The Best Nest For A Rest Test

Well, I now had one . . . but what was I to do with it?   I'd not had a telephoto lens in my hand since Annual Staff in high school.  And now?  I was dealing with a whole new tiger ~ digital photography, not film.

Fortunately, my family provides plenty of opportunity for action and/or drama and/or impromptu events.  The weekend has been full of such.

Before the GilGuy left to care for his Dad, he mowed the lawn, discovering a Killdeer, in high alert to protect her babes-in-eggs, right smack in the middle of the lawn.

It was dusk, low-light and all, but the DSLR didn't even hesitate.  I worked in automatic mode with the telephoto lens, and the camera immediately set on 3200 ISO, garnering photos that would have the viewer thinking it was broad daylight!  :)  WOOHOOO on that!  :D

Then, there was the impromptu and unexpected trip to the lake with the neighbor.  As I sat on the beach, snapping away at the antics in the water, I considered whether or not I'd really see a difference in photo quality with the telephoto lens.  I shouldn't have even given it a second thought!  The clarity, the detail was superb!

Yet the crowning glory, the cream of the crop moment came for me, when, with very little fanfare, I simply caught this bird, mid-flight, with ease.

I've still much to add to my skill set with this lens . . . but with no lack of testing grounds upon which to hone those skills, I think I'll be busy at least until 2011.

Then?

It's a macro lens, all the way, Baby!  :rotflol:

On The Edge Of A Day, 17

Growing pains, emotions, expressions; gnashing of teeth and grumbling words mumbled underneath a veil of frustration that knows not how to state it's case well in order to be heard.

Stomping feet, huffing off, slamming doors, hanging final statements framed in the sudden silence.

Cooling off, returning, slinking to the bedroom, alone, dark hallway.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tears, apologies, attempts at revisiting the issue.

Sleeping, calm returning, morning hello's, subdued.

Afternoon welcome, refreshed, perspective.


An errand, departing, returning, discovering a tangible apology, a written note, forgiveness requested again.

Open faced, restored, renewed, accepted, loved.

The Boy Blend

Aubrey turned 17 two days ago. She's a beauty, and the last of three girls that have grown under my care. In a year, she'll be out on her own, ready to tackle the world.

Now, the boys come into focus. Israel, who is 15 out-paces the KBoyz by 13 years. Yet, it is a rare occasion to see him deny them quality time. If Israel is in the room, Keller is in the room . . . and if Keeton is present, they are all together, one big mass of boy-ness emerging as a force to contend with.

Fortunately, my boys are on the more artistic side, which means that the rough and tumble manner of the stereotypical boy is minimized a bit. Focus, concentration, consideration of minute details are studied. Thoughtfulness and discussion abound.

I suppose one day the tide might turn, since Keet is the most rough and tumble, and he is likely to influence Keller in that regard . . . but for now? I delight that books are cherished and read; drawing and building with blocks is fun; and Big Brother is loved and sought out by the wee ones.

Quality Comedy

I've an-almost-17-year-old daughter. Need I say anything more about the preening and posing that goes on in front of the mirrors in our home? The camera?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've a two year old who is showing signs of being "con-aye" (a Cajun term I've no idea how to spell!) or, quite the little humorist. Clever, comedic, and at-the-ready with a little physical joking pose so as to further press his point.

Put these two force of nature together, and what do you get? Quality Time meets Comedy Boy.

It just doesn't get any better, does it? :D

Homecoming Beauty

Aubrey was invited to homecoming this year. Her sister doted on her for hours, primping the lovely princess into a thing of stunning beauty. The GilGuy took photos just before she hopped into her carriage ~ I'd say Prince Charming had better hang on to his heart, wouldn't you?

School

Books are strewn everywhere across my dining room table right now, evidence of shifting bookcases and cleaning-while-I'm-at-it activity. Originally, the project was to have been completed by today, however, lovin' on the KBoys, asking for release from jury duty, and completing auditions for my son, the actor took presidence over the task.

No matter.

By Monday, every 'i' will be dotted, every 't' crossed in the final stages of school preparations here, and we will jump in with both feet, ready to take in knowledge together as a family.

The delay on my part served as the impetous for a creative endeavor on Aubrey's part. She designed new binder covers for the instructors' guide,

student questions,

and schedule.

Aren't they beautiful?

All In The Family

Month's of practice and set building are behind Aubrey, as she now puts the final touches on her character, in readiness for Friday night's curtain call.

Seems none of us can escape the theatre these days, what with Studio Mom and Studio Dad having their respective duties of driving and call times . . . yet, the GilGuy has once again pulled back his sleeves and accomplished an extraordinary feat that should certainly place him on the Teamsters Union in the Prop Department. Take a look:

This camera my friends, didn't exist night before last. A replica of a real life 1930's camera made while-you-wait by the industrious, ingenius Gil.

{applause}

Isn't it amazing??

Aubrey wasted no time trying it out, checking fit, durability, handling . . . she's got to be ready for the big night, ya know. :D

Wish her well ~ and Gil will be sure to have pictures for us by the end of the weekend!

Fashionista

It's Aubrey.

We've discovered over the years (sometimes with painful consequence) that AubreyGirl doesn't care much for 1) immediate,unknown change and 2) surprises that put her on the spot.

So, I *really* didn't know how, exactly, she'd respond when we held out for a little 'surprise' fun. It was a risk, to be sure.

She might fly off the handle from the pressure of it all.
She might storm out of the room, crying due to the stress.
Or, if we were to experieince a lesser degree of angst, she might just internalize her inner turmoil in silence, leaving us to wonder how she really felt.

Now, don't get me wrong. Aubrey has been diligently working to respond well in all situations, sans the drama. She's made great progress, and we are very proud of her.

- but one just never knows, when it's a TEEN they are dealing with, ya know? -

~Big Grin~

Therefore, Choosers, you be the judge. How do you think she handled our dangling carrot of newness?



Fashionista? No? :D

Siblings

There was a time when the Little Sister annoyed the Big Sister to no end. (Yikes! Look at that face! No wonder! LOL)

Evidently, time and maturity have replaced annoyance with the knowledge of the power of positive sibling influence . . .

. . . the value of quality time spent together . . .

. . .the fun that can be had . . .

and the love to be shared.

How beautiful to witness the growth. How blissful the peace.

:D

16

Let's discuss 16.

16 means growing up, melding into the fringes of adulthood.

16 means finding ones own expression, opinions, and ideas.

16 means childhood play turned young adult comedy, raucous laughter swirling about nonsensical statements.

16 means taking responsibility and servant hood to heart, and following through on ones' word.

16 means part time jobs and money to manage.

16 means movies on your own, with parental permission.

16 means preparing to leave the nest. Loudly protesting the nest at times, yet needing the safety of the nest just the same ~ for a little while longer.

16 means she's growing up, right before my eyes, and it is a marvellous thing to behold.

What's So Sweet About Sixteen?

The greater portion of yesterday afternoon was spent at the dress shop. Aubrey had her eye set on a new gown for her upcoming Sweet Sixteen gala affair we are hosting.

An event of this sort is a first in our family, as the celebrations for our older girls' sixteenth birthdays were intimate. This time? Aubrey's been begging for an all-out.

Here we were, in the middle of Tiffany's place of employment, gowns tossed hither and yon, zippers askew, and the Birthday Girl - vocal as ever about her choices.

I wondered secretly if we would accomplish our mission.

"Mom! This is too big!"

"Aubrey, it can be taken in . . ."

"This is POOFY! I s~a~i~d I didn't want poofy!"

"Ugh! This pattern looks like someone threw up all over the place!" (of course, it was the cutest dress of all, in Mom's opinion!)

and so on.

I employed patience by working it overtime (since, as the blogosphere is acutely aware, my nerves were already frazzled due to lack of sleep!) and I daresay patience will be receiving a hearty compensation from the payroll department!

As is usual with the AubreyGirl, at some nebulous magical moment, she took ownership of the process. Reaching up to a dress rack and tugging at a beautiful swatch of color hidden among the rest, she pulled out a gown that caused her to squeal.

I breathed a silent prayer that this might be the one.

The Oak Of The Golden Dream

The day was still husky with heat when we left our cozy little domicile and headed off in search of some mountainside to scamper.

Dell was particularly interested, as he'd not been on a hike sufficient for all his sniffing needs in some time. He and Israel were restrained on a threadbare word, only long enough to determine that the course they wished to take was not suitable for the rest of the clan.

They were gone in a flash, and Aubrey and I were left, Keller in tow, to find our own adventure.

We wandered under the canopy of numerous majestic oaks, drinking in the shade. Meandering onward, we came to the end of the grove. An abrupt finish to a delicious stroll stood before us. Chain link fences encapsulated a large swath of territory, announcing in big signs "CONSTRUCTION ZONE!" "DO NOT ENTER".

We shrugged our shoulders, feeling the disappointment twice now, of not being able to take the path of choice. Adjusting once again, we pressed on. This time, a dry, rocky riverbed that travelled underneath a highway overpass presented itself to us. Were we destined for an unfruitful hike? No desirable items of nature to fall under our gaze?

I spied a cement walkway across the remains of a once flourishing stream. "Look! We can use that walkway!" I encouraged Aubrey. She was doubtful. "I'll go check and see if it actually goes anywhere." she said.

As she carefully placed her steps, she was unaware that I had the jogging stroller a mere step or two behind her. "Help me lift the front end over that crag." I said.

"MOM!" came the exasperated reply, but assist she did.

We were now smooth sailing, Keller no longer bounced and jiggled in his harness.

That's when we noticed the mural on the inside of the overpass' supporting beams. PLACERITA CANYON BEFORE MAN it was titled ~ and frame after frame depicted the lush countryside once cared for in organic means by the native tribes, only to be progressively depleted and desiccated by the hungry press of the white man. The ending frame revealed a gent, sleeping roll laid out under a huge oak, a land title nearby, and his skinny frame holding up a pull of wild onions, glistening at the tip with gold dust.

It was a remarkable moment of education, laid out visually before my daughter who is studying American history in depth this year, and currently looking at the native peoples to this land. To my delight, it was not lost on her.

We exited the hollow of the overpass, and found ourselves smack dab in the vicinity of the previously depicted oak, along with a monument marker, describing the very scene that had been laid out for us seconds before via artistic means.

Gold had been discovered in California six years prior to Sutters' discovery that incited the Gold Rush.

A relatively quiet discovery that intersected one man's life was now intersecting ours.

The gnarled oak stood tall and proud and fierce. It had no intention of toppling anytime soon. The sycamore trees that surrounded it were bent and beautiful, and Aubrey began to climb.

I began to sing.

"Zaccheus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he;
He climbed up in a sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see . . ."

"Mom! Stop singing!" she protested.

"But it's a sycamore tree, Aubrey!"

"I know, Mom! But you aren't even singing the song right . . ." her teen aged perspective stated.

I smiled to myself. Perhaps Mr. Lopez had found gold under this tree many years ago.

I was finding gold myself: in the form of a precious window of time with my daughter - her defenses down, her heart open, and discovery at every turn. Yes, the gold I was beholding was Lord in her. As she climbed that sycamore tree, she could not help but reflect a child-like heart that pleases Him. Regardless of the bravado that was spoken, she, too, was silently relishing the moments with mom, surrounded by nothing but mountains and oaks and murals and overpasses.

The Golden Dream? Connection; relationship; life.

Newly Minted . . .

The Lord has finally spoken.

The fullness of time and lessons learned has come to fruition.

A new phase of the journey is set to begin.

For those who walked with us through the dark night of growing pains, will you now join us in a resounding SHOUT OUT to the King of Kings, then, take a knee, while we honor Him: the One who opens and shuts doors, and answers the prayers of young girls desirous of fulfilling their dreams.

Ladies and Gents, Choosers Everywhere, may I present to you the newest thespian of the family, secured by an agency as of last night:

Reading Rainbow?

It was a 'Box Day" for us yesterday.

For the very first time, I invested in a used Sonlight Core. This departure from my determination that the library building we are doing be composed of new came about at my daughter's behest. She begged me until she was blue in the face that she study a Core separate from her brother, a mere 18 months her junior.

It didn't make sense to me, lo, these past two years that we've successfully used the academic materials of this wonderful company. Coupling them on topic for the school year just seemed clean, sleek, purposed, and practical.

That was until Aubrey's interest turned bonafide with the presentation of depth and logic. The depth presented itself over a period of time ~ a new appetite for reading and assimilating information and making it her own.

A breath of fresh air.

A maturation in her being began to form that wanted to take charge of what she was learning and why ~ a stepping up to the helm of the ship of education that did nothing short of bless me, cause me to beathe a sigh of relief, and secretly jump up and down in excitement.

While the box was void of white crisp sides, and bright blue logo lettering . . .it contained, nonetheless, a jewel of rare value. Desire. Hunger to learn. Hers.

We'll have a second box day soon, when the Core intended for Israel's independent study arrives. At that point, the tributary of learning will fork, and two minds, once travelling the same waters, will tumble and turn over rocks in a river of learning all their own.

Fifteen

Figuring out

How she fits in

To a world called 'adult'

'Being a grown up'

'Mature' and 'Responsible'

A Moment On Memory Lane

I hesitate to be the ever-loving relative that takes an innocent bystander on a browse through the family photo album, picture by picture, with running commentary on "Aunt Susie and her carbuncle" or "Uncle Festus when he won the bowling tournament with a monkey on his head . . ." Yet, if I promise to spare you THAT type of suffering, would you like to take a peek into the birthday festivities?? Hmmmm? It won't be painful, I promise! And, for my single readers out there, you *might* just discover that I've added a tidbit or two just for you! :) Ready?

Photo 1. This, my dear readers, is a picture of

a. The result of a public school edumacation in our lowly state, as evidenced by the grammatical skills of the [adult] cake decorator at large, who printed loverly birthday greetings upon Birthday Girl's birthday cake. and

b. Superstar Aubrey. Grinning. :)

Photo 2. Our friend, Doug, added a touch of flair to said such Birthday Girl's birthday cake. In lieu of candles, tiny umbrellas:

Photo 3. In light of our recent study of China, and the knowledge that they were the inventors of umbrellas, perfect!

Photo 4. Upon further discussion . . .

Photo 5. It was decided that an alternative location for said such candles . . .er, I mean umbrellas . . . was in order:

Photo 6. Hmmm. What have we here? What is she doing, so close to the fire?

Photo 7. OH! She's got firepower! All the better to set off fireworks with!
Photo 8. And run for cover!!
Photo 9. Hmm. Whom have we here? Lessee . . .Becca, Aubrey, and . . .and. . .John! :) Oh, my! He's cute. He's single. He's radically saved. Me thinks he's available . . .any takers??? :) I'll soon be sharing a bit about this great guy. Stay tuned for more. [Better yet, go gather your single girlfriends, and let them know we've got prospects!!]
Photo 10 and 11. No birthday is complete with out a life lesson of some sort. Here, Doug teaches John's dog, Chase, the finer points in body language. i.e. how to smile for the chicks. All in an effort to help John as he searches for the right girl, of course! :)

Photo 12. Chase, however, feels as tho he already has it figured out. He knows how to impress the gals, all on his own charm and personna:

I spare my readers the skip-bo game. The moment when Chase stole the loaf of bread from the counter top, and the ensuing chaos. The chaos at large in a group of 6 adults, two teens, one 4 year old, a one year old, and Keller St. John . . . egads! :)

Yep. It was a pretty special birthday celebration. Quite fitting for a brand new 15 year old.

:)