Mommathon

Ever since my friend Kim told us there are salamanders and frogs that you can catch at our local pond, I knew we had to go. I knew the boys would love it and I am always up for anything that will get them out in nature a bit more. Today was the day. Kim and her girls and some neighbor girls met us at the pond with their three nets and the kids had a blast. They didn’t catch any frogs, but they did catch two salamanders. I don’t think I have ever seen a salamander up close before…they’re kind of slimy and alien-like. Oh well, the kids had fun.

The salamanders even made it into the group shot! 🙂

First of all, let me just say that I am eternally grateful that the boys are on the same baseball team this season. It means SO much to me. It makes my life so much easier and I hope they make a lot of fun memories together as well.

Their first practice last week was very chilly. They were dressed in lots of layers though and they did great. Their second practice was in the snow. Luckily, that also happened to be our wedding anniversary so the boys got to skip that practice since we all went out to dinner.

Last night’s practice was perfect until the sun began to set and then it got chilly. Today’s practice was PERFECT! (Yes, they have a lot of practices…four this week which is why I am so grateful they are on the same team. Otherwise, we would be going to eight different practices a week.) Blue skies and 63 degrees…it was so great, in fact, that practice ran an extra 30 minutes long which was totally fine. The boys were having a great time and no one had anywhere else they needed to be.

It snowed enough on Wednesday night that Thursday morning the boys had a late start for school which means they didn’t have to be there until 10:30 which was awesome because it gave them plenty of time to play in the snow before it melted.

Colm using my Martha Stewart lemon juicer to make snowballs.

I randomly chose this book of the library shelf, but when I went to go check it out, the librarian gave it rave reviews. I will say, it was a very good book. It was also a quick read. This isn’t the happiest of books and is actually quite depressing, but still, very good.

It follows the life of Charley, age 15, whose mom has abandoned him and whose dad gets killed shortly after the story begins. He is left in a new town with no parents, no friends and no way to make any money. He ends up taking a job with a man near the horse track that is near his house and that’s where the adventure begins. This poor kids sees and hears things that no one should ever have to, but his resiliency is amazing. With a little help from Pete, his beloved horse at the race track, he might just make it.

We had a busy night tonight. Colm had TKD belt testing and Liam had a music program at school. They both did a great job and we even managed to eat dinner before 8:00. 🙂

Forms

Admiring the medal he earned

The little girl to the left of Colm is the cutest little girl EVER.

Liam and his friends ready to sing and dance their way along the Oregon Trail

This is not a book I would have normally picked to read myself, which is one of the great things about belonging to a book club. It makes you stretch yourself a little as a reader.

This historical fiction piece takes place in England in the 1700’s. It’s a story of betrayal, spies, greed and murder.

Our school had its annual arts celebration tonight. The school is turned into an art gallery with every child having a piece of artwork displayed. The library turns into a stage where children, teachers and parents perform on their violins, trumpets, saxophones, guitars and the list goes on. There are also local artists sharing their work with students in the gym doing hands-on projects. It is a great night and such a wonderful way to bring our school community together.

Colm’s Joan Miro

Liam’s pencil drawing

Colm playing “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” with his classmate.

Colm was SO proud of the ribbon he received for playing his violin that he asked me to put it in the safe. 🙂

Liam playing “Gavotte” by Lully

We woke up to some snow this morning. I love the views from our kitchen.