I know this much is true...

I spent some extra time at home this morning. I've been working a little over-time lately, and since my first class was canceled, I opted to spend a few more hours with my boys.

Their morning routine with Papa includes breakfast and a trip to the Y.  We all packed up and rolled out after Emmett's fourth bowl of Cheerios, despite storm clouds gathering over our heads.  As we pulled out of our driveway and the water drops started to fall, Theo called to me from the backseat, "Mama, we have to brave the rain!"  This, of course, opened the door for my husband to begin reciting a myriad of sayings that I can only assume he picked up when he was in the army.  You know, sayings of the "We gotta live hard to be hard!" variety.  

I, on the other hand, took what my oldest son said to heart. I had never heard him use that word before... brave... and it was the one of greatest thing I've ever heard anyone speak. We have to brave the rain.

i'm celebrating...

this morning, i celebrated because i found the very classic memory game at a rummage sale, and i picked it up for 50 cents! theo and i spent the entire afternoon learning and playing and memorizing and giggling... and i snapped some photos of it all. i celebrated, again, after having an "ah-ha!" moment with my nikon!

i went to the grocery store this afternoon and ran into a woman who had FOUR boys with her... she must have seen me counting them, reading the question in my mind, because she said to me, "yes... and i have another one at home." i replied, "five boys?!" and she said, defeatedly, "yes. five. boys. imagine my grocery bill!" today, i am celebrating because i only *have* three. how does she feed all FIVE?!?

i'm also celebrating because, this evening, emmett INSISTED on carrying around our little photo album full of rubin's photos. i was sitting on the living room floor, and he crawled into my lap with it in his hands. he opened it up, pointed at rubin, and said, "brother, mama!!"

that, alone, is reason enough to celebrate.

what are you celebrating? tell krista, and perhaps you'll win something wacky.

I'm thinking Spring. I'm thinking it as hard as I can.

Unfortunately, tomorrow's forecast includes snow. And, quite possibly, a fair bit of it. 

Spring.

The sunflower seeds that Theo sowed with Nanny last weekend are in full sprout. My tulips are a good 4 inches above ground.  My daffodils and crocuses not far behind.

Spring.

Theo had his first swimming lesson of the season on Monday night. We had so much fun splashing around together in the pool. I can't wait to meet the boy that he is going to be this summer at the pool.  He's eager to do it on his own, and I'm not so good at letting go.

Emmett has been glued to the patio door.  There is so much life in our back yard these days. The birds are flocked to the feeders.  (So are the damn squirrels...)  Our neighborhood has been alive with walkers, and they can not pass by our house without being announced by Emmett. He is in love with their doggies.  He wants to run alongside.

  

Spring.

It's the season during which we'll become a family of five. I know that it is. I got a taste of it last week, and I won't let it go.

Spring is here, despite the pending snow.

I fell off.

the blog wagon. but i'm trying to get back on.

i feel like we are, finally, back in the swing of things here.  post mexico, it took a little bit of time for all of us to re-adjust.  just in the past week, theo has decided that it's okay to spend the entire night alone in his bed.  three has been a crowd, even in our california king.

and emmett, too, is slowly finding his way back to normal.  my little redhead has never been an incredible nighttime sleeper... but we are getting back to sleep that we can all live with.  

i have been busy with work... teaching many of my classes twice in one week in order to make up for the time i was away. i'm a little bit anxious about the timing of it all. when will our travel call come? where will i be in my semester? what will i do about what's left to be finished, if i have to leave before the middle of may? while i'm eagerly anticipating that phone call, the not knowing when is freaking me out.

i've also been privileged with an assignment at work that is consuming a ton of my free time.  my official half-marathon training has begun, and so have swimming lessons for the spring. phew. we've got a lot to do.  

Recycle

I had the opportunity to wear what was, quite possibly, the greatest bridesmaids' dress ever once again last night to the annual Copper Ball.

Dave and I had a wonderful time with our co-workers and friends (some of whom happen to be our family members, as well.)

See more photos of us all cleaned up on my flickr.

What we've been doing...

Pitching tents.

Pitching fits.

A few of my favorite things about Mexico, the final part.

Lastly, I have to say that I loved getting to know my new camera while we were away on vacation. With more practice, I'm beginning to understand. I'm enjoying what I've learned, and I'm excited about knowing more.  I had so much fun, shooting and editing and creating.  The possibilities are endless.

I am looking forward to all of the memories that are to come in the months ahead for my family.   I'll do my best to capture every one.