Annual Trek

Earlier this month, we made our annual trek to Washington, DC to view the Cherry Blossoms. Since 2006, we have treked to see Cherry Blossoms blooming whether it be the vibrant pinks in Okinawa, or the snow white ones in DC. I must say the trees never disappoint and provide a great backdrop for some family photos.

Bead-dazzled

Over the past year, I have come to find myself spending enless hours in Michaels in the bead aisle. I love to spend time running my fingers over the different shapes, textures, sizes and colors. Every once in a while, I get the urge to create with the collection of beads I have on hand.

With teacher birthdays falling during these past few weeks, I decided to let the creative juices flow and make them jewelry to mark the day. Fortunately, I spend lots of time at the school and have a good idea of what they will wear and what they like. I have been pleased with my finished products, so much so, that I have had difficulty in parting with my handiwork.

Love the color combo, especially the Lapis!

Easter Shades

My ultimate favorite necklace EVER! This was hard to part with! Big Sister tells me I should make a look-alike, but, I am thinking "one of a kind" is more fitting! Love the purples and greens.

I definitely hope to spend some time this summer engrossed with my beads boxes! I find this outlet very relaxing. I believe this is due in part to being able to take things apart, rework, and recreate if the colors and shapes are not flowing!

Lenten Photo

This is why I LOVE legos...

Little Dude B's "Stations of the Cross"

Gotta Love Sunday Afternoons

With a bit of mumbling under their breath, we loaded up the munchkins into the van for an afternoon of exploring the Fredericksburg Battlefield. There was a lot of moaning and groaning as an afternoon watching a movie on Netflix was what they were seeking. It was an unseasonably bearable Sunday afternoon, and therefore being inside was not an option.

After a brief movie at the Visitor's Center, we headed along the trail to see where so many men perished during this battle of the Civil War. The dudes enjoyed seeing the cannons, partial wall that was to hold the Union soldiers back from the Confederate Army, and the Cemetery. It proved to be an fun adventure for all.

Three Smiles=Success

Just a week later, we whisked the kids up to Washington, DC to the National Building Museum. As lwe loaded them in the car, and again there was lots of rumbling, especially since we did not tell them where we were headed.

Little Dude B - intently spying exhibit flag

Smiles Again!

The architecture of this building was phenomenal. LOVED IT...learned that Inaugural Balls are held here.

Architectural Lego Sets - Life Size

Lego Factoid

Lego Building - just beyond exhibit

Moloko Family Creations

Kids Post

Big Sister has the habit of writing notes and letters, sealing them in envelopes and mailing them off to family members and friends. I am usually not aware of her efforts until I receive an email or phone call telling me about her "sweet" note or how "creative & clever" her letter was to the recipient.

About a month ago, she was reading the "Kids Post" section of the Sunday Washington Post newspaper. This is where the "Kids Mini-Page" can be found and definitely a BIG deal amongst the three Moloko munchkins. In this particular circular, it was asking kids to submit drawings of a lion family. Before I knew it, there was an stamped envelope addressed to the Washington Post to be mailed. When I inquired, she said "Oh, it is just some contest and I drew a few photos."

Fast forward to two weeks ago, a message from the Washington Post Offices was left on the answering machine. Evidently, Big Sister's art would be included in the upcoming "Kids Post" magazine. Sadly, all of her artwork was not featured, but, they cut out a few of her drawings to be featured.

Cute female lion on cover

Another Lion included in the insert

Official letter from The Washington Post A t-shirt for her efforts!

Shining Stars

Big Sister is most proud of her latest achievement...she made the Principal's Honor Role for the 2nd quarter! Yep, ALL A's. That was a goal she had hoped for first quarter, but, did not quite make it with one B in her least favorite subject, Science. Well, she told me the other day that the pressure is on! I asked her what she meant. "Mom, I no longer have any wiggle room...I have to work as hard the next two quarters to get "Principal's Honor Roll" again. Not sure if I was much help...I told her to AIM HIGH!

Little Dude B was also recognized during the 1st Quarter for his "Shining Star" efforts in reading. What a smile!

Not to be outdone by his younger brother, Little Dude M was the recipient of the "Shining Star" in reading for the 2nd Quarter!

If I was a peacock, my plumage would be in full fan display.

Crazy Hat

It was Catholic School Week last week for the Moloko Munchkins. They were given the opportunity to celebrate in some unique ways and participate in some fun activities. I must say, the day in which they were permitted to wear a crazy hat, tie, and socks was a favorite!

The day prior, the all three munchkins came to me with the desire to have the "craziest" hat of all. I found three straw safari hats leftover from a previous birthday party and sent them on a mission to scrounge through their bedrooms and "special/junk" drawers. Little Dude B had a bit of a head start as he stayed home from school due to a slight fever. He quickly found some foam, shoe strings, straws and Nerf Darts. I helped him assemble his creation and I was impressed! Pretty wacky!

Big Sister came home from school, saw Little Dude B's and before I knew it, my kitchen table was covered with her stuffed Muppet collection. At the age of three, she went through a stage where she was crazy about "The Muppet Show." One afternoon, she and Hubby went on an errand and came home with a bunch o' Muppet's. Well, she decided to string several characters on her hat and the end result was fantastic! Love the tie too!


Poor Little Dude M! He was bummed and felt he had "lost his imagination." He was not sure how to top his siblings creations. So, I ventured upstairs and helped his sift through his treasures. I did not take long for us to come up with the simple design. With a little help of Hubby's engineering, I have to say his hat was definitely the most unique (and favored)!

Here is a photo of the Little Dudes proudly wearing their designs at school.

I am going to be shameless and brag. I was approached by many teachers, students, and parents saying the Moloko's knocked the "CRAZY HATS" requirement out of the ballpark. I must agree! Although, there were some other noteworthy hats, I am most certain these were by far the coolest!