Play Ball!

Finally ... Owen's first t-ball game!

We got up early (some of us more enthusiastically than others) to be in time for his 9:00am game against the Phillies at Westminster's City Park.

Decked out in his Rockies purple jersey and hat, Owen had a good game. Hit the ball well in all three at-bats, ran to the right bases in the correct order, and somewhat paid attention in the field. Most importantly, he had fun ... and got cookies, apple slices and a juice box as an after-game snack (ask Cearra: the snack is really what determines the winner).


In the "dugout" with his team.


Next up to bat.


Slugger!


Coming home to a high-five from Coach Scott.


Looking somewhat ready in right field.


So cute!

WILW

First, I am loving all your comments on WILW! I love that my little weekly post has inspired you to, as Pam so beautifully wrote, "view life with all it's blessings with a sharper sense".

One of the character traits I most admire and strive for is gratitude. We all sometimes find ourselves in a glum mood, or feeling a bit down. Some days it seems that things just aren't going our way. I am trying to be positive in the face of anything that comes my way, and I've found that taking a few moments daily to recognize the places, people and things (be they big or little) that I'm loving helps me do so.

So thanks for playing along ... let's get started!


I'm loving all the flowers I've planted in our four flower beds over the past few days! To be honest I haven't liked gardening in the past, but this year it feels like creating something beautiful more than drudgery. Oh, and I'm loving that gorgeous Bradford pear tree in the pic, especially since I grew it myself from a little twig!


I'm loving that my wonderful cousin Kim is playing along! And p.s., those clean dogs of hers are adorable - Pam, she's another Westie parent! Now, Kim once commented they she preferred to be behind a camera (although I don't know why because she is beautiful!), so for her shout-out here I'm posting a picture of one of my favorite pieces of her jewelry. You can visit her online shop at The Beaded Dragonfly to see more of her gorgeous work.


I'm loving that one of my favorite charities, Two Hearts for Hope, is now going to be helping orphans in Russia as well as Kazakhstan! They offer an opportunity to impact a child's life in a very real and immediate way. A link to their site is always on the side bar over there, and right now for a mere $10 you can bring a little joy to an orphans life!


I'm loving that Cearra is in Auckland, New Zealand! I'm so happy that she has this opportunity to travel and experience new things. Looking forward to hearing all her stories and seeing her pictures when she gets home.


I'm loving how sweet our Owen (err, Sean) is ... yesterday I told him I wasn't feeling good, and he said I could have one of his "feel betters" because he has 12 of them. How cute is that?!

Looking forward to reading what you are loving this Wednesday! Have a positive one!

Sean?

Some of you may know that I can be a bit (ahem) particular about what Owen wears. I figure as long as I have control, well, I'm going to exercise it.

But today I wanted to finish getting myself ready and get out the door, so I told Owen to pick out what he wanted to wear.

This is what he picked ...


Not bad at all, huh?? I think perhaps I've taught him well! And you have to love the sassy pose; he was "working it"!

On another note, he told me this morning he thinks we should have named him Sean (sigh).

Hoppy Easter!

Serious egg hunting at school party.


Buggy creations from a fun day with friends Mackenzie, Reganne and Kerri.


The hamsters checking out the Easter basket Nanny sent.


Our Easter cantaloupe.


Hmmmm, now where is that egg?


Wishing you all an Easter filled with faith and family!

WILW

I'm loving all these April showers (cause we all know what that means for May flowers), and all this water is making the grass so nice and green. And the puddles are great fun for Owen to jump in. Oh, and all this rain helps wash away the pollen, and ...

well ...

(sigh)

Nope, not working.

Truth is, I'm not loving this wet Spring at all. So let's just proceed to what I am loving this week, shall we?


I'm loving that my sister is recovering from successful surgery to get rid of that nasty gallbladder that was causing her trouble!


I'm loving (l to r) Rivet, Azer, Thorn, Sarge, Drayko and Yama. We only have to feed them a couple AAA batteries once in a while and they never make messes on the carpet. Such great pets! (line-up and photo credit: Owen Mechem)


I'm loving this cutie as he's loving his ice cream cone!


I've only been using this for two nights, but I am loving the possibilities, because it may be wishful thinking, but I swear my skin already feels smoother!


I'm loving that this beautiful, talented, big-hearted woman celebrated another birthday this past Sunday! We love you Mom and are so blessed to have you in our lives! Her sister, the equally beautiful, talented and kind-hearted Aunt Pam celebrated her birthday the day before - we love you Pam!


Mmmm ... perhaps it would have been better to wish my MIL and Pam a happy birthday last week in WILW (you know, before their birthdays), so ... I'm loving that Aunt Maria will be blowing out candles this Saturday! Maria is truly beautiful inside and out, and one of the most joyful people I know. We love you!

Grab your umbrella and share what you're loving!

Should Have Made More Hardboiled Eggs

It's become a tradition for us to dye Easter eggs with Aunt Cathy and Uncle Rich; it was especially nice that this year they come down to stay with my parents, and we (including Cearra home for a short break before finals week and her trip to New Zealand!) ventured to Gettysburg for the day.



The torrential rains prevented Owen's Opening Day T-Ball festivities, but inside Nana and Pop-pop's it was warm and cozy, and ready for egg decorating:

Open Wide

We've read Sponge Bob Square Pants' "Look, No Cavities; a Visit to the Dentist", and he accompanied me to my cleaning appointment on Monday, so Owen was prepared for his first dental visit today. He did great and as he'll tell you, he was very brave!


His hygienist, Traci, was wonderful. She explained each instrument she'd be using and let Owen see how the brush felt on his fingernail ("a little ticklish"). He picked strawberry flavored toothpaste and thought the suction tube was cool.


Game face - and blacked out sunglasses to ward off the bright overhead light - on.


Traci thought it was so cute that he held onto her arm while she was doing the cleaning. He didn't even squirm while she flossed his teeth.


Dr. Davies said everything looked great - no cavities!


They all adored him - I think he was the rock star of the dental office today!

P.S. I didn't have any cavities either and only squirmed a little during the flossing.

WILW

Happy Wednesday! Today I'm really loving that after more than two weeks, Bob is home again (for a few days anyway until he heads back out on the road for another week long job)!


I'm also loving my new mirror! No idea where I'll hang it yet, but I think it's gorgeous and it's in great condition. And it only cost me $5 at a garage sale that was raising money for Relay for Life! Win-win-win!


I'm loving Spring Cleaning! Errr ... no, that's not right. I can't say I ever love cleaning, but I do love these wipes. My Uncle Rich discovered them at a car wash in Hilton Head, and they are super for windows, mirrors, chrome, windshields, etc.

P.S. Uncle Rich, I found an online store where we can buy them in lesser quantities than a case!



I'm loving the Lego versions of Beamer and Remy that Owen and I made! Remy looks a little disapproving though doesn't she?


Yes, I'm trying to eat healthier but I'm loving indulging in one of these every now and then. After all, they are only available at Easter!


I'm loving this cute pic of my Mom and Dad enjoying a recent trip to Charleston, SC with some folks from their college days! Don't they look fantastic?

I'd love to hear what you're loving this week!

We Peeped!

New York, you can have your Broadway shows; Paris, keep your Louvre to yourself. 'Cause here in Westminster, we have the Carroll Arts Center and ... PEEPSHOW!


The sweetest peep!


This one was truly impressive (a minion from "Despicable Me" if you are wondering what the heck it is!).


The minions were popular - and adorable.



Todd Heap Peep!




This pirate ship was Owen's favorite and I love the detail - check out the peep's earring!


Yep, I was partial to this one.


"They're creepy and they're kooky". Love this one too - I didn't make the photo black & white, the artist made the peeps black & white!


All you need is peep?


I snapped this picture for my nieces Samantha and Kenzie, "Tangled", the peep version.



And of course, we liked SpongeBob and Patrick!


Owen didn't think too much of this one, but I appreciated the word play.



GTL! Can't stand the show, but have to admit the artist got the hair right!