Dandy Girls

Dandy girls,

Giggle girls, 

Sisters are you.

Yellow sunshine bouquets bring much joy.

Picking wildflowers to brighten my day.

Like the hope on your faces

That I will enjoy 

the labor expended,

the love that is shown.

Your thoughtfulness blesses me.

The seed that is sown.

No richer gift would mean

more in my book

than these beautiful flowers

and the girls who looked,

Then thought of another

and gave what they had.

A gift from the Creator

to make me so glad.

When summer comes,

those two girls will be

at it again,

blowing and planting,

spreading lots of seeds.

The simple joys of childhood.

An afternoon's repast.

These flowers and these little girls

bloom and grow up fast.

by Lepidoptera

written 4-27-2010

Dueling Crayons

Dueling crayons,

Case and me,

Doing a book of activities.

Side by side

Together we sit

Sharing the day.

I have to admit

We're having fun,

Getting along,

Taking the time.

Smiles abound.

Turn by turn

We get things done.

Growing - 

Mother and son.

Learning and loving.

That's what life's about.

The simple things are important.

There's just no doubt.

by Lepidoptera

written 4-15-2010

Spring poem

Clattering, clanging wind chimes.

Spring is in the air.

Wind is whipping around the house.

Pollen everywhere.

Robin has returned now

Searching for earthworms.

Flowers are abloomin'.

Winter days are gone.

Time for kites to soar high

Right up to the clouds.

Cabin fever's dying.

Who wants to be inside now?

Sun stays out much longer.

Picnics on the lawn.

Rainy showers make things grow.

Spring has just begun.

by Lepidoptera

Amish Reading List

Amish Horses by Richard Ammon

The author drives Old Order Amish to horse sales and uses his knowledge to create picture books based on the Amish.

Barn Raising by Marc Brown

Depicting a communal work ethic common to the Amish, this book relates in picture form a barn being built by teamwork and lots of it.

The Journey by Sarah Small

Our second read by Sarah Small (The Library being the first), this work in journal form tells the story of a young Amish girl going to the big city for the first time.

Just Plain Fancy by Patricia Polacco

A fun read about a mixed-up egg situation, a possible shunning, and the misunderstandings of two young girls.

Colonial America Reading List

The girls and I are currently covering early American history, and I found some excellent books at the library to supplement our studies.

The Story of the Mayflower Compact by Norman Richards

Colonial Times from A to Z by Bobbie Kalman


On the Mayflower:  Voyage of the Ship's Apprentice and a Passenger Girl by Kate Waters

Squanto and the First Thanksgiving by Joyce K. Kessel

The last, though not a colonial book, I spotted and tossed in for good measure since we are studying America and its early history right now.

A is for America by Devin Scillian

The Quebe Sisters

My Dad recently clued me in to the Quebe Sisters, and I am so glad that he did.  These talented girls hailing from TX know how to play and they know how to sing.  I would not mind listening to some more of their music again and again.  Thanks, Dad!  To hear them for yourself, go here.

To learn more about them, visit their website.

What We Read - February 2010

Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

Dickens does not disappoint.  In this tale of uncle and nephew, Dickens once more gives us a view of human nature contrasting greed and disappointment with purity and goodness.  I saw the 2002 movie version first and then decided to read the book.  As with most movie adaptations, characters and scenes were completely omitted, but the movie did win an award for best acting by an ensemble from the National Board of Review.  It was an adequate adaptation with a few exceptions, and I would recommend it to those who have not seen it with few reservations.

Henry and Mudge in the Green Time by Cynthia Rylant

With winter still here, a book detailing Henry and Mudge's adventures in the out-of-doors was just the ticket to get us in the mood for warmer weather too.

Apples by Ken Robbins

A beautiful book filled with photographs of apples and words about apples too.


Bunny, My Honey by Anita Jeram

From the illustrator of Guess How Much I Love You comes this sweet book about a bunny and his mother's love for him.

Little One Step by Simon James

A book that teaches the lesson of taking things a little bit at a time - especially when they seem overwhelming from the start.

A Second is a Hiccup by H.J. Hutchins

A picture book that teaches concepts of time by comparing them to more familiar objects.