State of Grace

Happiest News from Taiwan This Morning!

2012-02-01T11:02:00.000-06:00

I'm the youngest grandmother in the history of grandmothers!!! :)

Sweet Aleynne has arrived and I'm sure MUST

be the most beautiful baby anywhere ever!

I told you....she's exquisite.

Oh yeah, and her middle name?

Also happens to be our last name!!!

Our hearts are full and forever in Taiwan with our beautiful family there.

We love you, Iman, Dwi and Aleynne

Lucky parents, lucky baby!

"It is no small thing when they, who so fresh from God, love us."

Charles Dickens

Skiing

2012-01-31T10:54:00.001-06:00

A cross country ski in my parents' "back yard."

Two of my favorite peeps...my dad and my big girl.

Of course, no activity is ever silent with this little punky along...

hold onto your ears, 'cuz she'll talk them right off! :)

My little prairie Northerner.

We're so small. The wild is a good place to come and remember that.

I sorta kinda really really like this kid.

A last minute lesson from Grandpa at the top of a hill. His famous line that I've heard atop MANY a hill (literal and metaphorical), "You can DO this." I find myself saying this all the time to the girls (AND to myself!). People sometimes cringe when they hear themselves sounding like their parents, but I'm pretty partial to this parent and the things he says. :)

My fave shot of the day.

Beautiful, wise winter.

2012-01-20T12:05:00.000-06:00

This is a few days late in posting, but I can't pass up the opportunity

to send some love all the way to Taiwan and say....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERIK!!!!!!

You!

Ice Cream for Dinner

2012-01-13T11:56:00.001-06:00

The tooth fairy rides again! I was looking through Bren's teeth and realizing there aren't many baby teeth left to lose! Won't be long and we'll have a sweet brace face on our hands.

Quite a haul! (p.s. How much do you LOVE Pippi!!!!!)

I saw this coffee filter bunting at Pitter Patter Art and fell in LOVE! We had a snowy day yesterday, so the girls and I gave it a try. (And I have to say, it makes me SO HAPPY!!!) It's so bright and colorful....we just can't stop admiring our work. :)

Bren's watercolor "night sky" and total sweetness, "Count your blessings like the stars." Mixing words with image....my kinda artist!!

To make the buntling, just watercolor paint on coffee filters,

fold them over and glue to some fun ribbon!

Luca is an absolute lover of color.

In everything she does. The brighter, the better!

Finally, my friend Daphne inspired me to create New Year's interviews with the girls. I love this idea of asking them questions and being able to look back on what was important to them at different ages. Here are their answers....

BRENIN - 2012 - Age 8
1. Fave food: Sweet things (surprise, surprise)
2. Fave drink: Grape soda
3. Fave toy: 3DS
4. Fave things to do: Read, swim, camp, repeat
5. Fave movie: Secondhand Lions
6. Fave TV show: Wizards of Waverly Place
7. Fave book: Too many to name!!
8. Fave restaurant: Culver's
9. Fave holiday: My birthday
10. Fave animal: Horses
11. Fave season: Summer
12. If you could change your name, what would you choose? Eve
13. What do you love about Daddy? He can never say "no" (ahem....)
14. What do you love about Mommy? "Everything" (Had to put that in quotes, because that was HER exact word. And then I gave her ice cream for dinner.) ;-)
15. What do you love about Luca? She's a really good person
16. Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Chicago (I just love the museums there!)
17. What are some of your wishes for this year? To get more fit, to read more books and to get more healthy
18. What do you want to be when you grow up? "That's easy, a librarian! Also a songwriter and a pastor."
19. Best friends: Tucker, Olivia, Naomi and Luca

LUCA - 2012 - Age 6
1. Fave food: Spaghetti and macaroni & cheese
2. Fave drink: Cranberry juice
3. Fave toy: Baby dolls
4. Fave things to do: Play with toys, swimming on hot days, camping
5. Fave movie: Barbie Fashion Show
6. Fave TV show: Cartoons
7. Fave book: Joke books, On Mother's Lap
8. Fave restaurant: Chinese
9. Fave holiday: Christmas
10. Fave animal: Monkey
11. Fave season: Summer
12. If you could change your name, what would you choose? Lily
13. What do you love about Daddy? "I think Daddy's funny, and also he's kind and loving."
14. What do you love about Mommy? "Ahhh, lots of things! She helps me,and she goes to the park with me. She watches me play sports, and she also loves very, very much." (Clearly I've brainwashed my children or at least taught them to butter me up good and thick.)
15. What do you love about Brenin? "Her pranksters, I think for one. She's very kind and is kind of funny when she says funny things."
16. Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Paris
17. What are some of your wishes for this year? "I would like to see real fairies and go to Disney Land." (Don't be afraid to dream big, sweetness!) :)
18. What do you want to be when you grow up? "What are you, Mom?" I'm a transcriptionist. "I could probably be one of those, 'cause you know I'm a Mother's girl!"
19. Best friends: Brenin, Meadow, Rayna, Eli and Carissa

Gifts from the East, Bluegrass Stomp and a Heat Wave!

2012-01-09T18:23:00.000-06:00

Gifts from Taiwan arrived this week!! I'm not sure if everything is really

this beautiful that comes from Taiwan, or if it's that I love the

people sending it so much that adds extra beauty.

Thank you, Leo and Vic....we love you!!!!

This little clip is a bit random, but Luca loves to watch her reflection,

be it in a mirror, a window....anything that shines. She makes faces at herself,

plays with her hair, dresses up or dances. I caught this little number on my

camera this week and thought it might make you smile like it did me.

Finally, we are experiencing a heat wave here in Wisconsin!! That's right,

temps near 50 in JANUARY!!! It's an extra treat, because normally in January

we're well below zero and starting to twitch and drool from the cabin fever.

(okay, that may be a bit of an exageration, but not by much!) :)

We had a third kiddo Friday night, and since it was so warm we

decided to have a fire! It's my FAVORITE thing to do, and what a treat

to sit OUTside in January (still in shock) and get lost in the flames.

These three were mildly excited about the idea.

We're used to having mini marshmallows in the winter for hot cocoa and

big marshmallows in the summer time for s'mores. We improvised and roasted

our hot cocoa marshmallows by the stack. :) Worked like a charm!

Turns out they also stick to faces. You know, in case you were wondering.

Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity, mid-January,

to smell the Earth and to feel the sun on our faces!

Christmas & New Year's....That's a Wrap! (pardon the pun)

2012-01-03T10:55:00.001-06:00

I have to admit, I was a bit of a photography dropout this Christmas, but I did manage to snap a few. Always a little sad to see the season go, but always a little happy to reclaim the house / life back from all the festivities too.

Pinterest is my latest addiction, and I've been finding lots of new recipes to try out there. The girls and I made this poke cake (YUMMY) to celebrate our Christmas break! It's chocolate cake with holes poked in it, then 0reo pudding poured on top!!

Bren pretending to be excited about getting some new PJs.
Okay, those were for me. SOO cute!!!

Princess Lucapants

...also known as "The Destroyer." The girl gets into boxes like a mouse!

I was so excited to find the Ethiopian Rahel doll for Luca

(which also benefits one of our favorite non-profits, World Vision!!)

Hold the phone. She got a book! Yep, we've lost her.

New Year's Eve out to dinner with my sister and her family, my Gram and great uncle, then home to watch the ball drop. I'm pretty sure this is the first year the girls have stayed up 'til midnight! I'm pretty sure I was ready for bed at 8:30.

I've been wanting to try this poofy faux-hawk idea out in Luca's hair forEVER and finally got the nerve. It's rather Willow Smith, if I do say so myself!

She was feeling quite sassy in her new look.

Sassy and silly....that's how we serve 'em up 'round these parts!

Beauty Face 1 and Beauty Face 2

Accompanied this little lady to the emergency room TWICE over break! Getting matters under control now, but always taxing to see someone you love in an ER bed. We loooooove our Grammy!

Adios 2011 - Hello 2012!

2011-12-26T08:54:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IMAN!!!!

I can't WAIT to see that sweet BABY!!!

You are going to be an amazing daddy!

We love you and miss you so much.

Praying for a year FILLED with blessings

for you and your beautiful family!

Christmas Mischief (Christchief)

2011-12-20T22:25:00.000-06:00

Lots of Christmas fun going on around here. First off, I think I have a new second-favorite Christmas movie, Arthur Christmas. It was SOO good (although Elf is still #1 because...LOOOOOOVE!!!).

Christmas Pickle

One tradition we have is the Christmas pickle ornament. If you haven't heard of it, the ornament is hid somewhere on the tree, and the first one to find it gets a present! This year's surprise, the new Barbie Christmas movie (exciting, huh??? My girlies thought so!) :)

These pics are not the best (like ALL the other ones on my blog...haha), but you get the drift. :)

Pickle hunters....getting right down to business.

Christmas Caroling

And just tell me WHO on Earth doesn't think it's fun to load up a bunch of family and friends on a hay wagon and ride through town singing Christmas carols??? (Informing the troops that we're 40% sure this is legal...don't they look thrilled?).

Overflow seating and front end security. :)

Ready for take off. Don't they look ready??

(I see doubt in some of those faces. Or is that fear?)

The peanut gallery.

Mother Christmas looking lovely :)

I don't think anyone even noticed we were there.

Nice to meet you. Can I sit on your lap?

Imagine THIS pulling up to the nursing home door.

People, we have GOOD people. That's all I kept thinking all night long. We have GOOD people!

*blessed*

Pulling up to the hospital, quite a sight to see.

Empty nest. :)P

(Who brought the quilts?? What a bunch of wimps!)

Bringing up the rear.

We closed out the night with lots of goodies and some good 'ol bluegrass jamming with a couple of guitars, a couple of fiddles, a mandolin, a banjo, some drums and a WHOLE lot of shakers and "backup." I would have had pictures, but someone stuck a fiddle in my hand and it was all over from there. :)

Christmas Lights

Finally, this weekend we headed to Madison with my great uncle for some Texas Ro@dhouse (our fave!) and a drive through a Christmas light display. Again, not the best pics, but fun nonetheless.

The Capital (and the lighted building in the background is the REAL Capital!) :)

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

-Hamilton Wright Mabie-

A CONSPIRACY of LOVE....isn't that how this whole thing got started??

Happy Christmas, folks.

Luca's Turn for a Mommy Date!

2011-12-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why both my girls choose McDon@lds for every date or if I'm the common thread which keeps landing us under those beautiful golden arches.

Hello, my name is Cari.

And I love french fries.

A lot.

I also love her. Like a lot, a lot, a lot.

She carries a purse.

It has Dora on the front and is chalked FULL of

lip gloss, stickers and sugar free gum.

'Cuz that's how a lady rollzzz.

Got a coupon for a FREE Build-@-Bear!!!!

(which I spent $38 on....dang, they got me again!)

How much money does one actually have to spend at

Build-@-Bear to get a coupon for a FREE bear?

Let's not think about it.

Bath time.

Making a birth certificate for "Lily"

Sweet moments with my littlest one.

Only 1 pic to share from our recent educational adventures. I never posted our barn dancing pics, but I figured they're getting a little old to constitute a post. Here's a single shot of a drawing class our homeschool group hosted. Immediately after I took it, my camera battery DIED!!!! NIGHTMARE OF ALL NIGHTMARES!!!!!!!

The worst part is, later that day our KONOS group field tripped to the optometrist and then dissected PIG EYEBALLS!!!!!!! And NO PICTURES!!!!! (I know, I know, you're TOTALLY disappointed!!!)

Just to give you a visual, think about the most disgusting, oozy, goozy, slimy, grossest thing you've ever seen.

Then touch it with your bare fingers and slice on into it. UGH!!!!)

It really was amazingly awesome and totally gruesome learning about the eye, dissection and all, but I think I'll rest a little easier now that all the eyeballs in the room are actually in someone's head.

Never a dull moment!

Why Every 8-Year-Old Should Have E-mail

2011-11-29T18:03:00.011-06:00

Found this in my inbox today:

I love you yes I do!

You make me very happy! You never make me take a nappy!

Because you are so very smart my love for you is bigger than w@lmart!

You are so cute I could puke! (Extra points for using "puke" in a poem! Atta' girl!)

la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la!!!!!!!!!

Heaven must be missing an angel (that's you).
brenin

Have I mentioned that I really really really reeeeeally like this kid??

Girl Time

2011-11-29T17:49:00.001-06:00

This is a little late in posting, but a couple of weeks ago Bren and I had a little date. She's been asking forever to get her hair cut by my hair girl and also to work on her own blog. I thought it woulld make for a great date, so we both got a new 'do, and then we headed to the Macs to enjoy some Wi-Fi and french fry! :-)

She's just mildly excited about this idea.

The kid looks about 5 years older with

her new cut, but still super duper cute!

The older Bren gets, the more I have to make a conscious effort to "balance the scales" a bit with the time I spend on the girls. While Luca still requires a great deal (a GREAT deal) of my time and energy, Bren can disappear with a book for a couple hours and I'm pretty sure could thrive in her own apartment any day now (and probably negotiate a pretty fair rent in the process). ;-) It's really nice to step away with her for a bit and be able to hear what's happening in her beautiful heart.

And remind her that she's not allowed to move out until she's 45.

Maybe 47, I haven't decided yet.

Happy Birthday....VERY. Happy. Birthday.

2011-11-25T21:12:00.000-06:00

To say I had a happy birthday this year would be an understatement.

Think absolute serenity.

Think room service.

Think ginormous pillowy bed.

Think Heaven. on. Earth.

This ducky about sums up the experience.

My sister spoiled me absolutely ROTTEN (and I have to say I LOOOOOOOOOOVED it!!!!). She booked us a suite at a premiere spa which we decided was best described as "a monastery with product." :-) Seriously, you can't help but meet your spiritual self at this phase of relaxation.

The spa requires you leave cell phones, iPods, cameras, computers....all those things that buzz in your ear incessantly and prohibit complete and utter clarity....back in your room.

....then they surround you with the most gorgeous surroundings you can possibly imagine.

...and then they let you lather yourself in as much lotions, exfoliators, soaps, lotions (there was a LOT of lotioning happening) and spa splendor that you can find.

Delightful.

Oh, and then there was this. The bed.

I have asked this bed to marry me, but it hasn't responded yet. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to leave it, but with some therapy I may be on the road to recovery.

And the bathroom. *sigh*

You may think it strange that this post contains not 1, but THREE pictures of the bathroom, but maybe after you meet "the shower," you will understand.

It has its own lighting. Because it can.

It also has 4 million jets and shower heads.

I'm certain I was in flight at one point. :)

Everywhere you looked....beauty.

The drive up.

We had a surprise 5 inches of snow fall the day before (the first of the season!), and it blanketed the whole experience in magic! We took a NIGHTtime swim in the heated pool, and the freshness of the air, the snow on the tall pines all around us, the steam rising off the water, the fire crackling beside the pool....it was literally like a dream, surreal and inexplicably beautiful!

Our view....I love that they lit up their woods!!!

Makes me want to do the same with our woods!

And this may seem shallow to post a picture of my "goody bag" contents, but each and every piece is such a testament to how well my sister knows me. (She even got me NyQuIl so we could sleep the GOOD sleep on our little getaway!!!! This chick is GOOD!!!) The jacket I fell in love with while we were up north this summer, and she remembered (of course) and had it shipped....each little piece is so me....I was definitely feelin' the love!

My sis is the reason I do lots of things in life, but most importantly, she's the reason I wanted a sister for my girls. I want this love....this down to the CORE "soul" connection....this "sisterness" for them more than anything else on Earth. It's unspeakable gratitude that I have for her....she is light and laughing until your stomach hurts and infinite love.

She's my miracle.

Homeschool Underground

2011-11-06T17:52:00.001-06:00

Field Trip to Cave of the Mounds!

The whole thing looks like a scene from Star Wars...unreal! :)

Catching "cave kisses" (drips of water).

The giant cave was discovered by miners in the 1930s, and the kids had the opportunity to do some mining of their own after the tour.

Luca's treasure, a piece of iron pyrite (also known as "fool's gold").

Orienteering

2011-11-06T17:40:00.001-06:00

We spent Thursday learning about orienteering with our KONOS group. I have to admit, I had to Google the word when one of the mom's suggested it as part of our frontiersman/tracking/trapping unit. :) Turns out it is SUPER fun and a GREAT skill to have!

Brooke set up 3 different courses and did such a great job teaching.

And THIS was our classroom for the day....aaaah, life is good! :)

Team Purple

Wind in her hair and adventure in her bones.

"The beginning of knowledge is the discovery
of something we do not understand."

-Frank Herbert-

Halloween Catch Up

2011-11-06T17:13:00.000-06:00

Trick or treating at the Big Cat Rescue!

This guy was actually just yawning, but it made for a scary pic! :)

Does it get creepier than this??

Trick or treating in our neck of the woods

Surveying their goodies. :)

A few tricks...

...and a LOT of treats!

(pre) Halloween Fun

2011-10-24T11:23:00.000-05:00

Our friends throw an annual Halloween party on their family farm which far exceeds any Halloween party (or ANY party, for that matter!) that I've ever seen. They pull out ALL the stops, and the kids are in their glory!

Beautiful skies for my little fairy butterflies. :)

A butterfly and an axe murderer out for a friendly stroll...
maybe this is what peace on earth looks like! :)

Oh dear, this one.

Gourd Tossing Contest

Tossing gourds proved a little challenging
with wings and purple pigtails. :)

Eyeball Race

Balloon Pop

Prizes? How about TWO tables full??

It's my friend's sister-in-laws who throw the party, and let me just say we spent approximately 9/10 of the day being SO JEALOUS of her amazing in-laws. They had a house full of spooky treats, craft tables galore, fun games, and each kid left with a bag full of prizes, covered in filth and sugary sweetness. :) These girls know how to party!

And of course, having a party like this just wouldn't be the same if it wasn't on the farm. Every surface is draped in beauty and bounty and Fall colors.

Celebrating the sweetness of friendship

and fun times with my favorite pumpkins.

Pianos, Panpipes and Public Speaking

2011-10-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

We wrapped up our music/sound portion of our unit with a visit from a piano tuner. We descended upon our friend's mom's piano like a flock of seagulls :) and the tuner pulled the whole darn thing apart to show us what was really going on inside the instrument when played.

Like, literally, pulled the whole thing apart. (!) There are pieces and parts I never knew existed!

Trivia time...can you guess what type of instrument the piano is?? (I always thought it was a stringed instrument because, well, the strings...but it turns out it's actually a percussion instrument because of the mallets hitting the strings to make the vibrations!)

Making PVC pan pipes! Click HERE for the "recipe" and some songs to play.

The older kids gave oral reports on an assigned composer. It's always shocking to hear the true stories behind such genius. Brenin had Johann Sebastian Bach. I was a little worried she'd just be too shy to get up in front of a group to speak. I guess she muddled through. ;-) (doesn't she look TERRIFIED?!?)

This is actually one of the aspects of the group that I most appreciate, the opportunity for the kids to speak, perform, learn and even instruct publicly. While this might not come as a challenge for Brenin naturally, it may become one if it's not practiced and preserved, and it's a gift and a skill she'll most definitely be needing later in life.

We're well into frontiersmen, tracking and trapping now....never a dull moment! :)

We have not forgotten about you, Leo!! :-)

2011-10-17T16:18:00.002-05:00

Our hearts were in Taiwan this week as you celebrated

your birthday! I wish we could have been there to sing

happy birthday in person, but know we were thinking about you

and sending lots of love from your second home.

We love you and wish you a very happy and blessed year ahead!

All in a Week's Work

2011-10-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

Finally found a working "sound scope" with the help of some dry rice, plastic wrap and a rubberband. :)

The girs loved seeing what happens to the sound vibrations with high/low pitches and loud/soft noises. Of course this rice was no competition for the noise these girls can make, so some of it ended up on the floor. :)

It happened that the community orchestra meets each Fall for 6 weeks, and it coincided beautifully with our music portion of the unit. I play in the orchestra, so the girls tagged along and got to explore the conductor's role, the "anatomy" of an orchestra, the acoustic panels on the walls, as well as get an up close listen to all the different sounds working in unison.

Bren was photographer and made sure to capture all the details.

This week we're wrapping up the sound/music portion of the unit with the group and will be giving oral reports on a designated historical musician (Brenin has Bach and Luca has Vivaldi, so we've been having fun exploring their stories), a "tour" of the inside of a piano, and homemade instruments. (phew!) :-)

Next week we're moving on to tracking and trapping, and guess who we happened to find at a local Rendezvous.....a trapper!! The guy was incredible. He spent a good hour with the kids, demonstrating all his trapping tools and sharing some of the history, future and philosophy of trapping! It was so fun to see the kids get such a live view....their interests were most definitely piqued!

My Ethiopian beauty!

Love this one. A lot.

Bren's first "treasure" of the day....a feather! :)

Trapper Tour.

I LOVE the looks on their faces. Completely engrossed.

Music to a teachers's heart. :)

The kids playing with a trap. Bad idea? Yeah, I thought so too.

The trapper's "neighbor" was just pulling in to set up camp and allowed the kids to assist in his camp set up. Third grade engineering? Yes, please! :)

Surely the most beautiful form of lodging....the tipi.

Tipi Tour

From the Rendezvous, the girls and I headed up north for our final camp of the season. Always sad to pack the camper up the one last time, but I suppose camping in 40 below just lacks some of the luster that a summer camp offers. :) Snow will soon be flying up there, but we had a surprise stint in the 70s this weekend, so PERFECT camping weather!

After a full day, the girls snuggled in for a movie and a snuggle....really roughing it! :)

Harvest Fest with Grandma and Grandpa

This picture pretty much sums up the Up North experience. Pigtails flying in the wind, breathing deep and living free.

We feasted on apple cider, caramel apples, walking tacos and all those goodies that taste best when camping....one last time *sniff*sniff*.

Ooh, and giant pumpkin-shaped marshmallows!!!

On the road again...dreaming of next year already!

What's More Beautiful than Fall in Wisconsin??

2011-10-03T15:56:00.002-05:00

NOTHING!!!

First trip to the orchard this weekend, then a lighted parade at night!

The colors are so rich this year. The trees that've changed so far are so vibrant, like patches of flames nestled in lush forest....so beautiful!

"Stuck in traffic," orchard style! :-)

I LOVE nighttime parades!!!

The Vietnam vets marched by, and we all stood. Garret immediately assumed this stance and held it the entire time they passed....his own little "salute," I guess. :-)

Parade buddies!

More parade buddies! :)

Fall was in the air, but expecting a nice little warm up back to 80s this week, so back to shorts we go! You never know what you're going to get in Wisconsin....fireplace sittin' last week, sprinkler runnin' this week! :)

Ride Against Poverty

2011-10-03T15:38:00.001-05:00

The kids were excited to participate again this year in the Compassion International motorcycle Ride Against Poverty. Last year they set out to buy a goat for a family in need through Compassion and ended up raising enough for SEVEN! This year they set their sites on Compassion's malaria project, Bite Back., and ended up raising $500 for nets (that's 50 nets!!) In the process, they learned how malaria is transmitted and how it can be treated AND prevented and yet still claims the life of a child every 30 seconds! It's an absolute joy to see them empowered to fight the injustices of poverty even at their young ages.

While the riders were out, a group of Compassion Child Advocates met for a retreat in the same location, and we got to listen in on their meetings. A former Compassion child from Kenya spoke about his experience in and now out of the program and how his sponsorship "released" him from poverty. He explained that he himself now sponsors 5 children! His story was so inspiring that we decided it was high time our family welcomed our own Compassion child....and so we did, a sweet, 8-year-old little girl from Ethiopia!

School's In Session!

2011-09-30T16:15:00.001-05:00

I've realized we've been so busy doing school that I haven't gotten a chance to blog about school (not sure how my priorities got so out of whack, but surely with a little effort I'll be able to right this wayward ship). ;-)

I normally enjoy an annual post about our beloved school supply selection and maybe a "first day" shot or two; however, due to...ahem..."technical difficulties" (as in I forgot to take one)...I won't be posting a first day shot this year. I'm not 100% sure my kids won't be explaining to their therapists one day about how their mother neglected to record such important events in their life as their first day of 3rd/1st grade; however, on the bright side it may take some of the focus off all my other clueless mommy moments, and that, my friends, is what me and Charlie Sheen call winning!!! :-)

So, this year we're focusing in more on the Konos curriculum...a hands on approach to learning that I myself was taught with during my homeschooling years. Research shows that children remember only 10% of what they hear, 50% of what they see and a whopping 90% of what they do! Konos is loaded with ideas on how to make learning a multi-sensory experience that goes far beyond rote memorization of facts and aims for deep understanding of what is being learned as well developing a curiosity for learning and tools and skills to investigate those aspects we're curious about.

I'll never forget a day in 8th grade when our Konos group was studying the body and our moms had hit up the local butcher for some "spare parts." (Can't you just hear what that butcher was thinking??) To this day, I remember where I was standing in the room when someone inserted a straw and blew into a set of cow lungs laying on the dining room table....how it expanded and what the tissue looked like, how it smelled and the noise it made. I can hear everyone in the room gasp as we pulled on the tendons of a chicken claw and watched the "fingers" suddenly contract and startle everyone into amazement and then laughter.  It was not only instant and lasting knowledge of something I'd never even heard of before (tendons), but also instant fascination and understanding about the human body that remains with me today!

The best part of the curriculum is that the units are divided into character traits, and what you study all relates back to your chosen character trait. For example, a unit on responsibility will include studies on pet care, animal anatomy, ants, beavers, pioneers, etc. Our current unit is attentiveness, and we're learning about the human ear, sound, music, the eye, animal tracking and more. While we're studying science, art, history, language etc., we're also learning and studying how to become people of rich character, so it's a really nice, holistic approach to learning how to integrate character development into every aspect of our lives....another skill I hold with me today.

The idea of Konos is to work with other Konos families and meet as desired for "group activities."  We choose the unit together and each do our own chosen activities to do at home from the same unit, then we choose a few to do as a group (obviously some are much better in a group than they would be at home with just a few students).

Our Konos group is super special because one of the mommas was actually in MY Konos group as a kid!! I have to say it's a LOT more work being a teacher than it was a student, but I have to say it's a pretty cool thing to be working with my former "classmate" and see our kids play and learn together.

Our first group day was focused on the human ear and dipped into the sound portion of the unit. These pictures show a "crawl through" model of the ear that the kids got to help set up and each give tours through. Luca is about to pass the "pinna" and go through the "auditory canal." Brooke is holding our "middle ear" walls.

Once in the "middle ear," our little "sound waves" hit the "ear drum" which vibrated our "hammer, anvil and stirrup." Then a brief description about the "semicircular canals and cochlea," the extension cord "nerve" to the brain and out the eustachian tube to the nose. :-)

We learned a few gross things about earwax (ewwww) from our fave Grossology book, experimented with sound conductors, and tried to make sound scopes (which didn't end up working very well...ya win some, ya lose some!) This week we've been diving deeper into sound and finding ways to see sound waves, also investigating how sound waves move fast or slow for high/low pitches and high/low volume! The girls have gone the extra mile and decided in honor of our sound studies to not stop making sound. Ever. (blink. blink.) :-)

Also having fun with the homeschool group again this year! The group is over 100 people, believe it or not...I never would have dreamed of so many homeschoolers in one place back in the day when it was still sort of a "new-ish" idea. The group meets every other week for activities/field trips/learning experiences and also aims for a monthly service project. Last week's field trip was an insect discovery hunt. The kids gathered all sorts of creepy crawlies, and the naturalist explained what we'd found and all sorts of interesting things about insects. Super fun field trip for the teachers too!

Somebody found a snake. Thank you telephoto. :-)

She's hunting wabbits in the Amazon jungles

Does this give you the shivers? You are not alone, my friend.

The girls looking bug hunting busy while actually discussing really, really important matters that have nothing to do with bug hunting. Lord help their mothers when they become teenagers. :)

How am I not a naturalist and how does a naturalist ever stop saying "my job is freaking awesome!"

That is a SERIOUS spider! Think it's just a Wisconsin thing? Think again! This female garden spider can be found in nearly every US state. It just makes you want to garden, doesn't it?? Love Bren's face in this shot.

Our monthly service project was immediately following the insect discovery and involved making cards and candy baggies to send to a troop of 115 deployed soldiers who will soon be losing their access to receive mail. Sure, let's have the kids fill the bags with candy! Then when they're done, we can have them hide all their Christmas presents in the basement! (It had to have been a challenge to have that much candy at their fingertips, but they were dedicated to their cause and got the job done).

That's the "first of the year" report from our little crazy schoolhouse. I hope this finds all of you learning and loving and living in your own little State of Grace and that you find each day brings the 3 closer and closer together until one is indistinguishable from the other.

Birthday Time!!

2011-09-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

All God's Critters

2011-09-13T22:23:00.005-05:00

WARNING: Critter Post!

I found THIS in my back yard yesterday!!!

I went out for a closer look and snapped a few pics.

Then it moved and I ran in my house like a screaming banshee.

Dedication, people.....dedication.

Later I was off to help work the cows. Because my work with the snake was obviously effective.

I was kind of looking forward to it because as it turns out, I actually enjoy romping around in ankle deep poo, but once in the pen with with THESE monsters, I decided I'd be busy the next time it was time to work the cows. (HUGE!)

Not just huge, but also crazy. One of them actually JUMPED a fence this tall to avoid the chute!!! Insane!

"You're gonna make me do what??"

I still can't believe these are the same "calves" that came in this spring. The guys thought some were near 1000 pounds already!

One last little critter moment (I thought I'd clump 'em into one post so as not to look like TOO much of a hillbillz). Had a "walking stick" on our classroom window today. I remember finding these as a kid, and it was like finding a pot of gold....they're not super common and sort of a novelty since the actually DO look like a twig! Life is a classroom! :-)

Guess Who's 2-Wheeling It?!?

2011-09-13T21:51:00.001-05:00

She held out for a long time and didn't want to try it, but of course picked it right up once she did! I'm sure it won't be long before she'll upgrade to a bigger bike, but I think we'll let her get her bearings this year since it won't be long before the deep freeze sets in.

Can you even stand the cuteness in that kitty helmet?!?!

Camping

2011-09-13T21:37:00.001-05:00

In all the hustle of school starting, I never got a chance to go through pics from our last camp when the girls and I joined my family up north. I wanted to post just a couple because in a few short months, I'll be dreaming these scenes. :-)

*Lovely*

*Cozy*

Buchanan Girls + Up North = Happy Campers

:-)

Cathedrals

2011-09-11T20:58:00.001-05:00

It seems everywhere I look these days, incredible, devoted, passionate, powerful, uh-maze-zing mamas are feeling overworked, underpayed, waaaaaaay under-appreciated, and dare I say it - BORED!!!!

We don't mean to feel this way.

I mean, honestly, we know we're supposed to be loving this.

Feeling that warm materal glow every time we lay eyes on our precious little bundles from aBoVe.

Counting our blessings, one load of laundry at a time.

(That's a LOT of blessings, people.)

But the truth is, there are days that we mommas ask ourselves, "What am I doing here?" "What is this all for?" "Am I going to wake up in 20 years and realize all I've done is the dishes?"

"And who's going to care?"

I was talking with some sweet friends today about just that, and one of them sent this story (sorry, I don't know the author). It actually made me cry because I've been working on a few "birds" lately myself.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,
the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the
phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't
you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking,
or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner,
because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this?
Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.
I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,
'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around
5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and
the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum
laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to
be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return
of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous
trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I
was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.
It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling
pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped
package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great
cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to
me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the
greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would
discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after
which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great
cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave
their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made
great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building
was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the
cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a
tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that
will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman
replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost
as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices
you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of
kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've
baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a
great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease
that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-
centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.
As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see
finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The
writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever
be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to
sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's
bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4
in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes
a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would
mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want
to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend,
to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if
we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world
will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has
been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

This thing we're doing, mommas...

...it's hard.

We all think so.

Sometimes we cry when it all gets too heavy.

Sometimes we feel like it's not enough.

Sometimes we think no one sees.

But God sees.

Every bird. Every beam. Every builder.

Football

2011-09-02T23:02:00.001-05:00

Tuck's final football game tonight!

Cutest player on the field if you ask me! :)

Stole some extra snuggles and a self portrait under our umbrella. Thanks, rain!

Luca sporting her game face (and Tuck's pads).

It's official...Fall is on its way!

Farewell to Friday Fun

2011-08-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

Soaking up every last bit of summer we can muster these days.

School is fast approaching. I'm having my annual "I'm their teacher?!?!?!?!" panic attack.

Good times, good times.

Our summer Fridays are spent with my sister and her gang in what we've dubbed "Friday Fun." It involves swimming, garage sale-ing, park playing, library going, ice cream eating, and whatever other kind of fun we can get into. It's always a little sad to have our last Friday fun of the season, but alas it must be done.

A trip to the zoo was just what the doctor ordered.

Serious seal watching.

The park there is so cool...it looks like a giant Eagle's nest in a tree.

Popcicle time! Sidney (on the right) is my sister's brother-in-law and recently came to live with them. I don't want to brag or anything, but he recently took a GOLD medal in Special Olympics bocce ball! Yep, I know.....amazing.

Car snugglin' on the way home. Preciousness.

Irish Fest

2011-08-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

Irish Fest is an old family tradition which has fallen by the wayside in recent years as "wee lads and lassies" began showing up in our lives. This year my uncle was up from San Diego, so most of the family made the trip to spend the day in all things Irish. Seriously, I think maybe Ireland itself has nothing on Milwaukee's Irish Fest.

I got to head down a day early with my mom and sister for a girls night in the city (and a beeeeeeeutiful hotel). We giggled and ate and shopped and giggled some more...SUCH a relaxing and fun time!

You can't imagine how many pictures it took to find one that 3 (THREE!) women would approve of posting, so just trust me when I tell you that we are all much prettier/thinner/younger/more put together than we may appear in said picture. Oh, and we might be a little vain too. ; -)

Fancy meeting THEM there!

I'm 99.9% sure there will be bagpipes in Heaven.

Brenin entered a freckle contest!

As you can see, the judging was g-r-u-e-l-i-n-g.

She didn't quite have what it took for the win, but she did get a shamrock cookie out of the deal! That's a win in my book!!

She jumped right in to the dance lessons too.

If this kid isn't pure cuteness, I'm just not sure what is.

A family fave.....Different Drums of Ireland.

(pause music player at bottom of page before playing video)

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields and,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

-Irish Blessing-

Life in a Northern Town

2011-08-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes living in a rural American town can feel like a movie set. You have to remind yourself that you're really there, really living this good. The green is really that green, and yeah, half the people in town would probably show up at your funeral if you died tomorrow - with a casserole for your family, of course (and they probably know how much you paid for your house and who your "folks" are too).

While I sorely miss some of the diversity and cultural exchange that occurs in bigger cities, sometimes I just can't help but sit back and revel in our own little small town culture. It can be a charming cross between a Norman Rockwell and the ghetto. : -) Somehow, it works.

Nothing says small town like our parades.

There's lots of this going on.

What is it about American flags, parades and kids?? It's a "breathe deep" moment every time.

Oh, and who needs sweets when they're passing out sweet CORN?

Yep, Norman MUST have attended a few parades in his day.

While in the neighborhood, we stopped at the waterfall to dip our toes. I was gonna do a backflip off the rocks like this guy, but then I remembered I didn't have my swimsuit. Shoot.

We decided we'd bribe them with this picture when they're 16. Always planning ahead, we are.

It was a day well spent.

"Our lives are made in these small hours, these little wonders..."

-Rob Thomas-

Perspective

2011-08-26T21:19:00.001-05:00

We attended a retirement party of a friend who had served in the Army and through several deployments (2 of them to Afghanistan). They displayed so many things he brought back over the years from his travels, which was so neat to see. Guests were invited to try on these outfits (I can't remember what they're called??), and I think their one word description says it all......"Perspective."

Just Another Law-Abiding Citizen

2011-08-24T13:41:00.001-05:00

One of the grocery stores in town opened up a new liquor store and laundromat, so they offered police/ambulance/firetruck tours in the parking lot.

Because that's totally related.

:-)

We didn't ask. We just went.

Bren and Liv

Ma'am, I'm gonna need to see your license and registration please.

Let's pray this is the ONLY time she gets to be strapped into the back of an ambulance!

Book'em, Danno!

Just kidding....What kind of mother would I be to allow my child to be arrested JUST so I could have a moment...(just ONE teeny tiny moment!!!!)...of peace and quiet?!?! Really, now folks!

I mean, it's not like I wouldn't pick them up once they were released.

(as long as bail wasn't too high)

Unfortunately, we'd met this particular officer before. (let me explain) On one -30 degree day last winter, I was in a turn lane waiting to turn right. I decided to turn left instead, so I thought I'd better back up and get into the LEFT turn lane. But oh look, there's a car coming, I'd better hurry! I popped it into reverse and quickly reversed the car.

Into a taxi cab that was sitting directly behind me. Boo.

Apparently the term is "unsafe backing."

Yeah...

To make matters worse, last week I was rushing off to a meeting and looked in my rearview JUST in time to see the 'ol familiar po po whipping a U-turn. Why, you might ask, would a police officer whip a U-turn?? Well, to pull over my speeding 'wagon 'o fun,' of course!! I was just about to leave with a shred of dignity (after ANOTHER very kind officer let me go with a warning) when Brenin calls from the back seat. "Hey, Mom...is that the same police ossifer from your little umm...taaaaaxi incident?"

*sigh* No dear, it's a different one this time.

(Geesh...the kid has a memory like a sponge!)

Long story short, I may or may not be on the police department's Christmas card list this year.

Woohoo!!

Blog on Life Support

2011-08-15T11:35:00.001-05:00

Been contemplating lately if blogging is fitting into my life right now. I haven't had much time to post, and when I do, it's basically pictures because I don't have time to write. I feel like I either need to commit and be better at it or let it go and release myself from its obligation. I'd also like to commit some time to writing for publication (which is what my college degree is for...you know, the one in the stack of dusty frames in my pantry next to the toilet bowl cleaner and feather duster?? SO not kidding.) Seems life is too full right now to be good at anything. Sooo...putting some things on the chopping block, and this 'ol blog is up for review.

In the meanwhile...

LOOOOOVE this!!!

Maybe you'll love it too?

Catch Up - Part 2

2011-08-05T22:41:00.001-05:00

The in-laws were here for a visit this week. Danny had a conference in Iowa, so we played tourist and played around the Dells and went horseback riding and to the lake.

Bren was in her glory, of course.

Danny's brother's son, Buck & his horse

Dario's first ride ever!

Another first time rider!

Sister's daughter, Arlena..... her first ride too!

The stables wouldn't let Luca ride on her own since there was some galloping involved, but she at least got to hold the reigns and "steer" (and her Mama got to steal some snuggle time!)

Breathtaking Wisonsin

Exhaustion has officially set in.

:-)

Catch Up Part 1

2011-08-05T22:21:00.001-05:00

Goodness, people...it's been a while for an update from our neck of the woods! Not really sure how the summer went and got so busy on us, but it done did it! Here's a quick low-down on some of our 'picture-worthy' activities.

3 Weeks of Swimming Lessons

Circus

While some people have the circus "come to town," our town IS the circus! The circus is serious business around these parts (in the loosest of terms, of course). In fact, the wagons used in the recent movie W@ter for Elephants came from none other than OUR circus! My sister scored some free tix, so we checked it out.

What's a day at the circus without a little hatchet throwing? :)

More Camping

Making the most of our summer days and squeezed in another quick camping trip.

Hammock snugglin'

The kids and the boys got to visit an Ojibwa village...

Bren took the pics (and did a pretty good job, I must say...a girl after her mama's heart!)

Not really sure what's happening here, but it sure makes for an interesting pic! :-)

I really love this one!

Tucker and Brenin have been OBSESSING about taking our "Elf on the Shelf" up north and busting him in action. Seriously...OBSESSING!!! Brenin hauled all her spy gear, and the two had been reading up and making plans for weeks before the trip. Apparently these little guys are busy YEAR-ROUND, because he was on the move all weekend! No rest for a Christmas elf!

Opened my eyes in the morning to THIS beautiful view!

Tis the Season

2011-07-15T22:05:00.001-05:00

People........THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES ARE ARRIVING!

The aisles are lined with boxes of them to be unpacked.

Boxes and boxes of unchartered, untouched pErFeCtIoN!!!!!!!

I've ushered in this blessed season by purchasing THIS.

And it makes me very. very. happy.

(can't you just smell the fresh ink???)

Fair Day

2011-07-15T21:49:00.001-05:00

We had our annual fill of the fair today!

Now THAT'S how Wisconsin does grilled cheese! :-)

Pack of llamas, out for a stroll. Nothing unusual here.

DrEaMiNg...

Can I helllllp you?

This group helped the kids build bird houses, bat houses and tool boxes...a definite highlight of the day!

Music to my little builder's ears!

Brenin built a toolbox and plans to use it as a book carrier (upon great suggestion from a friend).

Tucker, Garret & Sid opted for the bat houses in true "boy" form.

You never know what you'll see (or eat!) at the fair. It just doesn't seem like summer until you've made your trip, had your mini donuts, and stepped in at least 3 different kinds of "poo" in the animal barns. :-) Had a great time with my fair laidies!

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2011-07-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

The birthday girl was granted all her wishes this weekend...

a My Little Pony party WHILE camping! The girl knows how to party!

Tradition states that the birthday girl gets to choose the menu...

Luca chose strawberry covered waffles for dinner! Wash that

down with some birthday cake and you've got yourself a SuGaR hIgH!

Don't you just wonder what little girls wish for?

Ah...I think she likes it, what do you think?

Luca got a scooter from grandma and grandpa, so we all

headed to a nearby skate park so she could try it out.

Then ice cream and beach time!

Brenin and Tucker were the first to spot our very FIRST bear in camp (after 3 years of searching for one all over those northern woods!) My girl was ALL. OVER. IT. The story was quickly escalating as time progressed. Here she is filling us all in on her accounts. :-)

Had fun in the canoes and kayaks Friday night and like most anything it turned into a photo shoot for me and my trusty camera. Here are a few of my faves (along with the new blog header photo!)

Happy birthday to my sweet 6 year old.

She is a gift.

And I am one lucky mama!

4th of July

2011-07-06T09:08:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a happy 4th!

It was Luca's first as a US citizen, so it was an extra special one for me.

We spent the day at the bouncy pillow/pedal cart

park with family and friends and then off to fireworks.

Gearing up for Luca's birthday this weekend (which she's been celebrating

for a week already, reminding us that it's basically her birthday already)! :-)

Found the Perfect Accessory to Go with those Biker Boots...

2011-07-03T17:29:00.000-05:00

I know what you're thinking..."But where will the kids sit??"

My point exactly, my friends. My point exactly.

:-)

Happy Birthday and a Heat Wave!

2011-07-03T17:14:00.003-05:00

Our late to arrive summer is trying to make up for lost time this week. My mouth about dropped open Friday while watching the thermometer creep up to nearly 100 degrees with the heat index over 100! We stayed cool by hitting the water every single day! We northern folk have to get our swimming on while we can you know!

We got to spend one afternoon at a waterpark with friends

for a birthday party and had such a fun time.

Happy birthday to the super snuggly birthday boy, Alex!

My friend Shannon (the birthday mama) and Alex

I love this one. One lucky lady! :-)

Fruity Pebbles Treats birthday cake...mmm!

Cuteness.

Once in a while I capture a facial expression that just radiates contentment on my girls' faces and it does good things for this Mama's soul. Nothing brings me more peace than to see them living richly and loving deeply...together. I get so excited for them sometimes because I know what comes of these moments...these ones of shared breath and space and joy and insult and healing and experience...and it's nothing short of glorious.

Dear Winter,

Take your time.

Love, Me

Berry Fun Times

2011-06-27T15:23:00.001-05:00

Nothing says summer like strawberry picking!

My partners in crime.

Dear Lord. Please help me not to eat this scrumptious child.

The teeth are gone. Therth's a lithp. This yoke is not easy. Amen.

We're never the quietest row of berry pickers, but most likely the most entertaining!

Strawberry Sisters

Trying to convince her mother that THIS TIME the berry

she picked was not a rotten one. It in fact was,

but that's beside the point, don't you think?

On the menu for dinner: strawberry soup, strawberry wine, strawberry salad,

strawberry pie, strawberry gumbo, strawberry....you get the drift. :-)

On the Road Again

2011-06-23T12:10:00.003-05:00

The Buchanan girls were Northern bound once again for Father's Day weekend!

The North woods pulled out all the stops for us once again...campfires, s'mores, fish fry, kayaking, canoe-ing, camper cuddling, hiking, music, ice cream, exploring, photography, family, swimming (no pics because it was an impromptu swim and the kids were in their underoos...hilarious though!).

I don't think we stopped moving all weekend!

You can almost SMELL the sense of adventure on the ride up.

(and yes, I am THAT good of a driver to take a picture while driving). :-)

One of our favorite hangouts

I had to basically pry my hand from that kayak to let her out there on her own....it just didn't seem natural to be releasing such a teeny little person out into a big lake in her own ride! She did amazing!!

It rained pretty much the whole weekend, but we didn't let it stop us.
Being out on the lake or hiking through the woods with a gente
rain falling was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL experience!

Unfortunately we forgot we had put a 6 inch hole in our camper last Fall while packing it up, so Camp Buchanan was offering an indoor "waterfall suite" this trip. It was so lovely. In a really not lovely kind of way.

Happy Father's Day to the BEST Dad ever! He works the hardest up North to keep everyone in campers/boats/fishing equipment/bikes/trails/and whatever else kind of trouble we get into (and they let us use their SHOWER!!!) Thanks, Mufaro and Dahlia, for the amazing time and countless memories you give us!

Wonder what she's looking at?

This! :-)

Tuck Finn

Beauty EVERY.where.

We love to look for turtle eggs down by the lake. Usually we find the nests all dug up by critters with empty shells all over the place, but this time we actually found some whole eggs! It's a wonder turtles ever get to hatch around there...it seems something likes to eat the eggs before they get a chance!

Garret with the love of his life.

Like father, like son.

I (heart) little boys with dirt smears on their cheeks.

Clam on the move! Luca had fun finding empty clam shells, and her mother had fun trying to smuggle them into someone else's car for the ride home.

(it didn't work...shoot).

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet

and the winds long to play with your hair.

-Kahlil Gibran-

Soccer Clinic

2011-06-20T22:22:00.000-05:00

Bren finished up a week of soccer clinic last week before

the girls and I headed North for some camping!

My little soccer pie smilin' at her #1 fan.

Camping pictures to come!

Been Farmin' Long? Oh, About 4 Months.

2011-06-14T22:00:00.004-05:00

We got to take part in a little farming this week!

We went out to help work the calves (which are beginning to look more like COWS than calves these days!), and I have to say, I LOVED it...those farmers have something figured out and they're not letting the rest of us in on it! What a therapeutic job they have! I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I think I could spend quite a few of my days out there in the fresh air (fresh, of course, being a relative term).

You just really can't beat the view!

"Watchin' my corn pop up in rows"...love that song!

(that's not really my corn)
(just thought I should clarify after the whole cow-buying incident of 2011)

She's mine though. I love her. A lot.

Everyone gathered for the occasion.

Some of us were a little more eager than others.

Down the chute into this lovely little contraption (to hold them in place)...

a liiiiitle pinch on the ear, then free to go!

That's Daniel herding...if you would have told me he would be herding cows (HIS cows!!!) 15 years ago, I would have told you you done lost your marbles!

The girls sat watch on the back of the truck so as not to get trampled (Don't you just hate it when your babies get trampled by a herd of cows?? Me too!!), and Brenin served as officicial photographer.

FACT: The calves handled their shots a WHOLE lot better than this one handles her shots. (and she's losing her top front tooth, but it's kind of just dangling there, not wanting to come out and not wanting to set back in place since there's a new one already growing in behind it).

This is me lookin' all farmerish.
I'm thinkin', "Oh yeah, I'm farmin! I got poop on my arm!"

Cool, huh?

After we'd finished, I thought everything was cool between us
and the cows...you know, no hard feelings...but I turned
around on the way out and happened to see THIS going on behind my back!

Trust us, dear....this hurts US a lot more than it hurts you.

Okay, maybe it hurts you a little bit more,
but that's the line my folks always gave me!

(He doesn't look like he's buying it).

Fly-In

2011-06-05T21:11:00.001-05:00

Time for our annual fly-in breakfast at the airport!

Pancakes and eggs in the hanger, then off to explore the planes!

Love how fascinated Lukes is... :-)

Bren and her Great-Great (!) Uncle Earl

They added a bouncy house this year!

Huge fan of bouncy houses.

Uncle Earl served in the Air Force

(not a fan of posing for pictures though...good thing I'm bossy) ;-)

This next series of pics are an absolute hoot! They demonstrate so clearly the personality of each child.

Bren: Driving, of course. "A wagon of trouble? I'll take the wheel!"

Tuck: Her constant companion and partner in crime, cheering on the idea.

Garret: Coming up to see how he can get involved.

Luca: Party on, girl!

Bren: Beginning to question her own judgement.

Tuck: Beginning to think there's been a rule broken and not at all happy about it.

Garret: Looking to gain control.

Luca: It's all good, man...just enjoy the ride!

Bren: Running into some serious complications but still clinging to the wheel.

Tuck: There's DEFINITELY been a rule broken, looking for the exit.

Garret: Oh yeah, now here's a good plan.

Luca: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee...!

Bren: "Uh-oh."

Tuck: Ready to bail.

Garret: Oh dear.

Luca: *sigh*

**No Army vehicles were harmed in the process of this blog post. I think.**

Cow Update

2011-06-05T20:46:00.001-05:00

In case you were wondering how the cows were doing

(and I just know you were...hehe!!)...

Here they are the end of March

And here they are end of May

They grow up so fast...*sniff*sniff*

;-)

Calling It!

2011-06-05T20:36:00.002-05:00

We're officially calling it quits for the school year....time for some SUMMER FUN!!

We kicked the summer off with a play date at the park with some homeschool buddies. My nephew Garret spent the weekend with us too, so he was along for the ride. Just a few pics of my little freebird cuties!

It was such a fun school year with the girls. Brenin is just a little woman stuck in a girl's body and is a hoot to be around. She's interested in absolutely anything you put in front of her, so being her teacher is really quite rewarding. She has such a compassionate heart...honestly I don't know what I'd do without this sweet soul.

Luca is just a little ball of spunk. She's absolutely scientifically / mathmatically minded in her learning and finished her Math book halfway through the year because she never wanted to stop at just 1 lession! She's always investigating things to see just how they're put together and working. She's independent as all get out (determined to be as old, if not older, than her big sister), and such a little snuggy bug all at once. :-)

Hoping to play it loose as much as possible this summer so we're free for the fun stuff, but the girls will be in soccer and swimming lessons. Bren's already planning a project of her own. She went online all by herself and ordered Bill Rancic's book, "Beyond the Lemonade Stand" from the library (how she knew about it is beyond me) and has most of it read already, hoping to start her own "business" and make some $ this summer to buy a cow through Compassion International at this year's motorcycle Ride Against Poverty (last year she worked with Tuck, Luca and a friend to raise enough to buy 7 goats!!). It was really fun to see her take the initiative in ordering the book and really researching what she could do to earn the money to get the job done, sacrificing of herself for someone else's sake...the girl just gets it, and I could not be more proud! :-)

Adios, kindergarten and 2nd grade...hellllllooooooooooo SUMMER!

Life Is Just a Bowl of (Beautiful) Cherries!

2011-06-05T19:57:00.001-05:00

I bought some cherries from Wally World this week and realized on my way out the door that I had paid $8 for the bag!!! Yikes! They were so beautiful when I got home that I figured I'd make them work it off by doing some modeling for me. ;-) Aren't they lovely???? (Oh yeah, and they were delicious!)

City Slickers

2011-05-29T22:50:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend in Chicagoland!

We had a nice visit with Danny's uncle and dad (who's been sick in the hospital) before heading downtown to visit with some good friends (true city slickers). Here's a conversation which me and dear husband had while on our journey. You know, in case you were wondering.

Me: Dear, sweet husband. Would you mind telling me when you get a chance where I should make my next turn to get to the hotel in this this peaceful village of "Chicago"? Take your time, my love, for we are in love, and lovers have all the time in the world.

He: Why, my precious darling angel face, I was just sitting here waiting for you to speak to me again because I so love the sound of your voice when you are driving in the city. It is like a meadowlark in the spring time after a fresh rain on my soul. I would love to tell you where your turn is, if that would please you my dear. Really, ANYthing to please you.

Me: Oh sweetest of peas! You are just so kind to me! Just whenever you get the chance, I'd love to hear where the turn is. Maybe when you complete your meditation, or tomorrow afternoon...you know, whenever.

He: My sugardrops with cream on tops, I am so very sorry, for we have just missed our turn. Is there anything I can do to repay you for my faulty navigational skills? I do not know much about directions or maps or GPS'esses. Wilt thou helpest me, pleeease?

Me: Love of my life, filler of my soul...there is nothing you must do to repay me, for I will just find another way to the hotel. It will be easy after all, it is only downtown Chicago. Why look, everyone is so friendly, all waving and calling out to us as we gently maneuver our car this way and that in front of them. Look, they must think we are stuck between these two lanes that we are stopped in and are actually TELLING us the directions we need. What a lovely display of humanity. Thank you, kind people of Chicago, thank you!

He: I agree, daydream sugar pie. Of course, I always agree with you because you are so often right. Shall we stop and say a prayer of thanksgiving for each other before we continue on to the hotel?

Me: What a splendid idea you have had once again, my prince. If there is one thing I would like to do right now, it is to stop and give thanks for you.

The End.

Wasn't that lovely??

I think so too.

Okay, picture time!

Here we are on the train where we were OBVIOUSLY the only ones from "where the blacktop ends." My sister in law (also a city girl) was kind enough to point out that we had chosen "checkered" shirts to wear, making us even more identifible as the certified hicks.

Actually, I'm not really sure what we were thinking when we deemed this particular wardrobe as appropriate for city train riding (we didn't even consult with each other on the matter!).

The point is is that we're able to laugh at ourselves.

No, wait a minute...what was the point??

Oh yeah, hicks on a train (which I affectionately call the subway, further confirming my hickish ways).

The kids may or may not have thought the train was an actual amusement ride and not a form of transportation. We may or may not have furthered this belief by snapping a few hundred photos for their scrapbooks. Do you think this will get us out of ever having to purchase tickets to Disneyl@nd??

Look kids, it's the Magic Kingdom!!!!

Our train ride destination...ice cream sundaes the size of our HEADS!!!! (This was JUST Luca's!)

You'd better get crackin' on that thing, girl! It's gonna' be a looooong night at the ice cream parlor!

Our friends made us dinner at their place right downtown and only a few blocks from our hotel before the train ride. They gathered a schmoargasboard of Chicago-made foods to serve us...it was INCREDIBLE and SO sweet!!!!

Willis Tower (used to be Sears Tower) in the background.

Home Tweet Home...most beautiful hotel ever!

My swimming superhero.

...and bathing beauties.

View from the pool!

Love all the beautiful architecture!

Peanut in the Pool.

Oh Lordy, this one.

This about sums up their relationship these days...a true snapshot in time.

There may be a similar photo of their parents. Minus the peaceful smile.

We're so cool in the city.

The End.

Field Trip

2011-05-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

We're happy to be wrapping up the school year pretty soon around here and having fun with more "nature oriented" study as the temps are rising. A few pics from a field trip to the botanical gardens and zoo!

2011-05-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

Last week we had a visit to the eye doctor and got the news that BOTH girls need glasses!! We headed to Madison this week to look for some super cute frames, and our mission was accomplished!

Here are my little stylish smarties sporting their new glasses!

Bren's objective was to find a blue pair. She found these brown ones with blue inside and blue swirls and heart on the arms and had her mind made up. Her's are a pretty storng prescription, so she's taking a little time to get used to wearing them.

Luca was loving these black frames with pink inside and a pink butterfly on each corner. Her prescription is lighter, and she hasn't given me any trouble about wearing them! (LOSING them may be a different story though).

A new phase for us...excited and seeing clearly!

Mother's Day Update

2011-05-14T12:26:00.000-05:00

Spent Mother's Day a little differently this year...I skipped town!

I had the privilege of road-tripping up North to the cabin with my mom for an extended weekend (Friday through Tuesday!) of scrapbooking! I printed off a whole year's pictures to work on (and yes, I am THAT far behind) and made a good dent in them over the weekend. It felt so good to get some scrapbooking done and also have some down time with my mom. We were sure to be good to ourselves, eating all sorts of yummy things, watching all the chick flicks we could handle, shopping and doing all the wonderful things you just can't get away with with two little monkeys hanging from your ankles. It was pure fabulousness!

When we returned from up north, we had a couple (I repeat, A COUPLE) of warm days in the 80s. The girls and I wasted no time in heading to the lake to dip our toes (see pics below). We've since cooled back down to the 60s and have resumed our moaning and groaning about this ULTRA late spring weather we're having this year (come ON, summer!!!!) Crossing our fingers and toes and whatever else we can cross that those warmer temps will return to us SOON!!! Until then, I'm going to stare at these pictures of my beauties standing knee deep in water, rockin' their tank tops and shorts, soakin' up some sun!

Gifts from Afar

2011-05-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

The girls received beautiful lapis lazuli necklaces all the way from Afghanistan! A friend is serving in the military there and shared a bit of the culture with them. Here they are modeling their treasures.

2011-05-14T11:30:00.001-05:00