basketball and we could all watch and decorate at the same time. It worked out quite well actually.

Now we're settled in for a great spring break week where we don't have to rush off to school in the mornings and can stay in our pajamas most of the morning!!! The weather is going to be beautiful later in the week so we plan to be outside-as long as the pollen isn't bothering us too much.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Okay, so St. Patrick's Day down here leaves a lot to be desired. But where I grew up, everybody got into it, not just those who were looking for the cheap thrills of green beer. Anyway, I made the children look cute and festive and we put up decorations at our house for the day. One can only expect so much!

Antler Hunting

If you're like me, you don't pay much attention to hunting or the various and incredibly confusing hunting seasons. But apparantly this is the time of year that deer shed their antlers (those that have survived the hunting season, that is). John has always been into bird hunting, but has never really shown much interest in larger animals. Fine with me-besides it requires a different gun and one is enough for me. I don't have a problem with hunting at all. I just don't "get" the sport of it. Probably similar to how John doesn't "get" how I absolutely HAVE to paint our fireplace and replace the mantel.

Okay, back on topic. Some friends of ours have large amounts of land and invited John and Rowan 2 Sunday's ago to go antler hunting. Rowan was so thrilled that he wouldn't have to take a rest that day and I was thrilled that this particular hunting didn't actually involve a gun. Off they went for the afternoon, and when they returned Rowan was in his glory. He went on and on how he rode on Mr. D's ranger (small jeep like vehicle) going fast over bumps and through creeks and so forth. John said he and P squealed with delight the entire time. AND they even found one antler. So exciting!

pictures

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

About 1.5 weeks ago a friend of mine let me know that the FedEx car would be at the grand opening of a new FedEx/Kinkos store. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about. NASCAR. Now, you might be wondering why in the world this is pertinent information. Rowan has an affection for fast moving vehicles including race cars, motorbikes, wild bull riding, etc. Rowan's favorite driver is not the #11 car (Denny Hamlin), but rather Jimmie Johnson the #48 Lowe's car. Why I don't really know, other than props to Lowe's marketing when he was 2 and picked up on it. Nonetheless, we always view a few laps of each race and make sure we know who wins. So when I heard a real live race car would be in Columbia, we picked the boys up from school and went off for a viewing and then on to a chaotic lunch.

On a side, but really important, note Rowan has some great buddies at school that we've been spending lots of time with. Not only did we do the race car with them, but last week we took them all to the barbershop after school to get haircuts. I imagine we will have many days at the park this spring and summer for them to run out their amazing energy. Some of these boys will be going on to all-day kindergarten, but some will be with Rowan next year in 1/2 day kindergarten. Still he will see the others at church. We are so thankful that he's making good friends and having a good old time doing it. It's a LOT of fun to watch this social development and see Rowan be stimulated in ways I cannot provide for him-after all, I'm neither 4 years old, nor a BOY!

On the Rise

Feeling much better. Most days go by and I feel fairly normal-a bit more hungry than normal, actually. Craving fresh fruit and I eat it by the pound-thank goodness spring and summer are on their way. Strawberries, mangos, apples, oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, bananas. Yum Yum and more Yum! This week is 16 weeks-4 months and counting-yikes this 3rd time seems like it has gone much more quickly already. See if I'm still feeling that way when it 95 degrees and 110% humidity this summer. :)