The Acadiana Zoo

 We took a little trip to Lafayette on Saturday to visit the Acadiana Zoo.  Gianna had great travel companions in her sweet friend Annie and Annie's cousin, Abram.  What great kids.

There's no strolling with kids - they're so FAST!  I got a gazillion pictures of them from behind.

  

  

   

These kids are so photogenic!

 What a great day!

Mardi Gras

We did the King Cake....(no, I did not make it)

We did the children's parade....(and that was plenty!)

Mardi Gras Pasts were fresh in my mind...

It's not the same.

Not feeling the Mardi Gras spirit this year.

Blah.

So appparently....

THIS unending freakin' weather....

has the ability to cause other isolated disturbances:

Pair that with these freakin' copious creatures...

...with their ability to confine mothers and children indoors...

..and you'll get two very stir-crazy, petulant people

Trust me when I tell you -- that the above photo is a generously kind portrayal of real nuts that inhabit Lewis Land.

 

Have mercy!

My Funny Valentine

Sweet pictures, huh?  Wanna seem some outtakes?

My funny valentine.

Primary Colors

Between the funky weather and the ridiculous plague of mosquitoes  we've been experiencing,  we've been forced to get creative inside.  Painting is an old standy-by and I usually have to be pretty desperate to do it - but some days, it's completely worth it. This was one of those days.

And here's her version of Painting with a Twist...

If you haven't seen this Sesame Street clip of Primary Colors, it's worth the watch:

Trust Me Enough

I little over a year ago a precious friend gave me a copy of this devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  It's been a HUGE blessing to me and I devour the mediations each day. I even got an app on my phone with the daily meditations ~ SO worth it.

Interestingly my friend suddenly lost her husband six week prior to Iain's death.  We're walking a similar path and I'm so grateful to have her perspective and friendship. 

I thought there might be some folks who could relate to today's post. 

February 10th ~ Trust Me Enough

Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day.  Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to Me, the King of the universe.  Because I am omnipotent, I am able to bend time and events in your favor.  You will find that you can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion.  Also, as you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not. 

Don’t fall into the trap of being constantly on the go.  Many, many things people do in My Name have no value in My kingdom.  To avoid doing meaningless work, stay in continual communication with Me.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. 

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:41-42

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  ~Psalm 32:8 (NASB)

Identity Crisis

Someone is having a little identity crisis. 

Remember our little Snow White?

It seems that Snow White was a little too itchy in her black wig - so she donned her Rapunzel wig that I made for her. 

Hey, whatever works!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In other princess news, she is addicted to these little bitty Disney figurines that occupy a LARGE portion of her time. (BEST gift!)

This morning we played a game that we often play with her toys that we call "Who's Missing?"

A Southern Drawl, Y'all

My child is now speaking with a super exagerated southern drawl. Who knows what the genesis was of this odd behavior? Best I can guess, it began with the movie, The Princess and the Frog which Gianna got to watch as a potty prize. Here's a taste of her recent colorful language:

"Hey Momma?" (She ususally calls me Mommy.) "Could Ah have a snayack?

"Momma, did you say 'hah' (hi) to Mayax (Max) when we got howum?

"Can I use a little chayar to git in the bayathtuuub?"

"Way-ull, Momma - may I please sit on your lay-up (lap)." 

"I gotta huuuury up and teetee on the potty before I wet my payanties."

It's cute creative and entertaining, but I cannot get her to stop.

Aggggghhhhh...I do believe this little whipper snapper is driving me plum-d NUUUUUTS!

Rodeo Queen

The rodeo was in town last week and our friends invited us to come along.  I wondered if it would be a little much for Gianna - or a little too long. What was I thinking?  She ate every bit of up! (Well, maybe except the fireworks at the beginning.) We got home at 11:15 at night and she was some kind of pumped. 

 

She watched all the events with great interest.

(nervous about the firework)

Gianna & Annie

Gianna made a bee-line for these pretty little rodeo queens. She interviewed them in typical Gianna style.  Gianna was enchanted and they were amused.

She donned a western vest (part of her dress-up stash) and braids (couldn't find the cowboy hat) and she was good to go.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The other day a dear friend of mine came to visit.  She witnessed some of my potty training struggles and she mentioned to Gianna that if she pooped on the potty that I could bring her to their house where they have ten horses.  We had success within an hour after she left. Who knew horses would be a motivation?  So today, she called me to tell me her son was riding his horse if I wanted to bring Gianna to watch.  She was beyond excited.

She even got to get on the horse with Evan.  It made her day.

And THEN she got to play with Evan's little sisters and she was absolutely blissful.

Super Bowl Ready

I'm not even going to TRY to pretend I had any idea who was playing in the Super Bowl this year.

Heck - I really didn't even know the Super Bowl was coming up until they mentioned something at church.

I think I read something on Facebook that the NY Giants were playing and remembered my aunt and uncle had given Gianna a Giants sweatshirt when she was much younger.

What do you know - it fit perfectly now - just in time to bring a win home for the Giants.

(Don't you if you remember, but I grew up in NY and much of my family is still there.)

People were so impressed when they saw her.

I know they were impressed that I was so sports savvy.

Little did they know. :)

Thai Pants

My friend, Michelle, is in the Peace Corp in Thailand.  She sent Gianna some authentic pants from the area.  They are so cute.  She kinda looks like a little MC Hammer.

Thank you Michelle!  We miss you.