Memorial Day

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,

But not of war it sings to-day.

The road is rhythmic with the feet

Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red

On tombs where weary soldiers lie;

Flags wave above the honored dead

And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,

They kept the faith and fought the fight.

Through flying lead and crimson steel

They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn

Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,

Who went through fire and death to earn

At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed

They march, the legions of the Lord;

He is their Captain unafraid,

The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

--Joyce Kilmer

School Picnic

Friday found the Little Prince's school at Knoebel's Amusement Park for the end-of-the-year picnic. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, pasta salad, chips, pretzels, snack, cupcakes, brownies...it was all good! Then it was time to head to the rides. The Little Prince had the map so he was in charge of finding the next ride. Not that he got to pick the next ride, but he did get to point it out on the map.

He loves the helicopter ride. Not too fast, not too high, it's a goldilocks ride all over.

Some of his buddies he hung out with. It was hard being the smallest and youngest and not loving the fast, crazy rides. But he held his own and waited his turn and when they got separated, he did all the rides he loves. He raced from one to the next with shining eyes: Sky Slide, Kiddie Whip, Flying Tigers, Froghopper, Red Baron, Panther Cars, the list went on and on until it was time for dinner. Then he practiced his cursive on the back of the placemat by listing his favorite rides.

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It was a long day, but we all had fun. My favorite part was when the Little Prince asked if the three of us could go on the Sky Ride ride together. It is a kind of ski lift ride, 14 minutes long, that takes you up and down the mountain, giving a fabulous view of the entire park. Just the 3 of us sitting and looking around at all the beautiful scenery and chatting. Doesn't happen often enough and I cherished every second!

Wordless Wednesday

Herb Garden

Not much, compared to some, but it's more than he had last year. Parsley, Oregano, Basil and marigolds for color. Normally the marigolds would be used to keep the rabbits out, but past experience has shown that they love to eat them. The Little Prince has already used some fresh parsley when he made scrambled eggs for Sunday brunch.

Visiting the family

The three of us went down home to visit my mom yesterday. We didn't get to see the whole family, just a little part (pun totally intended). The Little Prince met his cousin Kyle for the second time. The first time was at Thanksgiving. Back then, Kyle slept in his car seat the whole time. Now, he is crawling all over the place. He and the Little Prince had a great time playing peek-a-boo.

Then it was off across the yard to the neighbors' farmette to see the kids. They belong to the Little Prince's cousin David. (That's his knee in the picture. We were so focused on the kids, that's the only part of him that was caught on film). Those kids were the cutest little things! We also saw David's amazing garden, of which I was extremely impressed and jealous.

Next we headed back across the state line to the reason for our visit: lunch at Aunt Becky's. After a delicious lunch of chicken, baked potatoes, corn, green beans, applesauce and on and on, the guys retired to the back yard where the Little Prince showed off his pitching skills. The girls sat in the shade and visited. Aunt Becky then took the Little Prince on a nature walk through the woods and down to the river. She's so much more fun than we are. He had a great time.

While relaxing on the back deck, we got to enjoy the wildlife. Along with this ruby throated humming bird, we saw butterflies and heard various other birds in the trees. It was a beautiful day and was spent with beautiful company. Wonder which of my 7 other sisters would like to be next to have us for a visit?

Wordless Wednesday

A bit of light reading.

Socializing

After all, isn't that why they have dugouts in baseball? To give you something to do when it is not your turn to bat?

Pitching Sequence

Three strikes and you're out!

Cinco de Mayo

The Little Prince tried tacos for the first time last night in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. He ate two and said they were good. See all the good stuff he put on them? Yea, that's right. Meat and cheese. He's not that adventurous when it comes to food. Just the basics, please.

Opening Day

Opening Day was Saturday, May 1st. Team pictures at 10:40am, opening ceremony at 11:00am, first game at 12 noon. Adding to the fun, it was 91 degrees. But there was a breeze and everyone had sunscreen. The Little Prince and his team were at 3rd base. Hunter green shirts, black pants and green socks. "Mommy, they were really, really thick socks and it wasn't even winter out. My legs were dying!"

Coach Rupert kept the kids in line through the 30 minute ceremony. They were good, considering how hot it was.

There's the Little Prince warming up for his first inning of pitching. Just like the pros. And, yes, he does watch the pros to see how they do it. Practices with the wiffle ball in the back yard, causing much wincing and crossing of fingers on my part with regard to my windows, siding, flowers, plants...


Coach Rupert was keeper of the papers as well. Not sure what all that includes, but he seemed to do a wonderful job and has not yet been fired.

Now comes the important part: the Little Prince's stats. There are 3 teams in town and we played the best of the 3 on Saturday, so it was not surprising that we lost 13-5. Most of their kids are 2nd year players. It could have been worse. But back to the stats...2 hits, 3 at bats, 2 runs, 3 RBIs (runs batted in, I think), 1 SB (stolen base), 1.1 IP (innings pitched*), and 4 KO (strike outs). Please note all these are from Coach Rupert. I know nothing of baseball speak, I just ran the camcorder. But it was fun and the kids all enjoyed themselves.

*Coach took him out after 1.1 innings because they are only allowed so many pitches and then they have to sit out a week. We made sure he knew it was not because he was doing a bad job.

A sign of summer

The buzz cut. First one ever for the Little Prince. Think he's proud of it? Pretty much. He was scheduled for his 5-week haircut next week, but I didn't wait. After buzz-cutting the hyacinth bush in the yard, I thought I'd just go with the flow and have the Little Prince be next.

He's also quite proud that he now has the same hair cut as dad. Yay, I say. Saves money and mommy can buy a new pair of shoes...

Sky Blue Pink

When I was a little girl. I always wondered what color "sky blue pink" was. Now I know. It is the color of a beautiful weeping cherry tree with a prefect blue sky behind it. Unfortunately, due to cold weather and windy days, it is no longer this color. It is now that lovely minty green that means new leaves are here. Sky blue green, maybe?

The hunt is on

After changing into some clothes that were way more comfortable, yet still his favorite color, Morgan began his egg hunt. Mom-Mom hid 12 eggs in the yard. Green ones in the grass, yellow ones next to the daffodils, purple ones behind the trumpet vine, pink ones on top of the bird feeder... It was perfect weather to be outside.

Then it was Morgan's turn to hide the eggs. He and Jax supervised the finding of the eggs while Ruby tagged along like their little shadow.

Happy Easter

The Little Prince smiled pretty for the first Easter picture. What a beautiful day to shoot pictures of the beautiful (girls are beautiful, boys are handsome, he informs me) Little Prince.

After a few (several more than a few, actually) shots, he began to get tired of it all and started making noises and singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" to entertain himself.

Look...up there in the sky...

Is it a bird? Yes, actually, it was many birds. Geese flying NORTH.

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This was back on March 8th and the weather has been absolutely wonderful since. With the exception of about 3 days of straight rain. But hey, it's not snow! The Little Prince has spent just about every moment of daylight (when he's not in school, doing homework or eating) outside either playing basketball or pitching. It's wonderful! No trouble falling asleep at night either.

Friday = Mass = Serenade

The Little Prince is sitting on the steps while I surf the net. He is playing with army guys (I think) and singing at the top of his lungs:

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Pardon your people

In our weakness

Give us strength, Lord

Give us peace

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I don't have a picture, but you can use your imagination. I need to remember this song when he begins to annoy me. Then, between what had to be the 14th and 15th time around, he called up to me: "Mommy! Thank you for all you do!" Times like these are awesome and are what gets me through the not-so-awesome times!

Snow angel

My little snow angel. Isn't he so cute?

Picture of Impatience

(click photos to enlarge)

Not sure how much snow we got overnight. It has been very windy and drifts make it hard to measure. Reese says about 9 inches. Whatever the amount, it was enough to cancel Morgan's practice at the middle school this morning and his last game in Haven this afternoon. But it was not enough to stop the Little Prince from practicing at home. He couldn't even wait for Reese to clear the whole court before he started. I took these pictures from the warmth of the office which overlooks the back yard. My job, when it snows, is to get hot chocolate ready for those crazy enough to venture outside. I love my job!!!

And the winner is...

Morgan Rupert, grade 2. Yea, Morgan! He got the trophy for running the most laps in 2nd grade during October's Race for Education. He also won a $25 check (which he immedately gave to me for safekeeping) for raising the most money in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades.

Here he is hanging with his friends waiting for the awards ceremony to start. They also played "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" after the ceremony. Everyone had a great time.

Wordless Wednesday

Contrary to popular belief, George Washington is NOT dead, but is alive and well and living in an undisclosed location near the MD/PA state line.

Movin' on up

First United Methodist Church welcomes their newest acolyte. He practiced after church a couple weeks ago with the head usher so they let him try it this past Sunday. He had a bit of a hard time getting the candles to light since he is just a tad short. But he didn't catch anything on fire...

Coming back, he concentrated on keeping the flame lit and not running into me. He did a great job and we are all very proud of him!

Basketball

For some, basketball truly is a winter sport. Look at the air the Little Prince can get! (click on the picture to enlarge)

Yes, his coat and sweats are black. At least they were until he rolled in the snow. Each dive for the ball, he has to roll in the snow. Makes me cold just looking at him. But he doesn't seem to mind.

On Saturday, I snapped this picture of the Little Prince just before the start of his game. He scored his first basket of the season and the first basket of the game. Yea! We didn't win, but at least we got on the board. Reese was super excited about this basket because he has to be out of town for Morgan's next game which is on Tuesday night. He was sure Morgan would not score his first basket of the season until that game and Reese would miss it.

Happy New Year!

Isn't he a beauty? The Little Prince made him all by himself on New Year's Day when he and Dad were out shoveling. He was so proud of his resourcefulness in using "a carrot for the nose, tiny sticks for the eyes and a smiley stick for the mouth". Then came the wind and it was off with the snowman's head. Guess the rabbits will be happy for that carrot come spring.

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It is back to school for the Little Prince tomorrow. Yea! Not that I'm anxious to get rid of him, I just really, REALLY want my schedule back. Some sort of order...I'll take anything I can get.

Merry Christmas

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas (belated, I know) and a healthy, happy New Year.

Dear Jesus, please bless...

Morgan made this Advent Chain in school. Each chain a name on it. Every night, he takes off a chain and says, "Dear Jesus, please bless..." Tonight was Daddy. Tomorrow is me. He has classmates and teachers as well as the Pastor, Mom-Mom and Pappy and Grandma and as many cousins as he could fit. The star says, "Each evening after prayers are said, take off one ring and hop in bed. When only the star is left to shine, you will know it's Christmastime."

Indian Summer

Why Indian Summer in the middle of December? Because it is so COLD and WINDY and NOT SUMMERY right now. Sure, the sun is shining, but it is under 35 degrees and the wind is probably gusting at that number, if not higher. I just love these pictures, taken on November 9th. I can still remember the feel of the warm sun and the slight breeze. And the joy of being outside without a coat. *sigh*

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But as Mom always says, "Spring is on the way." No matter what time of winter, there is that hope...

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are 5 of the grandkids that celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister's house today. The two on each end are brothers and the little prince is in the middle. Note his wet hair. He sweats more than anyone I know.

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Food was awesome: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, sweet potato casserole, rolls, green beans, baked corn, cranberry salad, hot crab dip and crackers, pumpkin pie, pecan pie (which we have every year and I steal a piece for my MIL), cheese cake...Just listing it makes me hungry again.

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It was so nice to see everyone. My sister who lives in LA (the state not the city) and her husband were in town for the holiday. And we got to see the newest little one again. He is so tiny and cute. Hard to recall when the little prince was that age/size.

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Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones and delish food.

Fun and games

I taught Morgan how to play Uno tonight. We had such fun. The score is 117 to 82, Little Prince. We are going to keep going until someone reaches 500. Wonder how many days that will take. Morgan is guessing 90-thousand.

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I remember playing Uno when I was growing up. Over and over and over. As a pre-little-prince "awwww" side note: the first weekend I came up to visit Reese and meet his parents, the four of us played Uno on their back deck in the warm Labor Day sun. I'd love even a dot of that warmth now. *sigh* Well, maybe not NOW since it is 10:18 pm. That would be a little weird. However, weather world is calling for a sunny weekend, so I'm going to enjoy it to the max!! Even if I will be stuck inside for most of the morning/afternoon at the Reading Festival in the mall. Maybe my table will be under a skylight...

The Last Roses

The other morning we saw the sun. Yea, I know, do a happy dance. But, seriously, it had been a while. It was cool out, but the sun was shining and I was low on Vitamin D, so I stood on the front porch and watched Morgan at the bus stop. Usually I hide inside the door and peek out every minute or so to make sure he's still there. I need to set up a mirror like my Mom had when I was taking the bus to school. But I digress...

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As I stood on the porch enjoying the rays, I noticed my miniature rose bush. The one out of 3 that I have yet to kill with my brown thumb. It was beautiful. Even with all the cold weather we'd been having, it was still going strong. So I ran in for my camera and tried to capture the glory of summer. Just for a moment, it was there. And I was happy.