Quick Takes: The Spring is Coming Edition

Seven snippets of life right now, in no particular order.

1. I am officially on pre-maternity leave right now.
   I blocked out two weeks before 2.0's estimated arrival to finish all the Finian Road projects that are in the works.  After 11 shoots in the past three weeks (including 5 during a 'final 30 hour weekend blitz' on Friday-Saturday), it's time to sit down and edit like mad.  And I am seriously loving the mix of wee ones in that 30 hour blitz: I shot a newborn, 3 month old, 6 month old, 9 month old, 2 year old, 3 year old, 4 year old and 5 year old.  So grateful that the crazy schedule didn't bring 2.0 a bit early!  Sneak previews galore this week on the blog and Facebook (you should like us!).
2. Loving the signs of spring right now.
   Daffodils, buds peeking through the ground, warmer temperatures.  No longer simply a forecast of "rain + 40°" day in and day out!  Muddy farm, I can feel your sting leaving me!
3. Beautiful Palm Sunday Mass yesterday.
   With a procession at the beginning from the Parish Hall, and beautiful music with a violin during the Mass.  Thomas went to his first "Children's Liturgy of the Word" yesterday with his sweet 9-year-old friend, Cheyenne, and loved it.  When he came back, he handed me all his goodies and said, "Wow, Mommy!"  He's still a little young (you're supposed to be 3 years old), but Cheyenne is the best 'big sister' to him.  I had the chance to hear the Gospel and the homily without focusing on Thomas, and it was a beautiful start to Holy Week.  We'll ignore the 'kicking off of his boots down the center aisle while we headed out the door as he was screaming" during the Eucharistic prayer. Just chalk that up to the 'terrific twos'.  :)
4. I love my husband.
   He got up early yesterday and went to the 8 am Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter's in Tenino. Afterwards, he did all the grocery shopping for the week for us, with a list sent to his iPhone.  While we were at Mass at 10:30, he spent a few hours on my office: cleaning it out so we can eventually get 2.0's dresser moved into the closet, his newborn clothes hung up and a bed moved in there.  It was all a surprise, topped off with flowers for the kitchen. I slept for a good part of the day yesterday, recovering from Friday and Saturday, and slept nearly 10 hours last night.  I am a lucky, lucky wiffie.
5. The 2011 Shoot to Fight Cancer has raised $950 so far!
   We have 87 tickets left, with just under 2 weeks to go.  Don't miss your chance for tickets -- more details here!
6. I am finally getting back on my feet in the kitchen.
   SO GLAD.  After 3 weeks of no energy, using up a number of meals that had been in my freezer for 'post baby arrival', it feels so good to be 'back in the apron'.  Jonathan and I celebrated the chickens' return to laying by using a up a dozen-ish eggs to make homemade egg salad sandwiches (on homemade portuguese sweet bread, no less!) for lunch yesterday after the Wee Ski went down.  When I cut my crusts off and cut my sandwiches into cute little tea sandwiches, it felt just like afternoon tea.  Tasty delicious.  Capped it off with a few fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies.  SO loving making a big batch of cookie dough ahead of time and freezing individual cookies in the freezer for a quick "11 mins at 375° snack" when we want it!
7. Really looking forward to Holy Week.
   This Lent, as with most Lenten experiences, never goes the way originally envisioned.  I loved this short article from Life Teen:  "So, You Ruined Your Lent". I started reading this Holy Week edition of the Magnificat, and I am very grateful for this week to prepare for His death and Resurrection.  Especially with a toddler who is constantly teaching me about humility as a parent and reminding me of what's really important in everything.  Wishing you a beautiful Holy Week as well.  :)