Here's a pic of the beautiful roses Eddie gave to me for Mother's Day last week. What a sweet guy. I couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my children. period. The girls are playing a ferocious game of "hot hands" right now. I want to tell them to stop, but I know this childhood rite of passage has never caused permanent damage (I think). A few minutes ago, I had to say to Regan "why are you writing on the watermelon?" Life just wouldn't be complete without the kids bringing these bizarre details into our daily lives. Stress? Yep. Joy, fulfillment, entertainment? Absolutely. May all Mother's Days be filled with treasures lovingly made by the tiniest hands. I love every trinket, every card hand-made from construction paper, every sweet gift they give, every kiss, every hug, even the tantrums. Thank you GOD. I am truly blessed.

Mother Teresa's "Anyway" Poem

Sometimes a few simple words or a meaningful poem can help put things into focus. This poem helped me focus a bit on turning the other cheek and continuing to be kind, even when someone I've been kind to was unkind in return. "Move on," I had to tell myself and continue to trust, continue to be kind and continue to be happy. I'm not going to relinquish control of my happiness and my behavior to another human - I'll try harder to relinquish control to GOD.

Enjoying Spring

Spring always makes me feel so good. I love the fresh air, the blooms on trees...okay, especially the fresh air. Last weekend Julie had a track meet in Glenville, so we all went to the farm to spend the weekend. It's crazy how much sadness being at my Dad's farm brings me. Regrettable, because everyone else really enjoys it. We rode the 4-wheeler, had some target practice and just relaxed and ate. It was a good weekend, and very restful. I think we'll have to make some more time to spend down there....it would be good for everyone (even me).

Claire is so funny....

We were in the car on the way to Kroger and beside the road is a guy with his shirt off. He's older, overweight and VERY hairy. About the time I said "eewwwww" Claire said "Some viewers may find this image disturbing". Then she added "well, most viewers" - I laughed all the way to the grocery store!!!

Having fun getting ready for the game! Here's the flying WV cake - certainly not perfect, but you get the idea.

Waiting for the game

Our blog is a diary of our journey - so here goes - we're waiting for the game tonight. Exciting, right? Yesterday was spent enjoying the warm weather, playing outside, a movie (Clash of the Titans), and grilling out some burgers and dogs. It seemed like yesterday was just for relaxing and breathing in the fresh air. I tried my hand at grooming the dogs. Friday I shaved Beau because his coat was so matted - not attractive. He is pretty much naked, so I finally put a sweater on him to keep him warm. He was so sad, shivering and running around in circles. He's much better now, curled up with a blanket next to me. Charlie's hair cut went much better. I just went over him with a #3 and gave him a trim around his face with scissors. He looks good! So, that brings us to today - waiting for the game. The kids are excited and so am I. We've followed this team through an incredible season, and aside from a few poor games, they've been incredible. Just to be in the final four is great, but with the momentum the team has right now, I think we just might win. Mazulla is on top of his game now, and is looking more polished than he ever has, and what can I say about Da'Sean? He's the scrappiest player out there. If they leave it ALL on the court, I think they'll win. I still can't believe the schoolin' they gave UK. Incredible. So today will be spent waiting - and baking my 1st "flying WV" cake with the kids, and relaxing.

I was walkin' in Memphis.....

This week was spent in Memphis, learning, learning, learning.....and also networking with some very interesting people who I'm sure I'll cross paths with in the future. It was great to have dinner in Memphis, eating barbeque and listening to the blues where ever we were. BB Kings place - great music - mediocre food & lousy service. The coolest place we went for dinner was called the Blues City Cafe. It was a lived-in looking diner with a small stage area...the food was so incredible - best catfish I've ever had, and great company with Natalia, Megan and Hanne. It was funny too, I left the restaurant with Hanne and a guy working the door wanted to know where we were from. I got to circle Morgantown, WV on his atlas, and he wrote down Copenhagen, Denmark for Hanne. We chatted for a few minutes then as we left he said he "just might own the place". Cool that the owner loves his place enough to work the door and get to know his customers. I got to know a really interesting gal - Fran from Boston - made me remember what 20-something is like. Introspectively it all made me so happy to live in such an interesting world with such incredibly interesting people and so many amazing things to learn - oh, and I'm so blessed to have the greatest husband I could ever dream of - and the most wonderful kids on the planet. It was so great to get home last night after travelling all day and be smothered with kisses and hugs and watch their sweet little faces smile when I offered a few Elvis t-shirts as a treat. All - in - all it was a great week, but there's no place like home!!