Quietly Entering Spring

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens

That is exactly how the first day of spring arrived here. It was warm but the clouds were low and heavy with rain. I think we'll be sleeping through a spring storm tonight.

The spring fairies seem to be waking slowly from their winter slumber.

That's fine with me. I like spring in small, bright bursts of rainbow-colored flowers and God-green leaves.

Let the winter slowly fade away as the earth arises to the spring. This way the rejuvination of the season will last longer so that I can be repeatedly reminded that, though winter may bring darkness and death, spring will always brings new life and light.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

"Then he nibbled a little hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out,and...
he was a beautiful butterfly!"
-Eric Carle

We love it when the caterpillars come out. The kids like to pick them off of branches and let them crawl on the back of their hands. Most of the caterpillars get set down gently to go on with their pre-chrysalis fattening process. But we keep a couple of nice big ones to watch. We get jars and fill them with tender leaves and vines to climb on. We feed them more daily and wait for the day when we go to the jar and find the chrysalis. We keep the jars close for the next couple of weeks so that when the little fellow starts to wiggle out of his shell we can open the lid and watch the butterfly/moth fly out when he's ready. It's exciting every time. No matter how many times I've seen a new creature fly out of the mouth of the jar I'm awed. It's such a wondrous process. I love that my kids get to see it from beginning to end. It's one of those things that draws you into childhood and makes everything else in the world go away as you focus on this one special moment. And it all starts with a very hungry caterpillar.

Spring Break

"It's spring fever! That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! -- Mark Twain

It is. It's a fever the makes us all a little wild for the outdoors. The warm air blows in and the children's feet start twitching. They can't sit still. They stare longingly out windows and hear only a Charlie Brown "wah-wah-wah" coming from their teachers. So we give them Spring Break. A time to stretch their legs and pick flowers. A time to lay about lazily and run circles around the house.

Today begins Spring Break for us. Bring on the week of rest. We all felt the freedom as soon as we drove away from the school today. So we went out for ice cream to celebrate.

The Arrival of Spring

Happy Spring Day to you all! Flowers, birds, and bees have arrived. The Daffodils are blooming and the garden is being planted. Sundresses were pulled from attic bins and are wishing to be worn. Flip flops hit the pavement that is drawn bright with chalk. And a bubble or two escaped a wand after lunch. Lovely is the spring. A welcome warmth to our spirits.

Barefoot Spring

Walking barefoot on wet soil, sand between toes;

seeing dragons in the clouds;

discovering pastel petals hidden in the grass and

catching leftover raindrops that fall from wind shaken trees;

spotting rainbows and wondering of pots of gold;

making the mischief of all good sprites,

drawing birds and chasing butterflies;

These are the pastimes of spring loving children

And adults who aren't averse to sitting in the rain.

Spring Preview

Dear Husband,

You'll have to forgive me if nothing gets done this week. If the crumbs remain under the dining table and the laundry flows from the hamper you'll just have to look past it.

You see, the spring fairies have become eager to show us their handiwork. They are delighting us this week with a preview. So the children and I will be outside watching the butterflies dance among the daffodils and listening to the birds catch up on their gossip.

So know that I am not neglecting my work. I'm simply thawing winter skin.

Try not to be jealous. Take heart in the fact that your home will be a little bit happier as we will all be drunk on sunshine.

with much love,
Your Wife