Fall library books for wee ones

I absolutely never leave my day care kids out when I take a trip to the library... which is once a week.  I like to check out books for story time and keep a fresh mix.  I have come across several books (luckily) that teach and touch on Fall.  I have plans for crafts and coloring pages to go along with some of the books and even some magic pumpkin seeds!  Here's what we are reading over the next couple of weeks.

All of these were available at my local library.  I usually wait too late and all the good seasonal children's books are already checked out.  This year I was ready and have them for the next couple of weeks!

OH also I am trying to learn this song to teach to the kids.  I even bought a black plastic cauldron!

welcoming fall

Instead of allowing the fall/winter blues to set in this year I am trying something new.  A new point of view.  I began by verbally being thankful for summer, for the season and all it held for me... such as hot weather (which I adore so), our garden and all the canning I did, friends, family, just basically everything I was allowed to experience and hold dear during the season.  I am now thankful for the coming season and welcoming it as a break from some of my work and deeds that summer holds.  I am enjoying the sun coming up a little later (until the time changes).  I held this as sort of a ritual and plan on doing the same on the last official day of fall.  I think this will help my blues and maybe make them non-existent. Last night we had a friend over from Texas that I haven't seen in a long long time.  We laughed, talked, had supper and really enjoyed our time together which was awesome and a great way to spend the last day of summer... with a great person and sharing.

Also yesterday, to welcome fall at the day care, I printed out outlines of leaves on white card stock for myself and the kids to color.  I then cut out a circle from card board and glued the colored leaves on it making a fall wreath for our back door.  It turned out lovely.  The kids also colored pictures of a squirrel with an acorn and leaves that says "Autumn" to hang on the door.  

Welcoming the season ahead by acknowledging the blessings that the previous season held is giving me a bit of a different outlook on the colder months ahead.  Maybe I will allow myself to enjoy them a little more.

Had to involve refreshments of grape kool aid and chocolate animal crackers.

Me and Precious Sass!

By the way... we found a new home for sweet Gypsy.  I miss her so much but she now has a home on fifteen acres, with a horse, other dogs and most importantly a boy of eight which I know her soul needed.  It makes me sad and happy at the same time.  Her new owner has sent me a picture of her.  I feel they will love her.  I had a harder time with it than I thought I would.  This morning Kate seemed to really notice that her playmate wasn't there so I played frisbee with her in my robe outside for a bit even though I was short on time.  

Here's a little tune from one of my favorite movies Practical Magic.  Good for the season change.

yard sale training

a few more pictures from the flea market last weekend.  i love seeing what i missed in the pictures that i took.  not really.  but i do get ideas on what to look for at yard sales should i be in the market for something and want it cheap!  yard sale season is just around the corner!  and in case you were wondering, there are five seasons... winter, spring, yard sale, summer, fall.  take your pick on which is your favorite.  i tend to be a summer girl myself... accompanied by... yard sale.

now, a bit of yard sale training to get your eyes in gear in the form of "I Spy".

I spy a blue cross, a pink donut, two chinese beads, an orange frame and pears..

I know.. that was way to easy.

I Spy a duck decoy, five pumpkins, a Bambi book, a silver helmet,a mini rolling pin,
 an eagle and a wee black doll.

 Still pretty easy but I bet you had to focus.

 I spy a bronze statue, three gnomes, a set of china cups and saucers, a happy face,

a mortar and pestle, two blue ball jars and eight time pieces.

This is fun.

I spy, a jack daniels bottle, seven faces, four turkeys, a trophy, and a ladder.

 That one made me giggle.

I spy a tree and the number four, two ladders, a star wars sign, and iron kettle,

 valentines and a wooden foot stool.

Feel like you're spending way too much time on this blog?  Then you're not ready for yard sale season!  Keep going!  Just a couple more.  I am having way too much fun.  Combining two of my favorite things, 

I Spy and junk! 

I spy three parrots, driftwood, two humongous dough bowls, the competition, blue sky and 

nothing that you need.  Move on.

I spy a candy jar, a stove, a saucer, a big enamelware bowl I should have bought, a bicycle,
a cupcake pan and a scotty dog.

 Let me know if you can't find something.

I spy a hook, a chest, an odd statue, a trash can, three wooden boxes, a violin, 

four ladders, a basket and ten fans.

 I realize there are two additional fan bases.  Only a professional yard sale-r would have noticed that.

You are making me so proud right now.

Ok, last one.

 I spy zep, five grain sacks, four wagon wheels, a blue wire basket, a red enamelware bowl, a boat motor, a gas can, an oil can, three pumpkins, a stack of baskets, more bounce per ounce, and a six wheel wagon.

Tripped you up a little bit on the wheels.  Oh well... here's a bonus one.  Not many look at the costume jewelry so it's extra credit training.

I spy a horse, a ballerina, three butterflies, a gold bracelet, two pink roses, a pearl head and a golden basket.

Now, if you can still focus enough to see good go hit some yard sales!  You are officially tuned in!

Congrats and love from your little friend Laurie!

P.S. Happy Birthday tomorrow Kristen!!!!

Weekend Finds

Well folks... it looks like yard sale season is about to be in full bloom.  In case you didnt' know, yard sale season begins along with spring which is also a season and lasts well into the season called summer and if we are lucky it lasts through fall.  So really, there are only two seasons... yard sale season and not yard sale season.  Make sense?  Of course it does.

 

This past weekend, my sister Mary E. and I, hit some pretty decent sales.  It seemed like every sale we went to we bought something, except this one weird one that had a lot of rebuilt computers.  We sailed from Millersville to White House to Crossplains.  I didn't buy a ton of stuff, but enough to hush me up.  Here are a few of my finds.

This crate is metal and heavier than it looks. I had no idea until I brought it outside at the sale that it was blue.

I am stuck on little deer.  This is my second deer I have found. 

This is one of the prettiest quilts ever.  It's twin size, old, not stinky anymore and was five bucks.

I just love the color combinations and the floral fabrics they chose.

This is my new "tub o' herbs".  I can't wait to plant it in.  I needs a little work first though.