BIOLOGY 101A: A Backyard Creek Ecosystem Full of Tadpoles

The perfect ecosystem! Mosquito larvae, tadpoles, snails, minnows, and algae.

One of the best science classrooms isn't inside a building—it's outdoors. During one of our regular walks to a nearby creek, we packed our nets hoping to find crawfish and turtles. Instead, we stumbled across something even more exciting: thousands of tiny tadpoles swimming through the shallow water. It turned into an unexpected biology lesson that none of us will ever forget.

On a hunch, we decided to take our nets and walk to the creek by our house. We had hoped to find some Crawfish and baby turtles like last time...

Texas Creek 

Instead, we were astounded to find THOUSANDS of tadpoles! JACKPOT!

Thousands of tadpoles

CLICK to ZOOM

A healthy Texas creek ecosystem.

Pride of Barbados plant we pass walking to the creek

About Pride of Barbados

Pride of Barbados is one of the most striking flowering shrubs you can grow in Texas. I had to look this up, so I can plant for myself. 

It is known for:

• Blooming from late spring through fall
• Thriving in full Texas sun and heat
• Being very drought tolerant once established
• Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
• Growing 5–8 feet tall (sometimes taller)

Winter behavior

For the Austin area, the plant typically:

• Dies back to the ground after a hard freeze.
• Returns from the roots each spring.
• Grows rapidly once warm weather arrives.

That's one reason it's so popular in Central Texas landscapes.

Growing tips

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering.
• Avoid overwatering once established.
• Prune dead stems in late winter or early spring after frost danger has passed.
• It performs well in hot, dry Texas summers.

• Pride of Barbados: One of the Best Heat-Tolerant Flowers for Texas
• Why Pride of Barbados Is a Hummingbird Magnet
• The Best Drought-Tolerant Flowering Shrubs for Central Texas

A Tiny Creek Full of Life

Healthy creeks are home to an amazing variety of living things. Tadpoles, minnows, snails, aquatic insects, algae, and mosquito larvae all play an important role in the ecosystem. As frogs mature, they help control insect populations, while the smaller creatures provide food for fish, birds, turtles, and other wildlife.

Moments like these remind me that children don't always need expensive science equipment to learn about nature. Sometimes all it takes is a creek, a net, and the curiosity to look a little closer.

BIOLOGY 101: Learning About Mosquitoes Through Backyard Science

Capturing a frog 

He managed to pee on Pamela's foot!

Some of the best science lessons happen unexpectedly. After a rainy morning, we discovered a toad sitting inside one of my empty flower planters, along with dozens of tiny creatures swimming in the standing water. At first we hoped they were tadpoles—but a closer look revealed something just as fascinating: mosquito larvae in several different stages of development. What started as a simple backyard discovery quickly turned into an unforgettable homeschool biology lesson.

This morning we turned our backyard into a lab. Pamela found a toad inside one of my vacant planters -- it was full of rain water. We got excited when we saw tadpoles swimming around.

Click to zoom - larvae we had collected.

Upon further inspection, we were disappointed when we realized those swimming little things were MOSQUITO LARVAE. After collecting the specimen's and transferring them to a jar, we started to get excited. We were able to spot several larvae in numerous stages of development.

I guess we had interrupted the Toad's LUNCH.

Here's some interesting facts:

ONLY a female mosquito bites (Only female mosquitoes bite because they need the protein from blood to produce eggs. Male mosquitoes feed only on nectar and other plant sugars) She lands on your skin, sticks her proboscis into you, and then sucks your blood into her abdomen. Her saliva contains proteins that prevent your blood from clotting and leave behind an itchy bump (that's always nice to know.)

Mosquitoes rely on sugar as their main source of energy. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, fruit juices and liquids that ooze from plants. The sugar is burned as fuel for flight and is replenished on a daily basis.

SO, the next time you're stung, be aware that your blood is being used for EGG PRODUCTION.

If you're planning to visit any Texas State Parks --- make a point of going inside the office. Some of these parks offer really cool educational books! (Not to mention, free Texas road maps!)

At Brazo's Bend State Park, we picked up a couple of books on identifying native insects, and Texas fishes. These books were a BARGAIN at $2.99 a book! On hindsight, I wish I had picked up a couple extra books for some friends and family. Some parks also offer free worksheets for kids and coloring books. If you're a homeschooler in Texas, a Texas State Park pass is a great way to take advantage of FIELD TRIPS.

There are many excellent videos online today showing the mosquito life cycle if you'd like to watch the complete transformation from larva to adult.

Nature Makes the Best Classroom

One of the things I love about homeschooling is that science isn't limited to textbooks. A flowerpot, a nearby creek, or even a puddle of rainwater can become an outdoor classroom full of discoveries.

Watching insects and amphibians in their natural environment helped us better understand food chains, life cycles, and the important role each creature plays in the ecosystem. Even something as annoying as a mosquito becomes fascinating when you watch its transformation from larva to adult.

These simple backyard adventures became some of our favorite science lessons—and they didn't cost a penny.

Brazos Bend State Park

BAD Squirrel: The Real Reasons My Tomatoes Disappeared

Mystery of the acorns

Every gardener has a mystery to solve at some point. Missing tomatoes, disappearing flowers, half-eaten cucumbers—it all leaves you wondering what visited the garden overnight. For weeks I blamed the robins, until one morning I finally caught the real culprit in the act. Case closed!

Well, we've been blaming it on the Robin's...

But this morning we caught him in the act!

Bell Peppers

Squirrel hiding in my garden

On the upper left corner of this picture you can see who's been munching on our veggies!

I've been scratching my head over the missing flower blooms, cucumbers, and baby tomatoes...
Thank goodness he doesn't like hot peppers and Bell peppers! We've been finding ACORNS in our yard. We don't have an acorn tree.

What I've Learned About Garden Squirrels

Squirrels may look cute, but they can become surprisingly determined garden visitors. They're known for digging up newly planted seeds, sampling tomatoes before they're ripe, nibbling on vegetables, and burying acorns in flower beds and containers.

Over the years I've found that the best approach is a combination of patience and prevention. Harvesting vegetables promptly, using garden netting when necessary, and providing wildlife with their own food sources can sometimes reduce the damage. Even then, most gardeners eventually discover that sharing the yard with squirrels comes with a few amusing stories.

As for the old saying that squirrels gathering large numbers of acorns predicts a harsh winter, it's a fun piece of folklore that's been passed down for generations. While squirrels naturally store food for the colder months each year, scientists generally don't consider acorn collecting to be a reliable way to forecast winter weather. Still, it's one of those traditions that makes autumn a little more interesting.

WANTED Dead or Alive: How to Stop Squirrels from Digging in Your Garden

It brought to mind some things I've been reading on the web --- LARGE amounts of acorns, nuts, etc., is a sign of a SEVERE WINTER to come.

The Farmer's Almanac predicts a ROUGH WINTER this year...

I'm going to HOPE for a GOLDILOCKS winter...

This summer it was too hot, and I hope this winter isn't too cold!

ANOTHER PERFECT DAY: The Day I Wore Two Different Shoes (And It Changed My Perspective)

Waking up to a gorgeous sky

Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones we remember for years.

This simple story about accidentally wearing two different shoes has stayed with me far longer than I ever expected. In fact, I've reflected on this experience more than once in my books because it reminds me how quickly our perspective can change when we choose laughter over embarrassment.

This morning I woke up to this gorgeous sky and thought about my shoes.

Last year, I woke up frantic! My family was flying to Vegas in the morning and Pamela and I were sick! The doctor's office agreed to squeeze us in -- if we could be there in 20 min.

Quickly changing our clothes, we dashed out the door and rushed to the office. We glumly pulled into the parking lot. Ooooh what poor timing ---- it's too late to reschedule our flights!

With a heavy heart I glanced down as we walked towards the door. My eye's widened as I noticed my feet.

"Oh NO!" I gushed.

"What is it?!" Pamela replied.

"My SHOES!" I covered my mouth. "They don't match!"

We both stopped and stared at my shoes.

For a moment I considered turning around and heading back home. We can squeeze you in if you can be here in 20 minutes - the nurse's voice echoed.

Pamela laughed. It was the first time I saw a spark in her eyes since we both became sick.

I shrugged. "Maybe nobody will notice?"

Pamela giggled.

We walked into the doctor's office with our SECRET.

I stood at the nurse's window and signed my name. Pamela hid her smile and took a seat nearby. I looked around the waiting room and counted two other ladies -- both engrossed in magazines. I sat down and tucked my feet under my chair. Pamela's eyes danced and she tugged at my arm.

A nurse appeared at the door and called our name. She checked our weight and marked something into her files. Was she looking at my feet?

We were pointed to a room to wait for the doctor. Pamela sat on the examining table and I grabbed a chair.

I tucked my feet under my chair.

We both giggled.

The doctor arrived. She asked us questions and tested us for strep. She momentarily left the office.

Pamela and I shared a smile.

The doctor reappeared and reassured us to go ahead and make that trip! We followed her out of the office.

We headed for the car with a bounce to our step.

That day my shoes were PERFECT!

Funny how the things we worry about most often become the stories we laugh about for years afterward. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine... Proverbs 17:22

Looking Back

At the time, wearing mismatched shoes felt like a disaster.

Today, I can't help but smile every time I think about it.

The shoes didn't matter.

Nobody noticed.

What mattered was that, for just a few minutes, two people who weren't feeling well found something to laugh about.

Sometimes life has a funny way of reminding us that our greatest worries aren't nearly as important as we imagine. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

Those mismatched shoes have become one of my favorite memories—not because they were perfect, but because they weren't.

This little story stayed with me over the years and eventually found its way into two of my books because the lesson behind it never left me.

• I Closed My Eyes and Went Anyway
• Pyramids and the Promised Land

ROAD TRIP: Palmetto Texas State Park, Zedler Mill, Gonzales & Lockhart Barbecue

One of the things I love most about Texas road trips is that the unexpected stops often become the highlights of the day. What began as a visit to Palmetto State Park turned into an adventure filled with historic sites, a ghost town, pioneer history, beautiful spring-fed rivers, wildlife, and some of the best barbecue in Texas. If you're planning a trip through this part of Central Texas, these destinations are well worth adding to your itinerary.

This itinerary makes an excellent weekend road trip from Austin, combining history, nature, small-town Texas charm, and unforgettable barbecue—all within a relatively short drive.

Stops on Our Road Trip

• Historic Zedler Mill (Luling)
• Palmetto State Park
• Ottine Ghost Town
• Gonzales Pioneer Museum
• Black's Barbecue in Lockhart
• Lockhart State Park

We left this morning for Palmetto State park and stopped along the way. We actually missed our turn while in Luling Texas, and happened upon the 1800 Zedler Mill and Gin.

Zedler Mill and Gin

The San Marcos river runs through and as always -- BREATHTAKINGLY blue. Due to underground springs, the water's always crystal clear.

San Marcos River 

Our map said that Palmetto state park is located in Gonzales Texas, but we passed through Ottine. Upon investigation, we discovered that Ottine is a small ghost town. Ottine is known for the infamous swamp monster that's been roaming/reported in the area for more than 300 years. I wanted to ask the park ranger about that, but we had a crowd in her office and her phone kept ringing. There was a sign in the office about this creature. I don't know if I believe in such a thing, but I WILL say that my family being stalked by SOMETHING at Guadalupe State Park, takes away SOME of my skepticism. (Click my Texas Park's link and scroll down to bottom for story.)

Palmetto State Park 

Palmetto Plants

Snakes at Palmetto State Park 

Palmetto is a swampy tropical oasis, brimming with wildlife. We spotted wild turkey, and lots of animal tracks. We forgot to look, but the area has mud boils.

Turk's Cap plant (I think) 

animal tracks 

Fishing Pier Palmetto State Park 

Pamela caught her cat.

Ducks at Palmetto State Park 

Gonzales Texas, Pioneer Farms 

Since we were near the town Gonzales, we decided to visit THEIR pioneer farms.

Pioneer Village Gonzales Texas 

old pioneer bathtub 

150+ year old church at Gonzales Texas

vintage clothes at Pioneer village 

old toys at Pioneer village 

old wood stove Pioneer Village Texas

old vintage white stove

country hutch

Cabin Pioneer Village 

grinding cornmeal at Pioneer Village

hands-on corn grinder 

We got to grind some cornmeal.

very old pitchfork 

Wooden pitchfork.

rustic fireplace at cabin 

We thought it would be a shame to pass through the BBQ Capital of Texas (Lockhart) without eating barbecue, so we decided to eat at the historic -- Blacks Barbecue.

Blacks Barbecue - Lockhart Texas 

Wow! I must say, their brisket was juicy and melted like butter. Some of the best I ever had!

Barbecue sandwich at Blacks Barbecue

Kent, (the 3rd generation) owner of the Blacks barbecue stopped by to warmly say hello. I asked him if it was true that the OTHER BBQ joints in town were relatives and he said, NO. (The Internet said that Black's descendants had opened up their own barbecue businesses.)

While in Lockhart, we decided to check out the state park there as well.

Lockhart State Park 

Nice park, but small. It has camping, fishing, swimming pool and golf course. While walking the creek trail I got excited when I spotted an egg in the bushes. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a golf ball! Figures!

Exploring Creek at Lockhart State Park 

Well, I'm tired. It's been a busy busy week. I've had enough of mosquitoes, 100+ temps, stinging horseflies, and sweat. I can't believe it, but I'm actually looking forward to WINTER. We're already looking at our roadmaps and trying to decide where we'll camp next --- hopefully in October. September, we have a wedding, and a whirlwind of activities. Till then!

Brazos Bend State Park: Best Family Adventure and Ice Cream in Brenham Texas

WEDDING DAY: Rustic Wedding with Handmade Dresses at Pioneer Farms