A Buck, a Bird, and a Bee

 All of a sudden the bucks have been running around our yard like crazy.  Last night this one decided to linger for a long while, so I got my camera out.  He was beautiful.  Lucky for him, Noah wasn't home!

 Now that the leaves are gone, it's so much easier to take pics of birds in the trees. hehe.  I love seeing the birds all puffed up, trying to keep warm in the colder weather.

 This one my favorite Bee, out for her first time officially going to doors for trick or treating.

 Trio of Trouble ready to walk the hood.

 This pumpkin either had too much candy or too much to drink.  Maybe both.

Here are my pups, growing like weeds..well, more like wildflowers!!!  This Sunday we finally got their dog run/kennel for outside....so life in the house should become a little easier on all.  This gives us more options!  I cannot believe that there are so snow flurries today!  It's so crazy.  I am thankful for so many things.  Our heat went out on Saturday, I am thankful, that someone came out right away and could fix the problem.  I had the kids start our thankfulness tree yesterday.  We gathered branches and put them in a vase and started making paper leaves of what we are thankful for.  I think I am going to sneak in a little painting today, so I am very excited about that.  I think that is all for now.  Happy Tuesday!

Going Batty

 We are learning all about BATS in school right now in our Zoology - Science Unit.

 All of a sudden, Olivia is letting Isabelle read to her.  It's been so nice!

 My very special little:  Ninja Turtle!  Ben got to wear his costume to Cub Scouts this past week.  He did lots of slides...good thing his costume has knee pads.

 This is a fun treat plate I made with Paleo Snacks (gluten free - grain free).  Banana Muffins and Granola Bites.

 Here we see Mr. Ben helping me make Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast.

 Miss O hanging out in a diaper box with a dolphin in her hands and a band aid she placed on her head for an imaginary ouch.

 This is a beautiful Sunrise that I watched recently.  How amazing to see God's world wake up.  Peace and beauty everywhere.  Wonderful way to start the day.

 In the early morning - a Dark Eyed Junco in a nearby tree

Rose and I on our morning walk.   I walked the dogs twice yesterday, once in nature (am), once around the subdivision (pm).  They kind of tire me out.  :)  Happy Friday Everyone!

Homeschooling

SCHOOL this year:  For those who do not know and for those who do, YES - we are homeschooling this year.   I strongly believe this path for my family was placed on my heart by God.  I never thought I would be doing this, but I am and now, I couldn't imagine not.  I know there are many people who do not understand or that think I am crazy and that is o.k.  I know I am capable and I know that I want to do this.   I know this isn't right for everyone, but I do believe it is where and what we as a family need to be doing at this time. (we are taking school one year at a time).  We are so excited to take this journey together.  I know it will not be easy, but I do know it will be rewarding in so many ways.  We started Monday and I can't even tell you the blessings that I have felt since we began.  I have also already come across what I know will be some of our challenges.  I will be documenting and sharing some of our adventure (here on this blog) along the way ...the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! ha ha.  I pray for strength and wisdom as we educate at home and I believe with all of my heart that this is where we belong.

 A beautiful morning glimpse out of the sun room porch .  Please try to ignore the weeds that I need to pull between the stones.

 Belle & Ben getting ready for our History lesson yesterday.

 blue bird in birch tree

Ben has been waiting for a package in the mail and was sooooo excited to get this handmade batman cape from Aunt Mary! (You should have seen him running from the mailbox!)  He was so excited and it's perfectly exactly how he wanted it!  He even shared it with his sisters! (for a moment). Thank you Aunt Mary!  Also, a big thank you to my dad for sending us such wonderful pictures of some of our recent times together!  We are really enjoying them so much.

Yes, I do believe I like this Camera.

 I am in LOVE....with my new camera!  (above, one of my very favorite birds - chickadee). This morning has been so quiet and beautiful.  I saw a mommy and baby deer frolicking together - the baby kept tagging the mom and running away and coming back. The sun is shining bright.   The kids are mostly still sleeping.  My coffee wasn't bitter.  My thoughts are not bitter.  I was just thinking about how I have not seen any "new" or "different" birds lately and an Oriole (orange and black) appears on the back deck and stares at me!    Wow.  Little miracles around us all the time.  Little signs of hope to hold onto.  Things that tell us, we are ok....we are going to all be o.k.  Just do what we can in this moment.

 Hummingbirds come to this flower all the time.  It is awesome.

 oh, speaking of...here's one now. hehe  Pic is taken through the screen but I still like it!

 Our bees are finally moved here.  Now all we need is a Bit Of Honey. :).  Below:   This is our backyard and here are the kids walking to the creek.  We decided to go for a little stroll in the woods.  SO, yes I am loving my new camera (I did not love when we were at the store and Honey Badger knocked down an entire display of ipad cases, but we survived).   Happy Saturday!