Random Day. Although, is there really any other kind here at Grass Stains?

Last night at the ballpark, Nathaniel took Jakey over to play on the playground. When they ran back over, Jake came up to me, touched his head and said, "BUMP." He told me in one word what it would have taken Nathaniel about 50 to say, but I would have loved Nathaniel's version just as much. They own me.

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It touches me how much Nathaniel has loved his first season of baseball, considering that he'd never picked up a bat and didn't know any of the rules two months ago, has only gotten a few hits all season, and his team is now 1 and 11. I love that he loves it for the experience and not for the wins, that he's made new friends and remains such an optimist about his chances of getting a hit each time up to bat.

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I am SO HAPPY with my (relatively) new camera strap from Cotton Candy by Natalie. It's sassy, colorful and -- best of all! best of all! -- doesn't have a Canon logo that rubs a spot on my neck when I wear it for hours at a time.

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Yesterday Grayson checked out some kind of military history book from the library for Nicholas. It included a CD-ROM that Nick was anxious to view, but there wasn't time yesterday morning before school. Nick asked to take it with him since it was his computer enrichment day. When we got home last night I noticed Nick's "Today in Computer Activities" progress report, completed by our teacher and babysitter Anna. She had written: "Nicholas wanted to use the CD-ROM from the library book so we all got to see some old weapons and uniforms. It was awesome." Here we are, hours later, and I'm still trying to suss out how much of that was facetious and how much of it was genuine. Because if it were I, you can bet the "awesome" part would have been facetious. (Or as Nick would say, the "fishy-fish one.")

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The Nester said this in reference to sewing a slipcover with friends for her sectional couch, but I think it's one of Life's Great Truths: "Find someone who has the same standard of perfection as you. That will make your life easier." I am thinking specifically of the state of my kitchen sink, but you just go on and apply it to your own life.

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This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at our daycare center. Each day we're assigned to bring something for each teacher (we have four teachers plus the director and assistant director to appreciate) ... Monday was "bring a note" day, yesterday was "bring a flower" day, today is "bring a sweet treat" day, tomorrow is "bring a relaxing gift" day, and Friday is "bring a favorite snack" day. 

So Monday we took personal notes that we'd written. Yesterday we sent flower-themed note pads, because for the last five years we've sent seedlings in little pots, and I wanted to think outside the box this year. Today we sent little baggies filled with Reese's Cups and mini-Butterfingers. Tomorrow we have scented body wash and loofas to send in, and Friday each teacher gets a box of microwave popcorn.

And while I love "appreciating" them with gifts, I wish I felt the freedom to chuck all that "required" stuff out the window and just get each of them a $10 Target gift card. Maybe next year. But while I'm on the subject, I ran across this yesterday and love the idea. On second thought, maybe THAT would be good for next year ...