NEXT, PLEASE!

Now that we have conquered the office/schoolroom it is time to move on to another room in the house. I can't take the clutter, dirt & disorganization any longer. In order to enjoy my summer & stay somewhat sane when school starts again I must get this done. I let Sweet Pea choose the room. The Family Room was her choice & so the work began!

First we cleared off all the shelves on this side of the room.

Little by little.......

Then we started moving the shelves away from the wall in order to retrieve all those pesky things that like to hide underneath.

Yep, there was a lot!

Smile!

We moved the other 2 shelves.

Lo and behold, more junk!

Busy bees.

Princess needed a rest.  She saw the cleared shelves as the perfect bed.  Zzzzzzzzz...........

Who needs expensive bunk beds, right?

Snug as a bug in her new perch.

More pics to come!

Rescue Hero

Elvis was a hero today! He was outside playing & saw our cat Sassy was playing with something. He got closer & saw it was a baby chickadee! He scared our cat away & then scooped up the poor, frightened bird. He then put it in his sweatshirt & brought it inside to show me.

Elvis made a little, soft pouch for his baby chickadee.

Scared but still alive!

Later they set it free & it hopped and flew off.
I am very proud of him! He is such a gentle soul.

It Only Takes A Spark

‎"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books"
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I put this photo & quote on my Facebook page. I thought it was worth posting again here. I bought a book last week for Elvis at the Christian bookstore. I have been trying to find some fiction chapter books at his grade level that he would enjoy. It's been tough. I'm not a huge fan of much of the current so-called "literature". But I found this book & decided to give it a try. It's recommended reading level is pre-teen, (10-12?) and above but Elvis is doing fine with it. I can't tell you how thrilled I was when he crept into my room early Tuesday morning seeking a quiet place to read. He had started the night before & couldn't wait to continue. He has been devouring it ever since. I need to get myself back to the bookstore and pick up the next in the series!

SOCCER!

This Saturday of soccer was extra special because Grannie & Grandpa were visiting. They haven't seen the kids play in 3 years. What a thrill to have them watching & cheering!

Awwww........

Can't you feel the love?

The expression on Princess' face cracks me up too.

Birthday Balloons

Elvis' birthday fell on a camp day this year. He was excited to spend the day at one of his favorite places & let everyone know it was his special day. When we went to pick him up at the end of the day I brought these balloons to surprise him with. He was grinning from ear to ear! It made him feel special to be celebrated in front of everyone. To top it off as we were walking to our van friends of ours stopped and sang 'Happy Birthday' to him at the top of their lungs. What great friends!

Cicadas

These ugly, fascinating, creepy buggers have invaded our city. Their noise is so loud most days that you have to yell to be heard outside. My son, Elvis is fascinated with them. He has spent many hours studying & examining them. They have been a great lesson in science & entomology. That being said I am counting the days until they die off & hibernate for another 13 years.

More Snow Fun

Elvis was able to get outside for about 15 minutes or so yesterday. He didn't want to miss the snow. After that he was tuckered out & ready to get back to his cozy blanket & couch. I love watching him play & explore outside.

Snow angel

Snow makes me smile, Mama.

He lured Daddy outside & then ambushed him. HA! HA! HA!

He was very happy with his success! =0)

Sky snuck outside. He wasn't quite sure about the snow.

A few more of Princess.

She is definitely an outdoorsy girl.