monumental milestone

In the Clothesline household getting your very own library card is a HUGE deal. My big kid got her own library card a couple of years ago and now my little kid finally has hers. Going to the library is a special part of our weekly routine. We've been going nearly every week since the girls were infants. So when the time comes to get a library card it is very exciting. I'm excited, they're excited, the librarians are excited. The writing practice involved is taken very seriously. We have a long last name, eleven letters, so practicing spelling it correctly without any help and writing it very tiny so it will fit on the back of the card is key. When the big day finally arrived we got to the library when it opened, got our papers to fill out and got the card signed. Yippee! Another special thing we do is purchase the new card holder their very own library bag. Remember when the big kid got hers? Pretty exciting stuff! Well, I know you want to see the newest card holder, right?

Here she is with our most favorite librarian. Mrs. L is so awesome that she even came to our house to teach me to knit one day. Like I said, awesome. Happy with card in hand and new purple library bag, she could hardly wait to fill it up. Do you notice anything wrong with the picture? (besides the non-matching ensemble my girl is wearing) Yeah, even holding up the straps of her new bag, it drags the ground. When my big girl got her bag they had drawstring backpacks. Not anymore. Only tote bags now and they are made of the material like reusable shopping bags. Great for the fact that they are made of recycled material, but not great in the sturdy department. Throw in a half dozen books and a couple of dvd's, add to that the fact that it's too long to keep off the ground and the probability that there will be a hole punctured through the corner before we get home goes through the roof.
Hmmm, I feel a makeover tutorial coming on. Do come back soon.

halloween

This year the girls decided on their costume choices long before I could sway their decision. E chose to be a cowgirl and O chose to be an indian. The Friday before Halloween our library hosted the annual costume parade. We met our friends there and paraded through the library. It was a short burst of fun on a busy day and all of the costumes were adorable. Our favorite librarian couldn't resist a photo with the girls.

Then on Halloween, my in-laws church had a trunk-or-treat event. We saw many wonderful costumes and decorated cars. My personal favorite was the Pirates of the Carribean car. Seriously, how cool is that? We invited our friends to join in the fun. They all got tons of candy, had a great time on the hay ride, and enjoyed each other's company. The weather was nice and warm...until the sun went down.

It's amazing to me how much fun my girls have dressing up. They dress up all the time...but I guess throwing some candy into the mix really kicks it up a notch! happy tuesday xoANG

old germs, new books

Hey there! We're still alive and kickin' here at the Clothesline. Tim is on the mend and for now the girls and I are still healthy. It's amazing that the old germs from Tim didn't spread and multiply in our house. Lots of prayer and Lysol and hand sanitizer...a miracle, really. It's been a long, hard, tiring week and I wasn't even the one who was sick. Tim hasn't had as much as a cold in over a year so to be out of commission for a whole week is bizarre and stressful. Add on top of that 3-4 days of cold, cloudy, rainy flood conditions and you've got some serious cabin fever.

(flip-flop clad girls trying to feed the cat some grass through the screen, happy laundry, seriously white leg with fall leaves and blooming lavender)

Thankfully we've had our air purifier going the whole time. It helps, it really does. Also, Friday afternoon, all day yesterday, and all day today we have had some warm sunshine. Oh man, there's nothing like fresh air and warmer temperatures to make everyone feel a little better.
So, now on to some new books. New from the library, that is. Let me just say that reserving books online and being able to just walk in and pick them up without having to search the entire library for them is soooooo great! Keep in mind the "if you think I'm weird, just say so" posts when you see my selections. First up, crochet and knitting books. I'm feeling a little more confident in my crocheting now...probably because I feel so inept at knitting, but whatever. I am enjoying knitting a lot but I am still so new at it that I really don't have any skills to speak of yet. That doesn't stop me from looking at projects and patterns though. One day I'll be able to create something wearable (besides a scarf or hat) out of some scrumptious yarn.

Next up...some bee keeping books. Remember when we got to meet a beekeeper a while back? Well, we'd been interested in the idea of having our own honey for a while and talking to an actual bee keeper with tons of experience just fanned that flame. Don't get me wrong, I still don't like bees around me, but I think I'll get over it eventually. After all, I have grown. I don't scream like a girl and run anymore when they fly around me...I just move quickly and quietly. Tim will be the one in the suit smoking out the bees anyway. I'll just be a helper. One day, when we have some land, or at least don't live in the city, we'll have a hive or two. So to be prepared I thought I'd read up on all the details. I like to have a game plan so when the time is right the decision making will be easier and based on well researched knowledge. I know, weird.

Last but not least, some animal books. There is so much that I need to know before I actually own chickens or goats. So to prepare myself for that undertaking (which I know is off in the future..but still) I found these great books. Since I took this picture I have gotten a few more books...one about raising dairy goats and one on building different types of animal housing. What? Animals need housing and if there isn't a barn or something then why not already have the knowledge to building something? Go ahead...just say it....weird.

Anyway, there are so many choices when it comes to goats and chickens. Who knew? Okay, lots of people probably, but now I know, too. Let me just say, there are some pretty chickens out there but the pretty ones aren't always the best layers...which is what we want. The girls have been enjoying looking at all the chickens and choosing their favorites. There are also some adorable ducks in there, too. Maybe if we have a pond one day. We've decided that there's really no need for an ostrich though, but the eggs are huge! Yes, we had fun with the poultry book. Goats, that's another story. There are several types that are good milkers, but a calm, friendly type would be perfect. The book about raising dairy goats is really much more helpful with that decision.

What can I say, I like to be informed and prepared. So what if it makes me a little weird. Okay, a lot weird. But when you've got days and days of rain it's nice to have books to look through and build dreams upon.

How about you? Any big dreams out there? Happy, healthy Sunday! xo ANG

library love

Okay, you know me. You know that I love our local public library. You also know that we have the best librarians ever. On many occasions I have shared these things with you, but most of the time the joy of a great find or activity is about my children. Well, this time I found some really great things for me and I just couldn't keep it to myself. First, these great books...both on the "new" books shelf.

The embroidery book was in the children's section. What? It's still for me. Okay, so maybe I'll get started teaching my girls some yarn crafts. It's chocked full of great ideas. This book is so great. It's got a section devoted to all supplies needed, a section for the different stitches that are used in the book (with great illustrations, by the way), and a ton of great ideas. Here are a few ideas that I just love....yep, I'm thinking Christmas gifts.

Now, Eco Craft, published by Lark Books--great stuff there, really caught my eye. I love the idea of creating things-useful things-unique things-beautiful things with stuff I already have or can acquire by thrifting. Oh man, this book has some great ideas. Each project has a list of the tools needed and great directions. Here are a few that I just need to tackle. Really. Seriously.

Great stuff, right? So, got any bamboo lying around? How about an old suitcase with lots of character?
I also found a great cd at the library, quite by accident. Funny story really. Wanna hear it? Oh good. (humor me okay?) So recently our library, in order to keep undesirable people from loitering out front, has removed all of the outdoor benches and installed some outdoor speakers which play loud music. What kind?..you ask. Well, jazz, opera, classical. The stuff that drives people away, I guess. It's working, there hasn't been anyone creepy hanging out in front of the library. However, the music makes me want to grab a cup of coffee and a friend and sit and chat. Seriously, it's very coffee house-ish. So each time we go the girls and I absolutely love the music playing so we try to find something in the same genre (I just love that word-genre)that we can enjoy at home. Well, last week it was jazz, something trumpet-y so I found some Wyton Marsalis. The cd was called Classic Wynton --which I like an idiot thought would be some of his earlier work, ya know classic jazz stuff. Boy, was I wrong...in a wonderfully delightful way. When we got home I put the cd in and expected some great jazz music, but I didn't. It is Wyton Marsails playing his trumpet alright, but he was playing some great classical music. It is a great cd. The girls have their favorites already...the faster ones are good for dancing. Have you been to the library lately? It's got some great stuff. Oh, don't forget to enter my Ecostore USA giveaway!

my first swap, school, and a stack of books

I have always been intrigued by the idea of a swap. There are a lot of swaps in the blogging community. There are apron swaps, book swaps, craft swaps...well, you get the idea. Well, Adrienne at Some of a Kind decided to host a Thankful Things Swap. I just couldn't resist...I tried, but it didn't work. The purpose behind this swap is to gather some tangible things that I am thankful for and mail them to my swap partner, and she'll do the same thing. Exciting! I know! There is a little more time left before the deadline and my stash is nearly gathered and ready to mail...but I received the swap box from my partner already! Yippee! Oh, there were so many things crammed in the box like...an oven mitt stuffed with recipes that I can't wait to try, a journal, some book beads, fuzzy, warm socks, a stash of fabric, beads, and ribbon, a pumice brush for beautiful feet, birthday party coasters, clever and cute recycled envelopes made from magazines, a beauty of a bird ornament, and a couple of pinwheels which the girls quickly claimed! Oh, Thank you Emily! I am enjoying ALL of thankful things! I assure you, you're swap box will be in the mail very soon!


Now for the school stuff. The girls have been doing very well with their school work. Miss O is a hard worker. She's like a sponge I tell you...always reading, remembering just about all of the details, and sharing what she has learned with anyone who will listen. Oh, I love her sweet spirit. Now, Miss E is still 3 years old but is eager to do school work, too. I've been finding great preschool things for her to do...like working on opposites, counting, letters, using lacing cards...but there's one thing that she has been waiting for...SCISSORS! I have always been hesitant to let her have her way with scissors. She's very energetic and carefree...and I've seen bad haircuts and heard horror stories...I just wasn't ready. Well, yesterday was the day. She got to use scissors for the first time. She did a great job. She concentrated and focused and furrowed her brow with serious dedication to the task at hand.

Okay, now the stack of books. Last week at the library I actually found quite a few books for my own personal enjoyment. Don't get me wrong, I always enjoy the books that I choose for the girls, but these...oh, such good finds, such yummy recipes, such fun sewing patterns, and oh, the story of Annie Londonderry...I am really enjoying that one! Read anything good lately?

tom & jerry....

...and a spider? On Halloween our library had a costume parade and trick-or-treating. I took the girls over there for that because we have the best library in the world. Have I ever mentioned that before? Oh yeah, I think I did here and here. Anyway, here are the girls with Mrs. Lawson! Fabulous spider, right?

tins, treks, and tricks

Why do I love alliteration? I don't really know, but I always seem to find myself trying to come up with the perfect words to get my point across. Maybe it's the teacher in me!...If so, let the wondrous words willfully wrestle their way wittingly into my winsome writing. I couldn't resist. The truth is out. I.am.a.total.nerd.

Tins - Yesterday we had another fun lunch...it was Muffin Tin Monday. Again, a huge hit!

Treks - Lately, the girls and I have been going for a nice long walk in the afternoon. Of course, if I know it's going to be a scorcher, we walk in the morning. I took my camera and captured some things that intrigued the girls. I always enjoy capturing what they find fascinating because they see the world so differently.

Tricks - Once again our most fabulous library has brought us

joy! The hosted a "magic show" for the kiddos. Fish the Magish was his name. He was very funny, had some good tricks to share, and kept everyone entertained! He started the show by explaining what an illusion was so that the kids knew it was a "trick for their eyes" and that he wasn't really doing any magic. It was a great show.

thankful thursday

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 4:7

one - freedom of religion - I am so thankful that in our great country we are free to worship God, read our Bibles, gather together for church services...all without the threat persecution. Every morning I turn on my radio and listen to some incredible teaching and praise music as I start my day. This week I have been enjoying the study of I Timothy by Alistair Begg and the study of Judges by David Jeremiah.
two - teachable moments - Yesterday we went to a reptile show at the library. My girls loved every moment of it and are now fascinated by the little creatures. To enhance the new found interest, today we reviewed what we learned about snakes, then spent some time making a little snake craft. A bracelet, to be exact. Such a simple thing to do, but fun. I have found that making a simple craft after learning about new things helps them remember what they learned.
three - laughter - Hearing my girls laugh as they play together is one of my favorite sounds.

reptiles...at the library????

Oh boy, did we have fun at the library today. Have I mentioned that we have the best library in the world? Oh yeah, I have. There was a reptile show. Yeah, lizards, snakes, and turtles. No crocs. It was a husband and wife team that has a reptile farm. They have four kids...they helped at the end of the show. From a teacher's point of view I was impressed with their presentation and information delivery. They were very energetic but kept control of the large group. They had several types of lizards, a few different of snakes (baby ones), and a couple of turtles. From a mom's point of view, I was fascinated that they kept everyones attention for an hour. I was also impressed with how they handled all of the little kids that wanted to share their stories instead of asking/answering questions. We got to pet a bearded dragon. Very cool. If we ever had a reptile for a pet, that's what we would choose. They don't get big like iguanas and they are pretty mild mannered. I was proud of my girls' bravery. They didn't act all girly and scared of the reptiles. They were excited, interested, intrigued, and amazed! Here are some pictures. Sorry for the poor quality, but the lighting was not good, and I wasn't very close.

Ball Python

Tortoise...sorry I can't remember which kind.

Chameleon...very cool, very cool.

Leopard Gecko
Iguana
I can't remember the name of this little lizard either. It's the kind that runs so fast it can run on the surface of water...they call it a "Jesus lizard"
Our favorite..the Bearded Dragon
Corn Snake

I have a few more pictures, not very good ones. We had a great time. Learned a lot. Gained an appreciation for the reptile family. What a great trip to the library!

lessons from a cockroach

I know, I know, call me crazy! Go ahead, it won't hurt my feelings, I'm tough...besides, I can't hear you anyway. So, let me explain. First, I do not have a roach problem. Second, yes, I think they're gross. Especially the ones that we had to coexist with on Moloka'i. They were affectionately referred to as 747s if that helps you understand how big they were...and yes, they could fly. Eewww, that gives me the heebee-geebees just thinking about it. I digress. Third, I got this great book at the library on the "new books" shelf. I had to get it. The title grabbed my attention and the illustrations were fabulous. I'm a sucker for great illustrations. The title of the book is Martina the Beautiful Cockroach-A Cuban Folktale by Carmen Agra Deedy...illustrations by Michael Austin. In this folktale Martine Cucaracha (*hee hee*) is ready to choose a husband and her Cuban grandmother offers some bizarre advice. The Coffee Test. Upon the arrival of each suitor (there were many because she was so beautiful) Martina was to accidentally spill hot coffee on their shoes. The suitor's reaction to her in his anger would prove how he would end up treating her as a wife. Needless to say, after many suitors failed the coffee test she eventually found a wonderful husband in an unexpected place...and he also had a Cuban grandmother, so he spilled coffee on her shoes first! :o) Such a simple story, enjoyed by both of my girls, but with threads of profound truth woven into each suitor's character. Crazy, I know, but I really enjoyed this book even thought the main characters were cockroaches. And if you've got kids that love to read or love to be read to, you should check out this book. Plus, since Miss O is always pretending to get married it led to a great discussion about how husbands should treat their wives and how wives should treat their husbands. I know she's only 5 years old, but when the opportunity arises to instill Godly principles of marriage, I'm all over it!

thankful thursday

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. Philippians 1:2-3

one - a break from the extreme heat...after a week of high humidity and 100 degree temperatures it is nice to have an 80 degree day with low humidity (my curly frizzy hair is thankful, too!)

two - funny little girls that say funny things...let me explain. Miss E is three years old now, but she always says I'm free, I'm free! Also, while we had the pool out the other day it was hot so I had my feet in the water. Miss O kept pouring water on my feet saying it was cool refreshment! How kind :o) ...then Miss E wanted a turn and said it's cool fresh mint. I tried to correct her by saying re-fresh-ment... she said yeah, fresh mint. Also, we checked out a book from the library about different sayings. The book was called "You Let the Cat Out of the Bag." Very funny. Miss O devoured it and began using the sayings. Her favorite, which she has used in the right context, is fly off the handle. It's really funny to hear a 5 year old use that phrase.


three - the best librarians in the world...okay I know I've been thankful for that before, but this time Mrs. Daniel was super helpful and encouraging yesterday when we were at the library. Right now Miss O is fascinated by all things Chinese. It started with a chapter book about a boy from China called "Bird Boy" We are loving it, so Mrs. Daniel found more books for us to go with the theme. She knows that I homeschool and it was like she could see my "unit on China" wheels turning :o)

got coffee? me neither.

Let me just start by saying that my head is screaming for a cuppa coffee. Oh, why did I not buy more. I ground the last of it yesterday and forgot to get more. I knew it was getting low, but I just forgot...why?! why?! Glass half full = thank goodness we still had some Pepsi leftover from Miss E's party on Sunday. Oohh..I could have a cup of tea, I suppose. If I'm still coherent at the end of this post I might give it a whirl.

Today is library day so this morning that's where we went. Some of our friends were there. We had a nice time...and we checked out Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode One. I know, I know. Why would I want to see that? Well, Miss O wants to see a "real" pod race and there is a really cool one in this movie. There's no way she could watch the whole movie...too long, too intense, too weird, too many alien things...but the convenience of scene selection makes it possible to show her some cool, yet not scary, parts of the movie.

After I hung a load of laundry I checked on my garden. We had huge storms last night with tornado watches and all. I do love a good thunderstorm, but come on, right after the girls go to bed? Glass half full = my girls aren't scared of thunderstorms because Tim and I love them. So even though they heard the thunder and felt the house rumble there was no whining or crying. Tough chicks, huh? :o) So as I was saying, I checked my garden to see if anything got beaten to the ground. All of my plants were just as perky as they could be. And, and, and, I have some serious tomatoes growing on my lemon boy plants! Oh yeah, I'm going to have some good salsa this summer. You wanna know why?...my cilantro is coming up nicely too, that's why! I can almost taste it. Oh, and the radishes (the seeds that Miss O chose) are almost ready to pick. Maybe another week or so...mmm, so good in a salad. Gorgeous, I tell you. There is nothing prettier than planting something, taking care of it, and having it grow so nicely producing the things we love to eat. The girls help with the weeding and when it's harvesting time, they'll help with that, too. Do you know kids that hate veggies? Help them plant a garden...I bet they'll eat the plants they grow...or at least try them.

On another thought completely (see, without coffee I'm a little ramble-y...okay maybe it's just me) Miss E got a new quilt for her bed, so did Miss O since they share a room. The girls love them...very cute. need caffine.must go.can't stop yawning.must go nowwwwwww.

glass half full

Yikes! It's kinda cold today. Yesterday was humid and hot, but today it's raining, windy, and down right chilly. We actually had to wear jackets to the library. But here's the glass is half full part...our librarian (we have the best ones in the world, remember?) gave us a book today. Yes, gave it to us...brand spankin' new, just got it in, never been shelved. She was talking to another librarian and they each had the same book and were talking about how they wouldn't last long because of the pop-up stuff and they got two of them instead of one. How cute, I said, can't wait to check that out. Here, it's yours was her response! love books. love new books. love new free books. Also half full: it's raining -- I don't have to water the garden...the neighbors cat used my beautifully mulched, just finished flower bed as a litter box (eewww)--great fertilizer...
Okay, I 've got some sewing to do during nap time today. I hope to finish the birthday dress soon.

library fun

Well, we went to the library today for storytime. It is something that we look forward to each week. As I mentioned before, we really do have the best children's librarians in the world. Right before we walked out the door though, my dear friend Theresa called and asked us to meet her and her four little ones at the neighborhood park after storytime. Oh, what a great time we had. FYI:Play dates are just as important and fun for the mom as they are for the kids. We haven't been able to play with these friends since before Christmas. I know, it's so crazy! If my kids were sick, hers were healthy, and if mine were healthy, hers were sick. And so it went week after week. Finally, a nice warm day and six healthy kids between us...I just wish I had taken my camera. I need to just keep it with me all the time. I'll need a bigger cute purse...oohhh, shopping time---or maybe a smaller camera....hmmmm. Decisions Decisions.



Anyway, back to the library stuff. Sometimes I do things that are a little crazy, I know it's hard to imagine, but it's in the genes. I usually have a pretty good *and* logical reason for my craziness, so it's okay. Let me explain...every time we go to the library and get a whole new mountain of books I always lay them out and spray them, front and back, with Lysol. Yes, to kill the germs. I love our library, but they can't control how many snot-faced, germ-spewing kids come in and touch, cough on, and sneeze on the books. So before the girls can curl up with a pile of new books I spray them. Here's what it looks like.
Go ahead, call me crazy. No really, go ahead, I don't mind, I can't hear you through the blog page. Okay so my logic is...kill the germs now and avoid the next cold, virus, flu, etc. I think it works pretty good...and besides it can't hurt, right?