Spring has Sprung!

This year I decided to get into St. Patty's Day. I have never really known why we even celebrated this holiday, I am ashamed to say that it has taken me this long to wonder, or even care why I need to wear green, pinch people, or prepare greasy meat. But since I decided to try to tie in St. Patty's with FHE last night, it forced me to do a little research. Thanks Wikipedia. (I still don't understand what Leprechauns and pinching have to do with anything. Maybe I'll investigate this matter further next year.) But because I am a sucker for a holiday, and I will cling to absolutely anything to take the focus off the last bit of winter that is hanging on for dear life, I tried to make yesterday fun. Of course, I dressed myself and the kids in green, and was impressed that even Marshall was festive and remembered to wear his green shirt! (Way to go, honey.) For breakfast, it was Irish Brown Soda Bread. Not bad, as long as you slather it in butter and jam. Then, we spent the afternoon making sugar cookies with green frosting and sprinkles (in the shape of shamrocks, of course.) Then dinner was my first attempt at Corned Beef and Cabbage. The cabbage was surprisingly tasty, but the meat was so greasy I thought I might puke. (And I have a high tolerance for grease!) Don't think I will be making that one again...! Does anyone have a recipe that isn't so greasy? Maybe if I would have out potatoes in with it it would absorb some of the grease? Has anyone else made this stuff?

Today was fun- the kids and I went up to see one of my friends from New York, Melissa, and her little boy, Luc. It was so fun to see them again. The boys played with the train table all afternoon while we ate lunch, made some cookies, and chatted away. One thing I will always be grateful for from our NYC days were the awesome friends we made there. We relied on our friends so much out there because no one had family, so our friends were our family there. Glad they moved back out here too- thanks for having us over, Melissa- we had a great time! See you again soon!

Hallelujah! My tulips and hyacinth in my front flower bed have finally poked up through the ground. That means Spring is officially here. I am so excited to see what they look like when they finally bloom. Thank goodness for simple joys. In the meantime, I will be able to enjoy my Easter lily I bought for myself. (Is that pathetic? Is it like chocolates where you are you supposed to get them as gifts, and it's a tad bit sad if you buy them for yourself? Even if it is, I don't care. It is gorgeous!)