Big Wildlife Day

This Memorial Day will be a memorable one but not for the regular reason.  This was a BIG wildlife day at our house.  Even though our house is nestled up against the mountains we usually do not see much wildlife in our yard.  It is probably because we have dogs and the children tend to make noise too.   BUT, today was a big change.  This morning in the trees right across the street sat a very large bald eagle.  Of course, it flew away before I got outside with the camera.  Maybe that had to do with children running in yelling, “MOM,  A BALD EAGLE!”

I did manage to get a couple of photos of our afternoon visitors though.  A mama moose and her two little babies running right past our backyard.

13 Things That Scream “Go To The Grocery Store!”

Since this applies today I thought that I would repost this old Thursday Thirteen. You may laugh, you may cry, just be assured that I am heading to Costco today! I promise!

Thirteen Things That Scream “Go To The Grocery Store!”

1. Last payday, 2 weeks ago, you only spent a fourth of your regular grocery budget.
2. You are rationing toilet paper squares.
3. Except for the soy sauce and balsamic vinaigrette, and the little mustard packets you swiped from Subway, ALL of your condiments are gone.
4. You sliced your last 4 cheese sticks to stick in a casserole.
5. You used cans of evaporated milk to make breakfast.
6. You run out of the plastic grocery bags you usually save to line the bathroom trash cans.
7. When asked what’s for dinner, you say, I don’t know, I just threw stuff in there!
8. Celery is supposed to be rubbery, right?
9. Children open the refrigerator door and stand there longingly with the look of death by starvation on their faces.
10. There is water or water or water to drink.
11. The only thing in your freezer is ice and that old box of baking soda.
12. Sugar, what is sugar?
13. When your children ask, “uh mom, when are you going shopping again? I’M STARVING!!!!”

Read-A-Thon

Yesterday we visited our local library.  The first time since we moved here.  Bowing my head in shame. In my defense, we do already own a lot of books!  Ok, still shameful, I know.  Anyway, we went.  Everyone older than five years old received their very own library card.  Now to keep track of the little ones’ cards. Ugh.

We signed up for the summer reading program.  Suddenly, my children are all into reading now, where as before, I was twisting arms!  Is it the “working toward a prize” or just that they were a part of a “club”?  Who knows, but I am glad!  They are reading and listening to books and counting the minutes!  This is a good thing, a very good thing.  I do wonder how long it will last.

One great thing is that the littles who are really not reading yet can just listen and still count the time.  So I put in the DVD their dad made of him reading books.  They hold the book and follow along.  I think I am also going to get the Story of the World on CD so they can finish that book by listening.  They love books on tape! It also gives me some time to take care of things that I need to accomplish.  You know, things like laundry, dishes, vacuuming, blogging.   Even with the aid of the DVD and CDs I will still be left with some great things to read with them.

The olders are finishing their science and literature books and they can count all of that reading time.  They feel like they are accomplishing more than just schoolwork.

We actually have a really nice library in our little town.  I think we may be making many more appearances there from now on.  I only wish it had not taken me 22 months to enter the door!

All Boxed In

Just in case you might be wondering, I thought I would share my hubby’s living situation with you.  Here are some shots of his living quarters in Afghanistan.  Have you ever felt boxed in?  Probably not quite like this…… there is nothing like living in a plywood crate!

The building he is in.

The long hall to his room.

One side of his room.

The other side and his bed.

***I cannot share many photos of where hubby is for security reasons but I received the okay to share these.   ***

A Totem Tale

This past weekend I took the children to the Alaska Native Heritage Center.  It is a place I have wanted to visit before we even moved here.  It is a bit pricey so we waited.  So I finally bought a family pass, which is always the cheapest way for us.  We had a lot of fun.  It is kind of like a open air living museum.  You can walk around outside and explore the different kind of housing the different Native groups had.  There is always someone there to share about the structure, way of life, and culture.  Inside they have a little museum, a theater with short educational films, a gift shop of course, and a cafe that just smells amazing.  They also have story times through out the day as well as a Native dance session.  Some of my little girls even went up on stage where they learned and performed a Native dance.  All through out the year they offer classes to the community on Native culture and artistry.  It is a must visit if you are planning a trip to Alaska and are interested in learning about the Native cultures of this great land!

Now on to the Totem Tale……

While walking through the outdoor spaces we came across this huge totem pole.  It was located in the area that represented of the Natives of the Inside Passage.  To learn more about that, GO HERE.  As I was taking a photo of some of my little ones in front of the totem pole, the lady who worked there came to tell us the tale the totem told.   She said it was neat to have the children at the base of the pole.  You will see why when I tell you the tale.

At the very top is the elder.  He is holding the raven stick.  This is the talking stick and when the elder holds it no one else is allowed to speak but must pay close attention to the elder.  He share all his wisdom with his son who stands below him.  The son holds a box between his legs, this is the box of wisdom, it represents all that the elder has taught him.  Below him are the children. ( where my children were standing)  It is his duty and responsibility to continue to pass down the knowledge and wisdom the elders passed along to him.

There are of course a few more things but I don’t remember them all.  I thought it was so neat how the totem told such a great story.  It teaches the importance of teaching and training and passing on to the generations that which we know.  Still a very important thing for us today!

Here is a photo of the children in front of the totem pole.  It is a bit hard to see and it was even harder trying to fit the whole thing into the photo!  I think I still cut off part of it.

Take Heed

Take heed of loosing the liveliness and sweetness of your communion with God, lest thereby your hearts be pulled off from God. The heart is a hungry and restless thing; it will have something to feed upon. If it enjoys nothing from God, it will hunt for something among the creatures, and there if often looses itself as well as its end. (John Flavel)