Not All Moms Rest On Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Today my family was able to catch a glimpse of the baby cardinals that had hatched, I would guess, two days ago. Mama cardinal has been sitting very tight, due to the cold weather, but today is beautiful and she, as well as her mate, have been busy bringing black insects of some sort to the chicks.

What can be better than having a bird's nest outside a window? Having a bird's nest outside a BAY WINDOW!!  This allowed me to set up the tripod, focus on the camera on the nest, and tuck myself back behind a shade to hide most of myself from sight. Mama cardinal was especially leery of the camera - no doubt the motor was heard outside. She actually took off and came back two times (with long waits in between) before being comfy enough to feed, whereas papa cardinal paid no heed, once he realized it was not "out to get him".

I had a wonderful day with my family - we enjoyed a hike on Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton after latte's at Crossroads Coffeehouse this morning. We hiked for quite some time, going at a slow pace to try and ID birds with binoculars, and of course I had the shutter going. Abby had my little Olympus - it will be interesting to see what she took pictures of. The sounds of the songbirds was absolutely beautiful - it is amazing what God puts down here on earth for us to enjoy.

What we really don't understand are all the walkers and runners with earbuds in their ears. I could tell when we said hello and got no response that all sound was being totally blocked out. So sad, they are missing all the music of nature that God has orchestrated so wonderfully.

I took a few photos of the kids. Kyle technically stayed on the trail when he walked to the creek as there was a very worn and obvious path leading to it.  Abby kept busy gathering grass seeds. I don't recall where she deicided to plant them.

A beautiful display of wildflowers finished our hike. We then headed to Denny's for a late breakfast, and as people stood outside to get in, we headed over to a small diner called Three Sisters in Middleton - where the wait was only 15 min. despite being packed. Food was great, as it always is in the little family run cafes - and everyone but Kyle has half a portion remaining for Monday morning breakfast.

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day. Jesse made me my favorite dinner - grilled chicken, onions, bell peppers served in a tortilla wrap with black beans, fresh cut tomatoes, cheese and sour cream. I'd say it doesn't get any better than that, but he baked me an angel food cake today as well! Yeppers - he is a definite keeper. Praise the Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful husband and family!

I want to leave you with these wise words my friend Steve posted on facebook today:

Real Mothers know their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers know a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade but marked by the progression of Mama to Mommy to Mom to Mother.

I will have to find a way to fit those words into a layout!

Happy living,

Rita S.