"I can't believe he's 5!"

"Can you say, precious?"



The nightvision goggles, he wanted.

Today we celebrated Cole's 5th birthday.

I remember the ultrasound when I found out I was having a boy. I remember being really awed and excited to have a boy, but quite frankly, a bit bewildered by it as well. I worried about typical things (at least I thought they were typical). Like, how am I going to know what toys to buy him? (Tim's department.) How will I know how to change a boy diaper? (Much easier than a girl, I decided.) And, what about boy clothes? Those aren't nearly as cute as the girl clothes. (Not really true.) And the zinger: Am I going to love him as much as I love Caitlyn? Well, to answer that, all I can say is that this little guy pulls on my heartstrings in a totally new and different way. I'm like all moms who absolutely loves all her children. But a mom and her boy? How can I explain it? If you have a son, you understand.

Heading South: A Visit to Bosque Del Apache

What a wonderful day we had! The whole family went south today to visit the wildlife preserve of Bosque Del Apache just south of Socorro.



We had never visited it before and we didn't know what to expect. It far exceeded our expectations. We ate lunch at the visitor's center and walked through an arts and crafts show. We also saw lots of wildlife that had been rescued, including owls, foxes, snakes and even a wolf. Then we drove the loop around the preserve. My photos just don't do it justice. I have never seen so many birds and cranes at the same time! They were innumerable. On the first little lake there even lived 2 bald eagles. This was the first time I'd ever seen bald eagles in the wild.

When you really think it, it is an amazing journey these birds take. Traveling thousands of miles every year. They start in Canada and head towards the equator for the winter. This is just a spot of rest for them.

The kids really enjoyed themselves too. I was satisfied that they were able to see all of this beautiful creation and appreciate it. Sometimes I wonder if I would've appreciated this as a kid, or if it would've been too "boring" for me. But I think it helped that they saw all the adults thoroughly enjoying themselves and glorying in God's creation too.

It also helped that they had their best buds/cousins there to play with too. They are all so precious with eachother. I love it! Listening to Cole and Ben in the backseat of the car, I overheard Cole explaining a game he concocted to Ben. It went like this: "Ok Ben, we are going to be ninjas and then we are going to get lots of snacks and have a tea party." Can you tell he has an older sister?

At the end of the day, as we were nearing the end of the loop, we saw the most spectacular sight of all: the "Landing". Countless numbers of birds (we never did figure out what kind they were: maybe geese of some kind), swooped down into this field to eat. It was like watching bomber plans coming in on a target; wave after wave of birds. We thought they were all in, and then off in the distance we'd see more coming in. It was awesome! Tim and I decided this was definitely an activity we'll want to repeat next year.


Ok, I'm not a professional photographer, but this photo is my absolute fav!


Cranes, cranes and more cranes


Our mystery birds




Coming in for a landing

A Visit to Sacramento

Last week Tim and I had a little getaway to Sacramento. He had a conference to attend, and Gracie and I tagged along for the ride. We had a wonderful time. I was also able to visit and reconnect with my dear friend, Amy and her sweet daughter Faith. We had such a wonderful visit. She drove 5 hours from Oregon just to hang out with us.

Old Sacramento. Cute and Quaint.

Cara and Amy with our sweet girlies.

During Tim's conference days, Gracie and I managed to fill up our time. I finished a book, walked the mall and a visited some beautiful Victorian museums in town. I also toured the Capitol building and found the "Governator's" office. There were press and security waiting outside his door for a press conference. I waited and waited for him to come out, but Gracie was getting cranky and I had to leave. Bummer. Would've been a better story if he'd come out.

The Governor's Mansion. Only a musuem now, but I loved visiting it. It was like walking through a time machine. So much history!

Of course, I had to visit the "old Schoolhouse". This was so sweet. I felt like I was on Little House on the Prairie.

Give me an O-A-K G-R-O-V-E

Just in case anyone reads my blog, besides my mom, Oak Grove is hosting our first Informational Meeting this Thursday at 6:30 at DSC. Please come and hear about what neat things are going on a OGCA!

Here's a testimonial from one of our teachers...

"I just wanted to share a fun instance where I have really seen the 'tools of learning' coming into play at school. In science, we are studying earth science currently. As part of our unit on water and erosion, we have studied the Grand Canyon. On a home day, I asked the students to find some interesting information about the Grand Canyon at the library, in an encyclopedia, etc. Two students in particular shared stated an interesting fact or two, but then quickly added something to the effect of, " . . . and, this is totally wrong, but the book I read said that the earth was millions of years old" or "well, it says this, but we all know that it's not true . . " I love, LOVE hearing - and really seeing - that these kids are already at a stage where they are discerning the things that they read. Those library books can sure look 'authoritative'. But our kids are gaining skills to really call things what they are, and I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to see it happening. And I know that the curriculum isn't shoving the 'right' answer down their throats. It is really giving them the tools to approach other things - things that are definitely outside of the curriculum - with the confidence of the truth. Just thought I'd share! What a great blessing God has given us in Oak Grove."

All Hallow's Eve

My little pumpkin's first Halloween!
Even I got into it this year. I just had a wild hair to dress up this afternoon. I've had this poodle skirt since 6th grade. Thank goodness for elastic waistbands!
My little ninja, pumpkin and princess Buttercup.

What beauties!
Jake the Army-man, and Emilie the Beauty (Belle that is.)

What a blast we had tonight! We trick-or-treated down in Mom and Dad's neighborhood, which didn't disappoint! They seriously got into it. I wish the kids dove into their chores and schoolwork with the same gusto as they collected candy! For that matter, I wish I did too.

Zeus' Family Reunion

On Thursday, Caitlyn's 2nd grade class had a Greek party to celebrate the end of a history unit on Greek mythology. All the kids dressed up as a different Greek god or goddess. Caitlyn was so excited to be Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. (We decided it was best not to mention how Aphrodite is linked to false religion and worship throughout history.) In her mind, it was all about love and beauty. We fashioned a homemade toga out of a bedsheet, and a single red rose, a great up-do and a dash of lipstick.

Mrs. Green once again pulled off a very special event. She had Greek music playing, tablescapes and ambrosia (the food of the gods)for us all to enjoy. I got the biggest kick out of all the student's costumes. We were graced with the presence of Hera, Athena, Poisden, Zeus, Apollo and Demeter. I know I'm forgetting some, but the point is they were adorable.

A trip to the Aquarium

A beautiful autumn day at the Aquarium. Diamond days...