Butterfly Experiment

Our little scientists had a wonderful time observing the life cycle of five painted lady butterflies. Over the last two weeks we have watched these little larvae caterpillars go from being little critters to more than doubling in size, then forming chrysalises (is that really the plural for that?) and then becoming beautiful butterflies. They seemed rather forlorn in the cage to us, so we released them into our garden. As soon as we took the cage outside, they got very excited (do butterflies get butterflies in their stomachs?). They started fluttering all over and climbing to the top of the cage as if they knew the way out. We reached our hands in the cage in hopes of holding them on our fingers for a bit, but they had bigger plans and took off immediatedly. One of them made straight for the flowers, and so I was able to get some beautiful photos of her.

Doing What Comes Naturally

We've been doing Apologia Science this year for school, and have continued into the summer. We've been working through the first book in the Exploring Creation series for elementary students called Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day. It has awakened in Matty and Molly a love for observing nature, and we have been looking at the world in a whole new way. The kids and I have studied birds and have been keeping a life notebook, recording when interesting creatures come to the back yard. We've also built bird houses to put on the fences, and have had two families of wrens come and nest in them. We've seen the usual varieties of birds that are common for Northern Virginia, and have enjoyed identifying them and observing their behaviors. They go on frequent "critter hunts" and find snakes, turtles, toads, and insects, and bring them home to watch them. We have a rule that they have to return them to their natural habitat after keeping them for a day, which usually means at sunset.

Today we again observed our red-tail hawk that has been visiting our dead tree at the edge of the woods. I was able to get a picture this time around. We also witnessed a most dramatic scene in which a lovely, but disabled moth that Matty found on the deck was rapidly consumed by a wasp. It was wonderful and horrible all at the same time, and we found it fascinating to watch!

Below is a slide show of some of the visitors we've had to our back yard.

Three Cats, Nearly Two!

Despite the title of "Two Cats in the Yard," we actually are a three-cat household. Today, however, we were nearly a two-cat household, when a very substantial red-tailed hawk camped out in our tree and was very clearly eyeballing our young cat, Albert. He has, as a result, been renamed "Hawk-bait." I did not take the picture, but put it in here, because the hawk that was in our tree was very similar in appearance to this one. We have also had visits from Cooper's hawks, which are smaller. I don't suppose they are a threat to the cats, but we've seen evidence of them hunting other birds at the bird-feeder. I suppose I can't be particular about which birds feed at the feeder and on what...nature is that way. I would, however, be a little more contrary if one of these hawks caught any of my cats!

When Siblings are Best Friends

We went white water rafting this weekend. What a blast that was! Our whole family was on one raft with "Uncle Rob" and though the rapids weren't huge, they were perfect for first-timers. We worked together and quickly got the hang of it, and before long we were pros. All I can think is "When can we go again?"

We allowed Matty to stay on an extra night with our friends Rob and Sue and their grandson and another boy. Molly was not happy about this, and when we left him behind she cried and hugged him and said, "I want you to come with us, Matty." He hugged and kissed her and said not to worry--he'd be back the next day, and so we set off.

When he returned the next day, Molly was so happy to see him. For the first time ever, he actually admitted to being homesick and missing us. He asked if Molly cried a lot when we left, and she hadn't really, but he said her crying was the hardest part of his separation from us. That night when we tucked them into bed, I witnessed this scene: Molly snuggled up close to Matty and put her arm across his chest.

"Matty, when you were away did you feel alone?"
"No, I was with two other boys."
"Were you scared?"
"No, I was okay."
"I want to snuggle with you because I missed you so much...I want to be with you, Matty...You're such a nice brother...I love you..."
"I love you too, Molly."
And then they were asleep. All was right in their worlds again.

July 4 on the National Mall in DC

This year's July 4th was a special one. We were invited to attend the fireworks at the National Mall with some friends who work for the National Park service. Normally we would not consider such an undertaking with a four-year-old who is phobic about porta-potties (which were certain to be horrid). However, they had VIP passes and we were assured that there were facilities, and this made it all worthwhile. There were indeed facilities, and they even had mirrors, soap, flushing toilets and doors that closed securely. Uh, wait...yes, that was impressive, but what was better was the time spent with friends and the AMAZING fireworks display. It was likely the most beautiful I've ever seen. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Painted Faces

Yesterday at Ikea there was an artist painting the kids' faces. Of course my kids wanted something done, and I was quite surprised at the results! Molly carried herself like a queen all day, except for when she got mad at her brother and had a fit. When I pointed out to her that her makeup was running down her face, the tears stopped immediately and I was given the command to fix it. Of course she wanted to sleep with the facepaint on, but I told her we needed to wash it off, and this led to peals of grief over the loss of her beloved butterfly. I promised that we would print the pictures so we could see them anytime...

Life is very...

One has to be thankful for regular days. They are full, mostly forgettable, simple, and daily. Today was a day like that. Went to Bible study, got ready for company, forgot an appointment and arrived late, watched a movie with the kids, made tacos for dinner. The regular stuff. My advisor in graduate school gave me lots of Godly wisdom, but she said one thing that I remember very clearly. She said, "Life is very daily," and told me to remember that fact with the "dailiness" of life sets in. I've thought about that a long time...

The kids will probably not remember today when they're twenty, but it's the days like today that make them. It's things like discipline and guidance, hugs and kisses, sitting in laps and watching a good movie together on a hot day, counting blessings before bed that really matter, and add up to a harvest of righteousness.

Firefly Frolic

My summer is conspicuously unscheduled this year. Somewhere down the line I seem to have lost the need or desire to be insanely busy along with the rest of society. I have had time time to just kick back, read a couple of books, enjoy living in my house with my garden and cats, do a little cleaning, cook some...It feels great.

Along with this sweet time of unscheduled, lazy, long days, ideas for "what to do" become a little simpler. Dad suggested this evening a surprise for the kids--stay up past bedtime to hunt fireflies. You'd think we had given them the moon for a snack! They bounded around the yard with their butterfly nets and caught many, many firefies. The sound of their delight and the sight of them running and jumping and saying, "right behind you!" and "ooh, there's one!" and then rushing to put them in the bug keeper was better entertainment than the most expensive water park.

What have we become? It was a gorgeous, breezy day today, and this evening as the winds died down and the sun began to set, we sat out on the front step to enjoy the long shadows and gathering dusk. All around us, we should have seen kids riding bikes, calling to each other, doing what kids do on warm summer evenings, but all down the street we saw not another soul. All we heard was the hum of air conditioners and houses were buttoned up tight against the threat of a degree above 72. Matty asked where everyone was and Aimee answered "in their basements watching their TVs." I'm starting to think that our neighbors must find us odd because we actually play in our yard, plant a garden, and draw on our driveway with chalk...oh yes, and catch fireflies.

What happened to us?

i've been drowning in stuff to do the last couple of weeks, but it's all been good. no, great! i had the opportunity to participate in the re-do of our church's 24-7 prayer room, as well as contribute some artwork. it was a rather intimidating commission that was given, as i have not done calligraphy on that scale before, nor have i done it on canvas (it shows a tad--but i'm satisfied for this time), but it was very clear to me that this was how it had to be done. i could get into all the really personal conversations with god over it, the surreal and sort of miraculous journey that making the paintings took me on, but we'll save to that for face-time talking. suffice it to say that it was a process that transformed me in some ways. after it was all done, i took a week off from school (sort of) with the kids, cleaned the house, played a lot, and finally feel like my head may be returning to a state in which i can function on pace with the rest of the world--not my favorite place to be, but necessary, as long as i am trapped in this realm called time.

here are the panels that are now available for the public to see, so i may as well post them here, too. i've been getting a lot of questions about them.


meanwhile, our engineering prowess was tested as a family when matty entered the cub scout pine wood derby and WON! apparently glen has become rather handy at building fast cars. matty helped of course, and he picked the design and i painted it with him. he did the black and glitter, and i painted the colors. it was exciting for all of us, to say the least.

No lack of confidence from this ham.

Matty's "Most Colorful Car" in the center

Matty's car, smoking the competition Awaiting results

Matty--Grand Champion of the Pack 1189 Pine Wood Derby, 2009

Snow Day at Last!

Finally, a day to play outside. We all came in tired and happy from sledding and throwing snowballs, soaked to the skin, hungry, and ready for warm baths and hot chocolate. Life is good...and hopefully we'll get enough freezing rain tonight to keep Daddy home from work tomorrow.

Welcome to the Family, Albert

Welcome to the family, Albert Stripe. Sam left a void too big to go unfilled by another boy kitty. Today, Matty picked you out as the new guy, because he and Dad were feeling outnumbered. It is not without sadness that we bring you home, but you are a sweet thing, and we all are taken with you and your very cute personality. You are charming and lovable, a people cat all the way around, and every bit a playful kitten. We hope you like it here with us.

Goodbye, Sam

This Sunday morning we said goodbye to our friend of 10 1/2 years...Samson, our cat. Last night he had another bad seizure (he'd had one in November, alerting us to the fact that he was not well, so we were prepared). This time he didn't fully come out of the seizure, and his whole left side was paralyzed. Both Glen and I felt the time was right to let him go peacefully, knowing that his situation was not going to get any better. He was a great cat--a big ol' lover-boy, flycatcher extraordinaire, chewer of paper, (especially of important documents), faithful alarm clock, hunter and presenter of gruesome gifts, companion, friend.

He will be very missed around here. I can't help but be thankful, even in the sorrow, that God allowed him to be entrusted to us for a time. It is a privilege to care for God's creatures, and we are blessed by the joy they bring to our hearts. Goodbye, Sammy-ol-boy. We love you.

Happy New Year

The new year is upon us. It was a lovely, quiet, and simple holiday season this year. We didn't go away, didn't visit with a million people, didn't cook until we couldn't find the kitchen anymore. We did eat until we couldn't see the numbers on the scale anymore, but that's a different matter! I've been blessed to be able to spend some time making art, played board games with the kids, started one of our new books with kids--The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Monday, it's back to school, time to welcome back the old routine, with a few new improvements, I hope.

I'm never one to make new year's resolutions--okay, i am, actually, but i'm never one to keep them. This year, however, I only want to have one resolution. A friend of mine had this verse on her Christmas card: "We have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men. (I Timothy 4:10)" This is my resolution for 2009. To fix my gaze upon Him, to listen every day for that day. To walk according to His word.

Happy New Year, from us...

Christmas 2008

It has been a totally relaxing, totally family Christmas. Except for one friend and her son coming to exchange gifts yesterday, it has been just us four, and that's how we wanted it. We took it really easy yesterday, had a nice dinner together, bathed the kids, watched Elf and tucked in. Well, Daddy and Mommy stayed up doing elvish things like wrapping presents and stuffing stockings. Matty was so excited that he woke up at 4:00 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. At precisely 7:00, he woke Molly, marched her into our room and together they shouted, "IT'S CHRISTMAS!"
After their presents were all opened, and we'd eaten breakfast, we just went about the business of playing. It's been a fun, easy, Christmas day...just the way I like it.

Our Budding Musicians

I don't know if it's exactly talent they possess, or just a serious case of the sillies!

Out of the Mouths of Cub Scouts

Glen and Matty came home from a Cub Scout pack meeting the other night with a couple of funny stories. The first was that Glen was the designated guy to get in the Wolf suit (like a college mascot) and go around passing out materials for the pine wood derby. Amusing, yes. More amusing was that he didn't Matty that he was going to disappear for a while. A friend from church whose son is also in the pack came up to him and asked, "Hey, where's your dad?" Matty's answer? "He went to the store to buy some wine." It wasn't until the wolf disappeared and Glen reappeared that Matty made the connection.

Science Museum Trip

On November 7, we took a field trip to the Science Museum of Virgnina. The kids had a great time, as the museum was very hands-on, and they had lots of friends to run with. I wish I had taken more pictures, but the ones we have turned out quite well.

Beautiful Fall

Before heading out to the church party, we raided the dress-up box and came up with some costumes for the kids.

Fall has come completely to our backyard. The maple tree is brilliant and the woods are wonderfully full of color. One evening I spotted six deer in our yard--two yearlings and four does.

Special Visitors

Ah, that last entry, full of warmth and sunshine and little beach critters! I could go for a couple of days like that, a round of darts, and a pleasant swim in warm water. Alas, the wind is blowing all the beautiful leaves off the trees, it's cold, I'm wearing a sweater, and the Weather Channel is predicting SNOW showers tomorrow morning!! (I'll believe it when I see it.)

We have started a new chapter this school year. Glen has begun his post-Coast Guard career, Matty has been working hard as a second-grader, Molly has vicariously learned how to count by threes and write her name. Between Classical Conversations, piano lessons, Dad coming home from work in a suit and tie (soooo handsome!), life is good, busy, peaceful, and...rich.

At the beginning of this month we had the unique privilege of hosting Archbishop Henry Orombi, the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, and his chaplain in our home. It was a wonderful experience for all of us. To try to put into words here what it meant to have such an incredible, Godly men in our home would be crass. Suffice it to say that we are privileged to have had the opportunity to break bread with this wonderful team of ministers under our own roof. Last spring we hosted another Ugandan clergyman, our Hannington, and this experience opened our hearts for what we would experience this fall.

So here we are, late October, working through the dailiness of life and learning, all with a contentment that we are really where we are meant to be in this season of life. We are looking forward to the holidays on a small scale here at home (Glen hasn't acquired enough leave to go away), and the peacefulness of being together.

Later this week we will go to Mount Vernon, as the kids and I have been learning all about our founding fathers and the American Revolution. Next week we will go to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond for a field trip with others from our Classical Conversations homeschool group. (photos to come)

Oh well, I can't have a vacation right now...a cup of tea will have to do.

We have just returned from the most wonderful vacation imaginable! When I think of what vacation should be, I always think of freedom from obligation, no cell phones, no computers, time with good friends, good food, and time outdoors, connecting with nature. This last week was just such a vacation, and we are now home, at ease, and very refreshed.

We spent the better part of this week with our dearest friends, Doug and Kate, and our godson, Joshua in Wilmington, NC. We had time with both families thoroughly enjoying each other (in spite of the numerous toddler struggles), time alone as families, time just us grownup couples, and girlfriend time shopping! What more could you want?

On Monday we took the kids to Wrightsville Beach for a picnic, then took them (dressed) down to the water. Half-eaten food and sandy, wet clothes later, we took them home for naps and Auntie Kate and I went shopping at one very cool consignment store. Grilled salmon for dinner, kids to bed, grownups played darts (if you could call the way we behaved “grown-up").

Tuesday morning we basically loafed around, made pancakes and bacon for breakfast, broke up several toddler squabbles, ate lunch, then took off on “Miss Polly” for an island adventure. We dropped anchor in a low tide off of Hutaff island and jumped in. Joshua at this point was in desperate need of a nap, and so Kate and Doug hung out at the boat and the Mine family ventured onto the island. The kids played, collecting hermit crabs and chasing the fish, swimming and doing flips off the boat. After a while of doing that, we crossed the dunes and went to the other side of the island. As we crossed over, I was taken aback by the view. Behind us, the dunes we had just crossed were graced with sea grasses, waving in the ocean breezes. Ahead there were clear, blue skies with puffy clouds reaching down to a lovely, clear blue ocean with white surf breaking in the distance. Near in there were smaller waves which were delightful to play in and a huge adventure for the kids. We took them in and jumped the waves until the rising tide brought currents and bigger surf, so we got out and headed back to the other side. The whole time we were there, there was not another soul on the beach...it was just the four of us, playing on the beach together as a family. Once the surf got too rough, we decided to cross back over to the sheltered side of the island and rejoined the Fears and swam and played just a bit more until we heard thunder in the distance and decided to weigh anchor and head home...after all, we had a babysitter coming and we had plans to go out for SUSHI!!!

Babysitter came, went out for sushi at The Bento Box (if you are ever in Wilmington, NC and love sushi, you HAVE to go here!) and had a wonderful time just us grownups. I was feeling just a little dubious about the place at first look—Glen’s mom once long ago dubbed the bag of cat poo taken from the litter box “bento,” so we had a chuckle over that. Having an inherent distrust of non-Japanese sushi chefs, we walked in to discover there were two white guys behind the bar. Didn’t know the owner was a 5-star chef who would make us the best sushi I’ve ever tasted, not to mention come over to our table and talk to us personally! Wow...that was such a good meal that I lack proper adjectives to describe it.

I requested a stop at Barnes and Noble after dinner (my idea of a perfect conclusion to an evening out) but Doug abused me horribly for wanting to go and browse in my own little world rather than be social, so we headed back. With kids in bed we four (Doug, Kate, Glen, Kelly) were again engaged in a game of darts in the Fears garage. Team Mine prevailed for the second night in a row...looking forward to the revenge match!

Wednesday morning after breakfast we packed up the kids and gear again and headed down to the public beach. We played on the beach for the better part of the afternoon and then headed home with sleepy little ones. Kate and I went off for a little more shopping. That evening we took a picnic cruise on “Miss Polly” and Matty had his first lesson driving a boat down the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway). He said that was a highlight of the trip for him.

Thursday morning it was time to pack up and head home. We got all of our gear together and loaded up the car, but before heading out of Wilmington we stopped downtown to where USCGC Diligence ties up when not on patrol. Doug (who happens to be the CO of Diligence) gave us a wonderful tour of the ship. I would say this was a highlight of the trip for me. I am always touched by the sacrifices and hardships that the men who serve our nation endure. As we walked onboard, the bells rang and announced Glen, saying “USCG Commander, retired now arriving” an acute reminder that we too have served this nation, and now he is taking his leave after 20 years. There are mixed emotions in that...it’s the beginning of a new life for us. I’m so proud of him.