March Out

I just feel like I have to squeeze one more post in before March ends.  It's hard to believe that we started this month with snow and we're ending it with temps near the 80s and sunny skies.  This past weekend was absolutely beautiful, and after many hours outside we are all sporting a little glow.  We went to the park, rode bikes (Sara's got the two-wheeler!), planted some summer begonias, drew with chalk, poured out a huge container of bubbles, grilled, and enjoyed evening driveway drinks ... what's not to love? 

At the park on Saturday, Sara hit it off with another girl who was there.  As a result, we were invited to the girl's older sister's birthday party on Sunday (also at the park).  So we went back on Sunday for the party and play.  While there, I met another mom who is from Hampton, IA, and who graduated from Iowa State!  We know some of the same people from Hampton, and had a great time chatting.  Her only flaw is that her husband is a Hawkeye, but I'm willing to forgive that.  It was nice to make some new connections.

Also on Saturday, I noticed my neighbor in her garage refurbishing an old desk she found.  She maintains antique booths as a hobby, and loves to search for good finds.  We were chatting and I mentioned our freebie piano, which shows a lot of wear and tear.  I told her I was thinking a professional might have to come take a look at it.  She said, "no way," and told me to go to the hardware store for Old English scratch remover (they make it for both dark and light woods).  I picked up a bottle that afternoon for about $6, and got to work on the piano, whose dry wood appreciated the lather.  Oh my word, it really worked wonders!  Obviously you can still tell that the piano is old with some bumps and bruises, but it looks a thousand times better than it did.  I sure love a cheap fix and a resourceful neighbor!  Now Steve and I are wondering how many other surfaces in our house could benefit from this magic formula.  (and so the project list grows ...)

For the most part, it's life as normal around here.  Some days we think our girls are 16 and 12, not 6 and 2, based on their attitudes.  Sara desperately wants to earn an allowance but acts put out about actually having to perform any tasks (although she is quick to seek recognition when she does get around to cleaning her room or something like that).  Emma has started crossing her arms, throwing her head back, and marching off when she's mad.  A couple days ago she burst into our room, crossed her arms, stomped her foot, and said, "Daddy is mean.  He said I can't paint with my fingers. Humph." Then she furrowed her brow and stuck out her bottom lip.  She's got the drama down.  I'm beginning to think that, while ages and circumstances change, kids really are just who they are.  They grow and learn and change, but I'm fairly confident that when they're 16 and 12, I'll see glimpses of 6 and 2 in my girls. 

I'm beginning to plan for summer.  Since I live life by the school calendar, I use a July-July planner, and realized today that it's time to buy my new one since my planning is now bleeding into August.  I'll have about 2 1/2 weeks off this summer, so I'm working on the logistics of child care, camps, travel, and of course just some R&R.  I start feeling myself get overwhelmed with everything that will happen between now and the end of the summer, so I have to remember to slow down.  One thing at a time: we have this Friday off of school for a "spring holiday".  I was thinking of taking the girls to the arboretum, but it's looking like the weather may not cooperate.  If that turns out to be the case, I think we'll go to Paint n Party.  Sara received a gift certificate for her birthday and has been begging to go ever since.  If we end up there, I'll be sure to post pictures of the girls' creations.

Welcome, April!