Bread & Dermo

My first attempt at Artisan Bread in Five Minutes. I made the whole wheat version. I don't have a peel and ended up not having any corn meal. I think the bread should rise a bit more. I don't think the large mixing bowl I used is big enough. Next time, I'm flipping over my tupperware cake container to mix the dough in. Aside from its uniqueness, the bread tasted yummy!

On a different note, Pumpkin went to the dermotologist for a check up this week. He got to have a fancy exfoliation done to his face with liquid nitrogen. It is painless - just feels really cold. As soon as your brain realizes your face is cold, the sensation goes away.

It made him giggle!

What is up with that hair? He was on his way to swim practice. What mom would let her son out the door with an untamed mop? He tells me he is shaving it off on the first day of summer. I don't know about that either!!

Cha$-Ching$

Eight games last weekend...

Two scheduled for Saturday, first time as center ref for U8's, we'll be there to watch

Although, the weather forecast is not good. The severe storms are approaching - they say.

Did I mention that I don't like tornadoes??

Sunday Biking

Trying it again this weekend. This time we are headed for "real" mountain bike trails. We love our Volvo and all the bikes it can handle!

We weren't 50 yards into the mb rut and Pumpkin ran over Peanut. Neither one was hurt, but it was a rocky start. The trail was much steeper and ruttier than we imagined. I did not get too far before opting out. I only have a cyclocross bike and my clipless pedals are a hazard. I did my own thing on some easier trails and met up with the boys near the end of their loop. We looped part together and then I waited for them to finish on the easier part of the trail. I pulled out me phone and snapped a shot. I look so funny! I got some layers cut in my hair and it sticks out all over the place!!!

Here comes Pumpkin down the trail...

Peanut and the Big Guy were right behind...

On an easier part of the trial, I tried to take pictures while riding. I would not recommend it.

At the end, we had to stop to check a text message. I tried to get him in action, but he was too fast for me.

The Big Guy was the only one who fell. He blames in on the toe cages. Those came off right away when we got home. Two boys are ready to go again! They had a blast.

April 13th!

Our first morning swim practice. We were in the car at 4:35am! Pumpkin is supposed to go twice a week to the morning swim. He just moved up to the senior group and we are getting used to the additional practices. It is wicked early because he starts school so blooming early. He took a shower at the pool as we did not have a functioning water heater at home. He said that he felt invigorated when I dropped him off at school. I wonder what he'll feel like this evening!?!

The Big Guy went out on his bike this morning. It was his first morning ride of the season. Guess what? He got a flat and I went to pick him up. Bummer for him.

I hopped on my bike and took Peanut to school. I kept on riding after I dropped him off. It was gorgeous. The temp is right. The wind is barely there and lots is green! We only get a week or two of weather like this. Wow! Wee!

I was riding while I took this photo with my iphone. I have visions of different pictures in my head, but can't be too picky. I was just trying to capture that feeling.

Before I turned home, I headed off the road onto a trail. It was wonderful. This place has turned green and bloomed in the blink of an eye.


I am glad to report that the water heater was just replaced. I guess it was time. I am waiting for the water to warm up and then I am going to take a nice long shower!

Lastly, I, by no means, forgot what today is. It seems like yesterday...

Nineteen years ago my sweetie and I said, "I do." It's been a wonderful ride. This year we exchanged really romantic gifts. He got the mountain bike and I got the water heater. Sounds about right after 19 big ones. I am so Blessed to have the BIg Guy at my side and to have toe rubs on demand. Happy Anniversary!

Soccer and Biking

Our Weekend...

Peanut went to the school play.

Pumpkin played soccer and got to ref a game. Cha-ching!$$

Friends took great action shots of Pumpkin. He's pretty good at hopping over the foot that is in the way.

Penalty kick. Cleared the wall, but didn't make it in the net.

Early Anniversary gift for the Big Guy. Have I mentioned that I like Craigslist? This bike was only ridden one time. The chainring was still spotless.

After soccer, we headed out on the trails on Sunday. We explored a relatively new trail near our house. It was wonderful and fun was had by all. Peanut was dragging by the early evening. And, the Big Guy was fast asleep before 9pm!

If you are so inclined you can play the game, Picture Puzzle Can You Spot the Differences? Let me know how many differences you find. We had the camera on the step ladder. I'd set the timer and try to get back in place.



Out on the trail, there was one rather large drop and climb. I only had my iphone with me. I downloaded a video camera app and recorded the boys riding - all out in the middle of nowhere! This is the unedited version. My angle doesn't give the descent and ascent justice. It was quite steep and bumpy!!

Blossom Bookmark

I have a page-a-day calendar for knitting that my sister gave me. A few weeks ago, this bookmark pattern highlighted the day. I decided to give it a go. The yarn is just miscellaneous yarn from Hobby Lobby. I like the way the blossom turned out. I am thinking these bookmarks might make good teachers' gifts. They are made using fingerling weight yarn and may require too much time. I was surprised how long the icord took for me to do. I know the lighting is not the best, but you get the idea.

Now off to the land of ravelry to find a quick pattern for Pumpkin's swim team mate. She is signing to swim with Vanderbilt next week. How cool is that? Too bad they only have a girls' team:(

Easter Weekend 2010

The boys had Friday off of school. The three of us headed to a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised. They both tried some different stuff. It was a great option for our last Friday in Lent. Peanut ordered a spicy dish. He ate it even though it made his nose run! I can tell they are growing boys. All of the dishes were licked clean - just about.

On Saturday, the Volvo would not start. Peanut and I stopped at The Fresh Market to pick up a few things. When we came back out the car would not go. I called AAA and they towed the wagon home. We were very sad. We thought this was the end of the Volvo legacy. AAA came back out on Monday and towed it to the shop. The repair was less than $300! We are good to go. I will pick it up later today. There is still hope that Pumpkin will get to drive the Volvo - much to his chagrin.

Easter morning we went to Sunrise Mass and headed back home to find the baskets. Pumpkin had to assist Peanut in the discovery.

There was even a doggie egg for Buddy!

The day was absolutely beautiful. We alll went outside and did lots of yard work. The plants and trees are really coming alive.

Pumpkin got a season of 24 in his basket. After showers, we headed upstairs to watch it. There is lots of action, but we all enjoy the show. I am sorry to hear this is its last season. We just started watching last year and now it will be over. Bummer!

I cooked an Easter dinner. It was part lunch too and we never had lunch. Pumpkin loved the corn pudding, I loved the homemade New York style cheesecake (no pictures,) Peanut loved the yeast rolls, and the Big Guy loved the wine. He was so cute drinking up the wine. He ended the meal singing childhood songs he wrote. He does NOT sing and to think he wrote these corny songs. It was a priceless way to end Easter!

D*A*T*E

First one
Bourne Identity
Pumpkin, girl, girl's sister and her beau
The beau drove.

I can't believe it!

I am happy for him
Would love to be a fly on the wall
They might come back here to dye eggs - of all things!

Marveling at where the time has gone
Kind of liking the idea of a more female influence here
Praying for no heartbreak.

Last week I had the high school swim team booster board over for a simple lunch. It was our first get together. I made these Lemon Meltaways. It's been a long time since I iced cookies. They were refreshing. It's inspired me to make some more lemon things. I was pulling a weed near our front door before my guests arrived. Count them! I found FOUR four leaf clovers. How many luck credits do I get for that???

Last night we saw some teenager attitude. Imagine that! When it was time for bed, humor won out. The Big Guy coerced Buddy on to Pumpkin's bed. Buddy took full advantage of it. Pumpkin is under there somewhere!




Today was Hippie Day for the 5th grader. This is the best we could do. He looks thrilled. Doesn't he? At the last minute, I made a peace necklace and a headband. He wore his tie dye shirt from last year. Perfect!!

Look closely at the adorable hair sticking up the back of his head!