handsful

Lainey Jett

So much going on these days, with the kids finishing up their subjects before the coveted summer break and my mind on all the amazing projects and things I’ll get done once I’m done teaching.  Who am I kidding…  So, here are a few quick snapshots of things going on in our household at the moment: 

The above shot makes me think of American Idol, and how crushed we were to see Danny leave.  I’ll be nice and not say how much I LOATHE Adam (oops). 

I have a couple of friends who are deathly afraid of amphibians, namely frogs (waving to Amanda)…it would be tough to have that fear here in Florida.  The sounds of countless frogs and/or toads croaking in and around the pond in our backyard is almost deafening this time of year.  This green tree frog visited us this week.  I grabbed the camera and aimed and he promptly turned his back to me.  I changed position.  He turned away again.  It became quite comical and took a few shots to actually get the little guy’s face.  I think he might be in the witness protection program.  Good disquise. 

While I’m talking animals, here is a pic of Marley “tending” her brood of water beetles, assorted land beetles, and her bin of tadpoles.  This is a busy season for our animal lover.  Lainey is watching intently, learning the ropes from big sis. 

I know you’re busy, but could someone pullleeaase feed me?

This is Payton’s reaction to hearing he has to have teeth pulled in June.  Initially it was SEVEN baby teeth.  But, he’s lost two on his own.  Still, five??  And, the boy is missing 4 adult teeth to begin with!  We’ll be double-checking that the orthodontist and the dentist are on the same page on which ones to pull! 

Spring brings plantings around here…lining the window on our patio are seedlings of flowers that the girls planted.  I’ll have to ask them what they are, I forget! 

Update on pumpkin…still growing strong and flowering like crazy.  Not seeing any baby pumpkins yet. 

Cucumbers in the planter and tomatoes in the background.  It’s been a long time since I’ve tried cucumbers, I’ve never been very successful with those.  Last year, I tried those hang-upside-down planters for the tomatoes.  They ended up with some weird growth on them and did nothing.  Went back to right-side-up this year and so far so good. 

This has been our favorite snack lately to make…won tons with cinnamon sugar.  We cut, sprinkle, and bake until they get crispy.  They’re easy and really good. 

Ethan has his first piano recital tomorrow night.  He’s been practicing the song for a while and has it down pat.  I forget the title, but it’s by Johann Strauss.  Lasts about 30 seconds :)  Course, we’ll still be sitting through the other 30+ kids to play. 

He tells me this is B minor.  EJ has been playing the guitar A LOT lately, it’s nearly always around his neck.  He loves to find songs online to copy and he’s beginning to make up songs on his own.  The kids used to complain a wee bit (okay, maybe more) that he played too much.  Now, they all comment on how good he sounds.  He really does. 

Resident teenager.  You can find her in her room or on Facebook.  Or taking a really long shower.  Or in your face asking to have friends over.  She’s my “baby” who is taller than me, wears larger shoes than me, and shares clothes with me.  Fun. 

Lainey loves to swing.  The higher the better.  What else is new…She signs 3-4 signs at a time now, in sentences.  “momma stay home” – “Lainey swing blue swing” – “pink cup water”.  Speech is showing progress, too.  She’s using “w” more appropriately, “y” and “l” are pretty close, and I’ve finally gotten her to more closely approximate “n”.  So, “no” is “mo”, but we’re working on it.  She can say “yo-yo” and calls her flip flops her “ma ma” (says it like “mop” without the “p” sound).  She copies EVERYTHING we say, but usually just says the vowel sounds – momma stay home is “mama ay om”.  She’s facinated with colors matching, loves choosing her own clothes (with mom’s guidance), and still dislikes mushrooms.  Actually, we’ve noticed she isn’t much of a bread lover of any kind…usually has to be urged to finish a sandwich.  Being a grains lover myself, I do NOT understand that.   

Lastly, EJ’s team plays for the championship on Saturday!  I’ll have pictures, I’m sure.  :)