Playhouse - Repurposed Fence

We were having a great time this evening working on a playhouse for the kids.  Kevin had dismantled a section of old fence that ran alongside a chain-linked fence.  Instead of scrapping the whole lot of old boards we made a playhouse.  We have a natural playground in the backyard with lots of sticks, logs, flowers, buckets, etc.  And thought this would be a fun addition.  It is on an area of the yard that has yet to be grass seeded, so no harm to our green progress.

We bought Mn some grungy pants for crawling around in our yard, and they served him well today!  We started this endeavor while it was misting, we came in for supper while it was raining and we headed back out in the mud!  

Kj helped with planning and implementing and L was helping in a non-dirty capacity as she desired...she got nails out of the bucket, then told us to get our own. 

Those pants started the day light blue with a couple white paint spots on them...

After bedtime, Kevin and I played with the house.  We rotated it so it would sit diagonally to the yard and then layed the floor...more fence boards.  We're thinking of a fabric top, but aren't sure.  A door will be added as time allows. 

Unending Projects!

We have been in a rush of spring projects lately.  March all but disappeared with birthdays on the weekends, and April had other occasions to be away.  So, May is the time for rain barrels, rock sifter/cleaners, and gardens.  We also got in our next cabinet set in our kitchen remodel and realized that we had a few steps to finish before installing them.  So, despite the weather and with the help of Bumpa and Curl Grandma, we got a lot accomplished this week/weekend! 

"Barn" Quilt

It took me a while but I finally found a meaningful quilt block called the bright and morning star.   I do have a second square picked out in case I do one in the backyard.  It is called crazy house.  ;) 

Here is my process in pictures:

I still do not have it mounted, but this is where it will be on our house.  Originally, I was going to center it between the windows.  With the columns, I decided to offset it so that you can see it best from both sidewalk angles, despite the fact that it might be divided straight on. 

Here is the picture that my mom took of me beside it. 

Tardy Book Post

Tear-jerker alert! 

Hair For Mama
Written by:  Kelly A. Tinkham
Illustrated by:  Amy June Bates

It is time for Marcus' family to get their annual family picture, but mama doesn't want to be in it because she has lost her hair due to chemotherapy.  She doesn't want to be in the family picture this year.  So, Marcus tells his mama that he will find her some hair.  In this dilemma, the family pulls together and finds hope in this difficult time in their life.

Kamishibai Man
By:  Allen Say

Long ago, in Japan children would come running for the stories and treats of the kamishibai man.  As the children dwindled and because occupied with other pastimes, the kamishibai man "retired."  One day, he decides to go out one more time and the children, all grown, gathered and remembered.

Tree Frog Hears a Sound
Story by:  Rebecca Johnson
Photos by:  Steven Parish

Just one of 8 "Animal Storybooks".  These book personify various animals of Australia, while teaching about one aspect of their life. 

Kj, Our First Bundle of Joy

This sweet girl certainly is a JOY!  She was our first Joy to come in the morning and mourning.  She was the first grandchild on either side of the family.  She has always loved people and loved babies as much as I do!  She loves reading, listening to books read, learning, sewing, baking.  She is independent, but loves to have people/friends around.  She is flexible, entertaining, beautiful, fun, creative, caring and generous. 

 

This Week's Library Favorites...

Water Sings Blue  -  Ocean Poems
Written by:  Kate Coombs
Illustrated by Meilo So

Our favorite:
Not Really Jelly
You're not really jelly,
you're not really fish--
you're free-floating noodles
escaped from a dish,
all slither and jiggle
and tremble and squish.

Some of the poems are funny and some are very informative.  The watercolor illustrations are beautiful!

~~~

Building Our House
Written and illustrated by:  Jonathan Bean

Based on his childhood.  Parents and 2 small children move onto land with a camper and build their house.  In the story, it takes a year and a half, in real life, he said it took five years.  I think my brother and nephew would like this one!

¡Pio Peep!  (accent on i)  Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes
Selected by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
English Adaptions by Alice Schertle
Illustrated by Vivi Escriva

Our favorite:
The Little Ant
The first (second...) little ant
came out of a hill
and crept to the barn, as still, as still...
She snatched one grain
of golden wheat
and tiptoed out on her little ant feet.

I will spare you the non-accented Spanish version for now!  :)
 
~~~

The Royal Bee
Written by Frances Park and Ginger Park
Illustrations by Christopher Zhong-Yuan Zhang

This book takes place in Korea's history.  At the time of the story only sons of wealthy families were allowed to go to school.  One poor boy, Song-ho, goes to his local school and asks to learn there too.  The schoolmaster, though sympathetic, must not allow it.  He does though let him listen through the door.  You'll have to read it to know the rest. 

Sew Matching

Birthdays were coming up and I wanted to make something instead of buying things.  My girls have been inspiring this habit in me as well.  It does sometimes take a little more time and effort, but not always.  So, E's birthday dress was the first to be made (bottom picture).  Then I was going to do something similar for her under one sister, J.  After thinking that over, I decided pants would work better for her as she is a crawler.  So the pant idea came about.  Before carrying out the pants plan, I thought about a skirt for mama, but the fabric, I thought, would be a bit much for an adult skirt.  Then the search for the right top started.  I finally found a nice clearance t-shirt at Target!  Finally got back to little J's outfit, and decorated the shirt to match the pants.  The party is next weekend, so the timing is right. 

Also, with the L outfit I made, Kevin asked if I was going to make something for Kj for her birthday.  I started to but it hadn't worked out, so I had put it aside.  Now, just a few days away, I came up with a plan!!  Hoping to have time to execute (without her knowledge)!  She had, several years ago, picked out fabric for her Nana to make matching dresses for her and L.  She found that fabric again at the fabric store last week.  So, while Grandma was here with the kids, I headed to the grocery store.  I decided to go to a different grocery store, right by that same fabric store.  I bought some to make her a long, simple skirt.  And now, off to that!  :)