"April showers mama"

Root-Vue Farm Garden Laboratory

Did you know that the American badger is a pretty clever hunter? First, the badger hears it (a ground squirrel) then follows his nose to creep toward the opening of the squirrel's den. The badger has an important skill he uses as his next move. As he gets closer to the entrance, he circles around and finds some of the exit holes that the squirrel has created. The badger cleverly fills the escape routes with dirt or rocks and then moves to the entrance. In and instant the badger is plowing his way toward the squirrel with perhaps the most powerful hunting tool - its claws. - From Creation Illustrated, in nature, in scripture, in living Winter 2014 Vol. 20, No. 4 magazine.  To find out more about Creation Illustrated go here: http://www.creationillustrated.com

The badger is often referred to in literature for the creature's composure and wisdom. Isn't it interesting how unique everything is. From human, to animal, to bug, to plants, etc. It's all so intricate. The maker is amazing! The badger can dig three times faster than three humans with shovels! In less than a minute a badger can have a hole dug for hiding, big enough to turn around and face his attacker! Unless a badger is bitten on the nose, it seems to be immune to the snake's fatal poison, which still affects them but not like humans. This is the last I'll say about the badger, though it's really interesting … at least to me: This shield that the badger uses to resist the poison of the snake illustrates how we should use our own shield of faith to resist the venomous lies of the world. Romans 12:2 clearly states that we are not to be "conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - pretty great magazine, and I'm only on page eight. For a free issue go here: https://subscribe.pcspublink.com/sub/subscribeformtrial2.aspx?t=JWB203&p=CRTE

Flower press and scissor skills

Filling our spring garden.

Planting seeds.

Creed and I started our first crops of the season last week. As we rounded up winter's reading list, we've moved on to looking for books on spring. So far I saw one about the spring equinox, which explained many different ways different cultures celebrate spring with traditions and religion. At first I wasn't sure whether or not to read it to Creed, but there's no harm in diversity. I wanted to explain what spring means to us and furthermore what Easter means to us. As Creed was watering the few sprouts that popped above the soil he kept saying, "April showers mama." I found a root view system that we used to plant carrots and one mung bean. 

We're also experimenting with a leaf and flower press. I received one when I was young from my mother, a gift to use on my 4-H project about wildflowers. I found a brand new one at Goodwill for 99 cents. Now Creed has one to use along side mama. When the daisies started to droop from the Valentines bouquet from daddy, Creed carefully cut the ends off while I stacked them in the leaf and flower press. We also hung some upside down to see which one works the best. For more information on the Root-Vue Farm Garden Laboratory Kit: http://www.hearthsong.com/Fun-with-Education/Rootvue-Farm-Garden-Laboratory-Kit.htm?aff=10051&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=PLA&utm_source=Rootvue+Farm+Garden+Laboratory+Kit&gclid=CLnehO2b4bwCFUhp7AodBXAAWw

After trying several different toddler scissors, we've finally found one that's comfortable for Creed. The School Smart Loop Scissors are eight inches long and are connected by a loop. Designed for those with physical disabilities or coordination problems, it's perfect for the toddler with handle gripping difficulty. The easy loop handle makes cutting easy for little ones and the blade re-opens automatically. Adventure after adventure and experiment after experiment, we've been learning side-by-side.