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going back to kindergarten

volunteering at daughter's school

I knew when my daughter started kindergarten that I wanted to be involved with her school. I checked the PTO committees and even went to a meeting, but nothing clicked. I also looked at the part-time positions available on the school website. Still nothing.

Then, a few weeks after school started, volunteer forms came home. Yes. This was something I could do. Something I wanted to do. I signed up to help in the classroom and library.

Today was my second time in the classroom. I’m just doing little things like math folders, cutting out trees for a Fall project, and helping with numbers and letters. Slowly I’m putting faces to all of the names my daughter talks about at home. I even got to tag along when she went to reading group.

I remember talking about volunteering with a friend one day and she replied: “Do it! Even if you have to take time off from work. You won’t regret it.” I’m starting to understand her enthusiasm. In a few weeks, I’ll be in the library helping kindergartners choose books. I just know it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Have you volunteered at your child’s school? Share your experiences in the comments!

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this moment

this moment

breaking the rules with a few words today: It’s hard to tell in this photo, but my daughter has her sketchbook on her lap. She carried it around with her all morning, making notes about what she wanted to draw once she got home.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Join in the fun here.

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a beautiful day at the park

When my daughter was in nature school, we were at Pioneers Park at least twice a week. It’s a gorgeous wildlife sanctuary with paths, an outdoor classroom, water, flowers, bison, elk, and even a bald eagle. When I saw the weather report for her first day off from school, I knew we had to go for a visit.

After a full morning of climbing, playing and eating lunch in the shade, we stopped by the Butterfly Garden and oh my, how it has blossomed!

pioneers park

It’s hard to believe that so much change can occur just in one season. I think of the changes in my daughter since then. Her long braid has been replaced with a short bob. She’s grown at least an inch, maybe more. She’s in elementary school now and at yesterday’s book fair we bought her first chapter book. Seems like just yesterday she was chewing on her board books.

Here’s a peak at the Butterfly Garden back in May (and that beautiful long braid).

pioneers park

flashback: Mother’s Tea in May

What changes have you noticed lately?

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crafty finds the library book sale

library book sale

I love books — old, new, hardback, paperback, electronic — I just can’t get enough of them. I am currently downsizing my collection, but couldn’t resist going to our city library’s book sale. I found non-fiction titles for myself, brand new books that will become gifts for others, and children’s books for my daughter.

Of course I had to check out the craft books and I came home with some not-so-typical choices. No sewing, knitting or crochet! Here’s what I got:

The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be The Artist You Truly Are This book looks like fun. Here’s the sentence on the back cover that sold me: “Somewhere deep inside, we all have a longing to make things — be they drawings, music, hand-knit sweaters or loaves of bread.”

Country Living Making & Displaying Quilts I don’t ever see myself making a quilt and don’t own any other quilt books, but I love Country Living publications. The beautiful pictures always inspire me.

Crafts and Keepsakes for the Holidays: Christmas with Martha Stewart Living I don’t own any holiday craft books, either. I am still committed to handmade holiday gifts and there are some really cute ideas in here, plus lots of yummy recipes.

Good Things from Tag Sales and Flea Markets Does this book even need an explanation? Honestly, I think I have checked out this exact copy at least twice. It’s filled with information on how to shop, what to buy, and how to restore thrifted items.

Print Magazine’s 2004 European Design Annual: Print is one of my favorite graphic design magazines. I love all of the annuals, but there’s something special about the European edition. It’s a nice change of pace from the design we are surrounded by every day.

I’ll be devouring these over the next few weeks and will let you know how they are. I’m curious what everyone else is reading these days.

Share your favorite crafty recommendations in the comments!