Red Eyed Jack and Goblin in the Notch part 2

The adventure has continued...

The mailbox has been full with notes and pieces of the scavenger hunt.

First was a mailing that you see below with a note, 'money', and a map!

Shortly after was a note about a mysterious jade statue in Werewolf Woods.

Then today was a letter about RED EYED JACK.

As a family, we trekked out to look for Red Eyed Jack.  I even slid down to the creek to walk to Werewolf Woods!

First, we looked at one downed tree at the top of the ravine...this proved to not show anything.  I felt that it was probably the wrong tree (and I was right)!   The kids insisted on heading down the ravine and and down the creek.  A slippery muddy wet mess but full of giggles and memories.  Thank goodness for technology...mom (me) was alerted to return to the down tree.  Noises filled the woods as we returned to the down tree.   

With a bit of effort, back up the ravine we went.  We were greeted by Mr. S.

Time with Mr. S meant finding the correct tree...in the tree was a skull of Red Eyed Jack!  It was clear when we re-looked at the note!  The map matched the location very well.  That is one smart Goblin in the Notch!  No pictures of the finding of the skull since my phone was at 1%.

Here is today's prized treasure.

The adventure continued with fairy garden tours, sculpture sharing, and mysterious stories of 1906 trips to the moon (ie HG Wells).

The children were so intrigued.  I hope that they have fond memories of the real life scavenger hunt for years to come.

Everyone needs a neighbor like Mr. S to add some mystery and fun to summer.

The Goblin in the NOTCH!

When we chose our home 4 years ago, my husband and I picked it for the four bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, the acreage/yard, an out building with potential, and the price.

It was a scary decision, but it has paid off!  I love my street and neighborhood.  Covid has allowed us to meet so many people on the street.  Each has a story...each has history...many have lived here for generations.  

I love talking to the people that we meet.  As we walk at different times of the day, we meet different people.  At lunch time, is the kind gentle sitting on the porch reading.  In the evening is another gentleman and his beagle dog.  I have found that we attend church with others and some are my students.  

At the end of last summer, we befriended a kind gentleman...larger than life with his personality, voice, and size...a gentle giant of sorts.   He has given my children creek access on his property...he lets the kids use his swing in his yard...this week is a new adventure...the GOBLIN IN THE NOTCH!

My kids watch hours (more than I wish to admit) of youtube at times.  They love mysteries and unboxing videos.  People on scavenger hunts or doing a challenge.  

Recently, I got a facebook message that said "Hi, It's JS (name kept anonymous) from up the road. I have a mystery I am sending your kids. A Map, old money and a gift from the Goblin that lives in the creek. I hope this is OK. Not scary but fun. If this is an issue I understand but ________ Road has always had a spooky resident - Mrs. M - now me. I think you'll enjoy it too."

Today part one arrived - as it was about to rain - I got permission to open part 1!  I am so excited for this adventure and am worse than a child at Christmas waiting for the mail :)

These are ALL hand painted...my children quickly found places of honor for each of their treasures...

WANT TO KNOW WHAT WAS IN THE BOX...I HAD TO WAIT ALL DAY!

These were hand painted - my pictures do NOT show the details...

KEEP SCROLLING

TJ's goblin

Cadia's

Ben's blurry

Ben's a bit dark

Lucas' 

Bella with a funny sort of scary goblin face!

More is coming...watch for The Goblin in the NOTCH part 2 soon ;)

506 kids not 6

 People often are surprised to hear/see or realize that I have six children.  I never know how to respond or answer the comment.  There are many ideas and suggestions, but my answer is always - YES they are all mine.  There are actual 6 when we are missing any of them for whatever the reason.

Sometimes, I reply with the idea that I have 506 children NOT 6.

Being a teacher, means that I get to celebrate baseball wins, see seniors graduate, watch former students start their next chapter of life.  The downside is the gut wrenching feelings when I have to mourn the loss of a student or a close member of a student's family or a fellow educator.  These times are rare, but more frequent than I would like.

This week was such a week.  Tuesday (my son's sixth birthday) there was word of a fire on a local street.  I brushed it off as I got ready for a small gathering.  Then I stopped at Dollar General for cups for the gathering and the reality came at me full force.  

The report is double murder (children were 13 and 10) - suicide - arson.  One is a tragedy...two is a nightmare...all three is unfathomable.

Wednesday night brought a memorial service...tough decision to go...even tougher decision to lead the candlelight vigil unscripted.  

I struggled with what was I supposed to do...how to make a difference...what to say or do.

This morning was even more challenging as we went to Mass at our local parish church (where the family were members) not our usual church.  I needed to hear Father's words...I needed to cry and mourn the loss of my kids.

Our community is shaken...there are no words or solutions...but time will heal...until then I re-watch a recent video made by the little boy.  I look at his STEAM memory "sway" which is like a power point of his favorite STEAM activities over the past four years.  I see even more value in a simple project.  

Here is one slide of his power point - showing his baseball stadium at the top created out of cardboard.  His invention was for higher fences for greater safety!

Pray for the family and our community!

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Here are a few happy fourth of July STEAM option - check out this fun science experiment!  We might try it later today!

Underwater Fireworks

Learn about fireworks from Wonderopolis too :)

How Fireworks are Made

I will try to provide some periodic STEAM ideas! 

Enjoy your holiday...hugs your "kids"...cultivate your relationships...stay connected...celebrate every day :)