My sister, Milly, was an active volunteer in our community.  The organization that she dedicated most of her time and heart to was our local library.  For many, many years Sis served as a member of the 'Friends of the Library' and also the 'Library Board'. 

This week, just days after my sister would have celebrated her birthday, I got word that our library has approved my proposal to donate a tree in her memory for the library grounds.  An ornamental Weeping Willow will be planted at the library this fall- -two years after we lost Sis to cancer.

I chose an ornamental Weeping Willow tree because seven years ago my sister started an annual craft show held in her home and named it the Weeping Willow Boutique.  After my sister passed away, the ladies of our family continued with the boutique.  This craft show is a large get-together of family and friends who loved my sister and enjoy the comradery of friendship we all share because of her. Therefore, a Weeping Willow seemed a very appropriate symbol to select for this donation project.

There is something so special about the idea of my kids going to the library and being able to explain to them that Aunt Milly has a special tree there.  It chokes me up every time I think of it.  I miss her dearly.

Today was one of those days.....where you move one piece of furniture and then "IT" happens....the whole thing snowballs from room to room...and before you know it you are moving furniture from downstairs to upstairs, hammering nails into the wall, and running to Pinterest when the kids go to bed like a junkie looking for a decorating fix. 

Maybe it was the McCafe coffee I had this afternoon?  hmmmm.

  I will say though that the day just flew by.  We were going thru toys and art supplies that the kids haven't touched in waaaay too long, so it was basically Christmas...in June.

It goes in spurts.  A week or so before Father's Day I decided I was tired of the deck and patio going unused.  It needed some TLC...badly.  It's not quite "there", but on its way.

...and, yes, those are sunflowers mixed in with strawberries mixed in with flowers.  :)

I have to chuckle to myself.  In preparing for summer I decided to organize the mountain of magazine and Internet findings I have that show fun things to do with your children- - everything from little art projects to science wow'ers.  I hung clippings...I purchased materials...I even put together the cardboard IKEA magazine holders to help sort.

 

So, here we are...into summer break...staying up WWWWAAAAAYYYY too late, having movie nights (complete with popcorn!) and taking it day by day.  I'm trying to sneak in some of the lessons I had pulled. We tried tie-dyeing for the first time.  The other day we worked with a few sound wave experiments from a children's science book.....which included banging a pan loudly next to some rice. Long story. 'Unsure about that one. :)   On Flag Day we talked about the history of our flag, symbolism and patriotism.  Yesterday, we started creating artwork to enter into the county fair (stay tuned for photos). 

I can't help but think that it's already JUNE! and here I was worried that we would be running out of things to do.  What a hoot!  Although I'm trying to make this a super fun summer mixed with lots of activities and outings (...that I swore we'd do...."someday"...), I do want the kids to have unscheduled days....days that they aren't waiting on me for a planned activity....days that they take every cushion and pillow from the house and make a 'mountain' on the living room floor...or line up every pot and pan we own to make 'stepping stones'.

I just want us to soak up every day this summer.  They're my little team.   Whether we're at the zoo, making a cup and string telephone, reading books for the children's summer reading program, blowing glow-in-the-dark bubbles, or walking in the local parade.....we're together....we're happy...and that's all that matters.

It's been a cRaZy busy day...even more than usual.  :)

'Just wanted to post an image of one of my new 'smalls'.  This lil' sweetheart is 8"x10" and on canvas.  'Delivered just in time for Prairie Hearth's upcoming summer open house.

large acrylic on canvas painting

(to be delivered to Prairie Hearth asap)