Pumpkin's Last Middle School Concert

Last Tuesday, we went to Pumpkin's spring chorale concert. It was the end of choir for his middle school years. He got to sing a solo!! They did a great job.


I have a few more pictures to post from the end of the year. I hope to get to them later today.

This morning is very peaceful! Summer starts today!!!

Pumpkin Receives the Gift of the Holy Spirit

The event was wonderful held down at the Cathedral. Bishop Steib performed the honors. He did an amazing job.

We are grateful for Pumpkin's swim coach. He was his sponsor. We were proud of Pumpkin for asking someone he admires and respects. Here they are with the Bishop.

When we thanked Bishop Steib, we got to snap a quick family photo. I hate to admit that I have heels on in the photo!

Boys' Bike Ride

On Sunday, the Big Guy mentioned that he was going for a bike ride. The other two chimed in that they wanted to go with him. He didn't know what would be in store. They doned their gear and were off!

They rode over 16 miles at a pretty good clip! You can bet your bottom dollar that Peanut beat Pumpkin home! The Big Guy was impressed. I think he had an Ah-Ha moment enjoying the bike riding, real riding, with his sons.

On Saturday, Peanut went to a birthday party at an indoor soccer place. I did not have any wrapping paper. So, I used fabric! What have I turned into? The mom of the birthday boy sews. I hope she gets to re-use the fabric.

Incarnation Memories and CSA #4

I picked up another sack of goodies from the farmer. The berries are about gone. We are having sweet potatoes tonight. I washed the greens and need to find a recipe for them. I need to find something for the bok choy too. I am excited to try something new.

Pumpkin attended the local Catholic school for elementary school. The school started in the year 2000. It has k-8 grades. The first set of kids that started in kindergarten are graduating from 8th grade today. The principal, Mrs. S., that started the school retired a few years ago. She came back into town for the graduation. Another teacher, now friend, hosted a little lunch and I got to see Mrs. S.

I sewed a few little gifts. The host has a beautiful garden where we dined in leisure. I picked up some basil from the farmer when I got my veggies. I whipped this little holder together to present the basil. I like how it turned out. If you look closely, you'll see that I sewed green ribbon in the center to tie the sides together. To be even more functional, I should have stuck cardboard in the bottom of the holder. Next time...time was of the essence!

As a side, the farmer said that the purple basil is slightly bitter. It makes a great partner with normal basil which yielded my pairing.

Mrs. S is a knitter. I whipped up another bag and got some sock yarn for her. It turns out she is not the biggest fan of socks. Maybe all this won her over! I think socks are great for car rides. They do take lots of time, but the pattern is not hard to master. I made another bag for a friend of mine that I have not seen in quite some time. Her bag was filled with lots of prayers. She has more going on in her life. I added some chocolates too - just for smiles.

I had a wonderful day! It was a lovely time. Mrs. S is a phenom person. It was great to see her. In addition, another teacher, Miss. Mary, surprised us. Miss. Mary was Pumpkin's kindergarten teacher. She was amazing but retired due to her husband's terminal cancer diagnosis. She moved to Cleveland. Seeing her added to the treat. It dawned on me that I should go get Pumpkin. Right before school ended, I checked him out and brought him back to the party.

Here he is with his old principal, his kindergarten teacher and his third grade teacher.

I am so thankful that I was included in this little get together. Those Incarnation days will always have a very special place in my heart. I had some wonderful friendships. I need to make sure I am better at staying in touch. Pumpkin was glad to see his teachers. Mrs. S made it clear that she was still taller than him! Too funny! I don't think it will be that way for long!!

Mother's Day Recap

Look at the lovely flowers I got from my mother in law. Most of the roses came straight from her amazing rose garden. The aroma was incredible. Pumpkin added a rose he got for me from PRE class. The carnation came from after mass. I have enjoyed the flowers all week as they grace me on the table.

I knitted this dishcloth for my mother in law. It is from the first Mason Dixon knitting book. It reminds me of a basket hydrangeas. My mother in law has quite a few hydrangeas plants too. They aren't in bloom yet. We are the lucky recipients of some of the dried blooms from previous years. She is a fanatical cleaner. This dishcloth will get put to use. She told me it already has!

I am making one for my mom too. I've got a few more stitches. Fortunately, mom is very understanding as I did not get it to her on time!

The boys got me an ihome for my iphone. I love it! I am turning into a NPR junkie. In our area classical music runs during the day. I love hearing that in the back round as I putz around the house. I need to add more music/podcasts to the iphone so I can listen to lots more. As an added feature, the ihome charges the phone. I just pop it in and don't have to pull the cords out.

When I planned the menu for the week, I forgot Sunday was Mother's Day. My boys did not break stride. They jumped at the chance to make me dinner. This was such a gift to me. The Big Guy doesn't like to cook at all! We tried a new recipe using some veggies from the farmer. It wasn't the best but I enjoyed being served a meal.

This mom job certainly has its days. Most of the time, it is the best job in the world!

Rainy Day Fun

We've had quite a bit of rain these last few weeks. It seems like most of it came on the weekends. This past Saturday, the boys gave in to it. They could not stay inside any longer. They set up the soccer goals playing their version of soccer/handball. Peanut came in for dinner saying that he was going back out there. I love when kids make the most of everything. If you look closely, the four legged dude was right in there with them.



We made them head straight to the showers before dinner. We got to sweep up all the grass that migrated into the house!

My Bike Ride Today

Got three miles in and realized I forgot my water bottle in the garage.
Turned around to pick it up and shed my long sleeve jacket.
Refrained from looking at my legs. I did not shave yesterday.
Enjoyed the cooler weather. Stay, please!!
Accepted the wind in my face going down hill.
Chatted with a motorcycle rider at a red light. I wonder if I rode farther.
Savored all the green that the recent buckets of rain produced.
Saw two armadillos on the side of the road. Road kill!!
Wondered whether the squirrels I saw had been in my attic (we think it is true. we'll find out more later today.)
Confronted a woman not scooping after her dog. Why don't people pick it up? It gives all dog owners a bad name.
Compiled a list in my head of the things I need to do today.
Smelled lots of honeysuckle which was much better than riding down wind of the garbage truck!

My legs are tired, my lungs are refreshed and my heart says thanks!