Bowled Over

Strike ... Spare ... Way to Go Nathan! We just got back from celebrating Nathan's 13th birthday on a class field trip to the bowling alley. Today is all about my youngest. He's not a cake type of guy ... so cookies were in order. I made him a custom t-shirt with Under Dog on the front. He was grinning from ear to ear. If you are a new reader ... check here for a tribute from my Canadian friend Miss Terry. She put together quite a grand reprise of the path he's traveled.

Where Is Spring?

The calendar says it's nearly spring ... but it eludes our area ... at least my particular street. I have seen the birds of the field, and a few trees just beginning to form leaf buds ... but my beloved snow is holding tight and not wanting to give up the good fight. That 'old man winter' is a pesky fellow to say the least ... rather grumpy, a bad penny ... I'm going to take the welcome mat out from under his feet and sick my dog on him. Yes, the Snow Queen has spoken ... be gone!

The Old Country

Tracing me roots (not those silver ones ;). 'Tis been a long time coming that I find me paternal family in the old country of Ireland. And 'tis not as though I haven't been a trying for years! So just by off chance I googled the 'Cummins family of Ireland', and what do ye think popped up on me screen? I'll be switched ... there was me connection that eluded me for years. Me great grandfather's family of Inch, Ireland. In full view were the names of me long dead/lost relatives. Pictures of the town parish churches and articles about the potato famine that scattered our kin around the globe. Pictures of me kin too. So if ye were thinking I was just a foolin' ye about being a wee bit Irish ... you can lay that fool idea to rest ;).

A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

On The Brighter Side

... Of Life

I know you all thought I was a bit off my rocker when I posted about my 'Happy Juice' a few weeks back. Well, just to prove my point, scientist are studying a happy gene as reported here.
Turns out, being optimistic is a way of preserving one's self from too much stress in life. You got the basic story in layman's terms if you read my post. If you want a scientific approach, go read the article.

My Trophy Wall

... is blank! The Mr. recently hung all of his 'paraphernalia' from his law enforcement career; plaques, awards, official looking certificates, notes of congratulations from the White House and State Capitol. An official portrait in uniform holding 'my' shotgun, a vintage wooden night stick, retirement this and that. Then immediately next to his wall of fame is my blank wall. Not one trophy, award, picture, or congratulatory note. I once was nominated by my daughter for 'mother of the year' ... but didn't receive that award. Hummmm, it's a wonder I don't have an inferiority complex or bad attitude. Naaa, my awards and trophies are carried around in my mother's heart. I remember each scraped knee I've bandaged, every night I sat up with a sick little one, cleaned up bodily fluids up the wazoo, and have been complimented for pulling off some great family get-togethers. My best reward is knowing my kids have been instructed in the Good Book and each have a personal relationship with Christ. I ask you, what more of an award could a mother ask for?

Cloud Nine

I'm walking on the clouds this week. Soldier Boy has been home for a few days now and, boy, it's great to have him home. His manners have improved ten fold since he left home in 2000 for parts unknown with the Army. He's been most helpful and always asking what he can do. There's lots of 'yes ma'am' being said ;) A job landed in his lap this week (Thank you Lord)!

On the home front: Nathan is partaking in swimming@ the Y and a trip to Spralmart to buy the three items on his list. God bless those special ed teachers for having so much patience and all. One of these trips (swimming or shopping) with him would do me in ... but two in one day, I think these gals are all saints!

Spring is calling ... can you hear it?

Just for the record ... Patrick was not sent to Iraq. He volunteered to go three times and just missed going by days numerous times between transfers to various forts and overseas locations. He served proudly as a tank crewman for over eight years.

Soldier Boy Makes Mom's Day

It snowed 4-5 inches yesterday ... Soldier Boy is home for all the holidays now. I'll let the pictures speak.

pictures: snow 'bombs' falling, Home Coming for Patrick, Mrs. Mac & Patrick, sister Ann with Patrick, replica of tank Soldier Boy 'played' with.

Tomorrow ...

Soldier Boy arrives home early tomorrow afternoon (Lord willing). He's stopped for the night along the Columbia River (Oregon) and has about four hours to drive tomorrow. Our flags will be up and flying (stars & stripes and the U.S. Army flag) to welcome him home. I'll take some pictures to post. It has been a long time coming to have him home (other than on leave).

Sprouts

My veggie seeds have sprouted in my mini-four-shelf green house. Now if I could just sprout an idea for a post! I have lots of stuff/ideas floating in my head ... but 'nare the time to sit and ponder. This week I've been teaching myself to knit. It's a nice no brain cells wasted type of activity that is very soothing. A person can actually multi-task (watch a show and knit at the same time). I'm getting pretty good and not having to rip my work apart any more. Today I planted more seeds in my recycled 'trash' containers (empty toilet paper rolls, take home salad boxes, egg cartons, etc.) It's a rewarding feeling knowing that gardening doesn't have to cost a fortune. So far I've planted: Marigolds, beefsteak tomatoes, onions, snap dragons, Roma tomatoes, petunias, herbs and peppers. If the snow melts before summer there's a chance for a decent garden. Here's hoping for more warm days.

Soldier boy is on the road making his way home. He's currently at his grandparent's home for a little visit. He really needs a good home cooked meal and some spoiling from his mom.