Hoops

He loves playing basketball.

Number 2, small but mighty. Got better each game, wants to practice everyday.

I swear a bit of my beloved Pop-Pop's soul came to earth again in Owen, and I love it.

Weekend Retreat

These women: strong, loyal, intelligent, loving.

This place: serene, beautiful, relaxing, attentive.

This weekend: an annual (when we are lucky) trip to celebrate our friendship, made possible by supportive husbands and my ever generous parents.

More than manicures, complimentary champagne and shopping - though we love all that too - this weekend with these women renews me, comforts me, cheers me.

We talk late into the night about our children (as all mothers do), about the unbreakable bond we share forever, and, in this safe environment we create for each other, about our hopes, fears, desires. Sometimes we cry, but more often we laugh; blessed by a friendship that makes each of us better.

Le Anne and Susan, I am forever grateful for the gift of your friendship!

Snow Day 8

But hey, who's counting (as every mother in Carroll County raises her hand).

This storm was the big one. We had about 14 inches when we ventured out to plow, shovel and play; and as I type the flakes are falling again with another 4-6 inches expected, and snow day 9 already called for tomorrow.

Beamer, being thankful she's not an outside cat*

That little lump is our snowdog's head

Snow ball fight at close range

Love having neighbors and friends come over to play

Good night snow. See you again (sigh) tomorrow

*A few weeks back I trapped the stray mama cat and the kitten that stayed close; long story but they are now comfy in our guest room. I hope to soon be able to get them to the vet for spaying and shots, and release them back outside (despite our efforts they are not house cats), but I'm so thankful that at least they aren't out in this endless winter.

Worth the Long Johns

Yes, sometimes it feels just too cold, and bundling up in coats, boots, scarfs and hats to go outside gets old. Yes, sometimes shoveling gets tiring and driving around in sleet and ice treacherous. But I've always felt a little sorry for kids who don't get the chance to make snowmen, stage epic snowball fights, and experience the thrill of a snow day; and I've always been happy to live in an area that gets it all - summer, spring, fall and winter.


For his birthday, Owen's best buddy Gavin invited us to join him for a day of tubing at nearby Ski Liberty. We had a perfect day for it - sunny and not too chilly - and the first run of the day left me giggling. Owen loved it too, especially when he "caught some air"! A day well worth the long johns!

The birthday boy and Owen ready to hit the slopes.
Love these two!

Action shot 

Amy and I were laughing so hard on our way down!

Chilling on the lift back to the top

And there he goes again

Thank you Beall family!

It's All About Perspective

An adult's take on the Discover the Dinosaurs show at the Maryland Fairgrounds on Saturday:

"Drove almost an hour in rain and traffic to circle the parking lot three times looking for a space. Stood in long lines and payed over $60 to enter. Battled for position to look at the exhibit while dodging rude parents and their children. Waited in the hot and humid Cow Palace arena for 45 minutes to use bouncy house for ten. Drove home tired".

This mom's take on the Discover the Dinosaurs show at the Maryland Fairgrounds on Saturday:

"Owen thought it was great. Drove home happy!".

It's all about perspective, isn't it?

I told this little cutie I loved his sweater; he then wanted
Owen to take a picture with him! 

We thought his dad and Bob should take one too!!