two down

 2 kids down, 1 to go......braces they are a wonderful help, but even more wonderful when they come off!

Well, I waited a day to post this blog of this week so you could see Jacob's new smile.  He got his braces off this morning.  He was nervous (because Emily said the scraping off of the glue was rough)  but, all went well.  He almost gagged on the purple taffy foam that made his mold for his retainer.  His feet were doing the jig of joy and he danced all the way out of the office.  He kept smiling at himself in the mirror.  I wish I would have had a camera there.  I added some pictures of our easter tree.  I tried using red bud branches this year but, as you can see the red buds are dropping off already. 
Gene went to Philadelphia and Baltimore on business this week.  He had extra time and went sight-seeing to the Liberty Bell (and all the other cool places shown on the National Treasure movie).  We cleared out the house this week.  The school had a clothing drive (3 garbage bags full) and Tess had a garage sale (jeep and van packed full of stuff).  I was so thrilled to have more space.  I rearranged the living room.  There are so many refreshing aspects of spring.  I love clearing out things I don't need and making changes.  It's thrilling. 
Tara tried out for cheer (I've never seen anything so crazy in my life!)  Mothers pacing the floor, girls in tears.  It was 45 girls trying out for 12 positions.  Some have been in cheer for years trying to be good enough for the squad.  Tara just wanted to try.  She was fine with the results, after 2 weeks of that, she wants to try tennis and golf next.  Eventually we will find something she loves.  Jacob finally had a baseball practice Sat. after all the week's practices were cancelled because of rain.  He's on the team the Mets now and is looking forward to a fun season.
Emily wants to run for Student council president.  She wrote a pretty funny essay and ended it with "I will wrap this up by saying 'this is my essay and I hope you except it.'"  I was dying laughing.  I will definately proof read and help edit this before it's turned in.