Our House in the Middle of Our Street

Bad blogger. Bad, bad blogger! Ach, I couldn't even make it on the right day last week. I don't even know why I was so busy, but I do remember what I was doing on Friday ! Although I wasn't an early riser for the marriage of William and Kate , I did happen to witness the balcony greeting & double kiss, which I thought was a fun thing to catch morning-of. I remember reading loads about the royal family throughout my life, and I remember a lot about Princess Diana's death. I'm not a trivia person, but I do think it is fun to watch 'history' events like this when I can, perhaps because they are just so extravagant, and the only thing similar in the states would be the inauguration of the presidents (without the amazing wedding dress and coach !). Enjoy... ROYAL! (had to totally include this little punky...every time I saw her she was making a stink face! love it!) all images found via weheartit.com

We've had almost (or what feels like...) an entire month of overcast, gloom, rain, and drear. People are getting desperate, and although I'm still a soup fan, this is getting a little ridiculous for our state. I know , however, that in two months when I start to get mean-because-I'm-a-human-oven, I'll look back and realize it wasn't so bad. At least...I hope. all images via weheartit.com

From Soulemama's blog : 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.

photocredit Yesterday was part 1: Why Gender Matters by Dr. Sax and today I'll be writing a bit more on some of his other chapters. Keep in mind although this information is very useful for relationships between spouses, this book is mostly for parenting and teaching, and those applications, so that is where my focus is for these two posts. I also tend to lean heavily on the 'boy' side of relating this information simply because...I'm not a boy! I found this information fascinating and although I did know some of the chemical differences and reactions between males and females, I am obviously more aware of how I am/was and so I gleaned more from the 'male' side of it. Ever noticed that little girls tend to flock together, dressing up and playing tea party while boys love games that are movement originated and often, rough and tumble in nature*? It's because, scientifically, boys feel a tingle of excitement when risk or fear is involved. Females, when tested...

A few weeks ago I went to a home-school seminar weekend put on by the NCHEA for Nebraska Home schoolers. I had heard mixed reviews of this conference, but wanted to go any way, since next year we'll head into year 2. I wanted some encouragement, and to learn more about it, legally, from people who have been there, done that. I was blown away with the speakers. The tips, encouragement, and confirmation I felt was incredible and I can't wait to go next year. Not only that but I found a number of things curriculum and game-wise that I bought for the kids as an investment, and they've all paid off thus far. There is an option to buy cds of each speaker (7 per hour, 7 hours per day, 2 days) and I bought the three that I liked the best and could loan out to others who were interested. My favorite speakers, of whom I went to three times over the weekend, was Andrew Pudewa. He was funny and engaging, and his speech titled, "Trying to Teach Boys Who Just Want to Build Forts All...

Wednesday and Thursday I will be writing about a book I currently read, Why Gender Matters by Dr. Sax, but this video is also linked to it, in regards to why so many children are medicated these days. I thought this was so interesting I wanted to pass it on. What do you think?

It has to be said that I'm a seasoned thrifter. I am in my zone when I am at a garage sale, a good will, or an outdoor flea or farmer's market. I can sift through scads, piles, and large amassed mounds of junk and find treasure... and I love the chase . * Then, I had kids, and that (like almost everything else) was put on hold while I juggled feedings, nap time, and the actual number of showers in a given week. I kind of forgot about my undercover 'deal' nature and really didn't have longings for my past Sally Ann and antiquing days...until I realized THIS year I want to put myself back out there. Garage salin' Fridays are calling my names, craigslist was re-book-marked in the browser and in one Saturday morning I found 5 things on my mental 'thrift list' just by marking it on my calendar to stop by a few favorite places. Score! It can't be held back....estate sales...here I come! all images via weheartit.com