Our House in the Middle of Our Street

photocredit This month there are some amazing customer specials from Usborne Books & More. Every month there is a new selection of 9-10 books that go on discount up to 60%. It's a sweet way to stock up on favorites for a fraction of the price, and this month has some great ones interspersed. The top image, our 365 Things to Make and Do is a big hit with families because there is literally something for everyone in this book . This book is normally $24.99 because it's a big ole' huge hardback, but this month it's on sale for $10. The Usborne "make and do" series are fabulous because they have picture step-by-steps for those children who need instruction but want to do the activity independently, and writing for those able to read concise directions. They also are always projects that use materials that everyone has in their home . Perhaps with the exception of googly-eyes.  If you go to this link , you can even have 2 freebies! photocredit T...

Here are a few of our recent goings on from the last few weeks in pictures: park time, strawberry picking at  Martin's Hillside Orchard , among others. 

photocredit This is one of the first books I can remember where the subtitle spoke to me more than the cover  and title. This topic is near and dear to me because, as an introvert, I've had to readjust and think about so many things in my life this relates to, not to mention conversations within my marriage to my wonderful extroverted husband, and trying to understand and parent my children for their success .  I first heard of the term  introvert , I think, when I was in high school. I had a pleasant enough experience with private elementary and then private high school in our town, and I did well. One of the things I didn't like through high school, was the group work . I dreaded this, for a few reasons. For one, I want whatever project I work on, to be well done. I do not like to leave my 'name on it' without my own expectations fulfilled; a job satisfied. I also found the group setting to be a significant waste of my time. I could be getting right do...

Source: google.fr via Tigerlily on Pinterest Source: Uploaded by user via Tania on Pinterest Source: Uploaded by user via Marine Mama 1 on Pinterest Source: buzzfeed.com via Kevin on Pinterest Source: content.answcdn.com via Cindy on Pinterest Source: Uploaded by user via Connie on Pinterest This day is a day to remember all the men and women who made, and continue to make, our national freedom a reality. Thank you for your service.  

This picture really cracks me up. This may have been the only time on our recent camping trip that he actually sat down, but crossing the legs? Yes, that's classic "older than his age" Lu. Love that dude! Join others savoring a moment from your week. Enjoy the weekend!

Source: media-cache1.pinterest.com via SHERRI on Pinterest This year I'm doing something really fun in the summer--I'm sponsoring a Reach for the Stars! Summer Reading Program with the help of Usborne Books & More!  It's a reading program that rewards kids for reading with free Usborne books, and books for children in need within our community through the avenue of the Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center.  The goal is to motivate children to read, keep them reading, and then reward them with books they will love, along with helping others at the same time. Throughout the 6 week time period (June 1-July 20th), they can participate by reading (or being read to) 400+ minutes of any books of their choosing (more prizes for those who go above & beyond!), collecting pledges from friends, neighbors, and relatives to support their reading activity, turning in pledges & choosing their own books, and books for the Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center, who will u...

Source: designspongeonline.com via Eva on Pinterest Last year I discovered plutonium...in the form of a chocolate milkshake. I don't have a picture of this favorite treat, mostly because all of my cups are covered in mineral-y film from my dishwasher, and wouldn't capture the pure joy that is created in 4 simple ingredients. You can keep this vanilla or chocolate, but I prefer the chocolate rendition. I use an individual size cup that attaches to my magic bullet. If you have one of these, they make perfect little individual sizes, including a snack size option. It should be noted that this is only healthy in the fact that it has almond milk. The massive amount of ice cream and peanut butter should pretty much put this in the 'every once in awhile' category. I have about 2 a month, and I savor every.single.sip.! Plutonium Milkshake *3/4 cup of vanilla or chocolate ice cream *1/3 cup almond milk *2 TBSP peanut butter *1 tsp chocolate powder (optional, i...