Library Book Review and More Books

Today we went to our local library for the Move 'n Groove program. Hazel loves it. It gets her listening to music, singing, playing with instruments (maracas, rhythm sticks) and scarves, dancing, jumping and marching with other kids and their parents. While there we also usually update our Summer Reading Program, check out books and visit our library friends. (I use to volunteer at the library so just about everyone knows us there.)

One book we have been enjoying reading lately is The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. The only words the book has are the sounds of animals. The pictures are amazing. It is a new twist on the old story and I really enjoy making the story up with the pictures.

Hazel is also beginning to enjoy some of the classic tales. Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears are the first two we have been reading. We read The Gingerbread Man awhile ago and she liked it (however Steve does not so I haven't taken it out again). Today we tried Little Red Riding Hood, but she did not like the beginning of the version we had. We did however buy The Ugly Duckling at the used book store and she liked that story.

After the library we went to the used book store at the mall. I had an idea for Hazel's birthday party (I know, I'm planning way too far ahead, but I like to do these things) and wanted to look for some books to use for decorations. I found them and more and discovered that they were having an anniversary sale of 50% off all used books (they do sell some new books there as well). I spent under $6 on children's books (around 60 cents each) and a little more getting the newest from my favorite authors that I haven't read since having Hazel. Now I can start reading for pleasure again. And we found Hey Diddle, Diddle by Kin Eagle for Hazel since we returned it to the library and a Caillou book (she loves Caillou from when we let her watch tv).

On a very positive note, today was a good day in potty training. We only had 2 accidents. One at the mall (not sure when it happened but when she told me she needed to go she then told me her pants were already wet from prior) and once at home with Daddy. I think we are getting close to being trained at least while awake. Nap and Nighttime are a very different story, but that will come with time, I'm sure.

Have any good toddler books to share?

Hazel's Fairy Garden

The arbor entrance to the large garden

Large garden overall view

Busy Weekend, Relaxing Monday

We had a very busy weekend for us. Saturday Hazel's best friend had his fifth birthday party at Pump It Up. Then Sunday our good friend's baby got baptized. Today Hazel and I went to the Christmas Tree Shop to look for more supplies for our fairy garden and to the library. Oh, and we have been potty training this weekend as well. We have had more successes than accidents so I think we are almost there.

Here are some pictures from this weekend.

Hazel ready to cook in her kitchen.

Hazel at Pump It Up

Our family at the baptism party

Sundae Scoop and Chair Covers

 So today, I linked my fairy gardens to I Heart Nap Time I Heart Chocolate Sundaes Sundae Scoop.Check it out.

The chair that really needed covering

I Heart Nap Time Link

Steve's Office with the two chair covers

Last night I made some seat covers for the chairs in Steve's office. I will post pictures later after I take them. They were simple and just cover the mess where the cats scratched the fabric. I made one for both chairs so they would match. I think it looks good and he seems happy with them.

I also had a field day at Joann's. They are having their Founder's Day Weekend sale. Their flannel was on sale for $2.99 and McCall patterns for $1.99. I only buy the patterns when they are on sale for $1.99 or $.99. I'm ready to start sewing Hazel's fall clothes. I'm working on a pair of pajamas for her now.

I'll will add more pictures later. Enjoy your weekend. It is pouring here, but we need the rain, so it is all good.

Fairy Gardens

So the past few weeks I have been enjoying posts on The Magic Onions of pictures of people entering the Fairy Garden Contest. Now this seems like it should be right up my alley with my love of dollhouses and miniatures. But of course I haven't really done anything with them in over 2 years due to Hazel. Well, I pulled out some stuff and made a few up. I think I may work some more on them and have Hazel help tomorrow or over the weekend. But here are some of the ones I came up with.

First some outdoors using real flowers and a few dollhouse extras.

 In this one, I imagined the fairy living outside with her canopy being made of spider webs. She even has a fire to cook her tea over.

In this one she uses the plants to make different rooms in her home. In front you have her kitchen/main room. Then hidden behind the flowers is her bed.

This one I did inside. Her carpet is flowers with tree and dirt underneath. Her garden is surrounded with beautiful trees and flowers and she has a bed/couch made of a shell and pine needles for cushioning and ivy leaf blankets. She also has some visitors from the forest: a red fox and some bunnies. They came at the right time for tea.

The table is set for tea for two.

views of the flower border

Her bed/couch

I'm sure I will do another post with more pictures and ideas. Enjoy!