Surfs Up

So if you know us, you know we LOVE Galveston. I know it's not on the travel channel's list of top beach destinations, but we love sneaking away for just a night or for a weekend getaway. I always feel like I'm on vacation even though it's only a 45 minute drive. I love to walk the strand, pick up a cherry pie ice cream cone from LaKings Confectionery. (cherry pie ice cream at LaKing's is the best flavor I've ever had and I don't care for cherry pie). We ALWAYS eat on the seawall at our favorite haunt, Bennos, for gumbo and shrimp. Sometimes we head to the beach and other times we just drive through the neighborhood to stalk the beautiful homes. I love the shotgun houses with the maticulate front gardens and grand porches. I prefer looking at houses since I wont' step foot into Galveston Bay water... This weekend we headed for the beach. I fear flesh eating bacteria. Lambert calls me CRAZY. I usually collect sea shells while he risks his and Hoots lives in the dirty water. I try not to think about it. SERIOUSLY.

Lambert bought Hoot a boogie board and he has been DYING to try it out all week. The water was REALLY cold and The Doll, did not care for the rushing waves AT ALL. She was perfectly content basking on the beach tearing down the sand castles I constructed for her. She watched Hoot surf from a distance and squealed with delight when I cheered for him. She had no idea what I was cheering about, but she likes to hear her own LOUD voice so she cheered along. She loved the birds sweeping by calling to one another and she called right back too. Hoot was amazing. NO FEAR. He paddled out in true Keanu Reeves, Point Break form. (his hair is a little shorter) But he rode the fierce waves (on his belly) like a real surfer. This is the same boy that cries when Lambert rinses the (TEARLESS) shampoo from his hair every night!

We stopped at McCalister's Deli for large ice tea and then drove home. We ran early baths (hoot cried over the water in his eyes) and snuggled on the couch.Lambert tucked the kiddos into bed and fell fast asleep along with them. A sign of a great day! A helpful lesson we learned from Phil Mikcelson... always stop while the kids are still having fun. They will be excited to return again and again if you stop before they are worn out and cranky. Thanks Phil.





The beach photos are not what I was going for, but they will do for now. I think we need to go on a clear day near dusk. It was overcast and almost foggy.

We'll be investing in diaper covers for the next photo shoot!

she loves her daddy






The jellyfish we found. Hoot was sooooo intrigued. All he could talk about was the Nemo movie and how they are bad little stingers!


Hang Ten little Hoot!



I just love this picture. Where are her eyeballs?? She needs her sunglasses!

He loved this!!

What a Weekend!

I know were supposed to be hunkering down at the casa with Libbe and we do during the week days, but wow what a weekend. Friday we had dinner with the bff's in Kemah (so yummy) and then we let the kids ride the carousel and play a few games. Saturday morning the doll and I headed to Brenahm for our church ladies retreat. I couldn't go for the whole weekend, but I thought a 2 hour drive would be good bonding time for us. We had a ball! We drove to Giddings for the retreat, saw all the girls and then went to a special friends house for a visit. http://www.emilyandco.com/ It's a must visit if you're going to Roundtop this week. Her place is so darling and she and her husband are the most gracious hosts. Their house is AMAZING and their shop is to die for. Emily's daughter Leslie rode with us and gave us the tour of her mom's little haven. After Emily's we headed out for photos in the bluebonnets. The doll wasn't too keen on all the cars wizzing by so we didn't stay long. After the bluebonnets, we made a MUST stop at Leftovers... http://leftoversantiques.net/ another MUST visit while at Roundtop. We didn't know it but it was a very special day at Leftovers. Rachel Ashwell was appearing for a book signing. She recently purchased The Outpost at Cedar Creek. She was stopping in for a guest apperance. We were lucky to get in and out before it got crazy busy. I'm sure they would not appreciate a bulky stroller manuvering around with all the people. I did manage to get a couple of photos without getting busted.


I tell you he's the baby whisperer...


Whatever he says... works!

The doll loved the swings at the retreat (Camp Tejas)


Bare with me with the bluebonnet pics... I have waited 10 years to take these photos. I took some of Hoot when he was little, but there is just something about little girls in white smocked gowns in the bluebonnets that makes me smile. look at her precious feet. we don't get to see them often because she has to wear her AFO's to walk so she almost always has shoes on those feet! I love baby feet and she has the tiniest toes ever.













Rachel Ashwell was set up in this little area for her book signing. It was so shabby chic..








I could have spent all day in Leftovers. I could not get enough. Every nook and cranny was CRAMMED packed with eye candy galore. I knew I was sinning so I had to get out of there quick! I wanted and lusted after everything I laid my eyes on! You know me, I sooo want to make another trip up this week, but I just can't! I'm trying to remind myself daily (hourly) to be content with what I have and not want for more. It's hard, but I am truly so blessed and all that great stuff adds ZERO value to my life... but it sure is fun to dream!

Specific Instructions

So today, Lambert and Hoot went for haircuts after school... I was going to go with them but couldn't stay so I dropped them off and then came back (to the horror). The last time I took Hoot for a haircut we decided he could have his first real big boy cut. It was way too short and looked ridiculous. He spiked his bangs what he had of bangs. His ears looked huge because he had no hair to mask them. (It's a family curse, I have them too) It was a disaster. So, it took a while but we finally grew it out long enough to go back to the old hairstyle (or a big boy version of it). I told Lambert, whatever you do, don't let them cut it too short. I want a weighted hair line in the back, use a #3 blade to shave the undercut, and layer up the top, leave the sideburns and keep it shaggy... pretty specific...................... I knew it wasn't good when Lambert called me to see where I was. I heard it in his voice, the sound of fear. The conversation went like this, First he came right out and told me I was going to be really mad, then he told me that he was very clear with the NEW girl of what we wanted.(NEVER get the new girl) They were very busy so he got his cut at the same time and before he could see what was happening, the buzzing had commenced and there was no turning back. He asked his stylist what happened and she said, is it too short???? Well it's one step away from a flat top. He could enlist in the armed forces with this cut. Hoot's hair really makes him.(i am fully aware hair doesn't really make a person) He's got GREAT hair and I have no problem styling it for him. It will take all summer to grow this one out. What you can't see from the photo is the butchered crown. It's a cross between a rooster and Edward Sissorhands. No amount of product will lay it down. He was so proud when I picked them up. My eyes welled up when I spotted his ears from across the parking lot. Where was my sweet boy? Was he somewhere behind the burr? All I could see were the ears and the big toothy grin. I loathe the mohawks and flat top styles these days. I told you I'm way traditional. If he would fit in a Shortall for Easter, he would certainly be in one this year. He's not too big for a peter pan collar under a pastel sweater vest, but we certainly can't pull that off with this new do... Instead I'll be shopping for a punk rock t-shirt and ripped jeans. Why do some stylist not hear what you tell them? Long layers, #3 blade... it's a safe cut. I am certain a #3 blade was never attached to the clippers. She told Lambert, "oh I know just what you want" It's like ordering in a drive thru... you ask for a #3 with a diet coke and you get a #2 extra pickles with a dr. pepper... I really try not to sweat the small stuff, but come on. I was so hoping to do beach photos and a brother/sister portrait in the next few weeks... I'll have to wait or he'll have to wear a ball cap.


He's still pretty cute, but looks too old for this momma. I'm not ready for big boy hair. He's still sweet and little.

Hanging in There

We are getting better by the day. Yesterday we hit ChikfilA for lunch with some friends and FINALLY got a picture together. (Thank you Christy for the photo). The Doll is liking her momma! She can still throw a fit, but I think she is learning, I have a pretty strong will... maybe stronger than hers... (maybe)


We had a sweet treat this week. Lin, the exchange student we had in our home a couple years back, came to visit for Spring Break. She got to hang with some friends and spend some time with us. She's headed to LA today for the rest of her break and then she will go back to Ohio. She is an amazing little (big) girl. Something about the Chinese I'm learning is that when they set their minds to something... they accomplish it. When Lin came to live with us, she was told she could not graduate in the US... well... she did (#4 in her class). A guidance counselor told her she would never be able to complete the entrance exams for colleges in the US... well she went back to China for a year, studied English like crazy and was accepted to many top colleges in the US... she ultimatley chose Ohio State... we were VERY sad. We wanted her to come to Texas. Maybe she will transfer (hint hint). We love Lin like family and consider her ours. She is welcome here anytime and will always have family in Texas. We have prayed for her often and hope that she will find a church family in Ohio. (hint hint) We took her to YAO MINGS resturaunt last night and it was awesome. We will miss her when she goes.




she still loves her daddy best!








Two Silly Girls!

Perfection!

Is this not the BEST dining room you've EVER seen?? I'm a traditional gal and love everything about this room. I know I've been posting A LOT about our newest family member and all of our family DRAMA, so I thought I would lighten it up a bit and give you some spring decorating inspiration. My dining room is VERY similar to this one. I'm thinking I want to 'tweak' things just a bit. I'm hoping for the silhouettes for my birthday (they are from here http://www.cutarts.com/). I have the perfect place for them... and I already have the blue transferware to hang above them. You can read more about Tessas dining room transformation here.. http://nineandsixteen.blogspot.com/search/label/Dining%20Room. She has created a beautiful space with the help of the ever so talented Holly Mathis (from Houston by the way...) http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/

Happy Reading... PS today was an absolute JOY for me and The Doll... she kissed me for the first time on her own!!!! BLISS, Pure bliss!

Rodeo Time Houston!!

It's rodeo time in Houston. We weren't sure about venturing out this year, but we decided to take the kiddos and just see how things went. If she was miserable, we would come home... you can see by the photos she was having a ball! She is going to be our little dare devil. Hoot had a good time and even rode some rides he wouldn't try last year. He's sooo not our dare devil... he's just like his momma.. SCARED of his own shadow and has no shame in admitting it. We've been talkig a lot about courage and the fact that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of courage... that's a tough one when your a big fraidy cat...

This is my little cowboy... it says so right on his hat if you don't beleive me...




and this is our little cowgirl. She rode Twinkie, the pony... No Fear!


we weren't sure how she would do on Goliath the BIG slide... she loved it!



She drank an entire icee all by herself.... you could not pry it from her lips once she tasted it.


It was a great time for our new family of four.

The Right Decesion

This song has played over and over in my head. These were the words that came to me in China. Step out...what if? unknown, Doubt, take the first step... He won't let you go... i am forever thankful that we did indeed step out and not let the fear grip us into making a really dumb decision. We are reciving blessing after blessing for stepping out.

Walk On The Water lyrics
Songwriters: Crosby, Josh; Muckala, Dan; Waddell, Brittany Nicole;

You look around, staring back at you
Another wave of doubt, will it pull you under? You wonder
What if I'm overtaken? What if I never make it?
What if no one's there? Will You hear my prayer?

When you take that first step into the unknown
You know that He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities, they try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water, too

So get out, and let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste, don't wait, and don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for, I know you're not sure
So you play it safe, you try to run away

If you take that first step into the unknown
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/b/britt-nicole-lyrics/walk-on-the-water-lyrics.html ]
He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities, they try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water, too

Step out, even when it's storming
Step out, even when you're broken
Step out, even when your heart is telling you
Telling you to give up

Step out, when your hope is stolen
Step out, you can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are you waiting, what are you waiting for?

I also recently came across these words of wisdom from another blogger momma!

"As a mother with small children, life can get very hectic, can’t it? One of my thoughts when things seemed to be out of control was “I just can’t take another thing!” Ever find yourself there?


I learned the key to conquering those feelings was what was happening between my ears………..in my mind. You see that’s where the battle is won or lost. What we think determines what we do. There is a reason that scripture says we are to be renewed in our minds; to fill our hearts with scripture that our way may be preserved, that we might walk in truth. I began to learn that when I let my heart/mind play lies over and over again like, “I just can’t take this” or “I don’t feel like doing anything today”–that would lead to wrong actions/responses on my part. But when I meditated on the truth of God’s Word that in Him I can do all things and that He promised never to give me more than I can bear, victory was mine!"

It was all we could do to get through church this morning without weaping. It felt so great to be able to worship in a free country. We are thankful for free will and His greatness. To know that we were surrounded by those who supported us while we were gone and have prayed for us every step of the way took our breath away. It was a little hard to sing without falling apart. We are so thankful for our church family and to be home!

Retail Therapy

Thursday was a GREAT day. First.... my girl slept until 9:45am... she woke up and didn't cry... a good friend picked up Hoot at 10:00am so it was me and The Doll... (The staff at the orphanage called her WaWa (sp) which meant doll). She only cried for a minute when Hoot left and dried it up for breakfast. Things were rolling along so I dared to drive to Target for a few necessities... It was her first trip to Target!!!! Now she is officially a Lambert. We LOVE Target. Hoot and I usually go one day a week after school for popcorn and an Icee. We strolled through Target and she was fine. We popped back in the car seat and had lunch with Lambert. She was pretty mad when we had to leave Baba, but she recovered quite nicely. My friend called and said Hoot was having fun so they were going to the park. I was feeling very brave so I decided to continue the retail therapy session. By this time she was talking to me from the back seat. We practiced new words like motorcycle, big truck, Escalade... you get the picture. She loves to repeat everything we say. I can't believe she's picked up on words so quickly. We stopped at the Crocs store and here is what she said to me... "pretty shoes"... signed sealed and delivered this is my girl!!! We have been teaching her to say pretty and shoes... but she put the two together. We looked at all the colors and she picked out the pink ones (once again... my girl) We headed to Gap and she touched all the dresses she could reach from her stroller and said, "oooohhh pretty"... Who is this child?? It was back to normal when Lambert got home. She really didn't care if I was there or not, but I'll take what I can get. We were outside playing when he got home.. he picked her up and she waved bye bye to me.


It's been a much better week. Earlier this week we had a play date with two of the Peanuts and a most gracious Kim (Three Peanuts)http://3peanuts.blogspot.com/.



The Doll did great. She played with Kate and seemed very relaxed. She watches everything and is very intrigued by other children. On Monday (when she wouldn't stop crying... ALL DAY) I pulled up Lucy (and Lucy makes 6). She must have watched Lucy videos for almost and hour. She couldn't get enough. I was soo thankful for Lucy and her genius mommy, Dawn http://ourlittlechinagirl.blogspot.com/

We have been so blessed by family and friends. All week our small group has delivered meals and I can't express how blessed we feel. My good friend Stacey called us out for a shopping outing, Kim had us over for lunch and Aleesa picked up Hoot for a fun boys only play date. We have received such kind words of encouragement through the blog, e-mail and snail mail. We are overwhelmed with the support we have been given and can' express how truly grateful we are. I know that many followers have found us by way of friends and family and I just want to tell you thank you. We have certainly felt your prayers and feel an indiscibable peace.

I have been called to Hebrews 12 a lot this last week. this verse keeps coming to mind and it's so fitting. The race is ran so much smoother when you have the support and prayers from other believiers running alongside lifting you up. We are truly blessed. Okay.. I'm done!

Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Blessings from The Lamberts