Monarch Butterfly

Last month we found a caterpillar at the State Park near our house. We had the pleasure of watching go from larva, to pupa, to adult right before our eyes.

When we first brought home the caterpillar, we couldn't believe how much the caterpillar ate. It really was a very hungry caterpillar, eating through the leaves of the milkweed.

When it was ready to change into the chrysalis, it escaped out of our fish bowl, and crawled up to our ceiling. We "rescued" it from the ceiling and placed it back into the bowl.

The caterpillar formed its J, then turned into the chrysalis. We kept watching it change and become clear. We didn't get to see it hatch because we were at church, but we did get to take it outside and watch it fly away. It was starting its journey to Mexico. Whether that butterfly made it, or helped future generations on their way, we will never know--but we did have magic happen in our home. That is enough for now!

Three First Days of School!

Here is our oldest! He started at a new school. We weren't happy with our neighborhood school, and luckily we were able to transfer him to a new school in the district. He loves it!!!! I am very happy with the change.

He started on August 24th.

This is our very cute middle child. He and his daddy planted this tree together. I don't particularly love our house, especially that it is next door to a race track. I always talk about moving, but this kid doesn't want to leave this tree. The sweater he is wearing is the same sweater his daddy and older brother wore on their first day of kindergarten.

He is having a hard time adjusting. Two years ago the district switched its curriculum, and now the teachers have to follow a very strict regiment of phonics training. It is good--but those poor kindergartners sit for far too long. They spend too much time on skills and not enough time on purpose. He seems to need the rest of the day just to recover! They have school for 1/2 a day, but they work and drill and work and drill for the entire time!

Now two boys go to school!!!

Finally GG, she started school on the 26th. She goes two days a week. I think it helps, but it isn't enough. She really needs a five day program. I am trying my best to supplement: we will go swimming on Mondays and we are taking a gymnastics class on Wednesday together. I love spending that time with her! It helps to fill the heartache of not getting a job after all the hard work!

Now all three go to school.

So that means I have 5 hours a week with no children--what to do. I've been taking Pilates class which is fun, and starting in October I will volunteer in Anakin's class. I hope to help in Luke's class as well.

Everyday I have to remind myself to find joy in the journey, and to have faith in the Lord's timing, not mine.

These three kids certainly give me joy--and it is definitely a journey!

Day Trip!

As summer winded down--we wanted to have one last adventure. We decided to ride the train into the city and go to The Field Museum on their free day!

Little did we know that everyone else had the same idea! The Field was very crowded. We did have a great time--especially in the kids area at the end of the day!

Goodbye to summer--and hello to fall!