Finding the Bluebirds

I grasp Annie's arm and stifle a giggle. We spot him at the exact same moment and two sets of binoculars pop up and lend us a nearly perfect view of the golden-crowned kinglet. She verbally describes the lores, the wings, the stripes on his crown. The description helps to confirm that what we're seeing is really the species we believe it is. We high-five and are eager to carry on down the path, but a tiny three year-old hand pulls on mine and I'm reminded we've been here quite awhile. I'm grateful she lasted this long.

We do the bird count as we meander back; "ruby-crowned, golden-crowned, horned lark, meadow lark..." It had been a successful hour of birding in our estimation. But, I wanted a bluebird, the sweet whistle-chirping beauty with the blazing cobalt feathers. Of course, I'd have to pick a dwindling species to be my favourite. Later that day I'd find him and even capture him with my camera--a little extra gift from God, I am certain. And while I am overjoyed in catching sight of new and returning flying creatures, I'm always on the lookout for my darling bluebirds.

Day Twenty-Three: My Dear Wormwood

This was a week of letters for the older and the younger children. Learning about formal letter writing in an era of casual, slang, and poor grammatical communication is essential, in my opinion. Our Pastor was the recipient of two, and there was the other one penned for a friend, but it was the one written to a fictitious character that gave my husband and I that sense of satisfaction and pleasure that settles in between our mutual expressions when a child seems to "get it". We listened intently as Meg read her assignment that was designated by her Sonlight English course. She had just finished reading, The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis, in which Screwtape, a lead demon, writes letters of advice to his junior, Wormwood, on how to secure the soul of his human "patient". Meg's homework comprised of writing from the perspective of the archangel Michael to a subordinate angel concerning the lifestyle of their "patient" and how to draw him to God. Meg's eloquence in using Lewis' style of language, along with her understanding of how to assist the secondary angel through doctrine of Scripture was impressive. The discussion that resulted demonstrated the wisdom and awareness she had gained about spiritual warfare, not to mention, an obvious growth in writing. Praise God!

And, of course, a trip to the woods was in order :)

 

Savannah Sparrow

 

 Night Heron. We were thrilled to see it! Stickers on that page in the bird books for three of them!

 Singing House Wren

 

Kingbird taking a rest.

Day Three: Meeting Up With Miracles At The Convention

I met up with a real-life, present-day miracle this afternoon. I could tell by her countenance that there was a change that would be obvious to anyone who'd seen her a year ago or less. A few of us who knew her story--her marriage-in-crisis story--were praying fervently, even fasting for her and her family. She explained to me that things were so much better, not perfect, but better. To know the angst and despair of this floundering, precious soul would amaze you at the words of wisdom, godly sorrow and a softness for even more change that were flowing from her mouth today.

 

I praised God. I praised Him as I have done time and again as I've watched other friends spin around in a 180 degree turn and receive the Lord's redemptive plan for their lives. I've experienced it in my own and I'll forever be grateful. Don't ever think Christians are exempt of failing miserably in this life. Don't ever believe homeschool families don't suffer division and brokenness. Most of all, don't ever doubt the Creator and Sustainer of the universe can save us all.

On this final convention day I learned how to write a highschool transcript for Meg, I was reminded  that the love of a parent trumps the expertise of teachers (even though I am a certified teacher, I share this with my friends to encourage them), and I was challenged to create more opportunities for science for my kids. Monday, here we come!

He Doesn't Belong

I felt my heart leap as I raised my lens to snap fifty or so photos of this wee feathery guy. My son's "Life Bird" was pecking the seeds just ten feet from us and we couldn't believe our eyes. You see, he's not supposed to be this far north. His tiny body craves the warmth of the south year round and we don't know how he lost his way--no one does. Not even the professional bird-watching photographers who stood in awe beside us--bazooka lenses mounted on tripods, covered in camouflage--could hazard a guess.

 

Oliver bent low and marked the occasion in his bird file folder while Meg lifted the camera from my neck to capture a cheery cardinal who seemed to show off just a little and command some of the attention himself. All of us shivered in the -8 degrees, biting air. It was worth it. We'd not only viewed a beautiful miracle of God, but were also gifted the time to photograph him. Since that day, many prayers have been whispered for his tiny self to survive the days to come until he can rest easy in the warm Spring breeze or decide to migrate home.

lovely Painted Bunting (God must have had fun with this one, especially) 

 

Thanks, Annie, for sharing the email that led us to the little park where he had been spotted.

(Like we always say, "Springies Forever!")

 

As Quiet As A Dragonfly

We call her the "bag lady" because everywhere we go (even in the woods), she carries a purse or bag of some sort. Inside are her "quiet items" for which she doesn't explain or seem to care if anyone notices. She has a purpose for them but she may or may not use them on any given jaunt. I think it comforts her to have her "itty-bitties" with her, just in case.

 

I photographed my girl as she wrote something in her notebook up on top of that rock and I photographed a dragonfly silently alighting on a stalk. Molly turned twelve last month and her gentle, beautiful, quiet way reminds me of that tiny, winged creature.

 

 

Molly, we love you. You are ever capturing us with your intriguing, thoughtful manner. Yes, you can be boisterous and energetic like your siblings, but it's not the norm. You are growing up so lovely and we're proud of you. May this year be filled with amazing growth and may you always hear God's still, small voice in your own quietness.

Breathing In His Grace

She plunked out the chords and her sisters gathered around. They chimed in, "Every step we'll be breathing in Your grace. Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise..." I watch from the kitchen doorway and smile. How quickly they grew from toddling, chubby, little ones to worshipful, unified, lovely ones. Oh, the blessing!

 

Found this amazing wall. Unplanned rainbow shirts? Even more amazing :)

 

A discouraged friend visited the other day and needed encouragement to trudge onward in her homeschooling journey. She witnessed one reason after another in our crazy, untidy, noisy home, that there was peace underlying it all and that her own wee ones truly were benefiting from her sacrificial choice. My girls sat down at the piano in the living room and that momma paused in drinking her tea and chuckled, "Cue the worship music!"  We had a good laugh as it seemed that the family singing was a plan to be the icing on top of our convincing argument. Of course, she noticed the less than beautiful moments too. But although we are so far from perfect, we are grateful for the freedom to home educate. Breathing in His grace.

  

 

 Cousin Clara's first birthday!

 

Hanging with cousins after swimming lessons.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

First riding lessons on her own.

 

My favourite benefit of homeschooling? Tossing the books as soon as the rain clears and heading for the woods--where we get drenched anyway. We return home, dry off and cozy up for a read-aloud and a snack. Unforgettable memories. Breathing out His praise.

Spring Perfection

Mother's Day brunch with my mom and sisters and their kids, sitting outdoors with my mom-in-law and family, standing quietly in the woods, my children dirt biking past me as I photograph birds, my husband flying his mini-plane nearby... it's spring perfection and I'm bubbling with gratitude. (1593-1598)

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

1599. texting Annie in Pt. Pelee to find out which birds she's spotted

1600. her son getting his 100 birds pin for finding 100 different species of birds there

1601. these spring days with few leaves so birds are easier to capture by camera

1602. getting schoolwork done quickly so we can go to the woods every single day!

1603. meeting new homeschoolers on the hiking trail

1604. how my mom-in-law called me just to say she got her first hummingbird to her feeder

1605. how I then put mine out and got one right away too! (I'm convinced they watch us!)

1606. Meg's fantastic awards, including special judge's awards in her dance competitions

1607. camaraderie of dance moms from years of driving and watching :)

1608. how Terry raced to see them and made it just minutes before she came on stage

1609. how Oliver cried his eyes out when he had to leave his caterpillar in the woods

1610. how his two sisters comforted him

1611. for mangoes