Larkspur has a birthday coming up in March. I asked her what she would like and she replied “craft stuff and animal stuff.” We discussed yet again why we won’t be visiting the pet store to purchase a caged rodent. As much as I would love to have a couple of guinea pigs (I had my own as a kid) there just isn’t room in our house. Larkspur will have to make do with Trudy (our dog,) our cats, and our chickens. Considering that my first pet (a guinea pig) didn’t come until I was about ten years old, I’d say she’s doing quite well in the animal department.
My friend Annie kindly sent me a copy of volume ten of Alphabet Glue back in December, but we were busy with Advent and then Christmas so I just got it printed up a couple of weeks ago. We discovered booklists and projects inside that perfectly compliment Larkspur’s current love of wild birds, and also inspired a new love: bats. We’ve made bird feeders and watched homegrown stalactites grow (slowly!) over the past couple of weeks while reading cave science inspired books. Have you ever read Little Lost Bat? The story follows a mother and baby bat who become separated. A new mother adopts the baby bat, and life goes on. I would have never guessed that a book about the life of bats would make me cry! There are instructions in the back of this book for making a bat house. I think we need some of those!
As far as our bird friends go, the peanut butter pinecone feeders we made on Christmas for the animals were empty, and the peanut butter and birdseed carrot feeders in volume ten of Alphabet Glue inspired us to refresh the pinecones along with making a bunch of carrot feeders. The part that is most fun is to stand in the bottom branches of our corkscrew willow and listen to the flutter of dozens of wings above as the birds dart to and from the feeders. I am wishing that I were better at identifying more birds beyond the handful of regulars we have here. Does anyone know of a simple but effective resource for learning individual bird songs?
My weekend was full of cleaning and organizing. It seems there is always something to organize. I spent an evening cleaning and rearranging the bedroom that four of my children are currently sleeping in. It had reached overwhelming levels of mess and awfulness and I will confess: I cried a little. But I faced it to the end and ended up receiving an unexpected gift. When Jonny arrived home from baseball practice with Keats and Gabe, Keats raced upstairs to see what I had been doing. He peeked under his bed and saw everything neat and tidy and said one word: “Good.” Then he stood up and said, “Thank you, Mommy.” I don’t think any of my children has ever thanked me for cleaning before. They aren’t quite so into having things nice and tidy like I am. I typically clean for my own sanity, while also knowing that even if they might not realize it, my children need a bit of order in their lives as well. I guess I am just a crying mess this week, because that “Thank you, Mommy” set me off yet again.
And finally, another really good winter book that you should see if your local library has is The Lemon Sisters. It looks innocent enough, but ended up being much more than just another cute picture book (Yes, I cried with this one too. My kids think I’m nuts.) And if you are looking for a nice source of themed booklists and easy projects to compliment them, Annie has been running a 20% off special on all issues of Alphabet Glue, and said she’d keep the coupon code good through Monday, January 28th. Use the code “twenty” at checkout. Alphabet Glue is one of my absolute favorite resources, which is why I find myself sharing it so frequently here!
p.s. I know what some of you are thinking. All this crying does not mean that I’m pregnant! 🙂
Robin says
I am always crying too. But I learning to look at emotion as a good thing. Love that you are so free in front of the kiddos! I work in the garage 10′ from our house. After a frantic day at work yesterday, I walked to the corner- the first walk after a broken foot in October. I was inspired by your words of the healing powers of a walk outside. I was surrounded by a blanket of fog and as the house lights twinkled as the city bus thundered by I was filled with energy to go in to the house and make dinner and mother and give the oldest the haircut she so had been asking for. The day before I made it outside with the kids for some mid winter garden weeding- so much easier after heavy rains and tending to the chickens. Thanks for the inspiration.
Barbara says
I didn’t have a chance to read through your other comments to see the suggestions, but National Geo’s online bird finder is my favorite. It’s fun for the kids to to use.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birding/backyard-bird-identifier/
Leah says
Was totally wondering if the tears meant pregnancy! Haha!
Gracey says
I noticed someone mentioned Stellaluna…if you haven’t read it, you have to…birds and bats…it’s a great book and you can find lots of activities based on the story….
Vicki says
Wow, just wanted to tell you I am so amazed by your blog, your beautiful family and pictures and your honesty in your writings. I just came across it when I happened to check out the Pioneer Woman the day that you were featured for homeschooling, and I am so glad I did! I grew up in upstate NY right on the edge of the state land, there were 5 of us kids and my mom and dad, and your story and way of living just remind me so much of our childhood (45-50+ years ago!) and it is so wonderful to see that it is still possible! I love how you make the most of what you have, and the beautiful nature you have all around you there, and how you and your children are so much of a part of it . I don’t think I appreciated it as much when we were growing up as I do now, I am sure, but we sure did have a lot of fun romping around the woods and making our own fun. We had just a few neighbors so it was just us pretty much! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to share such a wonderful story, it is like a good book that you don’t want to end!
Lori Ann says
Love the post! We made the pinecone feeders but I think the squirrels took off with the whole thing because there is NOTHING left on the tree!
What are the boys up to in the photos? My son loves blue, goop and anything science related – am I on the right track here?!
Ginny says
making homemade stalactites from alphabet glue!
Lori Ann says
Thanks! I will check it out.
Lisa Uotinen says
I have got to try the carrot feeders! I loved this post.
Elizabeth says
Your photos are so lovely. And I LOVE how your daughter who is dressed in what I would consider a beautiful “party dress” is climbing trees with peanut butter smeared carrots. I love that freedom!!!!
cirila cerilo says
I’m a huge crier when it comes to books – my kids think i’m nuts too. The Secret School by Avi was the worst for making me cry, but such a great story. My 9 and 11 year olds both loved it as did I. I love your bird feeders.
Ellie says
Oh goodness, I cry all the time! My kids are used to it. I cry almost daily during our lessons, especially when we study things like the US Civil War (as we are right now).
Do you know the book Stellaluna?? Same plot as the baby and mama bat one you mentioned. We always loved that book ….
My first thought when you mentioned the tears was “hmm, wonder if she’s pregnant.”
Jamie Salvucci says
Ha ha! I was HOPING the crying would lead to a pregnancy announcement. I am due end of September and always like to have a “buddy” to go alone the pregnancy trip with.
Alphabet Glue what age is it ideal for. I have an almost 5yr old…appropriate or another few years?
Thanks
Jamie
BTW I dont comment often but I read your blog daily and always enjoy the pictures and the commentary. Every now and then I take part in your yarn along.
Ginny says
My opinion is that Alphabet Glue is great for ages 4 to 12. I just emailed Annie to make sure, and that is what she says too! Regarding pregnancy, there sure are a lot of new babies going around right now, it’s hard not to be struck with baby fever myself, but not yet!!
Tara says
We really love What Bird? for identifying our bird feeder visitors:
http://www.whatbird.com/
Jennifer Miller says
We used to make pinecone bird feeders for the birds when I was a kid. I’ll have to get some supplies and make those again so we can watch the birds with the kid. She likes watching the birds.
Carrie says
Not directly related to your post but I just wanted to tell you that the new series of Call the Midwife started on the BBC here in the UK yesterday. I have no idea how Netflix works but I know you’re a fan so thought you might like to look out for it…. Carrie
Ginny says
It doesn’t start here until the end of March! 🙁
Aimee says
oh goody. thanks for the Alphabet Glue heads-up…what a great deal! Hubs is coming home with birdseed and Aldi had bags of carrots for 69 cents. Love the book-lists that she gives…already requested several from the library. I get teary reading picture books too…during Advent I was a mess!
Off to find the stuff for the stalagtites…
keishua says
love the bird feed. what a great idea.
Karen Leard says
I just discovered your website and can’t stop reading it and admiring the photos. As for birds, have you read “The Burgess Bird Book for Children” by Thornton W. Burgess? A wonderful read aloud for children told in short stories with a “Peter rabbit” character tying the stories together. Originally published in 1919, it was most recently published by Dover in 2003. Beautiful black and white reprints of the original color illustrations accompany the text. Dozens of North American birds are presented here – their appearance, diet, nesting habits and relationships with other birds and creatures. The stories are so charming! There are no recordings of the bird calls, but the calls are described in the text so that you can almost hear them in your head. I used it for awhile when we were trying to homeschool a few years ago. I think I may pick it up again. From what I have read on your site, it sounds like your style.
Ginny says
Yes, we love the Burgess books! I read them with my boys when they were younger, and I was just thinking that I should start reading the Bird Book with my girls!
Tina says
There is a great online resource to use with the bird book. http://satorismiles.com/2010/03/08/burgess-bird-book-companion/
Ngo Family Farm says
Heehee – good thing you added the crying-but-not-pregnant annotation 😉 Sounds like you’ve been productively busy as usual, and some crying for release and healing is always a good thing, too.
-Jaime
Emma Galvin says
Oh that it very sweet of Keats to say thank you. What a lovely boy 🙂
Kristin says
I notice in your pictures that Silas is crawling around but not really participating — are the Alphabet Glue crafts too advanced for a toddler? My daughter is 18 months old and I’m not super creative myself so I’m always looking for fun things to do with her that are at her level… Thanks!
Ginny says
I would say, definitely for slightly older children. The booklists are good for maybe four and up? The crafts–age 4 with help…My nine year old does them on his own.
Kristin says
Thanks!
Camille says
This was just the inspiration I needed this morning.
My kiddos made these bird feeders today and I’ve linked over to you on my blog too. Thank you for encouraging other homeschooling moms with your ideas and endeavors!
http://assortedjoys.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/managing-expectations/
Jodi says
Hi Ginny!
Here’s a cool tool for learning bird calls I came across recently. I bought it for my mom’s birthday.
http://www.amazon.com/Birdsong-Identiflyer-Portable-Audio-Guide/dp/B00024M5WA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358794973&sr=8-1&keywords=identiflyer
Pax,
Jodi
Jodi says
I see now that someone else already suggested this. Oops! Sorry for the repeat.
Eileen says
I’m a crier too. When my children were young we watched the Walton’s and Little House on the Prairie , I would cry through most of them- still do. Even my very grown children will tear up watching those programs.
I love the carrot bird feeders, I’m going to try one today. Thanks
sarah says
are you sure? ; ) a friend once called tears holy water. it’s one way God helps cleanse our souls and provides us with some needed grace.
Jennifer says
We loved the “Identiflyer” when my daughter was younger. The basic birdsong identifier is terrific. You can get different cards for different types of birds. They also have frogs.
http://www.identiflyer.com/ecomm/pc/home.asp
It comes with ear buds so you can carry it around outside with you and don’t disturb the natural rhythm of the birds’ calling, or confuse them with mating calls and whatnot.
Chinacat says
I have the identiflyer with wand. I purchased an extra set of the bar codes. I also purchased bird bingo. I put the barcodes on the cards that had matching birds. Then… When you pull a card you only play the call by swiping it with the wand. The kids have to guess which bird it is to put a marker on their card. Okay… The younger kids get a look see… But sometimes they know them better…….
You can even make other cards to bring in other birds from the wand…
We love that game in this house. Someday, I will have to post about it…
Chinacat Poppins says
BTW: I too, cried in Lemonade Sisters!
Last book I cried on was The Day Before Christmas by: Eve Bunting (We are studying Tchaikovsky… ugh… I was a puddle…
I am not pregnant either………..
Cristina says
Lovely as always! We got our animal loving son, The Backyard Birdsong Guide: Eastern and Central North America for Christmas this year. You can play several different calls for each bird–it’s really handy to take outside and check your work 🙂
Wendy says
I heartily second all those who have recommended the Cornell lab of ornithology and the North American bird songs book. Our copy of that book has been well-loved and it shows as it is taped together. I cried as I cleane the other day because I know it will never ALL be done. Those “thank yous” are some of the best gifts a mama can get!
Nadja says
Love the shot of Bea up a tree in a fancy dress!
I go through periods where I just seem more prone to tears every now and then, too…
We’re loving the birds coming to our feeders. Have you done the molded birdseed “cookies” with gelatin? They’re so easy and hold up really well (I’ve found that the peanut butter ones wash away too easily). I think I am going to make some as a gift for my mom, as she loves bird-watching, too.
My friend Kimberlee and her whole family are serious bird-watchers, and she has a number of resources on her blog ( check her sidebar and bookstore for resourses): http://ponderedinmyheart.typepad.com/pondered_in_my_heart/
Barbara says
My kids are used to seeing me cry. I always hear them saying, ” oh, mom would definitely cry if she was watching/reading this!”
Do you remember the hallmark commercial when the old lady keeps checking her mailbox and it’s always empty? aack! I am tearing up just thinking about it!
A great site for birds is Cornell Lab of Ornithology
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1189
amy@tolove says
I love that you let your girls scale trees and play in dirt in their good dresses. So do I. People think I am strange. It’s pretty typical here to see a girl with messy hair in a fancy dress at the top of a tree. It’s good. And it’s good to know we are in such beautiful company.
Kristin(11onmyown) says
For some reason, I cannot see any of the pictures from your last 2 posts – don’t know if it’s you or me, but since no one else has said anything, I’m thinking me. Hmmmmm?
Aimee says
Crying for me means my iron is low. If you don’t have any energy it can mean that too.
Michelle says
We really like using the Cornel Lab of Orthinology. It is so easy to use and has a bird song recording for each bird.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=1189
Sarah says
Lol- I totally was going to leave a message saying “pregnant, maybe?” 🙂
Renee Anne says
The first thought that popped into my head with all the crying: she’s pregnant again!
I shouldn’t lie, though. I turn into a hot, emotional mess about silly things, too…books, commercials (which, admittedly, we don’t see that often), photos, etc. I’m not pregnant either. I don’t think.
kimberly schildbach says
Totally thought you were pregnant 🙂
And this is the best for learning bird song. http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Songs-North-American-Birds/dp/B0032FO2QS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358784267&sr=8-1&keywords=bird+songs
Hopefully you can get it used.
Much love friend!
Kim
Nahuatl Vargas says
Yes, I was thinking that.
I’m happy you got that thank you, we struggle with organizing here.
Have a happy week.
Carrie says
What a wonderful pastime! I second the allaboutbirds.org website from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology! My youngest (now 5) and I spend hours listening to the various bird songs on their site and found it very helpful! I also noticed last week that SouleMama had a new game called Bird Bingo that has been a hit at their house. We are actually going to purchasing the Lucy Hammett version of Bird Bingo as we already have the Nature Bingo and Wildlife Bingo from the same series and love them both!
Kobey says
I second the Backyard Birdsong Guide. My kids love it.
Jessica says
Hello. I’ve been using this for learning bird calls.
http://www.enature.com/birding/audio.asp
Emily says
We love the backyard birdsong book! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0811863425
Melissa N says
I made my son some quick change trousers in that same Michael Miller guitar print a couple of years ago, they’re so cute!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31613537@N03/6437466621/in/set-72157611851893837/
Tracey says
I cry while reading children’s books too Ginny and my boys just shake their heads. That’s okay, crying is good for the soul.
Lucy says
I cry over children’s books so often. One child rolls his eyes, the other pats my arm and says “don’t stop mama”.
Molly R says
I’ve never commented before, but I’ve been reading through your old posts and so enjoying your photos and writing. I just wanted to say 2 things: thank you! I find myself inspired after reading your blog to slow down with my six children and see the beauty in the small things. It’s so easy to get impatient and want to get things done, only to be dissatisfied with the outcome, since the getting there was so hurried and unpleasant. Second, I admit that my first thought when reading this post was that your pregnant. So presumptuous, since I don’t know you! Maybe because I’m pregnant and weepy myself! Anyway, your postscript made me laugh. Have a lovely week!
Nicole Spring says
Oh the crying! Maybe leftovers from the gray week?? I wanted to ask you – Did you have any issues taking pictures while it was so gray outside? If so, now you have an idea how hard it is for me to try and get a picture in the PNW fall,winter and spring seasons 😛 Hee,hee.
We LOVE birdwatching (it’s one of our favorite activities) and with our backyard being a coniferous forest we see and hear a variety of different birds, even rare ones (bats, too! We got a bat house when we 1st moved in here). We use a bird book specific to our area that has wonderful photos for identification, details on their habits and habitats as well as describes the bird calls (It’s upsatirs but I think ours is called birds of Oregon and Washington. I got it on Amazon) and it’s simple enough for both of my girls to use. But my friend Cindy has abook that has recordings of the calls making it much easier to pick them out.
L isn’t letting me end this so I hope it makes some kind of sense!! I’ll try to come back with the names.
p.s – your “not pregnant” comment totally reminded me of Michelle Duggar 🙂 XOXO
Heather says
I come from a family of weepers. Many things make me cry. This weekend my brother and his family were visiting. My mom, brother and I were talking about something and all started tearing up. My husband just looked on in amazement. Then my brother texted me today to say he read MLK’s speech to his daughter and cried again. So, in a nutshell I completely understand. And yes, Annie is fantastic!
Corina says
My oldest son loves birds! We’ve used http://www.allaboutbirds.org alot to help us not only identify birds, but to learn their songs and calls. It’s a wonderful resource where you can look up any bird and hear it’s call.
miss says
i have been easily in tears the past couple of weeks, as well (and am not expecting). there must be a season of sentimentality moving through. thank you for the info on Alphabet Glue. i have often considering trying it out and think now might be a good time to start. hopefully, none of the projects make me weep! 🙂
Kathy says
I love the carrot bird feeders – thank you for sharing such a great idea! I’ve added The Lemon Sister’s to our library list for next week!