Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Rare Sighting

This past week we were given a rare opportunity to see a nest of baby raccoons up close. My in-laws have a wooded area behind their house that belongs to the city. There were a couple trees that were dead and leaning so to prevent anyone from being injured the city came to take them down. Unfortunately one of those trees contained a nest of baby raccoons. Aren't they sweet?

We stayed far enough away to keep from disturbing the nest and, thankfully, during the night Momma Raccoon whisked her babies away to a new home.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Nature Week: Mr. and Mrs. Duck



This is not a great picture- they wouldn't hold still! But this lovely couple has been roaming through our yard occasionally. I know they aren't extraordinary, but if you haven't noticed... I love nature. This country-girl-gone-city loves anything that takes me closer to my roots. The kids loved seeing them and the ducks were extra friendly. I'm sure they've been given a hand out or two in the past. I hope we see them again!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sweet Moments



Today, I was reflecting on the precious times Lucas and have been able to share recently. They are small ordinary moments, but they have touched my heart.

He and I are usually the first one's to wake in the morning. On school days I wake him and quickly get him dressed. On the other days I usually hear his soft little footsteps heading toward me in our living room, as he knows this where he can find me. Either way we settle onto the couch to read several stories before breakfast. His current favorites seem to be of the Dr. Seuss genre. I love those early morning moments when we are snuggled together on the couch spending quality time with "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Cat in the Hat".

Another special time is at bedtime. For a long time now I've given Lucas what he calls "sounds kisses" (also known as "raspberries" or "zerberts"). Usually he gets two sounds kisses, but sometimes I give him a whole symphony. The best part is the uncontrollable belly laughter that follows. Boys of all ages seem to get such a kick out of such sounds. I love to lay next to him and soak up such joyful noise.

I know there will be a day when these times will no longer present themselves. Even though Dr. Seuss can get pretty old and I can be dead tired at the end of the day I pray that God will continue to remind me that these days are only here for a time. And when I surrender my selfish desires I am not disappointed with the special memories I have in return.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Happiness is frolicking through the yard on a beautiful spring day!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Fair Lady



This tree stands outside my kitchen window draped in the finest pink frills. A perfect place for the birds to perch and watch the world go by.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter Weekend in a Nutshell (or Eggshell)

Friday:
  • Spent a fair portion of the day doing laundry and unpacking my sewing room (YEAH!)
  • My parents came into town- so good to see them! Pizza and frozen custard. Brian's parents join in the fun.
(The boyz checkin' out something on the computer.)

Saturday:

  • Mom, the kids and I make a run to Joann Fabrics. Always fun!
  • My mom (bless her!!!!) helped me finish unpacking/organize my sewing room and organize the kids play room. (love you, mom!)
  • Spend time getting to know neighbors at a bonfire/ cookout.

Sunday:

  • Wake up to little ones crawling in bed with us.
  • Lydia has a bark-y cough/runny nose. No church- just in case.
  • I had bananas to use up so I made Jumbo Caramel Banana Muffins. SO yummy!
  • Make a simple dinner of Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, Fresh Green Beans, Mashed Potatos and enjoy time with Brian's parents.
  • Easter Egg Hunt (thanks to Brian for getting everything together!)



  • Tried out this new recipe for chocolate chip cookies to celebrate a co-worker's birthday. Seventy-two in all! I haven't made cookies in ages so this was rather fun for me. And they were a big hit. A very good recipe!
  • Listen to Mark Driscoll's Easter service online while the cookies bake.

  • Four loads of laundry
  • Read 12 books to the kids. (not in one sitting!)
  • Take care of one little munchkin whose bark-y cough turned into a nasty fever. Poor girl!
  • Watch a little TV with the love of my life.
A busy, but satisfying weekend!

P.S. I found out the pretty little flower below is a Dutch Windflower not an Anemone. You never know what you'll learn at the local grocer!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Pretty Posies



Today, while cleaning up the kitchen I decided to bring a few flowers in from my gardens. My favorite is the first one. I think it is a poppy anemone, but I'm not sure. However, the purple-black center surrounded by violet petals pulls me in. I'm in love!