Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Birds of Prey




The topic of my daughter's preschool zoo class last week was Birds of Prey.  During class, one of the zoo teachers had a real, live barn owl on her arm.  It was amazing to see the sense of wonder in the children's eyes along with the eyes of each parent or grandparent who was also participating.  The barn owl was so cute.  It had a cute little heart shaped face that looked flat and smooshed in.  It had huge eyes.  Its ears were below its eyes.  It could turn its head around to look backwards because it had twice as many neck bones as we do.   We watched it turn its head two times.  It had freckles on its chest.  It looked like a bunch of fluffy feathers in the middle of its face.  We observed its curved beak and razor sharp talons.  It showed us how wide its wing span was by spreading its wings on demand.  This was the closest that I had ever been to an owl before.  My daughter talked about it all night long. The beauty of nature is amazing.  I am thankful for the opportunity to appreciate the wonders of all creatures in our beautiful world.



Monday, November 19, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It was a great reading week!  I read and loved...

How To Steal A Dog by Barbara O'Connor

How to Steal a Dog

Rocket Writes a Story by Ted Hills

 Rocket Writes a Story

Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

Ralph Tells a Story

I was recently at a literacy conference and heard Katie Ray Wood speak about Marla Frazee's books so I had to order a bunch from the library  This week we read and enjoyed...

Boots & Shoe by Marla Frazee

Boot & Shoe

Santa Claus The World's Number One Toy Expert by Marla Frazee

Santa Claus the World's Number One Toy Expert

Boss Baby by Marla Frazee

The Boss Baby

Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee

Roller Coaster

Stars by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee

Stars

Marla Frazee by Sheila Griffin Llanas

Marla Frazee
I am now reading...

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead

Liar and Spy

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Giant Leaf Pile


It is a tradition every fall.  This year we have been very busy.  I wanted to make sure we made the time to make a leaf pile.  We were home all day Sunday.  It was a sunny day so it was a perfect day for this task.

We all headed outside while our cat looked longingly from our window.  First, we walked around our yard looking for the area with the most leaves on the ground.  After careful inspection, we found the perfect location by our pond.  So we started.  We only have one large rake and one small rake for a family of five.  However, this was not a problem.  The girls shared the rake.  Their dad used a large broom and I used my hands and feet.  The leaf pile began to rise above the ground.

We used our youngest daughter as our measuring stick.  The pile was at her knees, then her waist and then her chest.  We then decided to get a large barrel to collect our leaves in and then dump them on top of the pile.  The pile continued to grow.  The leaves were reaching back up to the trees that they had fallen from.  It was the biggest leaf pile I had ever seen.  I had to get the tape measure. It was 56 inches tall.

Now it was time for the fun. We counted down...5,4,3,2,1...the girls ran and jumped into the giant pile of leaves.  They disappeared in the pile.  My husband and I joined in the fun and jumped into the pile also.  I was surrounded by smiles of delight.  In the busyness of everyday activities, we often forget the fun that we can have in nature.  It was a lovely afternoon to create family memories that I will treasure in my heart forever.

Monday, November 12, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


This week I read and LOVED...

Praire Evers by Ellen Airgood

Prairie Evers

Rabbit and Robot Sleep Over by Cece Bell

Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover

Dog In Charge by K.L. Going

Dog in Charge

I am still reading...
Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society Series #1)

Up on deck...

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor

How to Steal a Dog


Sunday, November 4, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


This week, I read and loved...

A Dog's Life by Ann Martin

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray

Penny and her Doll by Kevin Henkes

Penny and Her Doll

I also read and enjoyed...

Watch Me Throw The Ball! by Mo Willems

Watch Me Throw the Ball! (Elephant and Piggie Series)

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay

 Lulu and the Duck in the Park (Lulu Series #1)

Eggs 123:  Who Will the Babies Be?  by Janet Halfmann

Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?

A Stick is an Excellent Thing by Marilyn Singer

A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds

Creepy Carrots!

Pie by Sarah Weeks

Pie

I am now reading...

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society Series #1)

On deck...

Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood

Prairie Evers