One more thing...

..here was my Facebook post yesterday...

"I just spent the last 10 minutes trying to decipher my eight year old's INSISTANCE that his music teacher was in an accident and her hand is 'constipated.' We finally realized he was searching for the word 'paralyzed.' Now, although her accident is nothing funny and we wish her the best, I do find humor in the fact that both words mean 'no movement.' LOL"

Why this Lutheran Chick does Lent

For the third year in a row, I have given up bread for the duration of Lent. I started giving up something six years ago, when I challenged myself to give up caffeine altogether, and I am proud to say I have stuck to that life-enhancing choice, aside from the occasional sweet tea at a restaurant...we all have our weaknesses, and that is the southern drink of choice, right?

Everyone on my team at work knows, close friends and neighbors, etc. I was discussing it with my friend Mandy on the pool deck, and our conversation was overheard by another swim mom, who said, "I didn't know you were Catholic." I have been asked that before.

I do not do this because I have a deep-seated desire to become a Catholic, though I do have quite an infactuation with all things 'high church', ceremony, organ music, etc. And I am pretty pumped to celebrate Easter service in New Orleans at St. Louis Cathedral this year. But...I do it because every year at this time, the season of Lent seems to sneak up on me out of nowhere. I do it because sometimes our crazy busy schedules to not give much time for an across-town trek to Wednesday night service. I do it because it is something I can do DAILY to remind me of Jesus' sacrifice, right up until Easter morning. I do it because I want to, not because my religion expects me to.

Here's to bunless hamburgers and no pizza! D

Volleyball and Cat in the Hat

This week at WCE is Read Across America week, with a focus on Dr. Seuss and his birthday. Today was dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss character!

Meet the 13 Snap Dragons! Our own little number 3 is setting for this season - a new challenge, but she is stepping up. They played their first tournament this past weekend and won 2 out of 5 matches. We have some work to do, but it was fun to watch them!

spring-like day today...D

Valentine Morning...

A suitcase for a girl...

A suitcase for a boy...

What is this?

Mardi Gras beads...mask...and...A TICKET TO THE LION KING! New Orleans, Easter Weekend.

The boy just realized!

The girl does not want her picture taken with bedhead.

One Razorback pillow pet for the husband, as requested. Good for the hunting camp.

And one 6 pack of chocolate covered strawberries delivered to the wife's desk at work! This time, I am NOT sharing.

Love to all...D

Looks like we have another breast-stroker in the family!

Jackson had a great meet yesterday in Little Rock. He dropped time in all 3 of his events, won his heat for 25 breast stroke, and finished it with a top 8 time (7th), giving 2 points to the AquaKids team score. Gray? - she has some work to do. Last chance meet before championships is March 3.

And here is the 2012 Valentine Box for second grade. It is very 'Jack'...LOL

Love to all, maybe we will get some snow tonight?!?!...D

Quick Updates

Check out Jackson's valentines we made. I stole the idea from Pinterest.com.

Someone from church found this picture on her phone! Looks at those chubby arms!

1. Trip to PA last week was great, but tiring. A grueling 3 days in front of the client, hammering out requirements for our new contract. Glad to be home!

2. Current house project - painting our closet the same color as our bathroom. Go Pete!

3. Swim meet this Saturday at UALR...Jack in morning, Gray in the afternoon. Last chance for Gray to get a couple of state times that she is close to.

4. Working down our Goal List for 2012 - purchase a car. That was accomplished 3 weeks ago. It is a joint 20 year anniversay gift for Pete and me. I am now the proud owner of a white 2004 BMW 530i. With less than 47,000 miles on it. WAY better gas mileage than the Yukon, which, by the way, I cannot part with ....just yet.

5. Gray has a boyfriend. We got the entire report from Friday's Wampus cat basketball game. Evidently there was hand holding, and sweaty palms. She cracks me up.

6. Bo is digging holes all over the backyard.

7. I finally finished reading "The Poisonwood Bible." I almost quit several times, but glad I made a pact with myself to finish it. Mom - it did get better!

8. Pete actually thanked me for forcing him to buy new jeans.

9. Will post a picture soon of Jackson's valentine box. It rivals the Shrek creation from Kindergarten.

10. Not a spec of snow in Conway yet this year.

Love to all..D