High Five for Friday (3.14.14)

1. My mama comes to visit today! I haven't seen her since Thanksgiving, and can't wait to spend the last few days of spring break (and a few days next week as well) with her. Our plans include baking a banana cream pie, celebrating her birthday (which happens to be today), visiting the outlet mall, going to see Peabody and Mr. Sherman, an outing to Spoons, cutting my and Hallie's hair, and painting my front door. It's not too late to weigh in on what color we should go with, by the way!

2. I crossed two adventures off my Texas Bucket List this week! Next week I'll post about our day trips to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham and the Aquarium in Houston.

3. After years of waiting for the right time (as defined by an assortment of dentists, orthodontist, and oral surgeons), Will's two-year-old molar that never fully formed or emerged from his gums was finally removed on Wednesday. I have severe anxiety about all things dental, and even worse anxiety about medications - like the general anesthetic needed during the surgery to remove Will's tooth - that rob people of their faculties, so Tom graciously volunteered to completely rearrange his schedule and take Will to his appointment. Will did wonderfully throughout the procedure - the surgeon told him he behaved more maturely than most 15-year-olds, a compliment to which he held on tightly so that he could pass it along to me when he arrived home - and though there were a few rough moments during the 48 hours post-surgery, he hung in there.

4. Mother Nature finally cut us a break, just in time for spring break. The sun is shining, the temperatures are in the 60's and 70's, and for the first time in quite a while, the grass and flowers and trees have color and life to them. Come visit us in Texas, friends, where you can roll down the windows, feel the sun on your face, and let the wind whip through your hair!

5. I usually post links to pieces I've written a few at a time, but I wanted to share this link on its own because of its time-sensitve nature. When you have a moment, check out a variety of delicious meals and snacks as well as quite a few fun activities and crafts in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Last weekend I made the clover-shaped Rice Krispie Treats, which the kids and their friends loved, and the weekend before that I tacked the wreath and the clover cubes so that I could add a little more fun and whimsey to our St. Patrick's Day decorations.

Happy St. Patrick's Day cooking, baking, crafting, and playing!

Linking up with High Five for Friday!