Angry Eggs

Egg decorating day is one of my favorite days of the year! It's almost always a day when we slow things down a bit. And think about it - how can you even consider rushing around when you have to tend to boiling eggs, half-dyed eggs, and that kind of thing on your agenda?

I'm glad it's a slow day for us. It is almost always a most needed change of pace. And this year was no exception.

Wonder Boy usually has a pretty firm idea of what he would like to do in terms of an Easter egg theme. We've done sports-inspired eggs, dinosaur eggs, and even our version Faberge eggs. This year, the Boy suggested an Angry Birds theme (who is surprised, really?!).

We spent weeks thinking through our theme and looking for the right decorative extras to make our eggs spectacular. I think we hit the ball outta the park! What do YOU think?



While the 'birds' may be angry ... looking at these eggs really makes me smile! But it makes me wonder how we can possibly match this effort next year?!

A Moral Victory

Another Saturday, another super soccer extravaganza! Game 3 brought Wonder Boy's team against the top ranked team in the division. Last fall when they played, it was a super tough game that ended in a lopsided win for the opposing team. Coming into the game, Wonder Boy couldn't help but remember that disappointing effort.

But we reminded him how much better his team is playing this season, how they are working together as a unit, and simply that this was a fresh game with a chance for a totally different outcome.

I'm not completely sure if he believed it in his heart, but true to form, he went out there on that pitch and gave an all-out effort to do his best.



I wish I could tell you that the outcome was a complete reversal from last fall, but that is not the case. However, it was a totally different game! The final score was 4-3 in favor of the opponents, but Wonder Boy's team had ample opportunity to score and we all held our breath right up until the final whistle. It was a CLOSE ONE. And all players - on both sides of the ball - walked off the pitch with their heads held high.



It may not show as a W in the stats, but it's a win in my book any day!

Fans First

Wonder Boy had his second game of the Spring '12 soccer season and he played GREAT! In fact, his whole team played well and as a result, they logged their FIRST WIN together! Can I get a WHOOP?!

To say we are proud of the way the Boy played is a monumental understatement. To see him charging up and down that field, his confidence at an all time high, and and his teammates working together like a well oiled machine ... well ... it's a rush that is hard to explain.



Hard to explain, but a true joy to experience!

We're kind of "vocal" on the sidelines - the 2 biggest cheer leaders in the league. ;+) But we make sure our words are those of encouragement for ALL of the players since so many are long time friends and just because it's the right thing to do. These kids are all out there trying their best. And soccer is NOT an easy game ... even if these guys have moments where they make it look that way.

We enjoy the game. Plain and simple. We love to play. We love to watch. And we absolutely LOVE TO CHEER for our favorite player and his team!

Here is a look at a few plays from the game:



But be warned ... the best moments of the game will never be featured in photos or video because, we are FANS FIRST. And this means, when the action reaches a peak, you can bet we're watching, cheering, and living the moment to the fullest!

Construction Update

Well ... thanks to a nagging cough that just wouldn't quit, Wonder Boy got an extra day of spring break. The cough is beginning to die down though, so it will be back to school tomorrow for sure. But for today at least, spring break stretches on.

And like he did over much of the break, Wonder Boy spent his free time working on his Lego version of the Harry Potter world. You've already seen Olivander's Wand shop. And to that, he has now added Borgin and Burke's, Gringot's Bank, and a towered bridge found on the grounds of Hogwarts itself!



Next we've discussed bringing out some older sets and completing the grounds of Hogwarts. Those will have to wait until after homework is done or for the weekends though, because this little vacation is quickly coming to an end for us all.

I have to admit ... I have really enjoyed the break. I think Wonder Boy has as well.

building a great spring break

WOO HOO for Wonder Boy! Spring Break has arrived! No school. No homework. Even soccer and judo are taking some time off for the week.

But what to do with all of this extra time?

Unfortunately Wonder Dad and Wonder Mom both have to work commitments this week.

But Wonder Boy is not one to let something like work for mom and dad get in the way of thoroughly enjoying his time off. We went through his closet and found a yet unopened Lego box from Christmas. One with THREE new buildings to construct - one for each day that Mom and Dad know they have to work. Feels like kismet, no?



Here is building one, completed on the afternoon of Spring Break Monday. For those who enjoy the Harry Potter series, you might recognize Olivander's wand shop. Still to come this week are Borgin & Burkes as well as Gringots! I'm really looking forward to my Lego-sized stroll through Diagon Alley when all 3 structures are completed.

it's in the air

While the trees, weeds, and shrubs may have been fooled into thinking Spring is in the air for more than a month now (what's with this absent winter?), I now know for certain that Spring has actually and truly sprung!

And how do I know? Why, because soccer has started, that's why!



Wonder Boy has practice 3 nights a week and games on most Saturdays. Even us old folks have made our way onto a team with weekly games on most Sundays. Life is good. Soccer is back!

Game 1 Highlights

Happy Heart Day

Valentine's Day! Some will argue that it is just another contrived holiday. Others say that this is just the talk of cynics. Who's to say who is right or wrong really?

As for this family, we make an effort to guarantee that each of us understands that they are loved and appreciated on a daily basis. We all agree that our time together is too precious to push that off to major holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.

So in some ways, Valentine's Day is just like any other day in our house ... but with chocolate. ;+)



To be honest, we all enjoy the build up to V-Day. And this year, we took it as a family project to prepare a special mail box for Wonder Boy to take to school; no simple shoe box covered in tissue would do this time. Once a suitable box was found, we masked it off for a faux stone paint job and the end result was really fun!

Wonder Boy folded paper air planes to deliver sweet treats (lollipops taped to the planes) to his classmates and friends as well. What could be more fun than that?!

And when all of the goodies were sorted, we sat back to enjoy the day with one another, thankful that our home is filled with love this Valentine's Day and every other day on the calendar.



We hope YOU had a truly happy Heart Day as well!