Band camp and more . . .

Last full week of summer vacation has come and gone.

It was hardly "vacation" for Matt, who spent 48 hours at marching band camp.  12 hours a day for 4 days straight.   Sorry, football team . . . you've got nothing on the band.   The parents got a sneak peak and what they've been working on and it looks good.  Marching band is a whole lot harder than when I was in school.  We marched.  Left. Right. Left. Right.   They march front, back and sideways.  Sometimes they run.  Sometimes up on their toes.   Always while playing their instrument.   I'm in awe.

As the teachers reported back to work today, my friend Colleen and I were busy with PTO hospitality.  This morning, we did a breakfast at the middle school and then a lunch at the high school.   Both went well, but it sure was strange doing an event at the high school.  We fed over 100 teachers, and other than the band director and a math teacher who is the ex-wife of a college friend of Bassam's, they were all strangers. 

Incidentally, the math teacher I know will be Matt's teacher for Algebra II Honors this year.  What are the chances?

Since Gracie didn't have band camp, we knocked out some back to school shopping, she picked out a new pair of glasses, new shoes and she spent 5 hours at school with me sorting school supply boxes. Gracie also managed a couple trips to the pool with friends, so it wasn't all work and "boring errands."

As for this mama, I'm desperately trying to get my calendar organized,  paying school fees left and right and gearing up for lunch making, carpools and homework.

It's not even over yet and I already miss summer.

17

My kids go back to school in 17 days.

Homework starts in 17 days. 

Carpool starts in 17 days. 

Making lunches starts in 17 days.  No wait!  Lunches start in 20 days.  First day of school is on a Friday and it's a half day. 

Waste.

For Matt, summer is basically already over.  Marching band has been going for a couple weeks.  Golf team kicks off the week before school.  I still don't know how both of those activities are going to work together. 

In other news, we are woefully behind in our ice cream tour.  Since Matt is in band camp all next week, it means we are going to have to consume an awful lot of ice cream this week.  \

Somehow . . .we'll persevere.

Memorial Weekend madness

Sometimes you're just glad when a weekend is over, you know?

On Friday night, Gracie and I headed to Florence, AL for a baton competition. It was only 2 hours away, but it's always nice to not have to get up early and drive in, especially since this one started at 8 am.

Needless to say for Gracie, and her friend Emily who we traveled with, it was an OUTSTANDING day of twirling. Must be the fact that we stayed in a Holiday Inn Express!  Gracie's first event was her show twirl and she had one drop.  It was the best I've seen her do it all season.   It was also the first time Gracie competed at the intermediate level for her solo.   She was very nervous about that, because the expectations were higher.  But it was a good time to get her feet wet because at her age/level she didn't have a lot of competition.  But I can unequivocally say, that even for the events that she didn't have competition for, she would have won them.   She just had "it" on Saturday. 

And we left with an awful lot of hardware.   Don't ask where we put it all.   It is stashed in every corner and flat surface of her room.

We were home by 6 pm, but the day was not over for me.  Bassam and I were off to see U2 at Bridgestone Arena.  It was a great show, but I was really tired.  Really, really tired.  Sitting on bleachers followed by a long car ride wipes you out, you know?

While Gracie and I were in Alabama, Bassam and Matt stayed back in Nashville.  Bassam was on call, and his day (not to mention Sunday and Monday) wound up being a disaster.   Matt spent a large portion of his day on his own.   Of course, when I told him how sorry I was about that he told me, he told me, "It's okay.  I played FortNite."  

Lots and lots of Fortnite. 

Sunday was equally busy, although at least we were all in the state of Tennessee.   I drove the kids here and there, did laundry and tried to get the house cleaned up.  We had dinner with the Hales, except for Bassam, who had to make his 3rd trip in to work.  The kids had fun swimming in their beautiful pool and I got to catch up with Heather and Michael.  

Today Bassam, Matt and I got up early to start installing flags for Memorial Day in people's front yards as part of the marching band flag fundraiser.  We had 48 flags to install and it took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes.  I'm hoping it will be faster next time when we know what we're doing,  but truth is, part of the slow down was we didn't know the neighborhood we were in.   After doing flags, Bassam went to work and the kids and I went to downtown Franklin, where my community band was performing as part of the Memorial Day Ceremony.   I was supposed to work after that, but things were quiet, so my boss told me to go home.  I appreciated it, since I had a bad headache all day.  The afternoon was spent doing odds and ends at the house and then going back out at 6 pm to take down the flags and returning them to the high school.   Bassam didn't get home until 5:45, so his plan to grill out was thwarted and we went out to have Asian food instead.  

While I always love the weekend, I'm glad this one is over.  

Music, math and formal wear!

12 snowflakes fell from the sky last night and we STILL had school today.

Can you believe it?

It's been a busy week or so since I last posted.   On Thursday and Friday, Matt participated in the Williamson County Honor Band.  He sat first trumpet and we were so proud.  They gave an amazing performance on Friday night.   

On Saturday, both kids were off to a Math competition a local high school.   Spending your Saturday doing math . . . .yeah, I'm not sure they are my kids sometime.  Except for the fact that they completely look like me.  Anyway, Gracie placed in one test, earning a 12th place medal.  Matthew placed in both Geometry tests scoring 7th and 3rd.   

Luckily, their dad is a super smarty.  I can give them all the band nerdiness, but math . . . I'm out.  

In the meantime, I have now purchased 6 different dresses for Gracie's cotillion.   It's over a month away, but I don't want to be shopping at the last minute.   It's hard to find something that is age appropriate and in her size.   We've now returned 3 of the 6 and the last one, which I bought today, just might be the winner.   Although I did notice Gracie has a few more opened on the laptop. When will it end?   In related news, she has also decided that when the time comes, she would like to buy her wedding dress at Kleinfeld's and be on "Say Yes to the Dress." 

Oh boy. 

School is continuing to keep us busy.  Matt missed Friday to participate in Honor Band rehearsals and literally spent the rest of the weekend (after the math competition, of course) doing homework. I hope his social studies teacher liked the project he turned in on Monday because trust me when I tell you IT WAS A FAMILY EFFORT!

Unless he gets a bad grade, and then it's all Matt.  Ha ha! 

Brace yourself for re-entry

The kids were off for 10 days and now have been in for two.  Let me tell you, re-entry has been tough, y'all. 

We warned our kids the next couple weeks would probably be very homework-heavy as their teachers tried to make up the unexpected winter break we had last week.   Nobody believed us.   But we were right. 

Naturally. 

The last two days have included a whole lot of whining, "I forgot," eye-rolling and deep sighing.   

Child, please. 

On a lighter note, we really enjoyed Matt's Mid-State band concert on Saturday.  They ended up not starting rehearsals until Friday at noon, which means they lost almost half of their practice time. But the performance was still amazing.  And my kid looks pretty sharp in a tux, too. 

Back at the homestead, I'm trying to catch up on house cleaning. paperwork and of course, laundry.    Reality sets in hard for everyone.   But you won't catch me rolling my eyes about it. 

Symphonic Matt

We are officially back in the swing of things.   School, baton, clubs, music and gymnastics are all back on the calendar.  Tonight we added another activity to the schedule, when Matt tried out for (and made) the Tennessee Youth Symphony.    We had been contacted by the director back in December after Matt's mid-state audition.  Matt thought about it for a while and decided to give it a go.

Tonight was his audition, and as it happens, his first rehearsal.  As he got in the car afterward he said  said, "Wow! I might not be very good!"   Although he was initially overwhelmed by the difficulty of the music, I couldn't help but he excited for him.   He hasn't really been challenged in school band and the chance to play with talented young musicians (it's a grade 7-12 orchestra) is an awesome opportunity.

Admittedly, adding an activity on Monday nights is a stretch.  He rehearses in north Brentwood from 6:30-8:30 and Gracie has gymnastics in Nolensville from 6:30-8.   Hopefully, we'll figure it out.  And of course, he doesn't have to make a decision about doing it next year until late Spring.

In the meantime, we look forward to hearing more good music around the house and at his concerts!

We're breaking well

I think we've had a pretty nice start to Thanksgiving break.

On Saturday, Matt was off to his mid-state band audition.  We were there for HOURS and it was 10:30 pm before the results were posted, but Matt made it! Not only did he make the "gold" band (there is gold and silver), but he is sitting 2nd chair.  Over 150 trumpet players auditioned on Saturday, so needless to say, we are SUPER proud of him!

On Sunday, Gracie was invited to see Les Miserables with her friend Kiera.  She really enjoyed it even though it was "super sad."  Meanwhile, Bassam and Matt went to the Vandy/USC game. We lost in overtime, but apparently, our new seats (we got new ones, although they are in the same section as last year) get a lot of TV time. I wasn't watching the game, but got texts from a couple friends saying they kept seeing Matt and Bassam on TV.

While all that was happening Tammy and I were down at the Schemerhorn Symphony Center hearing Joe Biden speak.  He has a new book out, which we all got a copy of, but he talked about a little of everything. It was completely fascinating.   He reminds me of my dad they way he tells story . . . laughing and getting a little off track while he talks.  We were sitting orchestra level, but close to the back.  Even at that distance, you could see his smile.   Joe has a great set of teeth!

And now that is Monday, Bassam is back to work.  The kids and I made a trip to Sam's Club, Target, Publix, plus got haircuts and flu shots.  Nobody likes too many errands, so we sprinkled in a trip to Learning Express and a stop at the gas station for the sole purpose of getting Icees.

It's the little things, you know.

Hoping the rest of the break is as happy!

MIA

I think this is officially the longest I have gone without posting.  I have thought about doing it multiple times, but laundry, sleeping, picking up kids or otherwise working always seems to take priority.

It's not just the blog that has been ignored.  The DVR is overflowing with shows I want to watch.  There are house projects that have been been on what seems like a permanent "to do list." The dog needs more walks.  The pantry needs to be cleaned.   The shelf on my coffee table has two half read books and a stack of unread magazines.

Despite that, there has been plenty of good.  Matt's golf season wrapped up, including a fantastic end of year party at Top Golf.  Gracie competed at Twirltacular in Birmingham this past weekend and left with two titles (Hall of Fame Grand Champion and Strut Queen Grand Champion), plus a handful of 1st and 2nd place finishes in her other events.  

My dad and I saw Kenny Roger's Farewell concert last week.   It was amazing!  Over 20 artists took the stage to honor Kenny, including Kris Kristofferson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Little Big Town, Lionel Richie, The Flaming Lips, Elle King, Crystal Gayle, the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, the Judds and of course, Dolly Parton. So much talent in one room!

Matt and Gracie had their first band concert of the year last Thursday.   I helped with the chili dinner beforehand and then sat back to enjoy the Halloween-themed selections.  

And of course tomorrow is HALLOWEEN!  Costumes have been purchased and altered (thank you, Mom), trick-or-treat plans made, and candy bought and hidden away.   Unfortunately, we haven't carved our pumpkins, but I have high(-ish) hopes for tonight.

So that's a quick update.  I'll try to stay more on top of things here at "And Charlie Makes 5."  

Which reminds me, Charlie is fine, too.  Sleeping through the night once again!

Wednesday wish

It's only Wednesday, but I kind of need this week to be over.   It's not bad stuff--just too much stuff.  

It's book fair at the middle school, so lots of hours over there.  Unfortunately, I also double booked myself on a 2 day field trip to JA BizTown with Gracie tomorrow and Friday.  Add to that a band concert last night (Matt rocked it!!), band chili dinner, a Girl Scout meeting and talent show on Thursday, my last band practice of the season on Thursday night, extra choir practices for Gracie in preparation for her concert next week, music lessons and a math competition for Matt, there just aren't quite enough hours in the day.  

Listen, that list sounds stupid, I know.   It felt stupid typing it.   And it's felt stupid every time I've had to call my parents or friends to help get my kids to things because I can't be in two places at once.  

Some of the stupid is my own fault.  Some of it is just the time of year.

If we aren't FB friends, check out Matt's awesome solo at his concert!  This was the afternoon performance they did for visiting 5th graders.  He did just as well in the evening, but was dressed a little snappier.

Big, busy days . . .

So iit's been a big couple of days in these parts.  

This past fall, both of my kids served as leaders at their school with the "Treats for Troops" program.  Kids can donate Halloween candy, which is then taken to Ft. Campbell and shipped to our troops overseas.  The Nashville Predators help sponor the program (the Preds Head Equipment Manager is a neighbor and married to a KES teacher and he makes it happen!) and help transport the candy to Ft. Campbell.   During hockey season, both kids got to a game where they honored Treats for Troops and  the student leaders (appearing on the scoreboard, of course!). 

Well, yesterday the representatives from the Predators also stopped by assemblies at both schools to say THANK YOU.  Matt and Gracie got recognized for their efforts and got a picture taken with one of the players who came along.     

This is the Preds center, Craig Smith. We bonded over our midwestern roots (he is a Wisconsinite) and as nice as can be (and let's be honest, not bad on the eyes!).  

Tuesday night was equally fun.  Matt had his end of the year band banquet.  In addition to receiving his first place medal from the solo contest, he was among 5 6th graders to receive the "Outstanding Musician" award!  So proud of this kid! 

But of course, we topped all that today when we celebrated THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!   I'm offiically on sabbatical from making lunches and checking homework and I couldn't be happier. The kids had a great last day with class picnics, signing yearbooks and enjoying time with friends.  Despite being finished with school, the next week will be extraordinarily busy.  Hopefully, we'll find time to kick off the 5th annual Nashville Summer Ice Cream Tour!

Keep it positive!

Lately my blog has been full of posts about car accidents, things that didn't go right, and my inability to get things done. 

What a downer.

So here are some much needed positive things. . . .

1.  I got my Christmas decorations up.  Finally.   Okay, I didn't get them ALL out, but enough out that it looks decidedly festive.  Hooray!

2.   My dad made me the most awesome outside Christmas decorations.    They are wooden "trees," wrapped in lights with ornaments hanging on them.  What I love about them most is that they look good during the day and at night.  And of course that my dad made them! :)

3.  Matt had his first middle school band concert last night.  He rocked it --and looked good while doing it! 

 

4.   I bought some Christmas presents today.  Yay me!   I still have a long ways to go and have done a terrible job keeping track of what I've purchased for who, but I have big plans to get organized this weekend.    

Like the positivity there?   

5.  Charlie got a much needed haircut today.  And with that came an even more needed bath!  

Charlie might not describe his day at the groomer as a "positive thing," but I assure you, the rest of us do!

Here's to more positive and productive days ahead!

On with the show . . . .

In the last two days, Matthew and I have been backstage, on stage and watching the stage!

Yesterday was the long-awaited concert for the Williamson County Community Band at the Franklin Theater.   Matt was super excited to have Dad, Gracie and all 4 grandparents in the audience, plus his friend Jackson and his family.  An extra bonus was spotting  Dr. Webb (the Kenrose principal) there, too!  Her husband plays trombone in the swing band that followed us on stage.   

Following a long standing tradition from my family back when I started in band some 33 years ago, we took him out for ice cream after the concert!

Tonight, however, Matt and I sat in the audience . . . but this time at Bridgestone Arena.   For his 12th birthday (a few weeks early!) I took him to see Imagine Dragons in concert.   The seats were great and the performance was AMAZING!    As always, I could have done without the opening acts...yes, I said, "acts."  There were two!  The Imagine Dragons were worth the wait, but this was mama was TIRED....although I'm now home and blogging because I'm not relaxed enough to actually go to sleep.  

 Before the concert, Matt and I got to spend some time downtown, grabbing dinner at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville on Lower Broadway, plus a fun fruity frozen drink (non alcoholic, of course!!).  A perfect night with my no-longer-little guy!

Memorial Day

I love a long weekend, especially one where my husband isn't on call.

Despite an amazing Saturday and Sunday, today was cloudy and rainy.  Boo.  Due to the weather, the Memorial Day ceremony in Franklin was moved inside.  It was crowded and in a space not well-suited to host that type of event, but so glad it was to go on as planned (more or less!).   It was extra special for me, because today marked Matt's first performance with the Williamson County Community Band, which he joined for the summer.  I will say he is probably in over his head,but it's good for him to get practice playing in an ensemble.  Plus, my friend Sam (a trumpet player who sits next to me) has the heart of a teacher and has very kindly taken Matthew under his wing.

So after a leisurely afternoon that included laundry and a nap, we enjoyed a cookout with B's parents (my parents and Tammy both called in sick) and are now all sitting around in our jammies soaking up the last of the holiday weekend.

Happy Birthday, Beth!

Practically Perfect Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! 

Today, we enjoyed a Memorial Day just like the Mary Poppins .  .  . "practically perfect in every way."    We kicked off the day at the Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Franklin.  Once again, I got to be part of the event as the Williamson County Community Band performed.   Rain clouds loomed for the first half of the ceremony, but finally made way for the sun by 10:30 or so.  Since it is usually 90 degrees and crazy humid, the clouds were actually a welcome change.   Bassam and the kids came and Matthew was especially excited to see that my friend Colleen and her family (especially pal, Gavin) were there, too.  

After the ceremony, we threw caution to the wind and had dessert before lunch by making our first stop on the 3rd annual NASHVILLE SUMMER ICE CREAM TOUR at Honey's Vintage Sweets in Franklin!  It's an adorable ice cream and sweet shop and I might have even picked up a little something for my dad for Father's Day . . . and that's almost three weeks early for those of you keeping score at home!  Whoo hoo!!

This afternoon we headed to the neighborhood pool for some fun in the sun and then my awesome husband cheffed up some ribs on the grill.  

Other than the unexpected load of laundry I had to do this evening (as a result of those delicious ribs mentioned above), it really was a perfect day.  Hope yours was just as good!

The weekend is over, but not really.

The weekend may be over, but we're still home on fall break.   Hooray for sunshine, 80 degree weather and being able to play outside!

Despite by attempts by the kids to get them to stay longer, my parents headed back to Illinois this morning.  We had such a fun visit with them.    On Sunday, we went to church and then spent much of the afternoon outside.   That evening, my band was performing at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center as part of Nashville's Free Day of Music.  It is such an amazing venue to play at and we were given a prime performance time, right before the Nashville Symphony took the stage.   They had a kids zone as part of the event and the kids got to try their hands (and mouths!) at all kinds of instruments which they thought was a ball.

As for today, after my parents hit the road today, we spent the day running a few errands, eating lunch at the hospital with Bassam and then having Matthew's pal, Jackson, over to play.

All in all, a good weekend--and not a bad Monday either!



Sunday slow down

Sunday morning is one of my favorite times --- at least after the rush of getting everyone ready for church is over.    And despite some of my struggles with our church  and our future there, Sunday worship is one of those wonderfully rare occasions that I really take to reflect.  Admittedly, some weeks are easier than others, usually related to the behavior of my kids during the service.

Yesterday was a crazy day.   We started out the day at "the draft" for Matthew's flag football league.   The kids did all kinds of games to show their running, catching and throwing skills then the coaches huddled and divvied up the boys.     Matthew will be on the Patriots this year.  He doesn't know any of his teammates, but is super excited about the upcoming season!   Flag football is played at the indoor soccer arena at Crockett Park, so we are looking forward to Saturdays in the fall spent watching games inside --rain or shine!  Hooray!

After the draft, it was time to go over to get Gracie registered for dance.   This was a surprisingly time-consuming process, made a bit slower by the fact that we were also taking care of BFF Alex's registration since they are on vacation.  Gracie chose a ballet, tap, jazz combo class for next year.  It meets in the evening, which will be a real bummer since that place is a madhouse at night.  But she loves it --and it's a great way for her to make sure she gets to spend time with Alex since they will be at different schools.

Matthew's pal, Scott, came over in the afternoon. While they played Wii and later baseball in his room (Baseball?!?  I'm as confused as you are.  All I heard was a lot of yelling, laughing and thumping and was told that's what they were doing.), Gracie decided it was the perfect time to whine and complain about how she had nothing to do and why wouldn't Matthew let her play with him?   Life of the little sister strikes again.

At 4, we were over at the Hale's celebrating sweet Claire's 2nd birthday!  Not sure where the time has gone .   Wasn't she just an infant a couple months ago?   The party was all things Elmo and the kids came home with a huge stash of candy from the pinata! 

Unfortunately, I had to check out of the party right after to dinner for my band concert at Aspen Grove Park.  All reports of evening storms were wrong and we played a great show, although I was a sweaty mess afterwards.  Bassam and the kids came about halfway through after leaving Claire's birthday. 

Safe to say, I'm ready for a much less hectic Sunday . . . .

Fore!

 It's Sunday night . . . and for once, I am really glad to see this weekend come to a close.  My kids have spent an unusual amount of time bickering and I'm quite tired of hearing it.   Looking forward to Monday morning when they both go to school.

I can't believe I just said I was looking forward to Monday morning. 

In other news . . . . Matthew played his first round of golf yesterday with Bassam.  They played 9 holes.  According to Bassam, Matthew does pretty well off the tee, but his putting needs a lot of work.  Matthew had a ball and is ready to hit the links again soon!

Tonight was the final show of the season for the Williamson County Community Band.  I played my feature piece for the last time.  Had fun doing it, but will happy to see it retired to the music library for a while. 

Bassam has been on call this weekend and several times during the concert, he got paged and stepped outside to make a phone call.   As I mentioned, my kids were already not on their best behavior this weekend.  The cherry on top was me looking up at them during the concert while Bassam was gone and seeing Gracie lying on her stomach across her chair and Bassam's.  Matthew appeared to be telling her to sit up and when she didn't comply, he yanked her skirt exposing her bright blue unders for all around to see. 

Proud moment.  Really.  

Musings from the weekend . . . .

Can it really only be Saturday night and I am THIS tired? Certainly it was no 10 mile run that gave me this feeling, just what seems like 36 hours of non-stop activity.

Family Fun Night was a big success. I spent much of Friday volunteering at the school getting things ready. It was fun to get a sneak preview of all the auction items. Unfortunately, the event was moved indoors due to weather which made for very crowded and warm quarters. Gracie, who tends to dislike crowds, was ready to leave early on, but stuck it out for Matthew, who was having a much better time. The kids enjoyed the inflatables and other games. No surprise, Matthew was especially fond of the basketball shoot out!

Despite the fact that Bassam referred to evening as "another shakedown for money," other than dinner, we were able to get out there only buying cotton candy, which incidentally was as big as Matthew's head! We put a couple bids on some silent auction items, but since we left before the event was over, I don't know if we won them.

This morning came and the weather was gray and wet. Again. Still. Thankfully soccer went on as scheduled. Yay! Gracie played at 9 and I was excited to get to coach her field. She did awesome--scoring at least 6 goals. We also got 4 of the other girls on our field to score, too! Our socks and shoes were soaked when the game was done, but we all had smiles on our face. From there we headed over to Matthew's game at 10:15, which meant we had to sit around with wet feet a bit longer (or in Matthew's case, he had to play in them). He really worked hard -- I was proud. He even scored his first goal of the season -- and the the coolest part was it wasn't super star soccer skills (which admittedly are pretty limited in Matthew's case!) that allowed him to get it. In a mass of feet near the goal, he noticed the goalie of the other team had his legs open and he shot the ball between them. GOAL!! As Matthew told me later, "I just used my brain!"

The highlight of this afternoon was my band concert. Yeah, I really said that. The Williamson County Band participated in Nashville's Free Day of Music. At 5:00 we took the stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and played a 45 minute set. Beautiful hall, amazing acoustics and an appreciative crowd. Community band should always be that good. To our credit, we played pretty well, too.

While it's a been a fun weekend so far, I look around at my untidy house and piles of laundry and wish that I had been able to accomplish something on that front.

Well, there's always Sunday . . . . .

What?

The Williamson County Band will be participating in the Free Day of Music at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center later this month. As we will be sharing the stage with the likes of Nashville Symphony, the Nashville Philharmonic and the Nashville Chamber Society (in addition to a number of non-professional group like ours), our director has been on a tear to get our group sounding our best. The acoustics of a symphony hall are much different than our typical venues, so balance is extremely important.

Tonight, our director did some shifting within the group to accomplish just that. There's just one bassoon, so I'm used to being shuffled about as space allows. But my new location? Awful. I've been relocated to between the baritones and trombones. Fine. The problem is I am also in front of the 1st trumpets and drums. Awful. Deafening. I. Am. Now. Hearing. Impaired.

Baseball, band, birdhouses and Jesus

I love the weekend more than anybody . . . . but even I am glad this one is over. I'm sure it's a combination of still being under the weather and the kids displaying some less than attractive behavior (capped off by Gracie's lack of a nap Saturday AND Sunday--and waking up at 5:30 am today). Still, I'd be just as happy to get into our normal weekly routine.

Except this week is Spring Break and THERE IS NO NORMAL ROUTINE!

And did I mention there is a chance of snow tomorrow? Nice.

But back to the weekend. We wrapped up yesterday with a visit to the Home Depot where the kids participated in the monthly kids' workshop. They made these nifty birdhouses. Fun! We also had our neighbors, the Clarks, over for dinner. Bassam smoked some pork. It was mmm mmm good. Still, the night got off to a rough start as the kids collectively just couldn't get along. This led to much parental mediation instead of getting to just enjoy each other's company. Bill and Beth were convinced their son was the culprit, but it sort of ends up like a mob mentality. Everyone joins in. . . . and everyone is to blame. Thankfully, they all pulled it together after dinner and played around wonderfully.

This morning we headed to church. They had the "Walk through Holy Week" that the kids really seemed to enjoy. Unfortunately, the 30 minutes after the walk was finished, but before worship started, was another story. And the actual church service was worse. Gracie actually attempted one of those jump-up-and-down kind of tantrums. Not sure who she thinks she is, but that is NOT flying with us--especially at church.

Matthew had baseball practice at 1:30. It was good to be back after the flood of rain outs (pun intended!), although it was a small group, due to spring break. Matthew's fielding was decent, although the boys tend to tackle to try to be the one to get the ball. Having said that, when Matthew was the one who caught it, he'd hold it up and yell, "Ta da!!" and fail to throw it to 1st. Clearly we have some things to work on. He was also WAY TOO talkative in practice. This wouldn't be so bad if he was also being a good listener. Alas, he was not.

The afternoon wrapped up with a band concert for me. A small show at the Rec Center. Not my favorite venue nor our best show. 'Nuff said.

It's nearly 7--the kids are watching Clifford. Gracie will be going to bed early--basically as soon as it's over. I don't suppose I'll be too far behind.