Projects

At school, I think I secretly have the title among parents as the "Queen of Projects" teacher. Interestingly enough, because I am a teacher, I am not a big fan of assisting my own children with their afternoon school responsibilities (a.k.a. homework and projects). When I get home, I'm done with school. This character quality in their mother has taught my girls alot of independence over the years when it comes to homework. I like it that way. I do not like anything I have to "call out" to them.... especially spelling words. Blech. Thank goodness they are good spellers. Daddy, on the other hand, loves to "call out" anything...especially History Test Study Guide Questions. And my children, whether they wanted it or not, usually get an entire history lesson out of one study session with dad. He likes to elaborate.

Caroline just finished a Book Report that is due tomorrow. She did a mobile.... remember those? It is rather cute. It is hanging in our dining room for all of us to enjoy until tomorrow. Book Report Project....check.

Stuff

We just wrapped up our annual yard sale... me and that crazy chick above along with a couple other dear friends. It is always exhausting, but well worth the trouble when we tally our profit at the end!
The little chicks had their own table of loot and made themselves a little "chunk of change". They negotiated with this one young man and sold all their silly bandz for a dollar. (I'm sorry you weren't here for the deal.) Suzanne and I quietly lamented over the amount of money that WE put in to purchasing those darn things for them. I was just in a much needed shower trying to recollect at least ten things that I sold today. That was a challenge. I know that I am older and my memory "ain't too good", but I really could not recall even ten. It was a wake up call to the unnecessary stuff that fills this house.
I hope to recall these thoughts the next time I pick up that "household good" at TJMaxx. It will probably end up in the yard sale next year. Who knows, if you come out, it might even be yours...for a steal!

Confession

Both girls were working on homework and dinner was in the oven so I tried to sneak and make some homemade cookies BY MYSELF before either one of them noticed. You see, when they participate, they make a big mess....
and, tonight, I just didn't want to deal with it. I am a tidy baker.

Not far into the process, I was "caught" by my youngest.
"Oh goodie! Cookies! I wanna help!"

It was at that moment that God softly reminded me...
"This is your daughter. You prayed and asked Me for her. Enjoy her."

I relinquished. I gave her the flour, the butter, the eggs. It went all over the counter. I smiled and soaked up the whole experience.
And then I thanked God for the reminder.
He has a sweet way of doing that.

Necklaces, Headbands, and Scarves.... Oh My!

So today has been "clean out the closet" day at the Lamb household. Rebecca was helping me...until she decided to accessorize herself. Lots of hysterical laughter and and tidy orderly closet make for a pretty darn good day!

Is "snuck" a word? I wonder.

Today, both my girls were going home with friends after school so I "snuck" up the road for my bi-monthly trip to Trader Joes. This makes me so happy.... for many reasons. First, because I was by myself. Second, because I was by myself. And third, because I was by myself. Sometimes that just needs to happen.

When I walked into the store I discovered this cute little succulent plant.... in a lime green pot. Succulents are trendy and popular these days and, because I am so trendy and popular myself (hearty laugh), I promptly put one in my buggy. I have no idea, really, what a succulent plant is or how to take care of one. Good thing I am married to a horticulturist.

Trader Joes was sampling a corn beef and cabbage dish. We had that for dinner.... so yummy. And currently, both of my children are singing at the top of their lungs. I can handle it, because today, I had some time to myself.

2nd Practice

This is what Caroline has been doing at her sister's swim meets for the past 7 months. Not anymore! Last week she joined the team. She decided she was tired of being a bystander. On Wednesday, she had her first practice (which, unfortunately, is the hour BEFORE her sister's practice). She was a little nervous, so I walked her in and helped her get her cap and goggles on. On Thursday (day two of practice), she announced on the drive to the pool that I could just drop her off at the front door. I said, "Are you sure you don't want me to just come in and help you get your cap on?" She said, "Nah. I'll just get Coach to do it."
I guess she "ain't nervous no more."

Pajama Donut Run

It's one of our favorite traditions....
spend-the-night-play-date-pajama-donut-run.
Even better when you have matching pajama bottoms.
Even better when they are Auburn Tiger pajama bottoms.
It's the little "joys" that make life grand!

"Stopping to smell the....turkeys?"

Often, Andy asks me to upload images for him of landscaping jobs. Today, while uploading some images for him from his camera card, I discovered this picture of a turkey.... in a tree. One of the things I admire about Andy is his great appreciation for God's Creation. He has never had an indoor job, always worked with the soil of the land in which we live, and is really good at "stopping to smell the roses" so to speak. This is also a quality in him that drives me crazy. He is NOT in a hurry. I guess that is why he spotted the turkey in the tree. I would've missed it.

Too bad it's not turkey season.