Swinging on Birches

I feel, oftentimes, that we live in such uncertainty. There are so many things in flux...jobs, children, homes, income, health, the economy...and the list goes on. Sometimes when I feel the lack of certainty with such intensity, I go into what a friend dubs, "paralysis by over-analysis" mode and I have a hard time moving forward with anything at all. This weekend, I have been thankful for so many certainties.  Family. Friends. Love. Home. Happy.  My little, fascinated by every new thing we do.  Fresh air and screens in windows; welcoming in a new season of growth and beauty. Quiet, focused time with my two favorite boys (one behind the camera). Independence coming so quickly..."Do it 'self mommy."  Happiness and lovely.  Creating something beautiful and delicious for others--fully homemade chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes...  and Iced Lemon Poppy Seed scones.  And an early visit from the Easter Bunny, w

I was going through old pictures and videos yesterday and came across this one again.  Two questions: Is it legal for grandparents to do this? Is it wrong that I find it funny?

Wardie's second birthday happened a few weeks ago. The day was perfect.  He asked for a choo-choo cake, so mommy made one.  (After returning from a 11 hour bus ride building houses with 200 college students and no sleep.)  It was a stupid  great idea to have his party the day after I got back. I used four mini-loaf pans and two boxes of cake mix, making 8 cakes total.  Two of the mini cakes were used for the engine, and the rest made perfect train cars. Then, I iced the cakes, used oreos for wheels, kit kats as the ties between cars and various candy for the "cargo" coming out of each car.  Overall, it turned out pretty cool. The engine had a little accident, so I had to do some emergency surgery. Wardie thought it was delicious. Once he realized everyone was singing to him, he just lit up--I think he felt so special and loved. And he spent the rest of the afternoon surrounded by family and friends and WAAAAYYYY too many birthday