Celebrating the Irish

In trying to get the munchkins in touch with their "Irish" ancestry, I thought it would be fun to attend the annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner at our Church. The kids were really excited and went to great extremes rummaging through drawers in search of GREEN articles of clothing to cwear. The advertised menu of corn beef, cabbage and soda bread did not even dampen their spirits. Big Sister had the inside gossip (pizza was to be the alternative entree).

Although, Little Dude M had the tummy bug the evening prior, he perked up enough to join us in the festivities. The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves, especially since a few classmates were hanging around. I was enjoying the music and songs of my young adulthood when I would frequent those Irish Pubs/Piano bars. One can never get to much of "Those Silly Unicorns." If anything, the munchkins were intrigued that I knew several of the Irish ditties.

Enjoying the celebration

Waiting for the dancers

Little Dude M - feeling a *bit* under the weather

Little Dude M & Mom's Artwork

Little Dude B - Dancing a Jig

Posing w/the Leprechaun

One Bunny Ear+One Bunny Ear=SUCCESS

Perhaps this posting is a bit premature, but, I am so thrilled for Little Dude M. He has almost mastered "tying" his shoes all by his lonesome. This is a HUGE relief! Most mornings I am in a flurry of activity getting the munchkins fed, groomed, and out the door on time for school. Without fail, one of the Little Dudes will be tripping along his laces as we head out to the car impeding upon my expeditious process. Little Dude M has promised that he will practice on the weekends and that both he and his brother will be "tying" dudes by their 6th Birthday. Let the countdown begin...they have 60 Days!

Little Dude M's progress

Holy Cannoli!

Not only were these absolutely delectable, but, they make for a great photo! Brought these home for the munchkins from an evening out with Hubby. I was hoping that one of the three was not going to like these mini-cannoli's. Much to my amazement, they each devoured their cannoli and claimed it the "best desert ever!"

mmm, mmm good!

Just Add Popcorn

Well, I have to admit I was hesitant of Big Sister's latest suggestion. While buried under a pile of "American Girl" magazines, she came up for air with this added tidbit. "Add a bit of popcorn to any soup rather than crackers." It just so happened that before departing on a 2-week adventure to Okinawa for work, Hubby had whipped up some of his yummy Potato, Zucchini and Leek soup. So, I popped up a bag of popcorn to "humor" Big Sister and the Little Dudes.

As for presentation...looks inviting!

It was quite tasty...definitely more flavorful than saltines.

Dynamic Duo

Dynamic Duo? If anything, these Little Dudes continue to fine ways to keep me chuckling. This particular snowed in afternoon, they were "Secret Agents."

Just like on TV

With the recent pounding of snow, we left our cooler on the deck as a "backup" refrigerator. We were never certain whether we would be subject to a power loss or not, so, figured we would be prepared. One evening during a break in the descending flurries, I retrieved a beverage. Upon bringing it into the house, Little Dude M made the comment "It looks just like a Commercial!"

It was definitely refreshing!

Saintly Project

Research, oral presentation, and a book report. All the requirements for the latest third grade project. Big Sister had to pick her "favorite" saint, read a chapter book, and research enough information that she could share her knowledge to all the students in her school during a recent "Wax Museum" event.

St. Mary Madgalen, "the penitent", was her choice. For years, I have told her that Madeline was a derivative of "Magdala, the town in which Mary Magdalen resided as a young girl. Finding an accurate book vs. speculative book on Mary Magdalen was difficult. We managed to locate one, but, it was written definitely for an adult. Many nights Hubby and I sat alongside Big Sister as we deciphered the text. Words such as "stinketh" and "ass" (as opposed to donkey) were used repeatedly and caused lots of laughter. I think our favorite tidbit about Mary Magdalen, was that she the only individual to witness the Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection. Pretty significant!

Big Sister was most excited to deliver the "oral" presentation. This just baffled me...this would have had my stomach in knots at the age of 8. However, my favorite chatty gal managed to keep her composure and the knowledge flowing for close to 2 hours. The "Wax Museum" theme was that the students were to dress as their Saint, have a button for others to press, and remain motionless until the button was pressed. Once the button was pressed, they would share their knowledge.

My favorite quote of the day was when Big Sister said "This is the longest I have EVER stood still in my life! For those that know her...that is no easy fete.

Her Props

Modern Day Saint