BFFs

Drew hung out with his two best friends today, EZ and SiMi.  There's certainly a good vibe in the house when three 9-year-old boys are just hanging out, acting goofy and having fun.

Erin's Art

Erin made this in art class and brought it home before spring break.  Today she gave it to Drew for his sports wall.

It's a Zoo Day

The first day of spring break: sunny and perfect for a zoo trip!

3 Country Music Acts

My college friend Tracy and I started attending concerts together in the mid-1980s after we both moved to the Chicago area.  Tonight we traveled out to DeKalb to see 3 fantastic acts.  First up was Sarah Buxton.  Best song:  Stupid Boy.  Here's Sarah and me during intermission.  She loved my necklace!

Next up:  Trace Adkins.  Every song was great, but You're Gonna Miss This gets my vote for best song.  I cry every time I hear it, and tonight was no exception.

Last up:  Martina McBride.  A class act all the way.  She's tiny and beautiful, and in my opinion she has the best vocals of any female country star out there today.  Best song:  Independence Day, altho I'm Trying from her new album is a haunting song about a complex relationship.

Popovers

I made my first popovers tonight.  I thought that a bacon and chive popover would be the perfect complement to baked potato soup, and it was spot-on.  Yes, making popovers with real bacon grease is a bit indulgent, but the taste is incredible!  If I could afford the fat and calories I'd make these on a regular basis.  For now, however, they'll have to remain an indulgent treat.

March Madness

The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team has had a remarkable season this year.  I was thrilled when they made it to the Big Dance.  In fact, I remarked to Mom earlier this week, "It's just too bad UNI has to meet Kansas in the 2nd round.  I think they're a really good team, but I don't think they stand a chance against Kansas."

UNI proved they can play with the big boys when they knocked off the overall #1 seed - Kansas - today.  Welcome to the Sweet 16 UNI!  Regardless of what anyone says, you deserve to be here!  Enjoy the run!

Rediscovering the Classics

Because of a crazy family schedule this evening, I knew we wouldn't all be sitting down together for a family supper.  I've discovered on nights like that this that it's great to have breakfast for supper.  The kids jusst love this theme, but Baird's not a big fan so it works best on nights when he's eating out.  Tonight was one such night.

When Kelsey checked in after school, I asked her which she preferred, pancakes or waffles.  I got an enthusiastic "PANCAKES!"  from her and she said goodbye.  She called back about 30 seconds later saying, "Mom, when my friends heard me say 'pancakes,' they got really excited.  Can they come for supper too?"

Sure.  After all, making a triple batch of pancakes is as easy as making a single batch. 

After filling up on pancakes, bacon and hot chocolate, the group wondered downstairs to see what they could find to watch on TV.  Nothing was grabbing them...until they saw the DVD set that holds the entire collection of Looney Tunes.  They sat down and started watching.  An hour or so later, they came upstairs for air and remarked, "I don't think I ever realized how great the Looney Tunes really are.  They're so funny!"