Birthday Sunrise

At Blossoms and Bees (the woefully neglected nature blog)

Touched By Grace

At Catholic Exchange  today:-).

Where You are From: The Mary Beth Birthday Edition

You are from  calico, from Hannas and Capezio.

You are from lots of brothers and--finally--two little sisters.

You are from from the Bradford pear, roses bushes, and Mary gardens.

You are from why-I-love-you birthday graces at dinnertime and backyard soccer summers, Mary Sunshine, Beetle Bee and Mini-Mom.

You are from the very intense and the very creative.

From "stand up straight" and "go far post."

You are from big, Catholic families--the quiet little girl at the huge, noisy, Italian party, reminding everyone (even me) of your Mama. You are a devotion to the Little Flower. You are named for the Blessed Mother and her cousin--you are the charity and hospitality of The Visitation.

You are from Virginia; the sweet song of southern charm is second nature to you. And you are from Chik-Fil-A-on-the-way-to-ballet and half lemonade-half sweet tea.

From the quiet afternoon when you were the first to welcome Karoline into the world, both of you wide-eyed at the wonder of each other-- a bond born that day and blossoming beautifully over time.

From Katiebean-the-family-queen, who adores you more than life itself, from tireless tender moments when you share with her all the beauty and goodness in your world--stories read, baby games played, tea parties shared, pictures drawn, dances danced, memories made.

You are the best sister anyone could ever have and the dearest daughter I could have never imagined.

You are from your own blog carefully kept and a memory book for your baby sister. You are from Mama's book dedicated to you. You are from a hope chest full of my memories, carefully saved so many years ago for my "someday daughter."

You are from a kindred spirit, a fervent prayer, a blazing love. You are the child of my heart.

Happy, happy birthday, dear one.

Poetry at UVa

I'll admit that you got me when you said you were writing while sitting on the Rotunda. Good girl, Courtney. I told you there is no more beautiful place than the Rotunda in October. But, oh my, it's the poem that sucked me in.

Odd Gnomes, Odd Gnames, and Odd Gnumbers

The Tree Man reveals his name and a new character is introduced in the next story lesson of Gnomes and Gnumbers: A Mathematical Tale.  It's up at Serendipity along with main lesson book samples, lots of free downloads and a week of lesson plans.  Come see how EVEN gnomes make an ODD discovery.