Woodland Antics

When Angelina went broody, I too was in deep want of a baby.  There was no way I could deny someone of a little one. (even if it was a chicken) We gave her four fertilized eggs and the miracle of motherhood and life began. A few weeks ago our Bulls-eye went broody as well.  Again my heart went out to her.  If I had anything to do with it she too would become a mama.  After calling around I found this time of year it's difficult to find fertilized eggs. So, onto plan B.... Early this morning the kids and I went to the farm to pick up two beautiful day old chicks.  Up there is "Kung-Fu Chicken" .  She's Reed's gem. Down below is Fiona's sweetie, " Belle The Adventurous" . Tonight we'll quietly remove the eggs Bulls-eye has been mothering, replacing them with Kung-Fu and Belle.  If all goes well tomorrow she'll wake up thinking she's done a wonderful job. It was such fun loving these two up today.   Al...

he was a chubby little guy future big brother

We had a Devonshire Tea picnic this week... Australia has made me a tea drinker and a scone lover.  (I've also become a fan of Vegemite but that's for a whole other post titled Things I Never Thought I'd Try) I have to share the links to the scone and cream recipes... Scone Recipe Devonshire Cream Recipe They are incredibly easy to make and sooo delicious. Promise! After tea we played charades...... soldier penguin jedi polar bear chickens tree thirsty in the desert Two lions falling in love I was the boy, Fiona the girl I mention this because to her it was important frog  above and below: mad scientists For the life of us Fiona and I couldn't get this one  My favorite of all. Mostly because of Reed's laugh: Koala's Oh man did we act so foolish and laugh so much! After this we played hide-and-seek. Some of my favorite memories growing ...

The fourth of July just isn't the same here.   Obviously, we're in Australia.  They don't care about America's independence.  It floats by like a normal day. It's always peculiar when people ask the date and there's no spark when they hear, "the fourth of July." Beyond that it's winter. The 4th in winter?.............. That's like Christmas in summer. Tax season in July.......... Halloween in Spring! SNAP! Hold Up That has been our world for the past couple of years. Oh well  It's fun to scramble things up a bit. Having my fall birthday in spring is enteraining I have to admit. (although I prefer an autumn birthday)    The picture above is from last year when they were in prep/kindergarten.   I've kept it because when it was first brought home I looked at it and thought,  Wow, they are going to be so confused when we move back to the states.   The picture below is the back of our calend...

I don't have the words to express how my heart feels during moments like the ones I captured today between Ryan and Reed. They're becoming increasingly frequent these days. It's a sign that Reed is growing up, that I've done well in choosing not only a wonderful husband  but an incredible father for my children. I was his first love.  Ryan is his first friend. These two share more than the same features.  They share the same sensitive heart. They share secrets and stories that I will never understand.  I don't need to. It's not about me. It's about them and their bond. Even so their whispers make my soul smile. We had such a fun day today hiking and playing as a family. We took a million pictures that I can't wait to share over the next few days.  I must sleep now.  This growing life inside of me demands it. Have I mentioned I am so excited? We all are.  There's a big brother and ...

Today is the last day of term 2. It's also Free Dress and Crazy Hair Day.... Reed went for the spooky look. He wasn't too keen to have his photo taken.  Fiona went for the cute cupcake look.  Daddy's Lil' Cupcake for sure! It's hard to believe our lil' monkeys are half-way through grade one. I can't wait for the next two weeks off.  No school lunches to be made, no rushing around... it's going to be AMAZING!!

The day after we told the kids about the baby they told the entire school.  Each teacher and the principal heard it twice over. Once from Reed, again from Fiona. Fiona brought the framed ultrasound photo to school and propped it on her desk as she worked.  It's Big in their world. Which means it's big news in our community. I'm so grateful for everyone's shared excitement. Thank you all! This note came home in Fiona's lunchbox... Little kids are great, aren't they? So thoughtful and straight forward. I love how she mentions that they are clean "cleen" that's important in a friend isn't it? As adults we don't mention that to each other often enough. :)