Saturday, February 26, 2011

Goslings

We were going to order some white embdens from Meyer Hatchery, but Atwoods had these for $8 each so we couldn't resist.  The sales associate did not know the breed, but I'm guessing these are white embdens.  The children, especially Claire who picked them out, are just bursting with love for these newest additions to our family.

They are set up in our downstairs bathroom for now.  We'll start putting them in the barn on warm days in a few weeks.

Constantly eating and drinking.
Night, night!
I'm amazed at how much they eat and drink.  They are certain to grow very quickly.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Museum of Natural History

No you overgrown mammoth!  I won't
 let you crush him.
Finally, we made the trip we had been planning for Cody's birthday surprise to the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History on the OU campus in Norman.  We were all overwhelmed by all there was to see.  I'm interested to see whether the trip quenches his thirst for dino knowledge, or merely whets his appetite for more.

Wow, wook at that!
Posing in front of the biggest
land animal skull ever found.
I knew before arriving that Clay and I would not be able to read the information on the exhibits, or look for as long as we wanted.  We're okay with that.  I actually can remember what it is like to be 5 years old in a place like that.  It is torture to have to sit and wait for someone to read something when there are so many more interesting things to see!

Learning the rules of the dig.
Several years ago when I first began seriously learning about home schooling, I ran across numerous opinions that warned against going to museums like this one due to the ungodly influence that the theory of evolution, fully presented, would have on children.  I'll admit that I actually bought into this belief for a short time, but no more.  I've reconciled my own beliefs and found there to be no contradiction between evolutionary theory and my own faith in Christ Jesus.  Luckily, I'm not alone.  Numerous authors offer comfort and support for evolutionist Christians.

mini archaeologist
I love dinos!
However, since we are certain to encounter and interact with other Christians who are staunchly opposed to particulars in the theory of evolution, my plan for now is to present both to the children-- To explain not only WHAT many Christians believe regarding our earliest origins, but WHY they believe this including the perceived threats such teachings have.  There are indeed some slippery slopes in this field.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Cody's 5th Birthday



Kingfisher pool party

Cody's birthday celebrations were strung out.  He had the fortune of numerous chances to celebrate.  His first party was at Kingfisher pool on January 23.  Then, we had our annual four for one pary for Claire, Cody, Nana and Papa on February 4 at our house.  THEN, he had a Grandma and Granddad party the following Monday, February 7.  THEN, we celebrated by eating out (Mexican) on his actual birthday (the 10th) and opening presents, (see photos).  THEN, he had his Talina party at Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday, February 15!  My goodness.  AND  It hasn't been that long since Christmas so I'm afraid that someone has grown quite used to receiving presents on a routine basis.  Ought Oh!


Kingfisher pool party.

Trucks from Nana and Papa

Lickerish dressed for the party.


 
Zhu-Zhu hamster track!  Cool!
More trucks, and a giant crane!

Thanks Talina and Levi!