I Can Not Tell a Lie

I am about to go all George Washington on the cherry tree in my front postage stamp yard.  I feel like burying a hatchet in it.  Before I go on, my apologies for not writing yesterday,  it was simply a hugely busy day which and I simply could not muster up the strength to be witty or charming.  Just ask my better half.
I have talked about this tree previously (see Cherry Blossoms).  While I love the blooms, that is about all I love about it.  Let's discuss what I don't love.  1.  It needs a trim.  It seriously resembles a weeping willow at this point.  2.  The blooms are starting and it's only a matter of time before the yard and front steps turn pink and I go crazy and try to attach the broom and dustpan to my arm like Inspector Gadget.  Ooh, or maybe some helicopter blades that can pop out when I need to be carried away to my 'Happy Place' literally!  Aside: Did anyone else really want to be Penny or was it just me?  3.  I am pretty sure it brings ants.  I have suspected this in the past and my mother confirmed this yesterday.
It's really hard for me to talk about having ants in my kitchen because for the most part I am a clean person.  And I associate ants and other critters with the opposite of cleanliness.  But in this case, that can't be true.  I would hate for anyone to read this and think "oh my, she has ants! what a sow!"  Serioulsy if you could see me on all fours cleaning up crumbs on an hourly basis, you would know I am a clean freak.  Which brings me to another point.  We really need another dog.  Ahh, this post is going nowhere...........fast.  I have decided if you have kids and they are still of age to drop food on the floor, a family dog is a must for cleaning up.  Luckily I met a really nice man yesterday with the most gorgeous Rottie I have ever seen.  I took it upon myself to ask him where he acquired such a beast and he gave me the name of his breeder.  This particular young fella was 6 mo and already 90 lb's.  This particular breeder breeds for size and temperament.  I am so excited to get in touch with them!  His paws were immense, but he was so sweet and even tried to sit on my lap, literally knocking me over!   Anyway, I have never cleaned the floor so much since November.  Even with all of Lux's shedding, it was nothing compared to what I sweep up now.
Ok, so I spent yesterday the afternoon cleaning out the pantry, spraying with Raid (yup, I am a horrible mom and don't feel like messing around with natural cleansers; we all breathed in Raid as youngsters and turned out pretty decent)   and setting ant traps.  The cleaning was actually a long time coming! It felt great to sort out unneeded items and organize items that go together.
The last thing I want to say, to end on a positive note, is that clippings from the tree make beautiful centerpieces.  I just clipped a few stragglers from the branches and arranged them in tall clear vases.  I also brought one arrangement to school to support our study of trees and flowers.      
So let's recap:  I had a great busy weekend, found a reliable Rottweiler breeder (although rescuing is still not out of the question) and a clean pantry.  If you were wondering what has been happening in my life since Saturday, you are now us to speed.  TTFN!

Cherry Blossoms

Today kicks off the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.  These trees are beautiful, but the make one hell of a mess.  We have a huge one in our front yard (pictured above), and every year I am so excited to see the fluffy pink blooms.  But then the rain comes and the petals stick to the soles of your shoes and get tracked into the house and if not swept up immediately stick the floor.  Nothing a little elbow grease can't handle, but most definitely irritating.
As far ads the festival in our Nation's Capital, our family has yet to participate. Pretty sad considering we have been in the D.C. Metro area for almost 10 years.  2011 will be the year.  I am insisting that we go and check it out.  I would like to see the blooms in their peak and here is the schedule for 2011.

Average Peak Bloom Date: April 4

2011 Peak Bloom Date Forecast: March 29 – April 1

2011 Blooming Period Forecast: March 26 – April 7

Oh, and festival food?  Woot! I can't seem to find any info about independent food vendors other than participating restaurants, but I hope there are some food carts along the way.  This lady needs snacks at consistent intervals, especially to deal with large crowds. 
Now I just have to convince my better half that this will be a great experience.......


**Also, I take back my Why-Reinvent the Wheel Wed. comment that I have no motivation to do anything cute, because this week we made Cherry Blossom Paintings with sequin flowers to kick off the Spring Season!  Check out my fine motor skills**

Heigh Ho Heigh Ho

It's off to work THEY go. BTW, who knew it was 'heigh' and not 'hi'?  Weekends are great times to catch up on chores, especially when evenings are the only time you have to do them, and that is not an option b/c you are dead tired and really need to be spending time with your children and/or significant other.  Also, let's be real, chores suck and I have waited 4 years to delegate.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that I can ask my son to go and feed the cat nowadays.  As I am learning, my son loves to "help" me with everything!  I welcome the help for some things and definitely not others.  Here is a list of chores I find appropriate for a 4 year old:
1.  Feeding animals (if you have a dog is not protective over his/her food)
2.  Putting dirty clothes in the hamper (that word is really old-fashioned don't you think?)
3.  Sorting laundry
4.  Dustbusting
5.  'Washing' dishes in the sink (of course you have to re-wash but they think its great fun)
6.  Cleaning up toys
7.  Neighborhood litter clean up (Mine has this 'Grabber' to use so he does not have to get his hands dirty)
8.  Putting items in the recycling bin
9.  Putting sippy cups in the refrigerator
10. Help put groceries away

There are many things I DO NOT  want help with(i.e. anything that involves open liquid containers or permanent ink), but I am trying to keep this positive, so use your own judgement in order to preserve your sanity.

Lakeshore Learning

Looking for something to do tomorrow morning?  I totally forgot about this amazing program held at a Lakeshore store near you.  If you don't have one nearby, sorry :(  But feel free to visit me and I'll take you!  A friend reminded me a few weeks ago and I haven't been able to go yet, but I look forward to it.  My son is the perfect age for this.  The Lakeshore Free Crafts for Kids are weekly (or weekendly) and really adorable.  My mommy friend went for Valentine's Day and enjoyed herself thoroughly.  The store is also uber amazing. Their products, while a bit pricey, are good quality and oh so much fun. I know there are a few of you who loved to play teacher as a kid, so go to Lakeshore and play to your heart's delight!