This guy is 8! If you need me, I will be under the covers sucking my thumb in fetal position

Please someone! Stop the clock! Halt time.

Cosmo Seth is such a fun, delightful, imaginative child - I just don't want him to grow up!

Happy Birthday to my awesome little guy!

Wildlife Wednesday

A single moment, capturing God's amazing creation. A Wednesday ritual. If you don't slow down, you will miss an opportunity to connect with the wildlife around you.

Dirt bath in the sun

Did you know that chickens bathe themselves in dirt? They dig little potholes and cover themselves in dry dirt or sand to clean out any mites or sitcky debris they may have on their body. It's hilarious. I like to imagine what they talk about while sun-bathing. Do they gossip? Perhaps they complain about the crappy food served here. Do they daydream of rooster-right who would one day swoop them off their feet?
When they are done, they stand up and shimmy and shake off all the dirt. They fluff up and prance off like the bell of the ball.

"Mighty Girls" book circle started today

Whitby set her alarm for 7:30 this morning to make sure that we would get everything done in preparation for our Mighty Girls book circle. Our first meeting was today and it went so well! We had 8 girls in attendance and there are others joining in next week.

The purpose of our group is essentially to reach outside of South, USA to explore the lives of other mighty girls around the country, and around the globe. To be inspired by GREAT people who risked family, reputation, and even life in order to make this world a better place. We will interact with different cultures and characters from various eras. With adolescence right around the corner, I want these girls to have strong role models, strong values, strong goals to shoot for. I want to help them SHINE!

For the first 8 weeks, our emphasis is cross cultural. Wow! You would be amazed at how many resources are out there if you just do a little digging.

We spread out blankets and pillows on the deck overlooking the creek. The temperature on this early fall morning, could not have been more perfect. The ducks quacked over to the pond to listen in.

I lined out expectations for the group.
1. Safe place to express questions, observations and dreams.
2. Approach this group as a learner, an explorer.
3. Start on time and end on time - - then stay and play and have fun.
4. The views of our literary choices do not necessarily reflect the views of the circle leader - Me (disclaimer for the mamas out there).

We are starting with The Breadwinner, by Deborah Ellis. It is the first book of 3 in a trilogy about a brave young girl in Afghanistan who made a difference in the world. While she did not choose her circumstances, she chose what she would do with the time and resources she has been given.

I would love for you to read along with us. All the 9,10,11 year olds - and me. I have great hopes of becoming a better woman, mom, and human through this group. I mean hey, I already feel like my daughter is more mature than me, so it should work out great.