Nap Time Coloring

    Well yesterday Grace decided she wasn't tired and did not need a nap.  She sneakily got out of bed and went to mine and James' room.  She helped herself to the winter books that I have been meaning to pack away and then she found a crayon.  It was quite the shock.  The wall had a a lot more before I took these pictures.  Yes, I made her clean it all up.  Yes, she cried. Yes, she begged me to help.  No, I did not help.  Most importantly, no, I don't think she will do it again.

Life Lately

Eli being silly.

When I was getting ready to leave the house one day this is how I found her.  She had a purse, money in her pocket, sunglasses, necklace, bracelet, AND ring.  Talk about accessorizing!

 Enjoying a special treat at our favorite ice cream place, Paul's Drive In. 

  

Plotting their escape to the neighbors yard. 

Wanting me to read to him.  How could anyone say no to that smile!

Creek Days

   When we moved  into town last spring we had many things in short walking distance that aren't available so easily when living in the country.  There are two parks, a pool, and lots of safe places to takes walks and let Grace ride her bike.  About twice a week we past the Black Fork Mohican River on our way to the park.  We recently realized it is the perfect place to explore, splash, and cool off in.  There are tons of rocks so we are so very careful.  It's nice to be able to enjoy so much nature right in our own back yard.

Grace was not content just sitting there for long.  

She wanted her feet in the water like Mama

Throwing pebbles.

The little boy who hates swimming loved getting his feet wet.

Moping after getting out. 

The flower crown didn't even cheer her up, but I think

 we will be returning once a week when it's warm out.

Protection Through the Storm

    Last night there was a tornado warning going on and sirens were going off.  We had our emergency kit ready to go and are prepared.  I couldn't help but to remember a memory from when I was about 7 years old.  My family and I were all in the basement while the tornado sirens were sounding.  I remember being scared and crying.  My dad sat down next to me on the stairs and ask why I was crying.  I told him I didn't want to die, between sobs.  That's when he explained to me that God is in control.  When we follow Him and His ways there is nothing of this world to fear.  I accepted Christ as my savior shortly after this talk.  When ever there is a storm I am reminded of God's protection over me.

Pictures once things started to calm down:

 Popcorn while listening to the storm.

Backyard Happenings

   

The kids played with their tent in the back yard.

Eliot cooling of with some ice water.

I knitted while they played.

Grace tried to pretend I wasn't taking a picture of her.  It didn't work =]

Daily Rhythm

    Recently we've added a Daily Rhythm to Grace's days.  She's at an age where I would like to get her used to a schedule in hopes of preparing her for  homeschooling.  She has really loved doing something each day and I love not having to come up with things last second when she asks to paint or cook, frequent requests, or simply telling her no because I am too busy.  I prefer the word rhythm over schedule.  Rhythm implies an order in with things are done opposed to at an exact time each day, as schedule implies.  This was our first week.

This is framed and on the dinning room

 table as a reminder to get thing planned out the night
 before. I had intended on writing "Kitchen"instead of cooking for
 more broad choices and I also messed up the top, edited out.  I'll redo it eventually.

Monday- Kitchen

I had her put peanut butter on sliced apples.  I thought for sure she would

 devour these but instead she was was more proud of work and had to share them with all of us.

Tuesday- Coloring

(I consider painting as coloring =] )

We painted the rind from our 

cantaloupe from snack and used them as stamps.

I thought this came out pretty well but

 Grace didn't seem to enjoy this one too much.  I think

 it would have been easier for her if the pieces were smaller.

Saturday- Cleaning

I had Grace get out her play dishes, all the ones she

 could find that is, and had her wash, dry, and put them away them. 

 She was quite wet when finished but she was at this for a while since she

 kept rewashing everything. I thing we will be doing this one a lot.

    We also did a daily rhythm on Friday, story.  We sat on the floor and I read Summer in Brambly Hedge from the A year in Brambly Hedge set.  The other days we were very busy visiting family from Colorado so we skipped them, oops.  Hopefully that won't happen very often. The plan is to do this while Eli is napping each afternoon. Tomorrow is Sunday so we'll have a nice a day of worship, fellowship, and rest. Looking forward to it already.