Vacation~

Well, as most of you have heard and seen all over the news the past few days...it is hotter than Haiti here in the big ATL!  They don't call it HOTLANTA for nothin!!  Today's temps 106 baby!  You know it's hot when your sun loving daughter only lasts at the pool for 20 minutes, comes home and says "I can take a bath at home!"  Someone at the club had the bright idea to have all the kiddos that were coming for the Dive In Movie last night to bring a bag of ice each to attempt to cool the pool.  Well, according to one dad who attended...the bags were melted for the most part prior to reaching the pool deck, and once in the water disappeared instantly.  Now if any of you have access to a giant glacier in the arctic...we would be much obliged.

So, what's one to do when the temps rise...well...go on vacation!  I would love to say we are headed to cooler temperatures, but the flights to Alaska are currently booked with everyone trying to escape the heat!!  So instead, the youngest is off to Orlando for a leadership conference and mission trip and we are headed to one of my favorite cities...Charleston, South Carolina.  And, I promise to take LOTS of pictures.

In the meantime, I will leave you with one of my favorite songs...my apologies if you are still hearing it in your sleep.

TRY AND STAY COOL!!!

Making A List-Checking it twice...

No, I am not thinking THAT far ahead (although come December 24th, I will wish I had).  No, we are talking about THE list...the Dorm Essentials List for College Freshmen!

We just returned home from Freshmen Orientation...whew...we (and she) survived.  Met future roommate...highlight of trip, classes were selected (no 8am, thank goodness), ID was made, yearbook photo taken (be prepared), got lost-found our way (hey, part of being a freshie), attended endless dos and don'ts sessions, learned how NOT to crash your computer (back up EVERYTHING, especially that paper you've been working on til 3 am!!), when they say doing such-n-such will get you sent home...they mean it!, met tons of new friends (thank goodness for Facebook, won't be embarrassed when we can't remember names in August), and fell into bed exhausted each night!  (at least Mom and Dad did, she was busy catching up with everyone on Facebook!!!)

Now the fun begins (well, mom thinks it's fun...she wishes it were done already, and dad...well, he's a guy...no further explanation needed)  We spent the greater part of today at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and the Container Store!!!  Roomie's mom must have had the same idea, as the girls were texting each other from store to store comparing notes and complaining their mother's were CRAZY!!!

We did manage to get quite a bit checked off the list!  I have learned this child is NOTHING like her sister.  She had her own ideas, knew what she wanted and was picky.  This one, INDECISIVE and could care less, truth be told!!!  As long as she has her cell phone, computer, iPad, food (meal plan), and a cozy bed...she is a happy camper!

So, if I am a bit lax (or more lax than my usual sporadic posts) you will know I am torturing my child to choose between pink or blue towels! LOL

Play Dough~

Yes, I know what you are thinking..."Lauren, aren't your girls a bit "old" for play dough???"  Yes, they are.  Will they admit that?  Ummm....NO!!! LOL

I digress...the play dough is NOT for my girls (who are 18 and 22).  Rather, it is for my sweet group of 2s and 3s I have had the pleasure of teaching this week at Vacation Bible School!  I haven't taught 2s in awhile, and after a week I now remember how exhausting it can be. If only I could bottle just a quarter of their energy. *sigh*

Tomorrow is our last day together, so we are bringing in a few special treats.  One of which is homemade play dough.  Super easy and non-toxic (unless they love salt!)

Jesus Loves Me This I know!

As you can see, it is super easy to make.

Ingredients:  1 C. Flour, 1/4 C. Salt, 1 C. Water, 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil, 2 tsp. Cream of Tartar.

Stir all ingredients over medium heat; add food coloring.  The dough will thicken as it stands, but make sure it is pretty stiff before taking it off the heat.  Kneed together and store in an airtight container.  You can make many different colors and if you want you can even add flavorings such as vanilla or peppermint!

The play dough is non-toxic, so no worries if a little one decides to eat a piece.  Let's face it, most 1-3s put everything in their mouths at least once!  (hope they like salt!!)

I have so enjoyed being with the little ones this week.  Seems like ages ago my girls were that age.  However, my recent high school grad couldn't resist playing with the play dough before I packed up the individual bags for tomorrow! LOL 

We are off to Texas for college orientation next week!  Two days crammed full of information.  Oh, and we get to meet her roommate and the parents for the first time.  Exciting times!!!

Will check back in when we return and I can catch my breath.