Today I took Phoebe to get her ears pierced! It is part of her birthday present from us. She has wanted them done for a few years, but this was the year.

She grinned from ear to ear pretty much the entire time we were at the place.

She didn’t cry. She didn’t wiggle. She didn’t roll around on the floor writhing in pain. She merely said, “Ow!” quietly, almost as an afterthought.

Afterwards, we met up with Ray and had lunch. Phoebe was still grinning about it. She didn’t even argue when I said that she was getting the plain little balls for her first earrings. Even after they showed her all the fancy, pretty little ones that were colorful or sparkly. I did promise that she could get something prettier or sparkly (or both) for her second pair when she’s allowed to change them.

Today was Phoebe’s birthday party with our families. It was a nice time for everyone. :) We were also surprised with a visit from Rob, Kira, Henry and Lilly who were in from Colorado for the weekend.

My strawberries are coming in…

Everything has been getting greener and greener lately! It’s so wonderful to see spring coming to life. Several of my Hastas are really cranking along…as are the strawberry and asparagus patches!

We’re still on the fringe of the season, however. Overnight lows have been bringing us frost/freeze warnings nearly every night this week. Phoebe got on the bus this morning and it was 35 degrees outside. It was 55 by 10:00 a.m. and it is supposed to be pushing 70 later today. Up and down. Up and down.

On another super note, Ray finally was able to get the corn stove fixed and running again. (The motor had died…and it had needed new something or others for a while (bushings? bearings?).) So, this morning, the downstairs was toasty warm and the stove was QUIET — something which it had not been for quite some time.

Yet another note… why, yes, I do love taking photos on my iPhone with the Hipstamatic App! Today’s photos are brought to us by the John S lens and Ina’s 1969 film with no flash. The biggest reason (other than its a pretty cool app — just wish it were faster to use) is I always have my iPhone with me.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter (or Wonderful Sunday) however you plan to spend it.

First up, my girl is back home from her band trip to New York this morning:

Actually, just before I left the house to go wait for the buses to roll in, Phoebe decided she had waited long enough. While the bunny didn’t hide candy filled eggs around the house this year, Phoebe hunted down some HUGE plastic eggs – each with a Littlest Pet Shop creature inside! Then she perused her Easter Basket… then, I left.

After a couple of hours back at home, we all headed over to Ray’s Aunt’s house for an Easter get together. We had an amazingly good time, though it would have been much better had it not been so windy, but I won’t quibble over that.

Happy Easter // Happy Sunday!

The girls’ spring break started officially today after a half day of school.

While Alex is somewhere in Central Park in New York City, I took Phoebe to see How to Train Your Dragon in 3D this afternoon! It was an incredibly great movie! I loved it. She really loved it and wanted to see it again right then. AND – she has plans to OWN it too.

This evening had parent teacher conferences at all of the schools and while we only went determined to see one specific teacher, the shocking thing was more that nearly every time we turned a corner in a hallway at the high school there were kids making out. Yeah, so not ready for that. I doubt I ever will be. After all, my girls are still way too young and innocent for that! I’m know I’m living in an imaginary world sure of that.

After that bit of educational delight (not the conference itself, the other stuff), Phoebe had rehearsal to go to. She did extremely well and is finally starting to reign herself in and down a little and be focused on the task at hand.

Alex even finally called us later too! Her phone had died (silly girl didn’t charge it the night before leaving!) and she had to wait until she could plug it in. She was having an amazing time so far, but was really tired. I cannot imagine why: they rode on buses overnight the whole way to NYC and then jumped right into their day of activities and touring. They didn’t check into their hotel until around 8:00 pm! Poor thing sounded dreadfully exhausted, yet elated to be there. I can’t wait to see her back home, hear her stories about the trip and (hopefully) see a lot of photos and videos!

I admit it. I was feeling antsy that I hadn’t heard from her. Even a text that they made it there would have sufficed for a time. She is my first baby after all. She’ll always be that. Always.

And that’s no April fools…