Sadly my holiday vacation is almost over. Today, we spent the day reading, relaxing and enjoying time with each other. We even played family baseball in the snow. Okay...so it wasn't quite in the snow. But we did get some flurries while we were playing. As of January first, we have also started a family "contest". It is for Christie, Jake, Caleigh, and I. Every person that reads 52 books this year gets a $25 gift card to the book store of their choice come the first of next year. There is also a prize for the individual that reads the most books, and another prize for the individual that reads the most pages throughout the year. The books have to be at the reading level of each individual. I am sure that the kids will win these prizes, but that is perfectly fine with me. I must admit that Christie and I will try to give them a run for their money. I am trying to get the kids to read some of my books (they could handle it), but they claim they are "boring". The Bible also counts for everyone, but mainly for the count of pages read. We will see how it goes, but in just a few days I can tell you that the tv and the video games have taken a back seat to books. I am SO HAPPY!!! Yes, it is still early, but we will see how it goes and I will keep you updated.
Also today Caleigh and I saw a Black-billed Magpie on our back deck. It was about 5 feet from the back door. It was about 2 feet long and an amazing bird. As I was just going out to check the weather, I did not have my camera in hand, but here is an internet picture of what they look like:
And their specs:
- Size: 45-60 cm (18-24 in)
- Wingspan: 56-61 cm (22-24 in)
- Weight: 145-210 g (5.12-7.41 ounces)
- Large black-and-white songbird.
- Long black tail.
- Black head and chest.
- White belly and shoulder.
- White patches in wings.
- Glossy iridescence on wings and tail.
- Tail feathers longest in center, tapering outward.
- Legs black.
- Bill stout and black.
- Eyes black.
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