Because I'm Happy . . .

I don't remember this photo being taken.

I don't remember laughing during the 13.1 miles.

I'm so glad someone captured this moment.

It reminds me . . .  Maybe we don't need a reason to be joyful. 

Happiness is always a possibility.  

A Little Spice in Life

John and I at Warner Robins Airforce Base just after my best race ever.

Mom.  
Wife. 
Daughter. 
Judge.  
Writing teacher.  
Yoga Teacher.  
Homeschool Teacher.  
Dog trainer and kennel manager.  
Housecleaner.  
Chef. 
Laundry service.
Taxi service.

Life is busy.  Some roles are more important than others, but they all occupy a prominant place in my life.

Sometimes, however, you need to do something to give yourself a thrill. Something that has nothing to do with accomplishing daily duties; something that is just for you. 

For me, that something is running.  Quite unexpectedly, this past weekend was my fastest race ever.  Not fast enough to win, but fast enough to make me feel silly with joy-- or maybe that was just exhaustion!  

I ran so fast that John's carefully timed arrival to meet me at the finish line was over 30 minutes after I had finished and eaten two bananas.  I almost won a trophy.  How great is that?

The boys said they were pround of me.  Yay!

Windows and Wonder

Denver and his Pillow Pet.

Spencer and Little Bit . . . 

Who knows what they're thinking?

Living
with the mystery
of children and animals

I watch in quiet wonder
the lively surprises 
they bring--
laughter, barking.

Little Bit enjoys running through her tunnel.

Denver must be reading a doggy naptime story.

Little Bit and a Tiny Maximus playing with a toy in November 2014

Is this what happens after too much Rosetta Stone?!

Every Teacher's Dream

What if enthusiastic, knowledgable historians dressed in costume and provided a full afternoon of history activities for your children?  

No tests required. Children laughing and having fun as well as listening intently. That would be an invitation for remarkable learning. 

Denver and buddy in battle.

The Atlanta History Center's monthly Homeschool Day is a teacher's dream come true. They understand the need for both informative, interesting facts and rowdy, kid friendly activities.  

Ready for Battle

Today was a broad study of the Middle Ages.  There was jousting (with pool noodles!), dancing, and cockfighting (children played roosters and tried to pop each other's balloons tied to their shoes).

The boys' favorite activity was swordfighting with real helmets and gauntlets.  While they battled, an enthusiastic historian regaled us with tales and trivia of the Hundred Years War.

One of the many knowledgable teachers
we learned from this afternoon.

We were invited to learn about the plague, build a catapult, and complete obstacle courses based on medieval superstitions.  

A wonderful afternoon for the boys and their friends . . . and this Homeschool Momma.

Our crew today at the History Center.

Zombie Apocolypse New Year's Eve Nerf Gun Battle

This probably never would have happened if John and I had daughters: The Zombie Apocolypse New Year's Eve Nerf Gun Battle.

Neighbors began asking questions by mid-afternoon.  John had wrapped yellow CAUTION tape around the trees.  Signs warned passersby: BEWARE OF ZOMBIES, ZOMBIE APOCOLYPSE.  We warned our neighbors about the probability of fireworks, smoke bombs, and errant nerf darts.  All of which happened.

We also enjoyed s'mores and a campfire.  There was silly string, laughter, and nine children having fun together.  A little shy at first, they made themselves at home quickly.  By the end of the evening, the bathroom looked like a crime scene from all the fake blood and zombie make up.  

Monsters have been defeated.  Welcome 2015.