Precious Moments

We all know life can change at a moment's notice. Sometimes it can be a good thing -- like the birth of a child or meeting the love of your life. Sometimes, though, it can be a tragedy.

This morning before I went for a run, I was checking the temperature and radar on a local news website when I saw a story on a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred in Iola yesterday afternoon. There were no names listed but I figured there was a chance since it happened in the very little town where I work, I may know someone involved.

It wasn't until later in the afternoon that I learned the motorcyclist killed was a man we used to work with. A super nice guy. And his wife still works with us. What an awful, awful tragedy. I can't stop thinking about it.

It sure makes me appreciate having my loved ones close at hand. Alive and well.

Since this is Carter's birthday weekend and we didn't really have anything special planned, we decided to take him out for ribs tonight. But then on the way to Plover, he decided on a pizza place in Stevens Point instead. Whatever you say, Carter. It's your birthday.

So we went to Polito's in Point, where the slices are as a big as the plate. Carter had a "steak and french fries" and a "mac and cheese" slice. I just had an all-meat one and hubby had 2 supremes. Good stuff.

On the way home, we just had to stop at Belt's Drive-In for a soft-serve treat. Jim and I had "Mini Cadbury Eggs" flurries and Carter had a "Puppy Chow" one. Yummy. Was still so full that I couldn't finish mine!

When we were almost home, Jim had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a deer. Thank God he stopped in time to avoid an accident. It just reiterated how quickly things can happen.

And reminded me once again we should never take life or our loved ones for granted. Enjoy each precious moment with them!

Royal Standards

If I had royal standards or even knew what they are, I'd say today met them.

I'm not just talking about the Royal Wedding, either. It was a beautiful, sunny Spring-like day -- just in time for May. Not the kind of day a person would want to spend indoors watching TV... except it was a work day anyway... and there were things to watch.

Unlike a lot of people I know, I did not set an alarm and get up early to watch the wedding coverage live. I saw bits of it over breakfast -- but the ceremony was done by 6 a.m. our time -- and then watched a few short videos. I plan to watch a 2-hour 20/20 special on it in a little bit so I am blogging now!

The big news on the way to work was a sign in Amherst that said King Cone was opening today! Whoo-hoo! My favorite real ice cream place! Was looking forward to that all day. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans...

Hubby and I were planning to leave work early so we could take care of a top-secret birthday present mission. Unfortunately, we left too early and King Cone wasn't open yet. They don't have summer hours -- just "school hours" which start after school, not the middle of the afternoon. So that was a bummer.

The good news is that I managed to find 45 minutes of uninterrupted sun time on the back patio. Perfect, perfect weather for that! I could have stayed out longer but had to run into town and get Carter from baseball practice and get a few things done.

The sun is gone now and the cooler, wet weather will be returning shortly. So it will be the perfect evening to lay on the couch and watch wedding coverage. Carter doesn't understand why people care about it. "It's so dumb." Well that's a boy talking to a woman who was his age -- a young teenage girl -- when the first Royal Wedding (in my memory) occurred and captivated us all.

I was always a fan of Lady Di/Princess Di. In fact, I'll always remember the day she died -- August 31, 1997 -- because that is the day I realized I was pregnant with Carter. What started out as a tragic day, ended quite the opposite. How fitting that one life ends and another begins.

So after following Diana's "boys" all these years, yes, I am interested like millions of other people in today's activities. Not so interested I would sacrifice my need for 8 hours of sleep last night. But interested enough to lay claim to the couch and the remote for 2 hours tonight.

Cheers!

Twisted Sister

Someone said today they figured Mother Nature was going through menopause. Totally makes sense to me -- moody, unpredictable, prone to unpredictable fits of rage and well, everything but the hot flashes (in the Midwest anyway).

And as much as we've all been complaining lately, I will take these cold, snowy and rainy April days any time over deadly twisters like those that ravaged the South yesterday. How tragic and scary.

So I need to not worry about how many times we've added and crossed off baseball games and practices on our calendar this month. At least we still have a house to sit in when the rain is pouring outside.

Except tonight. Since it is only a light rain and Coach Austin has had to cancel so many practices, he's got his team out there right now. Though I suspect that since it is dark out -- and the NFL draft is on TV -- they'll be home from practice any minute.

Then Jim can dump Carter off and head to Stevens Point to meet up with some former fellow newspaper Sports Guys to watch the draft. Of course, they were up late last night "drafting" their draft picks so they can see which guys get drafted first. If they pick the right ones, they'll get some money, naturally. I mean sports isn't all just fun and games, is it?

I think I'll just catch the highlights of the draft tomorrow and avoid the tragic images on The Weather Channel. There's a new Grey's tonight.

And I've got the remote.

Spring Scrapbook

And now, our "spring sports" -- Easter egg hunting, birthday present opening and baseball!

And they're off! My grand-nephew Anthony gets a running start in the annual Hedberg Easter Egg Hunt last Saturday.

Hostess Raylene should have the inside scoop on where the goodies are hidden -- but she had to hunt like the rest of us!

Carter checks out a treat bag found in one of many good hiding spots!

My nephew Zach and hubby Jim talk strategy.

Yes, there is more than one picture-taker in my family! My brother Ron had to break in his new camera!

Romey searches the pines -- which match her jacket, doncha think?

Caryn, Angie, Carter and Anthony show off their full treat bags!

Surprise, Carter! It's almost your birthday! (I saved the Twins stuff for MY birthday in a few months!)

Smile, Mr. Teenager!

What's not to love about a funny card with real money??

Mom gets to wear his clothes if he outgrows them (ha).

In her free time, Renell plays the Easter bunny (or Playboy bunny?). I'm thinking Easter bunny since this was a family event!

Don't mess with this bunny, honey!

Tried to get a picture of the two 7th-graders and naturally, they both immediately stand on their tippy-toes to get taller than the other one! (I don't think Carter will ever catch Anthony!)

Nothing says "Happy Easter" like Beef Jerky -- at least in Carter's opinion.

Yes, I've got him hooked on an '80s classic... I will get this, too, when he outgrows it (ha).

From Monday's Assumption Middle School baseball game... Carter waits in right field for some action.
He's #6 this year for no apparent reason -- other than this was the last jersey left!

Carter keeps an eye on the pitcher as he contemplates a steal.

He edges a little further from the plate. Unfortunately, the batter go out so Carter did not get a chance to make his way around the bases and score. Next time, hopefully!

Realistic Expectations :: Part 2

It was Thomas Edison who said: "Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration." I think he was onto something. But sometimes we think just the opposite, don't we?

Sometimes, we think that we may find success if we really, really want something but don't necessarily put the sweat behind that goal. Other times we put the perspiration into our dream but find we lack the skill to make it come true.

That's reality. But sometimes we don't expect it.

I was looking forward to Carter's baseball game last night. The team's first outing last week was a wash, basically, with 2 tied games. Since that was better than a big loss, I was optimistic about the game this week. Plus, Carter had been working hard all winter on his "game" and really, really wants to be good, so I figured he was due for his big break.

Unfortunately, he might have been missing that one percent.

First of all, he wasn't in the starting lineup. He later subbed in at right field. Missed catching a fly ball that landed a foot away. And a run was scored by the other team.

Not that others didn't make mistakes, but it was tough to watch. They got skunked 14-zip. So obviously, we were missing more than one percent of needed talent. Let's hope for better results on Thursday!

I can take a lesson from this, of course.

A bunch of us at work recently signed up for a competition to "Lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks." That's a realistic and healthy goal. However, did you know that just because you sign up for something doesn't mean the pounds will just start falling off without the "perspiration"?

I didn't know that.

Or so it seemed the first 2 weeks. I get the idea after yesterday's weigh-in that perspiration -- and a whole lot of it -- is needed now. Then, when all is said and done, I'll use that leftover one percent to take an inspired shopping trip for new clothes.

Who's with me?

Realistic Expectations

You never know how much your words and actions impact your kids until they mimic them in some fashion and they suddenly, well, just seem plain ridiculous.

Carter is a saver. (Where does he get that?!) Usually silly space-taking things like Gatorade bottle caps, but sometimes money, too. He tends to go in extremes with that. Either it's burning a hole in his pocket or he saves it and suddenly has $60 in his wallet.

After getting a little birthday money already, he was determined to buy some songs off iTunes for his iPod and any PG-13 movie he can now legally lay a hand on. But then last night on the way home from the in-laws, carrying an Easter card with $5 in it from Grandpa and Grandma Austin, he changed his tune.

"I decided I'm not going to spend any money at all until I'm out of college. Then I'll have money saved up for a good life."

First of all, money can't buy a good life. Or is that happiness?

Secondly, if you're not spending it, who is? Mom and Dad are not going to buy everything for you! (But just about.)

Thirdly, is this just because we told you that after a month, there are probably only 49 cents worth of aluminum cans in your bag?

Right now I don't know if this means he's off the go-cart saving track or what. I'll keep you posted. (I sure hope he still wants to take care of Mother Earth and pick up that litter!)

Still, the 10-year saving plan was not the silliest notion of the day...

I'm proud to say I survived 40 days without ice cream. In the end, what did it accomplish? Nothing really. Instead of losing weight, I actually gained because this Lenten deprived soul overcompensated with Easter candy! There's a reason I have a t-shirt that says, "I run on ice cream." It fuels me! And I needed it.

I hadn't had any yet as of last evening, so Carter suggested we have leftover birthday cake and ice cream. But then quickly recanted and announced, while patting his little belly, that he is giving up ice cream.... for life. Yes, life. Seriously, whose kid is this? I swear I gave birth to him but it can't be so!

For fear this would somehow affect my future ice cream consumption, I tried to set him straight. "Carter, you don't need to give up anything! You're fine the way you are. You certainly don't have to give something up for the rest of your life!"

OK, he says, "I guess I can still like go to Dairy Queen or King Cone or Shivers if someone else suggests. It can't be me saying, 'Let's stop.' But it's OK if you do!"

Whew! So there's an out.

I don't have to disown him just yet. I do, however, have to look at my own expectations in a few areas and see if, in an outsider's opinion, they look just as ridiculous!

One thing's for sure. I better log off now and get to the freezer before I go 41 days!

Son Rise

It's totally appropriate that on Easter -- the day we celebrate the rising of God's Son -- that we also were lucky to have God's warm sun rise as well... and hang around all day.

It was the perfectly typical Easter Sunday -- and I loved it.

Due to our late arrival home last night, Carter was not up at the crack of dawn looking for his basket. He slept in until 9, found his basket in 2 seconds (uncreative, tired bunny, I guess) and then asked for breakfast.

Even with all those eggs we found yesterday, I still didn't make eggs for breakfast. Did up some blueberry pancakes and sausage and those stuck to our ribs for the day. Went to late church, spotted a few Easter bonnets, plenty of pastel and even experienced some vocal praising atypical of us Lutherans ("He is risen indeed!").

After church, Jim and Carter cleaned the garage out a bit, swapping the snowblower for the lawn mower in the coveted easy-access spot. Let's hope we didn't make this move too soon.

I went for a 3-mile run in the sun, then, seeing that it was as close to 60 as it was going to get, I reacquainted myself with the deck chair. He missed me, I'm sure of it!

Only got about 25 minutes out there before heading to the in-laws for Easter dinner. Small crowd this year so Carter got to sit at the "big table." He even cleaned his plate like a big boy! Not sure when Easter started rivaling Thanksgiving on the overstuffed, full feeling... but it is darn close. Ugh. Such good food. But oh so full.

I'm sure while we were out, Sylvester just ran from open window to open window, catching her rays of sun. (She and I were twins in a previous life.) I wanted to take her picture when she was stretched out on in the window, sunning her belly but then hubby said, "Well you know how you feel when someone takes your picture when you're sitting in the sun." Enough said. I'll leave her alone. Though I sure hope we get a lot more photo opportunities like it.

I loved celebrating the Son and the sun today.

And my deck chair and I still have so much more to talk about...

Happy Hunting

Hit the road shortly after 9 this morning so we could go Up North for the annual Hedberg Easter Egg Hunt. This year my twin sister hosted at her place east of Grantsburg. Still a 4-hour drive!

We made our first stop before we even got out of town. Had to support the Assumption girls softball team brat fry. The breakfast of champions!

Got to Raylene's in the early afternoon. Since we were the first to arrive, I got to hide my goodies and hers outside. Gradually, more family came. And with them, more plastic eggs and baggies filled with all manner of Easter treats!

By the time it was "go time" I knew where plenty of peanut butter eggs were! But mostly, I took photos (I'll post later) and let Carter do the hunting and grabbing. He always finds way too much candy. I know he'll share with me eventually.

After supper, we had a surprise in store for Carter. I had one of my sisters pick up a Minnesota Twins decorated cake for Carter's upcoming birthday. Since he rarely gets to celebrate it with my side of the family, I thought I'd throw a micro-party as part of the big Easter celebration. He was totally surprised. In fact, when we started singing "Happy Birthday," he was singing along, not realizing we were singing to HIM! You catch a kid a week before their birthday and they are clueless. I thought teens were supposed to be smarter than that! Anyway, he enjoyed the well wishes and gifts.

Made the 4-hour trek home by midnight. Since Easter is only minutes away, hubby is willing to serve up some ice cream for me. If you can believe it, I am too full!

Should've had one or two less peanut butter eggs, I guess!

Good Friday

Since Carter has both today and Monday off for Easter weekend, Daddy and I decided to take today off, too.

This gave me a chance to stuff goodies into plastic eggs for our family Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow, plus make something for the family potluck and, most importantly, go to Good Friday church services.

In a nutshell, that was our day off, topped off with a fish fry at a local bar and grill. Now that is a good Friday!

Today also is Earth Day. Carter and I had all intentions of a decent can-collecting effort in local ditches. But even though it was for Mother Earth, Mother Nature did not cooperate. Figures. We had rain pretty much all afternoon and evening.

So tonight we are staying inside. The boys are watching the Celtics and I am watching Tangled, a Disney movie that suddenly Carter is too old to watch with me. So going forward, I guess I have to hide out in the basement with my Pixar favorites and just pretend I have a little guy to enjoy them with me!

And if someday again he sits down to watch one of them with me, then that will be a good Friday, too.

Son Screen

This was supposed to be a "screen-free week" for the middle school kids. In other words, not just a "No TV Week" but also limited time on video games, computer chatting, etc. Anything with screens, really. You get the idea.

It's a great concept. But it didn't really pan out in our household. Not when one of Carter's classes required him to watch the news every day this week. And certainly not when the Celtics are in the NBA playoffs!

During baseball season, he doesn't get that much free time anyway. So I don't feel too compelled to limit his use. Yet.

I personally can't handle looking at the computer much when I get home because I've got my share of screen time at work. This week, I had even extra time because I was doing a little experiment reading a book digitally on my Netbook.

First of all, the book -- Water for Elephants -- was just OK, not great. Secondly, I'm not sure I am ready to embrace the e-book lifestyle. Not completely anyway.

And certainly not on my Netbook. Despite its petite size, it was still cumbersome to take to bed with me. I'm sure the real e-readers are more parallel to actual books in size so you really can take them everywhere you'd take a book. The other part I didn't like was what I previously mentioned. I don't need more screen time after work. I'm sure my eyes are still a bit strained when I read real-life paper pages, but I don't have to worry about glare from the sun or low battery.

We'll see if I eventually change my mind. In the meantime, I don't need to do anything that'll ruin my eyes.

And Carter should be careful, too, not to look too closely at the TV screen, computer monitor or even at real-life girls. That might ruin your eyes, kid (and your sanity).

I'm just sayin'.

April Madness

Since I try to keep it clean on the pages of this blog, I have officially run out of names to call Mother Nature. Though it doesn't mean she deserves them any less!

I just look outside and think: Seriously??

Whatcha gonna do?
It seems to be slowing down now so maybe we won't get the 5-9 inches forecast. But I will say this, that was without a doubt, the worst drive home this "winter!" Scary, slushy, slippery crap that kept both of hubby's hands on the wheel -- and both of mine gripping the door. Yikes. Just felt good to get home safely.

No surprise Carter's baseball game got canceled this afternoon. He was more worried about that than his big forensics competition today. For Middle School, they had the "local" level and the "advanced" level. A few weeks ago, he got a first place(97 out of 100 points) in the first round and today he got another first (97 again)! What a good couple of days here. We keep telling him we're proud of him ... and hoping we don't have a reason to stop telling him!

I said we'd have to find another day to celebrate soon... A day when we're not under a Winter Storm Warning... A day when a new episode of Glee isn't on...

And a day when maybe we can sit out on the front deck!

Batter, Up!

Spring baseball season has officially begun -- in case you didn't hear the applause from Marshfield.

Had to exit work early to get there (an hour and 20 minutes away from Iola) by the first pitch at 4:15 p.m. Everyone was there. Mr. Sun also arrived in time. So did Mr. Mercury, but he refused to rise up beyond 44 degrees. Needless to say, I was glad I brought Mr. Blankie and the Mitten twins along!

That's spring baseball alright!

We had a double-header scheduled but due to time limits and lighting limits (no field lights once the sun was setting) both games were called early and both ended in a 5-5 tie.

Not many highlights to share. Carter had 3 at-bats -- one strikeout (at least he was swinging) and two walks. I was happy he was ready to hit and was swinging to hit. He'll get there much sooner than other seasons, I am sure of it. He fielded OK, but not stellar. Overall, the whole team needs to shake off the winter cobwebs and get in the game.

They'll have plenty of chances. Two games down but in the next 6 weeks he's got something like 24 games between school league and rec league. He's practically pro!

Well, let's not rush things. One frigid game at a time...

Looks Can Be Deceiving

One of the things Carter enjoys about Art class is drawing optical illusions. He loves creating an image that looks like one thing at first glance but, upon closer inspection, evolves into something entirely different.

Mother Nature drew one of those today.

From inside the house, it looked like one of those sunny spring days that call for some time in the deck chair while the ambitious folks do silly things like rake or plant.

One step outside and it was a completely different picture. Windy and very chilly. Probably reached the 40s today but is was not nearly close to a deck-chair day. And barely became a run day.

Those darn optical illusions!

I decided to tag-a-long with the guys to go to the indoor batting cages. That was fun to watch boys and girls serious about improving their baseball and softball skills... and the devoted dads there helping them!

Got home and figured I better bite the bullet and go for a run. Still get to wear my winter Twins hat! It was one of those weird runs where I ended up facing the wind on my way out and my way back in. It was gusting and switching directions to spite me. And that was not fun. Who needs challenges like that on a Sunday?

This evening, since Jim is gone to a sports board meeting, Carter and I went to Wal-Mart to get a few groceries, some blue baseball socks and Easter treats (while they're still in stock).

With his birthday coming up, we are leaning toward getting him a bike to replace the one he got for his 8th birthday. I guess he's grown a bit. So I let him test-drive a few in the store just so I'd have an idea what is comfortable for him. I warned him, "You know, if you get a new bike, you won't have an excuse to say no when I ask you to go for rides with me this summer." He still wants one. So we'll see.

Now he's practicing his baritone and I'm gonna go make some blueberry smoothies. Hey, it looks like a warm summer day out there. (And this is as close as I'll get to ice cream for one more week!)

Running the Rapids

Race Day Journal...

8 a.m.- It's race day! Time to get moving! Hubby: "Don't look out the window."

I looked. Dang.

8:03 a.m. -- C'mon, Carter, get up! It's race day. (Silently thinking, please don't look out the window.) Carter: "Oh I'm so tired. I should have watched Rocky last night to get motivated."

8:10 a.m.- Eat our light power breakfast of peanut butter toast and a banana.

8:30 a.m.- Bundle up enough to be warm but not too weighted down. It's 32 degrees with windchill of 26, but the wind is not blowing like yesterday so that is a blessing. I get to wear my lucky winter Twins hat one more time!
9:40 a.m.- Pre-race photos courtesy of Jim, who came arrived in time to be team photographer and cheerleader!

9:42 a.m.- Interview with the local newspaper. I'm not kidding! It was so fun being on the other side of an interview for a change. We were just picked at random. I didn't tell her I was an ex-reporter but made sure to give her good quotes. Carter did, too! We'll let you know if we make the paper!

9:45 a.m.- One more picture with the neighborhood crew!

10 a.m. - And we're off! The snow stopped just in time for the start of the Run The Rapids race, which included more than 450 runners and walkers. Great turnout for the child-abuse prevention event!



10:02 a.m.- "Mom, how long have we been running?" Oh boy.

Since Carter did not get much training time in recent weeks due to baseball practice, we set out to do a run/walk. Run for 5 minutes, walk for 30 seconds, then run for 5, etc. I figured we could easily finish in less than 40 minutes and really, really hoped we could finish in 36 minutes, which would be an average of 12-minute miles. I had to be part Tiger Mom, part Supportive, Caring Mom and part Running Coach.

It all balanced out. We ended up walking way more than planned, but I did not want him to be in pain. "I'm gonna die." "No, you're not!" I did not want this to be a completely miserable experience. But yet, wanted to push him enough so we could finish.

10:30 a.m.- We can see the finish line way downriver. "Carter, you're doing great! I think we can finish in 36 minutes!"

10:32 a.m.- "We're almost there! C'mon Carter! Let's finish strong!" (Praying silently that he has enough energy left to sprint a bit and finish ahead of me!)



10:34:41 a.m.- We did it!! High fives! Fist pumps! "I'm so proud of you, kiddo!"

11:30 a.m.- Awards ceremony. We mainly hung around so we could see final results and see if we knew any of the winners. I was so focused on getting Carter through the race that I didn't know how many kids were in his age group (12 & under). So we were so surprised when they called his name for second place! Awesome! More high fives! More fist pumps!

11:40 a.m.- Me: So what did you think? Carter: "It wasn't so bad. I mean I can say that now that I didn't die or anything." I think we've got him hooked.

11:58 a.m.- "I'm taking my victory shower!"

You deserve it!

Freaky Friday

Nothing surprises me about weather in Wisconsin anymore, but it can still be a bit freaky.

After having tornadoes touch down to the north and south of us earlier in the week, we did not need to see "Wind" in the forecast. And frankly, if the winds are steady at 25-35 mph, do we need to add in "Gusts"? Enough already.

I noticed from my window seat at work that the wind was whipping around quite a bit. But when Carter called after he got home from school, I was surprised to hear the wind knocked over our basketball hoop! Thankfully, it it did not break the hoop or pole or shatter the backboard. It could have been worse.

Then, moments later, my co-worker's spouse called and they have trees down in their yard! So I was prepared for the car to be fighting headwinds on the drive home but was not prepared for the sight we were driving into, heading west on Highway 54. The air and skies ahead were kind of brown -- almost like you'd see in a movie about the "dust bowl." Surreal. Then driving next to the farm field and seeing dust fly like you would if someone was plowing -- only no one was there, that was freaky.

Nothing else seemed out of order, though.

Picked up Carter, went out for a fish fry, then it started hailing. We stopped briefly to visit Jim's parents in town, then it was sleeting on our way home. And still windy.

Why do I care? We have approximately 13 hours before the starting gun goes off for Carter's first 5K! At this point, he'd rather go to bed tonight and stay in bed. Who wouldn't? I think my persuasion will have to follow the lines of "Your future races can only get better" or something like that.

I mean we have to do it no matter what. Neither rain nor sleet nor wind nor snow can stop us from getting that T-shirt!

Tune in Tomorrow...

And now, the continuing story...

There were little shock waves in the world of Soaps today when it was learned ABC is canceling both All My Children and One Life to Live.

For those of us who haven't watched a Soap Opera in years, it still was a shock to think of these long-standing "stories" coming to an end. And yes, it spurred much conversation about the Soaps we used to watch. Back in the day. When we had time.

Some of my earliest memories of television were summer vacation days, home with Mom, who had to watch Ryan's Hope and All My Children. I don't remember much about the first one, but I recall AMC back when Phoebe Tyler was the main dame, Erica Kane was only on husband #2 and Palmer Cortland and Adam Chandler first became enemies. I honestly think that is why I've always been afraid of Dobermans. Guess you had to be there. Or were you?

In college, I got hooked on two "new" shows. Well, new to me. I watched Days of our Lives (probably when Stefano had been killed off only 3 times) and General Hospital (when Frisco was hot and there was some weird love triangle with Anna, Duke and Sister Camillia).

OK, apparently I watched a little too much.

And you know, just like my affection for Grey's Anatomy and Glee shows now, the reason they are fun to watch is that my friends are watching them, too, and we can bond over discussions of what happened this week, what we hope happens next week and what might just happen...

If we tune in tomorrow...

Curfew

I'm going to have to start setting a curfew for myself on "school nights" so I don't get home so late and wonder how I'm going to get anything done.

OK, so tonight was just an exceptionally busy evening.

After work, I dropped hubby off at home so I could get Carter from baseball practice at 6.

Then we had to down a quick meal and get to church by 6:30 p.m. During Lent, he does not have confirmation but has to help out at the soup suppers a few times and attend the Wednesday night services. I like that because other years I have not been a loyal Lenten church-goer. It's been nice.

After church, we stopped off at our friends and co-baseball coaches to drop off a few things. Also am learning a thing or two about the Kindle, in case I venture into the electronic reading world someday (or publish an e-book).

Naturally, we couldn't go straight home because I still had essential groceries to get... bread, milk and cat food. Sylvester would not have let me in the house without at least one of those items. Hubby and I wouldn't have had lunch tomorrow if I didn't get the others. So we made it a record-fast trip through Wal-Mart.

Still couldn't go straight home. Had to stop and get lottery set. What if they pulled our numbers tonight and I didn't have tickets?? Better safe and late, than sorry.

Got home about 8:40 and shoved Carter in the shower while I hopped on the computer. I still have some work to do and have been in such a rush tonight, I don't feel like another deadline!

We need to set more personal deadlines like we did with our Christmas lights. Hubby took down the icicle lights tonight while we were gone. It's not like we had them lit or anything. Just didn't have an occasion where it was nice out AND we (or he) had time. Now we hopefully can say goodbye to winter for good.

I guess that means it's almost time to bring up our golf clubs from the basement... but the electric mattress pad stays put! (And thanks, hubby, for turning it on before we got home!)

Catch-Up

Just some Tuesday news briefs to get you caught up...

Going Green: Don't get fooled that a recent "Guest Blogger" is only thinking of our dear Mother Earth when he is picking up cans. He had so much fun on the go-cart this past weekend that he is looking to earn some cold hard cash to buy one. That is a whole lotta cans, my friend! But I won't stop him from his efforts. It's good for him and the planet.

Once Upon a Time: Carter participated in his forensics competition at school yesterday. Yes, I am a State Forensics veteran so yes, I was thrilled the English teacher is requiring them all to participate this year. This was something Carter's previous teachers had recommended anyway since he apparently can be dramatic, dynamic and persuasive. He did a piece in the Storytelling category, so he did not have to memorize it but did have to make eye contact, use gestures and be expressive. He got good marks for all that and moves onto the next level of competition next week. ... And he'll live happily ever after.

Delay of Game: Assumption Middle School Baseball officially started Monday. Since things got off to such a late start due to personnel issues, they ended up canceling tonight's game and Friday's. Carter has practice every night this week and the games will begin Monday with a double-header in Marshfield. After taking his sharing of indoor batting and fielding practice over the winter, Carter is excited to get it started! Go Royals!

Walking on Sunshine: We experienced warm but turbulent weather on Sunday, with a tornado touching down 15 miles south of us. Today we were finally blessed with a perfect spring day. Sunny, slightly breezy with temps in the 60s. Got to squeeze in a 3-mile run over lunch just so I could enjoy the sunshine. Then, naturally, was out on the back deck within 90 seconds of getting home -- just to grab a few rays before the sun got too low. I love the sun!

Run the Rapids: I think the main reason I was grasping for moments in the sun is because the weather is going to change dramatically (again) starting tomorrow. So it will get cold and rainy and, by Saturday, it is going to feel pretty crappy out -- possibly sleet and high of 40 -- for our Run the Rapids 5K. I do have concerns that Carter and I haven't trained much. But I fear the weather even more. I do not want his first race experience to be miserable. As it stands right now, the whole race route is under water. The Wisconsin River is flooding some streets in Rapids again. They expect the levels to start going down tomorrow because Mother Nature owes us one.

Wedding Album

Thought I'd share some photos from the wedding weekend since it's not every day we get dressed up with someplace to go! This was taken outside of Heritage Hill State Park on Saturday while we waited to get in. It is not open to the public yet so they were not going to open it to us until 1 p.m. and not a minute before. At least it gave us time to get a lovely photo before the wind whipped my hair out of shape! Don't we look sharp? Hubby stands with the groom. They are both smiling nice for the photographer but I have a feeling both Jim and Scott are thinking, "I wonder who's leading The Masters now?" The chapel at Heritage Hill is not very big, but it is pretty. The golf cart was used by the park employees but it looks perfect in the setting since the bride and groom are both avid golfers!

This handsome usher is tough enough to wear pink!

Sandy and Scott look like newlyweds, don't they? True love!

As previously mentioned, the wedding party bus stopped at Lambeau Field for some photos. Don't go thinking my husband is smiling because he's enjoying himself! He's probably grimacing and thinking, "I can get through this! I can get through this!"

Here I am in front front of the Vince Lombardi statue just so I can show my dad. Notice I am keeping my hands in front so I didn't have to touch it!

Seriously, it was a nice weekend -- and it was good to get some sleep last night! We're getting too old to be skipping out of town for wild weekends!

Until the next time, that is...

Mother Nature

Attention Readers: Due to my lack of sleep and subsequent brain naps, we have a guest blogger today! Actually, Carter told me what to blog about and I said, "Why don't you just write the blog?" So here are a few words from Carter on Mother Nature...

I spent the weekend at my former baby-sitters' house. They host a 3-day garage sale every year, so I stayed there while my parents were partying in Green Bay for a wedding. They had fun but guess what... I'm the blogger today!

The weekend started with sales and I got to help with some work on raking and digging and stuff like that. But the best part was riding their go-cart in their backyard. I really spun the dirt!

I bought two things: a mini-speaker for my Ipod and an old Nintendo Entertainment System(NES) game, Super Mario Bros. 3. On Amazon.com, it's $300 for a new one but around $100 for mine. Now I just have to figure out how to register the game on there and make some money!

The Mother Nature part of my weekend started today because I learned that I could get 45 cents per pound of aluminum cans. So I started a new garbage can for that at home and when it gets full, I'm takin' it in!

I shared my discovery with my parents and got the idea to take a walk and have a plastic bag to put the cans in. My mom and I collected 14 cans, not a bad start but it's disgusting of how much garbage is out there! To be honest, everybody litters a thing here and there. Some people though... they do it on a daily basis. It's bad for our earth so DON'T LITTER!!!

The second part of the Mother Nature day was tonight during this ICKY weather. There were 4 warnings: tornado, thunderstorms, flood, and golf-ball sized hail! The sky is almost Packer green. I CAN'T STAND THIS WEATHER ANYMORE!!! But luckily all the warnings for Wisconsin Rapids have gone away and a tornado just missed South of us in Juneau County. Thanks, Mother Nature!

To conclude this blog, bless that Mother Nature watches over our baseball team at our first practice outdoors tomorrow! Our team didn't have a coach until Friday, and with our first game on Tuesday, I don't know what we're going to do! Just hope for good weather and see you next time on "Guest Blogger"!

P.S. No matter how you think this blog is, my mom thinks it's perfect... of course!

Title Town

The only time you'll hear a Vikings fan call Green Bay "Title Town" is when we have a special situation like today -- when we saw our friend Sandy change her title from Miss to Mrs. when she married our friend Scott.

And yes, it took place in Green Bay.

In fact, the ceremony was in a little church at Heritage Hill State Park, a place Carter visited on a field trip back in 3rd or 4th grade. We squeezed in as many people as we could for the ceremony. We figured they'd have to turn some people away, but thankfully, I'm sleeping with the handsome usher in the tux so I got a good seat.

We felt so special in our fancy clothes!

After the ceremony, it was picture time. And yes, that included a stop at Lambeau Field. Ugh. I did have Jim take my picture so I can show my dad, who unlikely will ever get there. Then I made sure I called my sister Renell, the Packer fan, and said "Hi from Lambeau Field!"

When I called Carter and said the same thing, he just sort of groaned and wondered if they MADE us go there. Ha. That's my boy!

Had a wonderful evening at the reception and dance, catching up with old "newspaper friends" I haven't seen in ages, plus seeing some people from my current workplace. Had some good laughs and some good dances, too! There's just something about wedding dances that gets everyone moving! My feet are gonna be killing me in the morning, but it was well worth it. We had a wonderful time...

But really can't wait to get out of this town in the morning!

Get Out of Town!

Dateline Green Bay. Just had to type that because it means we are hours from home... without child.

Not that we don't miss him. But it is nice to have husband-wife time now and then.

We dropped off Carter at his old sitter's on our way to work this morning. Since I am out of town this weekend, he will have to be the helper at her garage sale this year. So he is helping by day and they give him a bed to sleep on at night. And I still get to keep all the profits.

Great arrangement, don't ya think?

Seriously, we do appreciate they are willing and able to keep Carter under their wings and that Jim's sister can check up on the cat. Because it's neat to see our friends take this step forward in their love lives!

We had to work this morning but got out of there around noon so we could check into the hotel here around 2 and Jim could join "the guys" at 2:30 to go get their tuxes and then head to rehearsal.

What did I do during all this? Put my feet up and watched The Masters, of course! Was also able to keep tabs on the Twins, who won their home opener!

I drove one of the other "wedding party widows" to the rehearsal dinner. Had a great meal and it was cool to meet the other folks in the wedding.

While we had fun, yes, don't think that I neglected to check in with Carter, who informed me he has only spent a dollar so far at the sale, but he has his eye on an antique check-cutting machine of some sort that "will some day be worth tons and tons of money!"

Oh boy. Maybe being hours away from home is not such a good thing!

Mother of all Multi-taskers

I'm not sure why it's assumed mothers are innately able to handle a half-dozen schedules and/or tasks at any given moment. But somehow we keep living up to the stereotype -- no matter how stressful it becomes.

There was a moment today I was multi-tasking to the limit. But for once, it was completely enjoyable.

I was trying to do work, of course, but also keep an eye on how the first round of The Masters was progressing... plus keep tabs on the Twins' rain-delay game against the darn Yankees... plus watch the baby eagles.

Oh yes, if you want something as addictive as Angry Birds, check out these non-angry birds in this non-video game. It's just video of a Daddy and Momma Eagle in Decorah, Iowa, taking care of their 2 newborns with another one on the way. I got to see the Daddy deliver some fish today for lunch. That was cool. Lots of teachers are incorporating this into their classrooms, too. Neat stuff. Check it out: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

So that can be a time-waster, educational as it is. But I somehow managed to keep tabs on all those important events today without getting stressed out.

Then came Round 2.

Pick up Carter waiting at the library after baseball practice... Then get to the school to drop something off by 6... Then stop to pick up a wedding card and gift bag and nylons and that fun stuff I could have gotten on the weekend... Then get laundry going while packing... But do my nails, too, and not touch anything while the polish dries... make sure the phones are charged and the camera batteries, too... and make sure Carter has everything he needs packed for his weekend at the sitter's.

But since I couldn't handle ALL of that and remember soon enough that we're out of milk, someone had to run back to the store. Thankfully, my darling hubby, recognizing my mother of all multi-tasking meltdowns in progress, volunteered to do that.

Whew.

Thank God it's almost Friday!

Get it Started!

There have been signs hung around my workplace reminding us that today is National Start! Walking Day. It must be a real holiday. I mean they have a website and everything.

What I found interesting is that there is an exclamation point after the word Start! -- right in the middle of the phrase. I think that's a not-so-subtle message that getting started is the most important thing. It doesn't matter how far you go or how many minutes, just Start! walking... or running... or just moving!

Today was a perfect day to do that, too. The temps were almost 50 so I actually got to run outside at lunchtime and I didn't even need a hat! That's a sure sign Spring is just about here. (I hope.)

I for one am looking forward to more days like today. This inconsistent weather has wreaked havoc on my running schedule. One day it's sleeting like winter then it's raining like spring. I am partial to the sunny like summer days myself. But I prefer the temp right at 50! That'll keep this ol' bag o' bones moving anyway!

The other Start! today was a special moment hubby and I shared. We like to call it our first real sign of "so this is what the teen years are going to be like" frustration. Oh don't worry, I won't give you the play by play. It's tough to type with one hand anyway when I'm squeezing a stress ball with the other.

Perhaps today was also National Start! Saying the Serenity Prayer Hourly Day. I must have missed the poster for that... Wonder if they have a website...

Responsible Adults

Sometimes being the responsible adult isn't all that fun. But then we have to remember there were many, many times in our lives we wondered if we'd ever get to this point... the point of being grown-up AND responsible.

The not-so-fun part of being a responsible adult came today at work. Well, work in general. We need to do it. Even on days when I am looking out the window at the sunshine and thinking about golf. I always get the itch during Masters week (or what we like to call Hole-y Week). But no, I stayed put at work -- mainly because there is still piles and piles of snow everywhere so no courses around here are open yet anyway.

But next week, well, I can't guarantee how responsible I'll be.

Another interesting challenge I have is dressing like a grownup. Not that I buy clothes that often, but I can tell you where I head first if I am -- to the "cool" clothes in the Juniors section. I know, I am on the cusp of 43 years old. I have to move on and dress like a mature woman. Can I do that and not be boring?

With our friends' wedding coming up this weekend, I knew I needed to get a new dress. Hey, hubby will be in tux so I better look good. The problem is that I donated all my "old" dresses and skirts to Goodwill and any nice clothes I have are too work-y looking. So Jim and I stopped at Kohl's on the way home from work. That way I could get something he liked -- hopefully -- without compromising comfort.

We get in there and I say, very grownup-like, "OK let's bypass the Juniors section and head straight to the Women's Department -- and let's hope there's something that doesn't make me look matronly." It honestly took less than 3 minutes to find a dress and coverup. I took two sizes into the dressing room, squealed in delight that the smaller one fit and was thrilled with the dress. It's both pretty and cute... in both our opinions.

Thankfully, when we got home, we realized my boots would look great with the outfit so I didn't have to worry about buying new shoes ... which would equate to 3- or 4-inch uncomfortable heels if I am still letting hubby dress me. Phew.

Our other act of responsible adulthood occurred on the way home. For most of us, one of our first grownup responsibilities was voting. And today was an election day.

Around here, we had few races but, due to all the contentious activities happening in Madison and throughout the state, there were big crowds. We actually had to wait in line about 10 minutes. No complaining here. I love to see that level of participation!

I also love the I am no longer working at the newspaper and covering the results until deep in the night. Now on election night, I can be home by supper, hang up my "responsible adult" hat and get to bed early.

That's what we grownups do.

Tough Break

The alarm came so early today for poor Carter, who got into the routine of sleeping until 10 last week during Spring Break. It's really hard to feel sorry for him, isn't it?

I do feel a twinge of guilt when he tells people he did absolutely nothing during break and that he was bored. But what I'd give for a week with nothing to do!

He apparently has next year's Spring Break all planned out already. "Everyone came back tan!" Everyone? And since when have you cared about a tan?

So next year, whether my sister likes it or not, we're heading to Texas and laying by her pool all week! "I'm not even swimming -- just getting tan," he said. (Those who know how much I love the sun know I won't fight him on this!)

With break over, he was supposed to start baseball today. However, they have been unable to fill the middle school coaching position. Any volunteers?? No, hubby can't do it. It's impossible for us to work an hour away and get back into town by mid-afternoon for practices. Someone else is going to have to step up -- and soon. They have a game next Tuesday already.

Jim is already coaching a WRYSA (Rapids youth) baseball team this spring/summer. In fact, he's doing a "draft" for that as we speak. By default, Carter is on his team but we still have to tease Carter that he might not get picked ('cause parents have to pick on their kids once in awhile).

I'm doing my baseball thing tonight, too. My "thing" is just watching my Twins on TV. They are on TV so rarely here in central Wisconsin. I was surprised to see them on Monday Night Baseball already. They are playing the stinkin' Yankees and were scoreless until I started watching!

They've had a rough start to the season. I hope that since Carter's break is over, the Twins will get one tonight!

Will the Real Spring Please Stand Up?

I almost feel bad for those people that got to go somewhere warm and sunny for Spring Break. They were jolted back to Wisconsin reality this morning when the robins were competing with thunder for sound awards -- and both were chasing after a bit of hail.

That led to a day of clouds and drizzle and just plain b-r-r-r! It forced us indoors for the day but did not necessarily spur me to have an ultra-productive day or anything.

Carter and I went to early church, then joined Jim (who was back in town) and his sister later at their cousin's for a confirmation party for Jim's god-daughter. Was nice to see some of his side of the family over lunch.

This afternoon, Carter and I priced a few more garage sale items then loaded up the CRV so we can deliver the goods to his former sitter's house tomorrow.

Since that left a few vacant spots in the basement, Carter took it upon himself to rearrange the furniture a bit in the game room down there. Then, I heard the sweet sound of a vacuum cleaner. Yes, it is a very sweet sound when I'm not the one operating it! Do you think Carter is already sucking up (literally) in advance of his birthday? Or has Spring Break truly been that boring for him?

Who cares? He vacuumed!

I found myself on the couch later and darned if it didn't trap me and force me to watch an hour or so of golf. What a wicked couch! (Now I'm dying for the real Spring to arrive so we can get out and play!)

Tonight I started some planning for my next scrapbooking project. Just like I did for Casey, I'll be putting a little book together for Clay's graduation in 2 months. Trust me, that is not a lot of time. Good thing I strive on deadlines.

Now if only Mother Nature could follow a deadline. Uhm, it's supposed to be Spring, lady! Get with the program!

Please.

Hip-Hop

For those of you not living in our house, the latest news -- if you haven't heard -- is that now it is officially LESS than a month until my baby is a teenager!

As you may have guessed, Momma ain't too happy with this news. And in our house, the saying goes, if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

So I did the only logical thing a mother in my condition could do. I kidnapped Carter and forced him to go see a "kid's movie" with me.

Honestly, I really didn't have to twist his arm too much. Hubby left town this afternoon to go to a bachelor party for his friend Scott over in Green Bay. So Carter and I knew we'd have a "free night" and knew the movie HOP was coming out this weekend. So we sort of planned for it -- and Momma sort of crossed her fingers hoping no gang of girls would call and ask him first.

I guess I got lucky.

So after we got our Saturday chores done -- housework and running for me and batting practice for Carter -- we went to the 5 p.m. show. As luck would have it, one of my best friends was there were her "littler" kid so I got to visit briefly with her. That was cool. Almost like a double date.

The movie was a cute Easter story. With enough funny stuff to keep an almost 13-year-old interested. We liked the music, too. Some song came on and Carter leans over and says, "This would be good to run to! We gotta check out the soundtrack." Of course, I was partial to their version of "I Want Candy." (You know me and '80s music!)

And honestly, after seeing all the Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans (even though they are technically Easter Bunny poop), I do want candy.

And I want my little boy to stay little!

Fooling Around

What's the old saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me?

I make it a point not to get fooled on April 1st -- which means I have to be on my guard around even those unsuspecting characters. I also make it a point on April 1st to try to fool at least one person.

This year, Carter was my victim.

I knew based on routine this week, that Carter would call me around 9:30 or 10 right after he rolled out of bed. Usually before he eats anything or even has a chance to watch much TV. So I figured I could fool him with some devastating sports news -- if I made it sound believable.

When he called, I asked if he'd seen the big story on SportsCenter yet. He said no. I told him Ray Allen (one of his favorite Celtics) was retiring immediately so he could go out on top after securing the 3-pointer record and winning last night. Carter was shocked and not happy.

Don't worry. I wasn't going to push it until he cried or anything. He was surprised when I said, "April Fool's!" Then woke up a bit more and started plotting his own joke.

In the afternoon, he went over to play with the girls next door. Before he left he put some peanut butter on his shoe. When he got there, he said something like, "Oh no! I stepped in dog poop!" Then proceeded to lick some of the tasty "poop" off his shoe!

Knowing how squeamish Carter can get, they pretty much suspected right away it couldn't be the real deal. At least he tried!

Now I am hoping that I actually am the butt of an April Fool's joke -- because I don't want this to be true...

The Twins are playing their first game of the season at Toronto. Of course, it's not on TV HERE so I have to follow it on the computer. A few minutes ago they were down 10-zip. Yes, 10! Must be the computer playing a joke, right?

I wore my Joe Mauer jersey all day today for good luck. But apparently it is too early in the season for my karma to reach long distances -- especially without a passport. Grrr. At least they are on the board now in the 7th inning and rallying!

Don't worry. Even if we don't rally all the way back, I am not foolish enough to think this is a bad sign for the rest of the season. It just means we've got nowhere to go but up!