Memories Made

A week has passed since my last post, and the days have been busy, but I had to share some of the special memories of the week...

The 3-day art class was a huge success. What an amazing couple the Stebbings are! I am so very thankful that God blessed our lives with the 3 days together. Before they left on Saturday afternoon I had to get some pictures of them with some of the family...

Mrs. Stebbing went home with a bit of our farm. She is wearing an ear warmer made from Arthur Angora's yarn. She also has a felted catnip mouse to share with her cat family back in NC.

We're now enjoying DVDs of Mr. Stebbings teachings. Ian excitedly exclaims, "It's our Mr. Stebbing! I know him!" Ian loves to try to identify the artists of the artwork featured in the program.

Jonathan called from the upstairs bathroom yesterday, "I'm in my chrysallis, and I'm about to hatch!" I went upstairs to find him 'hanging' in his chrysallis sleeping bag from a towel hook.

This is the 'hatched' butterfly spreading and drying his wings...

On Wednesday Jonathan has swimming lessons. He was so excited to go this week because his
teacher told him that after the session, he'd introduce him to a fireman. Jonathan is watching the digital clock on the microwave so he wouldn't be late for his lesson."Fireman Frank" gave Jonathan a patch from an old uniform, a fire helmet, and a fire dog magnet. Another wonderful memory made.

Creativity in Progress

For the past 2 days 75 area homeschoolers have had the wonderful blessing of being taught by a very gifted artist from North Carolina.

Barry Stebbing and his lovely wife Saundra from How Great Thou ART Publications have been traveling the country for many years teaching a 3-day art course to homeschoolers. They are an amazing couple who not only share their love of art, but their love for the Lord and His magnificent creation.

The children are taught basic drawing and painting skills, art appreciation, using colored pencils, paints, markers, pen and ink, and so much more. Parents and children, alike, are enjoying the challenge of the lessons and the excitement of discovering that they can learn to draw and paint with discipline, perseverance, and practice. We have children as young as 5 taking the class and doing very well. Mr. Stebbing has also taught at nursing homes, proving that you're never too old to learn!

One of my budding artists, Kate, is on the left in the blue shirt.

And 2 more of my little artists...

We have one day left of class, but I believe that the days of drawing and painting in these homeschoolers' homes have just begun!

A Sunny Fall Sunday

Last weekend we had the whole family home again. Nathanial had a long weekend and was able to come home for 4.5 days. I know these days are probably going to be rarer and rarer as the kids grow up so I treasure any time that we're all home.

Sunday we decided the alpacas had to have their monthly shot (against meningeal worm). This is typically a very vigorous workout since one alpaca in particular decides to fight us every step of the way. I've been dreading the process ever since the last experience where 'Misty' gave such a fight. Rachael got them into their barn so she could halter them. We decided that 'Misty' was going to be first so we could get the worst over with. As we were waiting for Rachael to harness another alpaca, I was standing next to Misty who was patiently waiting at the door to be let out. I looked at Nathanial and nodded for him to give me the injection. Before Misty knew what was happening, I had given him his shot and he was allowed to go graze in the pasture. What a relief! The other 4 were almost as cooperative...only one little kick in the ankle by Peter.

Since we didn't use up a lot of time giving injections, we stood around enjoying the beautiful afternoon and watching the kids play toss with the football.

Matthew had to pose on top of the apple tree that we lost in a strong wind/rain storm a couple of weeks ago. Of course, the 'little guys' had to have their turn. Nathanial lifted them up and Matt would help them perch on one of the stumps. They thought it was great.

Matt got this picture of Wayne and I without our knowing it. Wayne was admiring the leaves on the maple tree and I was watching Jon get the football.

Brittany also enjoyed having everyone home. She acts like a pup again when Matthew takes a few minutes to give her some attention. Of course, all that exercise tires her out so she climbs up into her favorite chair by the woodstove and takes a nap...in the most uncomfortable position!

As usual, life has been hectic. It seems like the days are flying by as fast as the leaves are dropping from the trees!

A couple of weeks ago Marc wasn't feeling well. Captain continued to provide the TLC that only he can provide when an illness strikes. Marc recovered by the next day and was back to normal.

Jonathan surprised me the other day by coming to the door while I took advantage of some lovely autumn sunshine and yelling, "Say CHEESE!" I turned to find him with the digital camera. He did a pretty good job of snapping the picture. (I'm not going to include all the other photos he took...one of the smoke detector, his lego toy creations, the floor, a close up of his face, or the close up of his open mouth!)

Jon decided to enter his 'space capsule' and travel to outer space the other day. He wanted a picture of him getting ready to 'take off'.

And I had to share a pic of our 2 'little guys' being silly.