Jeremy's Favorite Cars' Quote

No matter what kind of day I'm having, if I can get Jeremy to utter this* line from the Cars movie, it will make me smile.

This is just a snippet of a day in the life.

* In case you can't decipher what he's saying, it's Mater's line that says: She loves me for my body.

Sprinkling

During Memorial Day weekend, the weather was warm enough on Saturday to bust out the sprinkler. Even Phil got in on the action, and I enjoyed the view from the deck. We were also able to water the garden while the kids played. They had an absolute blast!

Running through the sprinkler.

Jeremy attempts to drink the water.

Riley shows him how it's done.

Middle Name

Riley came home from school today and said she was taking to one of her friends about middle names. She said her friend's middle name is Alice. I asked Riley if she told her friend what her middle name was. She looked at me all confused. I asked if she knew what her middle name was. She looked at me with all seriousness and said:

"Sassafras."

Close, but not quite.

My Mother's Day

As I downloaded pictures off the camera, I realized I never commented about my Mother's Day...two weeks after the fact!

It started off wonderfully--everyone let me sleep in. We had a delicious breakfast made by Dad and then opened presents. (Please ignore the fact that I'm still in pajamas--or that I'm wearing flannel pjs in May!)

Opening the present.

I have to give Phil tons of credit this year.
I didn't want him to spend a lot of money,
so he made a photo album with my favorite pictures of the kids.
And it's a recordable album, so he got the kids to say:
"Happy Mother's Day. We love you."

Which made me start crying!

After enjoying the newspaper and spending time with the family, we got in the car to meet up with my parents' at my favorite hot dog place. And yes, I wanted a hot dog on Mother's Day! My parents just got back from a road trip out East to Toronto, Boston and other parts of New England, so it was nice to catch up. Everyone had a wonderful time and ate rather well.

Nana and the kids.

The moms on Mother's Day.

We headed back on the road and decided to stop at the plant nursery. We were there with probably everyone else in the surrounding suburbs! The kids melted down a bit, so we gathered up our plants, waited in line for close to 20 minutes and headed home! I was able to spend a good 2 hours working in the garden, which made my day. Everything is planted and sprouting, so now we just wait for the crops to produce!

The evening was capped off with some DQ, because really, what doesn't say Mother's Day than a Blizzard? All in all, it was a wonderful Mother's Day, even if it was so long ago!

Representing

Riley had baseball day at school, which made me realize she has no baseball attire. I took J to the store in search of some Sox gear for her, and they didn't have anything in the girls' section. Not that I wanted a Sox shirt in pink or anything like that. But we found a shirt that would work, and wouldn't you know she was the only one sporting Sox stuff? Others had Cubs or didn't participate. Oh, and Riley insisted on wearing her K-O hat from the Brockton Rox.

Looking proud before school.
Like the tattoo on her left arm?

At the Park

Tuesday saw our fill of time at the park. While Riley was at preschool, J and I headed to two separate parks. And we walked to both. It was exhausting, but worth it, as the second park we hadn't yet visited this year. He had a blast, running around and playing.

He had so much fun, that he mentioned it to Riley when we picked her up from school. After lunch, the kids asked if we could go back to that other park. I agreed, but said that we'd take the wagon as I didn't want to carry anything (child or bike) on the way back. While there, the kids again had a wonderful time. There was another woman there who was quite chatty. I had never met her before, yet she was asking me about the kids and if Riley was going to kindergarten in the fall. Anyway, it was brought up that Jeremy was three, to which, no joke, Riley said: It's a fun age.

And her comment was dripping in sarcasm. Nice, huh? I think I should watch what I say from now on! Eh, who am I kidding?!

Just Desserts

Both children have inherited my love of sweets. Whether it's helping me make brownies, cookies or other chocolate-based desserts, they "fight" over who gets the spoon and who gets the bowl.

The other day our neighbors had a small birthday party for their grandson. Later that day, our neighbor brought over cupcakes for all of us--these cupcakes had more frosting than cake! Of course the kids loved it (and I did, too, which is why I felt it was my duty to eat Phil's piece as well).

Exhibit A:

Enjoying the frosting.

As soon as he finished the frosting, Jeremy said he was done. No surprise there!

Memorable Moment

Now that Riley's riding her bike so well, whenever we head off to the park she insists on riding it. Which, quite honestly, is fine with me. And then Jeremy trudges behind in his pink Big Wheel. (Gotta love hand-me-downs!)

And as we ventured to the park earlier this week, it made me realize that was the first time I didn't have to push someone in the stroller or pull someone in the wagon. I was able to walk by myself, following my children the entire way to the park.

Of course, on the way home, Jeremy wanted to walk, so I was stuck carrying the bike. I guess they still need my help. Which is always nice to know.

Mother's Day Party

On Friday, Riley's preschool class hosted a Mother's Day party for all the families. Jeremy and I were able to snag a front-row seat. I love how there are only five boys in the entire class, and they all are placed in the front row. For what it's worth, Riley's "boyfriend" is the one with the white and green striped shirt.

Photos:

Doing hand motions.

Blowing mom a kiss.

Checking out the crowd.

Here are some of the songs they sang:

The teachers did a wonderful job arranging the party. Afterward we had lots of snacks and juice and brought home some of Riley's artwork. It was a great way to start Mother's Day weekend.

No More Training Wheels

Big news at our house: Riley can ride a two-wheeler! I took off her training wheels on Thursday around 4, and she's been practicing ever since. Something must have clicked today, because this is what she can do now:

So it's big news at our house, and tomorrow we'll celebrate with some ice cream. Nice work, Riley! Not too bad for just 2.5 days worth of riding, and only on sidewalks.

Spring is Here!

Sorry for the lack of posts. We've been busy, especially now that the weather is cooperating. We're spending much of our days outside, which is starting to sink in with the kids. Gone are the days where they spend time after naps/rest watching a movie. Instead, we throw on some shoes and head outside. It's been wonderful to get the garden planted/weeded, grass finally cut and breathing in the fresh, spring air.

Which makes me think fondly of why I so fancy springtime.

* Opening the windows and feeling a gentle spring breeze
* Hanging laundry outside, and then placing the sheets back on the bed. I tell you, there is no greater smell. Well, after a newborn baby's head smell. Oh and cookies straight from the oven.
* Cutting the grass. Seriously, I enjoy this task. It's twofold: exercise and time away from the kids. It's really a win-win.
* Planting a garden. I'm hoping we'll have a bountiful harvest this year. We have the seeds planted and some radishes, lettuce and peas have broken through the soil. We're crossing our fingers that we can plant the seedlings next weekend.
* Getting the kids outside. I know they complain about not watching their movies, but my kids were made to be outside. Just like their mama. I love fresh air. It wears everyone out; case in point, everyone slept in until 8:30 this morning! Wow!
* Smelling the beautiful flowers and lilac bushes. That is, when the bunnies decide to leave them alone.

So again, sorry for the lack of posts. We've just been enjoying the fact that spring has finally sprung. Let's just hope it sticks around.