My bird watchers!

My boys LOVE their bird watching!!! This is something that I don't believe would *ever* have been developed, had it not been for the year long readings of Burgess Bird Book in Ambleside's Year 1 program. I am soooo thankful! The boys have learned more than I could have ever hoped and they are so passionate about the birds. They care deeply for them- and to think, I'll be doing it again in a couple of years with my youngest!!! Yeay!!! As you can see in the picture, he already gets right in there...looks his birds up, id's them, listens to their calls...what a connection with God we have created by simply learning more about creation around us! I wish that every child had the opportunity to develop a slow and deep relationship with nature. Is there anything more important? They see God at work through His marvelous world and they are so thankful and so in AWE of His power and perfection.

some AZ beauty!

There wasn't a lot in bloom, but what there was - wow! beautiful!!! These are some of my favorites!

Bird Watching in AZ

Oh what heaven to a bird loving family!!! The boys *loved* this aviary at the Sonoma Desert Museum!! I didn't know if I would be able to get my oldest (shown here) to leave! It was the highlight!!!

What a find!!!

Talk about your unusual finds! This was crazy!

We were spending a very nice Sunday afternoon, out in the yard just enjoying the sunshine, when we spied a very strange bird. I mentally checked all the birds that were native to Texas and couldn't think of anything that would be a match...when it *dawned* on me...it was a parakeet!!!! Some one's pet!!!

The boys were so excited when it flew down near me and they all gathered around (with 2 neighbor boys too) to see him. I stayed really calm and quietly called to the bird while squatting down in front of him and before I knew it, he flew onto my back! My oldest son went after some sunflower seeds and held them in his hand, so the bird moved from my back to his hand and I was able to secure the bird while my neighbor found a cat carrier that we put the feathery little guy in until we had a cage.

And there you have the incredible story of *Tweety*, the yellow parakeet that came to us. (My neighbor- who grew up with birds- is keeping him. Yes, we checked w/neighbors and no one will claim him!) The boys all love him and my neighbor brings him out to the patio every afternoon so we can all visit with him. How fun!!! Talk about your nature days!

SOTW Craft

Here's a glance at the boys doing their Celtic- Roman war reenactment. They had a great time! This was well worth the effort and they learned so much. Once we made the Roman Signum, my 5 yo completely understood that he was the *unprotected* soldier and if their signum was destroyed the whole Roman troop was shamed. My 5 yo also thought his brothers looked *scary* when they put the paint on their bodies, so we had a wonderful discussion about the *mental* warfare and why the Celts were thought to be so frightening. Great Stuff!

(SOTW, Vol 2. Chapt. 1-2)

RESOURCE!!!

This is so wonderful, I had to share!!

The web site www.Libraryelf.com will keep track of multiple libraries and multiple cards (if your library is in their system) and email notices to you when your books are due, which library, which books, etc. This is such a blessing!!! It is VERY easy to use and has taken all my anxiety out of trying to keep track of all those books myself! Blessings to whoever created that idea!

Go and try!

Change of the Will

I have been very encouraged lately with my oldest son. He is really coming into his own and learning to control his will and to *care* enough about his lessons to put forth the effort needed. Due to our circumstances this week- mostly the warm weather and a field trip day- we didn't have our normal routine of being at home in the morning to get his lessons done. That usually means we have quite a struggle and have a lousy time with the lessons or I just scrap them altogether.

As he matures, I have been able to encourage him to always do his best for the glory of God. I can see him really taking it to heart now and I am encouraged and blessed by him. What a joy to see him seeking his education!

Last weekend a dear friend and I were able to chat and we caught each other up on what our boys were doing and how the lessons were going for each of us. My only concern had to do with Stickman's attitude and heart toward his lessons (not always, but at times..) and how in the world am *I* to correct it and mold his character into the type of son *I* want him to be!! Well, the words of wisdom pour from my dear friend (she is a treasure!) and straight to my heart. This isn't all up to me! I need to *pray* for my son so that God can work in him. God doesn't expect or want me to do it all. He wants me to have faith that *together* we will guide and lead my son. She was so right! It was quite a weight lifted, right then and there. And let me just state- I prayed for my son (still am...) and I know my friend also prayed for him...and he has been a changed child this week!

So if I can do anything...let me just remind other moms, pray for your children! This is so simple and yet when it comes to my responsibilities- I tend to think it's all on me, when really God is there to help me, I just need to remember to ask!