Surpise or not to Surprise

We went roller skating/roller blading last week and my middle son's roller blades were too tight so we rented roller skates instead. His friend Big J did circles around him with his roller blades and my poor son just didn't enjoy it. He kept saying he wants to go back when he gets new roller blades. My husband found some on EBay that came with pads and a backpack to put it all in (great idea). We surprised him with it the other night. He was so happy he gave my husband a big hug and he isn't the hugging type, it was a precious moment.

I put an envelope in my daughters folder this morning labeled "book order". She called me up and asked what books I ordered. I told her it would be a surprise. She hung up on me. I guess she must of woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She must not like surprises. She did call me back and I told her I ordered a number of books and I think she will be pleased with my selection. She still wanted to know.

I received a delivery of flowers from my husband at work last week and it really made my day. It was a great surprise.

So are there people that don't like surprises? I know there are times when you probably shouldn't surprise folks but I really like the little surprises.

Tonight I am taking my daughter out for a movie and dinner without her brothers, girls night out. So should I bring the boys something home as a surprise or does that set a precedence they will expect something every time and then it won't be a surprise?

Is it still Winter?

As I walked by the front window and looked out this afternoon I thought how excited I was to see the snow back in November. Although the snow is pretty I am way over it.

Things I've been busy with this winter:
1) Hockey with the boys
2) Running - getting ready for my 1/2 marathon in May
3) watching movies and drinking hot chocolate to stay warm
4) Work - very busy these days
5) Baking - ask M about my Banana Bread and my chocolate pie!
6) Running the kids to activities - Boy Scouts, hockey, piano, and religion
7) Snowmobiling (always need Motrin after!)

My Dad had surgery last montha (doing great recovering quickly) and I actually picked up a needle and did a little embroidery while waiting in the waiting room. I really need to get back to doing that more. I find it very relaxing and the end result is always beautiful.

I worked a few 1/2 days last week while the kids were off for "winter break" - like we need a reminder it is winter. Anyway we went roller skating which I enjoyed more than I thought I would after all these years. It is great exercise. I couldn't keep up with M who joined us with her three kids. I took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks (again with M and crew) and took them bowling. These are the thing I used to do with my husband before kids. Maybe some day I will have the time do some of these things again with my husband.

I am already looking at my next race coming up soon but it is in conflict with a hockey tournament, and the Pinewood Derby. I guess all these activities sure makes the winters go by a LITTLE bit faster. What else would we do during our long winters in NY!

Little Things

I have to remember my youngest son A who instead of saying Three it comes out sounding like flee. He then gets mad at us if we do it. He definitely knows the difference - just can't say it.

My daughter V knows how to get my son S really mad. I remember when I was growing up I remember how my older brother D could get my younger brother H mad like that. I sit back and think how things repeat and how life doesn't change.

We were all surprised to find old pictures of my Mom's parents when they became US citizens and my Grandmothers picture looks JUST like my niece. It is also strange the mole my Grandfather had (was documented on his form) my same niece also has in the exact same place.

As I go out every weekend and run with my friends M and D I get a little sad to know that M will be moving this summer and the memory of our weekend runs will always be in my mind. In many years something will remind me of that as well, just like the above. Maybe our daughters or sons will take up running with friends and it will bring back a flood of memories of days gone by.

This is the year my son S doesn't want to do valentines - should I write it in his school book for him to laugh about some day?

So do I live to much in the past? Do I just enjoy remembering the good times? Am I really a historian at heart? Maybe I am a little of all of that - aren't we all?