This is how we roll

Summer days - slippin' away.....

 

Summer days are so jam packed that it is no wonder they slip past in the blink of an eye.  Some days are so exhausting that we land in bed at extremely early times.  But other days....  Other days look like this.

 

The typical day starts with heading off to work, spreading library joy everywhere, then its home to change into track clothes.

 

 

On this slightly more rare day, we had approximately 35 minutes after track to stop home and grab a very quick bite to eat before changing into ball clothes and heading off to the diamonds.

 

 

Then back at home its time to take advantage of the absolutely perfect summer weather by playing in the yard. 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a second supper at 9:10pm because the first one was eaten with such speed you didn't have time to taste it. 

 

With bellies full, it is time to do THEE most important thing of all summer things. 

 

 

Catch lightning bugs. 

 

Or do you call them fireflies?

 

Before the sun fully sets, its off to bed to we can wake and start a brand new day. 

What a gem

I have loved the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes for quite some time. 

 

 

 In fact, I own just about every book that Bill Watterson has compiled.  There is just something about that boy, his cat and their adventures that draws me in no matter the subject.

 

 

In fact, one of these days my dear hubby may come home to find our shed graffiti-ed with those beloved characters. 

 

 

A few years back, I snapped a picture of a real life Calvin and Hobbes adventure about to happen right in my own home.  I could see the wheels churnin' and the mischief a brewin'.  But, as it so often happens, that picture lay dormant in my computer for years.

 

Until today.

 

 

And when I look at this picture now as I did when I took it, I knew the exact comic strip that would accompany it. 

 

 

 

 

Official Graduation

Bree's Preschool graduation - May 2013 - with a baby faced Jacob

 

First day of 3 year old preschool - September 2013

2013 - 2014 Graduation

3 year old class

 

2014 -2015 Graduation

4/5 year old class

 

 

 

2015-2016 Graduation

4/5 year old class

 

 

 

 

  

Up next in September:

Kindergarten!

Same Great Family

New Location!

 

 

The best

All the science foodies out there know this is going to be a great weekend!

 

 

Collection

Wow....  That's umm....  Yeah.... 

 

That's a lot of pop cans.

 

 

342 pounds to be exact. 

 

And that equals to more $$$ to spend at Disney. 

My Little Sister Ate One Hare

For years now, I have read the book "My Little Sister Ate One Hare" by Bill Grossman.  One line in the book says:

 

My little sister ate 4 shrews!

She ate their smelly socks and shoes.

 

Then immediately following that line, no matter the age or grade, I have to explain what a 'shrew' is - which is not all that easy to children who are not familiar with wildlife.  But now, with thanks to our cat, I have a picture of a real life shrew!

 

 

 

Isn't he cute?!?!

 

In case you have not been lucky enough to have a cat catch and bring you multiple shrews (or the same unfortunate shrew multiple times), here is the definition of a shrew:

 

A shrew or shrew mouse is a small mole-like mammal.  Although its external appearance is generally that of a long-nosed mouse, a shrew is not a rodent, as mice are. It is in fact a much closer relative of moles.

Never too young

Look at that determination.  Look at the speed. 

Look at those.... knife skills?

 

 

So yes we have technique to work on and when to use a cutting board, but hey.  He's in the kitchen helping away at age 6.  You're never to young to learn necessary life skills. 

Transformation

It started out a typical Sunday morning.

 

 

Lounging around and snacking on raspberries and blackberries. 

 

Snacking?  Or sneaking?  Or both. 

 

The afternoon was filled with Disney talk and dividing out trading pins. 

(Little Miss Sassypants showing off her bling.)

 

And then out of nowhere, our little miss sunshine faded.

 

She slept and slept and slept and woke with a 103.8 temperature. 

 

Drugs were pushed, cold bath was run, and snuggles were given.  But that temperature wasn't going to budge. 

 

She was miserable.  Momma was worried.  So it was off to the doctors where, in May, Holly was diagnosed with Influenza A. 

 

 

Highly contagious. 

 

Should really stay away from other children for a week. 

 

Basically - quarantine or so it felt.

 

But don't worry.  We had great quality time together.

 

 

Disclaimer:  No.  I did not make my sick child clean while she was home sick.  She chose to do that on her own.  I thought she was in the bathroom going potty but after a mysteriously long time I happened upon her doing this of her own accord.  I promise. 

Beauty Queen

Long dry winters and too many weekends swimming in hotel pools take their toll on our bodies and on our hair.  It's a good thing we have a beautician in the family to help out in such a hair crisis.  Everyone can use some pampering every now and then.  And to have the pampering done at home?  Score!

 

 

And it's an equally good thing we have a librarian in the family to help entertain said pampered person during said crisis.   

 

What I'm reading this week

I just started this book but I'm in love with it already. 

 

Or maybe I'm in love with its reminders.

 

Nobody's Cuter than You:

A memoir about the beauty of friendship

by Melanie Shankle

 

"This was the place where I built some of my earliest memories; long summer nights filled with fireflies and kick the can, Fourth of July block parties in the cul-de-sac, walks home from the bus stop after a long day of school, and rides up and down the block on my blue bike with the flowered banana seat while Catherine rode her Green Machine right next to me.

 

But more then that, it was the place where I first learned the joy of having a best girl friend who knows how to make you laugh and shares her favorite books and lets you sleep on the top bunk.  It was in those years when I got my first glimpse of what it means to have a confidante and a conspirator and the emptiness you feel when that person leaves your life."

 

I love everyone of my girl friends. 

 

I love that days, weeks, months, years can pass and when our paths cross, its like nothing has changed.  I love the notes that are left when one hasn't heard from the other in a while.  I love friendships without expectations or requirements.  I love that I can simply be me and be loved.

 

 From the earliest memories to the secret language of understanding to the unbearable heartbreaks and to the newest of friendships that blossom out of nowhere, these girls are a part of my everyday thoughts and, ultimately, my life. 

 

And I'm glad to call them mine. 

It has arrived

I'm not sure where or when it even started, but for well over a year now Bree has been fascinated with the sport of basketball.  She'll play at any neighbors how that will have her.  She'll beg to walk over to the church to play.  She even participated in a basketball camp this past winter. And, of course, whatever Bree is interested in, the other children follow suit. 

 

So as Easter approached and we were given money to spend on our children for the holiday, we thought it only fitting to purchase a basketball hoop for the family. 

 

After three weeks of waiting, the box finally arrived.  The best location was weighed out.  The hole was dug.  And now while we wait for the cement, I better go brush up on 'H.O.R.S.E.' rules.