Spring has Sprung

 It has been a hot minute since I've checked in here. Mostly because there hasn't been anything super interesting going on in our little corner. This is not a complaint at all, because normal everyday life is my favorite. 

Soccer season has begun and I love to watch my girl play soccer. They had a game today and it was so good. They are really starting to play like a team, running down the field and passing to each other. Of course, any single game we win is awesome. (Even though we don't keep score officially.) 

But today, my little M scored the first goal of the season and my heart just beamed. 

This was JUST before. I put my phone down for the actual goal and I am glad I did. Watching in real life is so much better than watching on my little screen. 

It was team picture day today after the game. 

Such a great little Saturday. In other news... there really isn't any. I have another kid who is also doing great. But I don't take very many pictures these days because there isn't much going on and I am trying to live in the moment. 

It was pajama day yesterday to celebrate the end of the 3rd quarter. (And because it snowed on Catholic Schools Week Pajama Day.)

Sorry for not having much to say, life is good. I am happy. And I hope you are well!!

Happy Easter!

 Happy Easter! How lovely this Triduum was. 

Holy Thursday started a little grumpy. The kids weren't super thrilled to go, and I get a little grumpy about one particular person who works at our parish. (I am working on it.) 

But I burst into uncontrollable sobbing tears during the Gloria. Because that is my favorite part of Mass. And Holy Thursday marked the first time since February 23, 2020 that we have sung the Gloria in church. 

And I was woefully unprepared for how much I had missed that. And it was ugly. I am truthfully a little glad I had a mask because it did hide me a little. I am pretty sure our Deacon either thinks I am nuts, or incredibly spiritual. Verdict's still out. Anyway, the Mass was lovely and moving as always. 

The rest of the weekend passed without fanfare. We dyed eggs, decorated cookies from a school fundraiser kit, made our traditional bunny butt cookies, and waited for Easter. 

The bunny found us. We had a glorious Easter Mass. Full of music I loved. I missed singing Mass parts so so so so much. I love Easter the most anyway and it was even better with a triumphant return of MUSIC. 

Here are 2 collages from the rest of the weekend. The deserts make a double appearance as does the pictures of the kids decorating cookies. Ignore that. 

BTW if you need a super simple desert idea, this no-bake orange dreamsicle cheesecake was a big hit. We did bake the crust but otherwise we made it as written. Unsweetened whipped cream kept this not too rich and refreshing end to our Easter meal. 

Happy Easter! 

Holy Week Is Here

 Our Holy Week is off to a great start. Featuring Bagels on the porch. 

Miss M wrote a book for us. 

We did a massive clean out of the toy cupboard and everything is nicely and neatly put away in a labeled bin. And, yep, this makes me SO happy. And for now it's been making the kids happy too because they know where their stuff is! 

The traditional second-grader's Last Supper Mural went up. 

*Not a good picture of my guy, but it's cute of the mural. 

This one is better of my guy, but you can't see the mural as well. They've been getting ready for first communion and are getting excited! 

I am excited that the Daffodils have bloomed, or almost bloomed. Spring really is here!! 

And you know what? Life is good. 

See you on the flip side of Easter my friends! May it be a blessing to you! 

Fun Family Outing

So... some friends of mine have a charity. Like a real one. They help people in the in-between place. Families in our area who don't qualify for any other type of assistance but who find themselves in some need. Maybe there's a medical issue that comes up that stretches them, or a fire. Perhaps it's a divorce or an unexpected expense that causes their life to be caught in a downward spiral. 

Well, their charity steps in to help. Maybe it's a gas gift card to help them get to medical appointments, or they cover a specific bill for a while that helps them get back on their feet. But they are a true blessing to our area and have helped people who otherwise wouldn't get assistance. 

Last night was their annual (well... they skipped last year unfortunately) fundraiser. They had a concert with Christian artist Jason Gray. And we were so blessed to be able to attend as a family. To gather with community and hear live music was... so special and not something I take for granted anymore. 

Totally worth the kids staying up late. (And there haven't been a whole lot of reasons for that to happen so it was a real treat.) Jason had a great message and story between his songs, and sure, for the kids up well past their bedtime, they were a little but dragging by the end and just wanted him to play music, but I loved every second. 

It was a good night, with good community, supporting a good cause. 

And while I sure wish it was already the weekend... I am perfectly okay finishing out today strong and heading into Holy Week on a high from a family outing. 

The Spring Break That Wasn't

 So Husband and I didn't go anywhere for Spring Break. But the kids did! They went to my parent's house for the week! 

This was honest to blog the first time Husband and I had been home alone overnight without our kids since C was born. And not going to lie... it was so nice. The kids had a blast and Husband and I got a week of date nights and going to bed super early and feeling extremely well-rested. (Not worrying about the kid's wellbeing was so freeing!) 

And the kids did so much fun stuff! And they really enjoyed being away for a week. 

They did the one-year anniversary lunch doodle. 

They liked the new pajamas that I sent up there to surprise them with. 

M loved spending time with the cat. 

And the leprechaun played all kinds of tricks on them but left plenty of fun behind too, like this ring pop.

The kids really enjoyed their St. Patrick's Day! 

They also went to the fun car wash, and while that might not sound super exciting... it was. 

Husband and I went out one night and we had dinner and we didn't look at our watches once. We didn't need to get back to a babysitter or have somewhere to be right after. We didn't need to eat quickly before the kids got too restless. It was GLORIOUS. And I took exactly NO pictures because we were in the moment. 

So... nope, we didn't travel for Spring Break. But it was still a break and all was well. 

Hello Tuesday

Well it snowed yesterday. But you know what? It was okay. Because I know it will be gone by the weekend and that makes it so much better.

Luckily I got to work right as it started sleeting and then the snow had finished by the time I was headed home so it didn't impact my drive hardly at all. 

I had a delightful weekend though with nice weather! We had the windows open and everything. The best news is that I was able to go see a show on Saturday night. I am so glad area theatres are safely reopening and that I can still review shows. 

While it's not a huge source of income for me and my family, it's still a nice thing and I was ever so happy to have it return. 

There's something about live theatre that just can't be replicated. And I love writing about it. Total win-win if I do say so myself. 

Anyway, I hope that you are having a good Tuesday however you're spending it. 

FRIDAY!

 We are happy to be observing St. Patrick's Day at school today. 

My little Leprechauns wish you a happy Friday! 

As do I! There have been some reminders lately that life is precious and like the Matt Maher song says, if you're still alive and breathing, Praise the Lord!!

So, I'll be over here in my own little corner of the world, praising the Lord and trying to live to the fullest extent I can. Enjoy your weekend.