Day 293 - School Daze

May was a bit hectic. There were programs, bouts of stomach flu...twice (lasting a week the second time), Birthdays, mother's day, BBQ's etc. While most of this should have been prime photo taking opportunities, I was mostly exhausted. But here are some that I did get. This was a school program for the little one's preschool. He is the one in mouse ears, plugging his ears.

Day 292 - Happy Birthday...

Can you believe she is 3?! She will always be my baby girl. Sure, she can be a handful, but she is also one of a kind and I can't imagine my life without her. As we have been preparing for a new baby, I have mentioned to people that I am hoping for another boy, partly due to the mischievous nature of my girl, partly to help with the sleeping arrangements, but mostly because I can't imagine any other little girl in my life. I really do adore this one. Happy Birthday Sis!

Day 291 - To dine

Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, an 18th century gastronomist, explained the distinction between animals and man in terms of eating. Animals "feed", while humans, "dine". I am sure occasionally we have all fallen victim to "feeding", gobbling up food unappreciated, in silence, but isn't it nice when you dine. To enjoy others company, to savor your food, to truly appreciate the flavors, textures, and aromas of your meal. While the photo doesn't do this justice, this is a family favorite, carrot-Parmesan risotto. I love that my children are (mostly) not pick eaters because they eat everything from risotto to lobster and love it all...mostly.

Day 290 - May flowers

This year my tulips just exploded, so I brought a few in the house to spread the wealth. If I could, I would have vases of fresh flowers in every room. They really do brighten up a room!

Day 289 - Life's like a box of chocolates

Life's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get... unless you go to the chocolate shop and hand pick your pieces! My mother gave me this certificate to See's Chocolates. Yes, she knows me well! (thanks mom!) I have to say, if you have never done this before, I highly recommend it. Going to the shop and hand picking all the most delectable pieces... toffee, buttercream, caramels, fudges - you get the idea. I picked 4 pieces of toffee just for my sheer love of toffee and because I could! One interesting thing I noticed while I was perusing the pieces was 2 customers came in and ordered a few pieces of chocolate a-la-cart, just for a snack. Oh the new temptations I must face!

Day 288 - On the edge

Each night we find this guy in unusual sleeping positions. Of course, when I grabbed my camera to capture him clinging to the edge, he adjusted himself a bit, but I still thought it was worth a shot. How cute is he!

Day 287 - Stomach of steel

In her short 3 years of existence, she has tossed her cookies less than I can count on one hand. She has a stomach of steel (probably due to the years of putting anything and everything in mouth. She has built up an incredible immunity to all kinds of bugs) Well, it finally caught up to her today. Here she is clutching her puke bowl in her sleep. :( Poor girl.

Day 286 - Makin' Messes

I'll say it again, Whatever you do, do NOT turn your back on the little one. She has a propensity for making messes in 5 minutes or less. What is not pictured is the huge puddles on the chairs and floor. It is a good thing she is so cute.

Day 285 - Walk down memory lane

I was looking through some old school papers and I found these from when I was in Junior high or high school. As far as notes go, they are works of art! Every note passed in class was a detailed story. Just knowing the amount of time I spent on my return notes (I was not this skilled), it makes me wonder what I could have accomplished if I applied myself elsewhere. Maybe I would actually be able to speak Spanish today? However, I wouldn't have these stories to look back on and all the wonderful memories that go with them! And really who needs Spanish anyway?