National Geographic has a fascinating video on their site, dealing with the function of a giraffe's lungs! It's a very interesting, short video, but the priceless part is the scientist's slip-of-the-tongue at the end! I was somewhat surprised that National Geographic didn't edit out the slip up! It is soooo great!
Click HERE to watch this great video!
Warning: This video involves scientists working with and discussing a dissected giraffe... so if that type of thing really bothers you... you may want to pass. But if you think you can handle it, please do! It's fascinating!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Chicken Wars and a Momentous Day
Our chickens were making a nuisance of themselves. Something had to change. We wanted that ideal cage-free chicken - free to run around and eat bugs and grass... but it just wasn't working. They were becoming increasingly confident about jumping the chain link fence and running around the neighborhood. Our neighbors were really good about it, but you never know when they might reach their limit. The nuisance combined with the expense was making us think about getting rid of them.
We tried catching them, re-clipping their wings and shutting them up in their coop. But one of them was just too good at evading us and we couldn't seem to catch her. And on top of that the captured, re-clipped ones were still managing to jump out of the coop.
When Josh was here, he and Stephen joined forces and took on the chickens. They managed to round up the three that were still on the loose and get them back in the coop. Then they took some extra wire and added it to the top of the coop. Since then - no escapes. The chickens aren't too happy about the end of their freedom... but it sort of their doing. :-) And besides, our friends told us that if they run around, when they begin laying eggs they'll lay them everywhere.
And here's Clara doing some work too! She is busily using some wire on her trike.
Well, yesterday something momentous happened! Our friends were over for Bible study and Stephen had taken some of the guys out to see the chickens. One of our friends suddenly noticed an egg lying on the ground! So, they went looking and what should they find but 7 eggs total! Happy day! We were pretty excited!!! Guess we might not be getting rid of them quite yet! :-)
And here is Clara, showing our first 7 eggs!
And this post is significant for another reason... it is our 500th post!
We tried catching them, re-clipping their wings and shutting them up in their coop. But one of them was just too good at evading us and we couldn't seem to catch her. And on top of that the captured, re-clipped ones were still managing to jump out of the coop.
When Josh was here, he and Stephen joined forces and took on the chickens. They managed to round up the three that were still on the loose and get them back in the coop. Then they took some extra wire and added it to the top of the coop. Since then - no escapes. The chickens aren't too happy about the end of their freedom... but it sort of their doing. :-) And besides, our friends told us that if they run around, when they begin laying eggs they'll lay them everywhere.
And here's Clara doing some work too! She is busily using some wire on her trike.
Well, yesterday something momentous happened! Our friends were over for Bible study and Stephen had taken some of the guys out to see the chickens. One of our friends suddenly noticed an egg lying on the ground! So, they went looking and what should they find but 7 eggs total! Happy day! We were pretty excited!!! Guess we might not be getting rid of them quite yet! :-)
And here is Clara, showing our first 7 eggs!
And this post is significant for another reason... it is our 500th post!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mr. Fix-It
After bath time, about a week ago, Momma got a bit carried away with the outfit! :-)
The picture of relaxation! :-)
The picture of relaxation! :-)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hair cuts!
Clara and I hadn't had a hair trim in a quite some time... so a few nights ago, Stephen, brave soul that he is, cut both of our hair. Here's a few shots from Clara's session. She did a good job and was quite cooperative.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Mommy Moments
So, I had some "Mommy Goals" for this week. I wanted to do some regular "school" time with Clara every day... not much, just 10 minutes or so, working on colors, numbers and letters. I OFTEN feel that I don't spend enough concentrated time with her. So school time should give us concentrated time that is both fun and educational for her and maybe provide more interest for Mom then looking at "Honey Rabbit" for the umpteenth time. :-) That little brain is like a sponge and is learning a mile a minute... might as well give her more stuff to learn. I was able to get the library end of last week and pick up some books on colors and counting... she LOVES books and magazines... to use as part of "school" time.
The other goal was to start potty training! She's getting old enough and I think it may be a pretty good time to give it a shot. We have a potty chair and she's sat on it now and then, but only ever "done anything" a couple times... mostly she just sits for a bit and that's it. So, to get the idea of actually using the toilet for something other then a seat, I'm using an idea I got from a friend. Her daughter goes to day care and they take the kids to the bathroom about every two hours, whether or not they think they need it. I'm thinking to just start having her spend some time on there every two hours or so and see how it goes. We started this morning, and so far we've had three sessions, two of them being successful! To keep her there long enough, I spend most of the time with her, looking at books, letting her have a snack while I put on make-up, and talking about the different colors on her necklace. Part of the time has been working on colors and numbers... so for now, we're combining potty training with "school" time! You can pray that I'll have the patience to lovingly stick to it. It becomes a pretty big time investment, sitting there waiting for her to go (as all you potty training experts out there know), but it gives her that concentrated time with Mommy that I don't feel I've been doing enough of... so that's good!
And in fact, both of the success times where thanks to her! I had been ready to quit for those sessions and been asking if she wanted to be done and get down. No, she wanted to stay and read more books. So we did, and was I ever glad! Way to go Clara!
Before I wrap up these "Mommy Moments", let me just quickly share a couple link to articles I've appreciated recently.
This first one is about cherishing the time, even when things aren't working out like we had originally hoped! Can I ever relate!
And this second one has to do with trusting our LORD Jesus as a little child trusts their parents, and also is a good reminder that we are teaching our children all day long... even when we don't realize it!
The other goal was to start potty training! She's getting old enough and I think it may be a pretty good time to give it a shot. We have a potty chair and she's sat on it now and then, but only ever "done anything" a couple times... mostly she just sits for a bit and that's it. So, to get the idea of actually using the toilet for something other then a seat, I'm using an idea I got from a friend. Her daughter goes to day care and they take the kids to the bathroom about every two hours, whether or not they think they need it. I'm thinking to just start having her spend some time on there every two hours or so and see how it goes. We started this morning, and so far we've had three sessions, two of them being successful! To keep her there long enough, I spend most of the time with her, looking at books, letting her have a snack while I put on make-up, and talking about the different colors on her necklace. Part of the time has been working on colors and numbers... so for now, we're combining potty training with "school" time! You can pray that I'll have the patience to lovingly stick to it. It becomes a pretty big time investment, sitting there waiting for her to go (as all you potty training experts out there know), but it gives her that concentrated time with Mommy that I don't feel I've been doing enough of... so that's good!
And in fact, both of the success times where thanks to her! I had been ready to quit for those sessions and been asking if she wanted to be done and get down. No, she wanted to stay and read more books. So we did, and was I ever glad! Way to go Clara!
Before I wrap up these "Mommy Moments", let me just quickly share a couple link to articles I've appreciated recently.
This first one is about cherishing the time, even when things aren't working out like we had originally hoped! Can I ever relate!
And this second one has to do with trusting our LORD Jesus as a little child trusts their parents, and also is a good reminder that we are teaching our children all day long... even when we don't realize it!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Seein' The Sites
Here are a few fun pictures from a couple of our site seeing days with Josh... we were able to get out and about and see several places, which was great!
Off to show Uncle Josh around:
Josh left today and has already been missed! Come again soon, Josh!!!
Off to show Uncle Josh around:
Josh left today and has already been missed! Come again soon, Josh!!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Uncle Josh Is Back!
You'd be smiling too! :-)
After a visit down south to see Mark and Sherry, Josh is back up here for a few days with us, before heading on home. Already, some fun times have been had!
Observing the craziness!
While down south, Josh shot Mark and Sherry's engagement pictures, and he showed us a slide show of their top favorites (he'd shot over 500 total!)! And WOW! They. Are. Beautiful. I was very impressed! He did an excellent job and is becoming an outstanding photographer! Way to go Bro!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Learning, Growing and Fun!
When you're three months, trying to grab a toy can be work!!!!
"Hmmmmmm... these two things that are always waving around in front of my face seem to belong to me! It's really hard to make them do what I want them to though!"
And a few shots from the little man's three month birthday:
A few more fun pictures from camp... Clara thought helping herself to water was just so great! I'm afraid it was a little too fun though... and a good deal of water and drinking cones where completely wasted!
"Hmmmmmm... these two things that are always waving around in front of my face seem to belong to me! It's really hard to make them do what I want them to though!"
And a few shots from the little man's three month birthday:
A few more fun pictures from camp... Clara thought helping herself to water was just so great! I'm afraid it was a little too fun though... and a good deal of water and drinking cones where completely wasted!
Some Verses That Stood Out To Me Today...
"Oh give thanks to the LORD,
call upon His name;
Make known HIs deeds
among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek
the LORD be glad.
Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonderful
deeds which He has done,
His marvels and the
judgments from His mouth,..."
I Chronicles 16:8-12
call upon His name;
Make known HIs deeds
among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek
the LORD be glad.
Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonderful
deeds which He has done,
His marvels and the
judgments from His mouth,..."
I Chronicles 16:8-12
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Lately...
Well I haven't been the most faithful poster but there has definitely been some post-worthy news around here these days!!! To name a few:
On July 21st my brother Mark popped the question to his lovely girlfriend, Sherry, and she said yes!!! They are planning a December 18th wedding, which I have already been looking forward to! Sherry is going to be such a dear, wonderful addition to the family!
Mark, Sherry and Hilkiah, on a visit shortly after Hil was born.
My brother Josh is out in this part of the country right now, for a visit, which is very special! He's down visiting Mark right now and then is planning to be back up here for most of this week! Clara has the "Josh" part down, but we need to work on the "Uncle" part! :-) A few times she said "Uh Josh", but then just shortened it to "Josh".
Hilkiah had his three month birthday this past week! How time flies! He's getting to be quite the big boy and is such a precious! He's doing well at night, though he usually has one feeding still and we usually pop the pacifier in at least once during the night, but that's not too bad. His smile and occasional little laugh and his sweet cooing / talking sounds can just melt your heart!
And that folks, is some of the VERY post-worthy news from around here!
On July 21st my brother Mark popped the question to his lovely girlfriend, Sherry, and she said yes!!! They are planning a December 18th wedding, which I have already been looking forward to! Sherry is going to be such a dear, wonderful addition to the family!
Mark, Sherry and Hilkiah, on a visit shortly after Hil was born.
My brother Josh is out in this part of the country right now, for a visit, which is very special! He's down visiting Mark right now and then is planning to be back up here for most of this week! Clara has the "Josh" part down, but we need to work on the "Uncle" part! :-) A few times she said "Uh Josh", but then just shortened it to "Josh".
Hilkiah had his three month birthday this past week! How time flies! He's getting to be quite the big boy and is such a precious! He's doing well at night, though he usually has one feeding still and we usually pop the pacifier in at least once during the night, but that's not too bad. His smile and occasional little laugh and his sweet cooing / talking sounds can just melt your heart!
And that folks, is some of the VERY post-worthy news from around here!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Camp Memories!
As I mentioned in the last post, we got back Sunday evening from a wonderful week long vacation! We were at Greenwood Hills for a Family Camp, and what a treat it was... full of great memories! We also got to spend the last weekend with some dear friends in DC!
Here are a few of my camp memories:
Sitting on a bench, Clara on my lap, sharing a Root-beer snow-cone with my little girl.
Three yummy meals a day... that I didn't have to cook OR clean up after!
The adventure of staying in a rustic family cabin!
A little girl enjoying getting to climb the stairs in the cabin... and even being willing to go to sleep up there all by herself!
Hilkiah sleeping through the night!!! And doing it for about four or five nights straight!!!!
Delicious corn on the cob, on the corn roast night!
Three excellent speakers who the Lord used to convict, encourage, challenge and draw us closer to Himself!
Meeting many lovely believers from around the country!
Clara having fun making new friends... and watching her learn and use the new names!
The dear girls who would come and take Hilkiah during meals, so we could eat in peace!
Those same dear girls baby-sitting both kidos so Stephen could take me on a date for my birthday!
Taking my little girl swimming.
A little girl eating snacks and hanging out on the porch of our cabin.
A playground... right outside our cabin! And new friends to play with! How good can it get!
And along with all the good times, there needs to come some good naps!
Just a few of the memories!
Here are a few of my camp memories:
Sitting on a bench, Clara on my lap, sharing a Root-beer snow-cone with my little girl.
Three yummy meals a day... that I didn't have to cook OR clean up after!
The adventure of staying in a rustic family cabin!
A little girl enjoying getting to climb the stairs in the cabin... and even being willing to go to sleep up there all by herself!
Hilkiah sleeping through the night!!! And doing it for about four or five nights straight!!!!
Delicious corn on the cob, on the corn roast night!
Three excellent speakers who the Lord used to convict, encourage, challenge and draw us closer to Himself!
Meeting many lovely believers from around the country!
Clara having fun making new friends... and watching her learn and use the new names!
The dear girls who would come and take Hilkiah during meals, so we could eat in peace!
Those same dear girls baby-sitting both kidos so Stephen could take me on a date for my birthday!
Taking my little girl swimming.
A little girl eating snacks and hanging out on the porch of our cabin.
A playground... right outside our cabin! And new friends to play with! How good can it get!
And along with all the good times, there needs to come some good naps!
Just a few of the memories!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
We are back from a wonderful vacation! This last week we were able to go to Greenwood Hill Bible Camp for a week long Family Camp. We were soooo blessed!!! I will try to do a longer post soon with memories and few pics.
For now a quick post to share a few pictures of Hil. These were from tonight during bath time. He likes the bath and is starting to kick and splash! Fun, sweet times!
For now a quick post to share a few pictures of Hil. These were from tonight during bath time. He likes the bath and is starting to kick and splash! Fun, sweet times!
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