Did you know that fairies ride bicycles?

Audrey Asks Nature's Questions

Audrey definitely inherited her Grandmother's and her Mother's love of nature and curiosity about living things (i.e, future scientist/doctor/nurse/science teacher?!). So, while she stayed with me, we planted some new plants and seeds. She learned about the life cycle of plants and why plants are important and how they grow. Now, as a professional science educator, I can tell you that you NEVER know how a young child will take this information and process it. So, I was curious as to how Audrey would use this information. Was she listening? Was she interested? The answers  to my questions were quickly revealed.

We went to the plant nursery and got some potting soil, some new plants, a planter and seeds. Audrey is checking out the potting soil here -- a bit of qualitative analysis :) Question "What's in potting soil and why is it called potting soil when it's in the "earf" ? Try and explain marketing strategies to a five year old.

We planted some azaleas and a crepe myrtle to take the place of several plants that froze during our 37 year record breaking winter temperatures.  "Why did they freeze?" This was tough...try to explain soil zones to a five year old. However,  the potting soil passed inspection.

Here's the planter where she carefully planted some daisies and other flower seeds. She checked the soil every day to see if it needed water. Not surprisingly, it needed water every day. "Where does the water go?"  Try explaining evaporation to a five year old. I will provide an update in a few weeks - they are doing quite nicely!

Every single day Audrey would go outside and inspect the plants, check to see if they needed water, and what visitors had dropped by. Here she discovered a newly opened flower - she was SO excited as she was the first to find it. I didn't even know this grass-stuff made flowers. "Where's the bee? The bee needs to come, right?"  Try to explain pollination to a five year old.

Close-up of the flower. Today, there are several on this plant. They are unbelievably gorgeous, while the plant itself is a very non-descript grass species. I call these "Audrey's Flowers".

 One of her favorite plants is a butterfly bush I planted. She kept waiting for butterflies. I taught her how they begin as caterpillars and then they go to sleep and turn into butterflies. Guess what she found on the bush the next day???

Those are her little fingers showing her discovery. That caterpillar came for days to feed on the butterfly bush...he was a highlight of her trip:)  I didn't have to explain how caterpillars turn into butterflies. She already knew about that. She is my little butterfly and I love her with all my heart.

More Butterflies Made with Love

When Audrey came to visit, we had several projects. One was to make a stepping stone with stained glass and use the shape of a butterfly. This was quite involved as it entailed mixing cement, laying out the glass pieces just so, and a few discussions regarding placement of said pieces of glass. In all cases, Audrey's decision was deemed the right one :)

First, we traced the butterfly cast on a piece of paper and each laid out the glass.

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Placing the glass into the butterfly. Audrey helped a lot, especially with placing the 'eyeballs'.

Finally, all the pieces were tucked into place and we let it cure for a few days. See the eyeballs? Blue, like her Mommy's.

Then it was time to take out the butterfly from the cast.

And VOILA! The final product. I am not sure why Audrey has on her sunglasses. We probably just returned from an ice cream run.  We trimmed the edges and cleaned up the glass.

 

Here it is - outside in my garden. I think of Audrey everytime I see it. 

I love butterflies, and I love Audrey even more!

Today Audrey is FIVE!

I can't believe that five years ago today Annie and I were sitting a very cold labor room - she getting all hooked up, me nervous but not showing it. She reminded me that I kept saying, "Let's get this show on the road". My lack of patience was showing once again. The show did finally get on the road and several hours later - and much work by Annie - a beautiful, baby girl was born. I was there to hold her, to see her entrance into this world and cried. I still cry when I think about it. What a beautiful gift God gave us that day. I love her so, so much!

We began celebrating last night with homemade chocolate cupcakes, presents from me and Annie and a wonderful time in my house.  It was a great evening! I am so glad she was in Corpus Christi so I could celebrate with her!

                                                                    Princess balloon!

                                                         Chocolate Cupcakes with homemade frosting!

                                               Soooo many presents!!!

                                                              A hand-made Ladybug Purse from her Great Grandma!

                                                               Modeling the purse - I also got her a book about Ladybugs -

                                                          Sketcher Light Up Shoes!!!

                                           Many more cards and gifts completed the evening - including
                                                    her favorite DVD - Tangled. We ended the evening
                                       watching Tangled and eating more cupcakes.

The next day, it was off to preschool with her friends, pizza and birthday party!

            In her new outfit, birthday ribbon and light up shoes! Big day!!

                                        Saying goodbye to Ella - I love this shot ----

                                                            Her cupcake princess cake!

                                                Group Picture~! Ready for pizza!!!

                                                    Yum! Check out the plates - Annie found them. So cute!

                                                 Happy kids eating pizza on a special day!

                                                  Singing Happy Birthday - getting ready to blow out the candle.

                                                                            Yayyyyyyyyyyy!

It is a special, special day for sure. One that gave us a gift that I thank God for every day. She is so precious, fun and smart! I love you Audrey Anne. May you live a long and happy life!!!!

Audrey's Visit

Audrey has been here for over a week. I can't tell you what joy this child brings to my life...it doesn't matter what kind of a crazy, mixed-up, stressful day you've had -- hearing her run in the door at the end of the day and yell "Mommmmaaaa" makes EVERYTHING all better. Of course, I am loving seeing Annie too, though I must admit I have not taken very many pictures of her :)  I can't believe the time is going so fast -- but I am enjoying every minute!

                                                   Blowing bubbles in the backyard.

                                         At Target - one of our favorite shop-stops!

                                                 Dinner, or something....Sponge Bob placemat :)

                                             Her Mommy wasn't home...we could play with food :)

                                                Playing in the living room. Isn't she gorgeous?

                                              A work in progress...we are making a mosaic stepping stone
                                                 for the backyard featuring a favorite - butterfly.
                                            Audrey added the "eyeballs". I think they look quite authentic!

                                           Reading her online books at my computer. I wish we had
                                               these when I was her age!

                                                Playing in big tub at the end of day ALWAYS
                                                         brings giggles!

Much fun, more to come!

Audrey and Joe Willie

This is Audrey hugging Joe Willie. Joe Willie was Annie's favorite teddy bear, and is now about 20-something years old. Audrey and Annie - and maybe Joe Willie? - will be here in five short days for a whole month!! We will have time to sing our favorite pop songs (I've been practicing), see movies, go to the beach, read books, go shopping, eat ice cream, make cupcakes and maybe even go fishing. We will cuddle and hug and feel sorry for Mommy who will be working very hard during our spring break while we sing Tao Cruz and Lady Gaga. Oh and the new one by J.Lo! I CAN'T WAIT!

San Francisco !

Catching up - I was in San Francisco last October for a week. It was a pretty cool conference regarding use of inquiry in the classroom, but even better, Annie and Audrey drove in from Lemoore and stayed with me for an overnight and we had a blast. I so miss them!

The Exploratorium - a great place to explore science. Conference attendees spent a week here learning some new things and just enjoying the company - and the scenery in San Francisco.

This is the outside of the Exploratium. Yeah...I was blown away. Designed to house the celebratory signing of the Panama Canal agreement, it has been renovated and remains a gorgeous piece of architecture.

Nestled right next to the Golden Gate bridge, it was a genuine treat to walk to 'work' here everyday!

After five days of meetings and work, Annie and Audrey arrived! Here they are near the Golden Gate bridge. We were soooo happy to see each other!

Audrey and I. I saw her running up to me when they arrived...it was easy to spot her pink boots I bought her for Christmas! :)

Inside exploring the Exploratorium - so much to see and do!

Pointing out some marine animals in the salt water aquarium.

I know that Audrey has inherited her Mommy's curiousity about nature - which her Mommy inherited from me after accompanying me on many field trip and helping me with plant and animal studies while in graduate school!

Time for dinner - so we headed out the Fisherman's Wharf! The Texas Rangers were playing the San Francisco baseball team for the world series during this time so the crowds were pumped!

Annie's dinner...oh-my-gosh the fish and crab were AWESOME!

Oh yeah...that was the name of the San Francisco team, just in case you forgot :)

It was chilly - so while at the Wharf, Audrey found this bunny hat. She wore it EVERYWHERE - including to bed !

The next day was Chinatown. It's pretty cool - lots of really beautiful things that are so carefully crafted, mixed in with not so high quality. Makes for a fun day of shopping. And, Audrey continued to wear her hat :)

It was sad to say goodbye, and this was the last time I have seen Annie or Audrey. However, in a few weeks they will be HERE for a WHOLE MONTH while Annie finishes up her nursing school clinical hours!! Can't wait! Stay tuned!!!!!