The Rest of Spring Break AKA Murphy's Delayed Reprise

Ha ha, doubters! I'm back for the conclusion of our spring break adventures. I left off last time trying to decide how to spend our Thursday. First of all, the variety of popsicle stick creations multiplied. I'm not sure how many sticks of hot glue the kids went through, but I don't think I care when considering how much they enjoyed it. I ran down to pay for the car repairs and exchange Jeremy's car with the van. While I was out, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up some scone dough. I'm not much into frying food, but we recently discovered that the wok makes a handy fryer. You can adjust the temperature easily and it has a deepish well for holding oil+food. Another benefit on this particular day was its independence from the stove, which repair I was still waiting upon.

While we waited, the kids were getting stir crazy, so I decided we should try some microwave "baking." I found a recipe for Chocolate Oreo Rice Krispie Squares. We substituted mint Oreo cookies since that was what we had left over from our Monday picnic. My review is that it wasn't the most super-fantastic-blowyourmind treat, but it satisfied my chocolate craving, smelled really good, and was quick and easy and child friendly.

The oven fix-it guy arrived and determined the malfunction was with the computer. Not a cheap deal, but at this point it was better than having to buy a whole new appliance. He was able to replace it on the spot, and I'm pleased to say I haven't had any problems since. The only downside, beside the cost, is that it has a more annoying beep--it really bugs the kids--and the number 9 looks funny. I suppose we can cope.

In the meantime, we had an unexpected visit from Grandma. She'd been working on a quilt for Morgan's bed and stopped by to deliver the finished product. I should have taken a before picture, because Morgan's bed used to be a mishmash of about 4 or 5 crib-sized blankets. Now she has a happy bed. I took this after picture when I found Morgan later that day just sitting and playing on her new, pretty bed. She loves it.

Friday Jeremy took the day off of work and we decided to go to the movies. The kids were split between The Lorax and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. I'm quite convinced which would have been the more quality and socially conscientious choice, but since when were those primary reasons for making any decision? Journey 2 was playing at the cheaper [and stinkier and stickier] theater, so naturally that's where we went. Afterward, we let the kids choose a place to eat, and so we headed to Golden Corral. As much as I want to just sit and be served, the kids went home stuffed and happy. We also stopped to find some new shoes for Caleb to replace his duct taped ones. He needed size 11. We looked for pants, too, but apparently stores don't sell size 30 x 34.

Saturday was just a get things done day. We cleaned house, worked in the yard, trimmed the rose bushes, did laundry, things like that. The kids played with friends. Nothing too monumental.

On Sunday I got around to taking the Easter picture of the kids I meant to take the week before. This time at least I wasn't scrambling out the door trying to be on time to practice with the choir and making sure I had everything I needed for my Sunday School lesson. This time it was just the standard scramble, which leaves plenty of time for a quick picture. I think they're such a handsome bunch!

So now you might be wondering why the reference to Murphy's reprise. Well, the rest of spring break went well. Nary a hitch in sight. Hallelujah! Fast forward to Tuesday, however, and things took a turn for the worse. Marissa was participating in the Hope of America program at the Marriott Center. We took the family, and as we drove through traffic the van started to overheat again. What!?! Isn't this what we just payed them to fix? We did some creative maneuvering to make sure we didn't sit and idle for too long and made it there and home again without the engine completely exploding. Wednesday morning we dropped the car off at the shop for take 2. Another few hundred dollars later, and I have to trust them that now we have a permanent solution.

Then Friday I was doing laundry and put a load of sheets in the dryer. A while later I realized it had been running for an awfully long time. I opened the door and everything was wet and cold. Super! I pulled the laundry out and draped it around the house, including the second load of sheets that was still in the washing machine. Jeremy came home and disassembled the dryer and was able to replace the heating element. Thank goodness! He's my hero. He also cleaned out the laundry closet better than it has been since we bought the dryer.

And you know how I jokingly said the next 10-year-old thing to break would be Marissa? Well, Friday I took her to the doctor to check out a bump that was hurting on the side of her foot. It appears not to be anything serious, just an overuse injury of the toe joint most likely from soccer, so right now we're treating it with ice and ibuprofen. I think Marissa is hoping to get an x-ray, which would be the next step if it doesn't improve. That will just have to happen before our insurance changes next month and everything gets a lot more expensive...

We are on a roll!