This photo has nothing to do with anything except that it really amuses me

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” -Charles Swindoll

Dear Kid,

Who knew life had a recipe? Aren’t you glad you’re going to college to learn things like that?

Of course, my general philosophy in the kitchen is Start with a recipe and then ignore it. Followed by the corollary Get someone else to clean up. And the all around When in doubt, add chocolate or garlic (but not both).

Not sure what Charles would have to say about that. I just looked him up and Chuck (he really does go by Chuck–I’m not being rude) is an evangelical Christian pastor and he’s got some pretty dandy, non-religious quotes on life. Pretty sure we’ll be seeing his name again.

Spring is clearly bi-polar this year. As far as the tulips are concerned, spring has been here for a while. As far as the rest of us are concerned–HA! Pi is rather annoyed that it isn’t really shorts weather yet. That hasn’t stopped her from wearing shorts, mind you.

Stay warm. Enjoy Spring. React well to life.

Love, Mom

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Dear Kid,

You are sitting at the kitchen table finishing up homework. I know you are not happy with the way you played volleyball tonight, but as far as I could see you have nothing to be upset about.

Maybe that’s just mom eyes. I think I watched the games sets pretty carefully (and yes, I’m still learning the correct terminology). The thing is you are playing an entirely new sport (new for you, I mean) and I am so impressed with the attitude you have about trying and learning and being positive (except for right now).

You are a team player in the truest sense of the term. And I couldn’t be more proud.

Love, Mom

“The consequences of today are determined by the actions of the past. To change your future, alter your decisions today.” ~ Anonymous

Dear Kid,

I think this is a great quote. It reminds me that I am always in control of things in my life (with the possible exceptions of your father and eating too much chocolate–probably not in that order).

But it also reminds me of Pi and her stumbling (tripping? falling flat on her nose?) over pronouncing the word ‘consequences.’ Not sure why she had so much trouble with it–maybe it’s because it’s a long word, or it contains the letter “u,” or she tripped herself up once and never managed to untrip. In her world for a long time, the word was “kwonsequences.”

Whether the word should contain a ‘w’ or not, remember that the consequences of your actions are often tremendously difficult to undo. Sometimes that’s a good thing; sometimes not so much. It’s relatively easy to buy a new pair of jeans if you should spill a little acid on them; it’s much more difficult to fix if you spill the same acid down your throat. See what I mean?

Love, Mom