Popcorn popping

The other day we were driving down the street and Sawyer said "Wow! Look at all the popcorn!...Yum!"

I'm glad the spring flowers are finally here. I keep getting hand-fulls of my grape hyacinths from a certain little 2 year-old which is adorable and frustrating at the same time.

Puppy

She is still so sweet. We've been having a lot of fun with her.

McKinley has finally let other people in the family have time with her.

Sawyer is learning how to be gentle with her and will speak baby talk to her, it's cute.

After a cornered few seconds of puppy nipping, Hayden was scarred for a few days. He still won't go out with her alone, but likes being around her if someone else is there. When she walked by him this morning he went running into Sawyer's very protective arms. It may take a few more days for him to get over it all.
She "cried" only one night so far. Every other night she has gone into her kennel and stayed quietly until morning.

Now we just need to start training, and get her to poop in one part of the yard only. I'm picking up a book a neighbor suggested from the library. Hopefully McKinley's off track time can be productive.

A Conspiracy of Kings

by Megan Whalen Turner

The 4th book in the series: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia.

I finally got back into reading again.

Summary: Follows the story of Sophos (who we meet in The Thief) and his journey to become king of Sounis. With a little romance with the Queen of Eddis :)

My thoughts: I didn't know another book was coming out, so I was happily surprised!

I loved the other books, and this one didn't disappoint either.

There must be more books coming...

The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio

by Terry Ryan



Summary: a retelling of the true, unusual contest-winning life of her mother who was raising 10 kids. When life was hanging by it's last thread, a new contest winning came in the mail to renew their hope.


My thoughts: I thought it was an interesting story about a strong woman. She was married to a drinking, selfish man, but pulled herself and her whole family through it with hope and optimism. I liked the realization of the daughter when she saw her mother as a person who had hopes and dreams and interests, not just a mother.

I got a little tired of reading all the jingles though. I skipped over a lot of those.

I thought the story was a good reminder of the power of mothers.

11 years ago today...

I was doing this...

getting married, not looking out windows.

Dancin' queen

Tonight was McKinley's Spring recital. I love this girl and I love seeing her in her dance recitals. And I love how her spandex shorts are just hanging off her tiny little body.

a rare event

A picture with all of the family in it!

Worthy of hanging on the living room wall, no, but a rare event worthy of documenting.

I am really resisting a self-depricating comment right now....groan!