summer reminders

Tomorrow is the first day of summer. Earlier today I posted a few pictures that I thought captured the essence around our house so far. Feel free to send a link to your own pics if you've got 'em.

Meanwhile, I wanted to remind those of you with kids to sign up for your local summer library reading program. Our library in Arlington has incentives for preschoolers through teen-agers.

My friend Leigh Anne turned me on to the Barnes and Noble reading program, too. They don't need the extra publicity, but YOU NEED FREE BOOKS so I want to take a minute to make sure you check out the program, too. It's a good deal: Your kids, grades 1 to 6, read eight books and say what they like best about each one. Turn it in and you get a coupon for a free book from a list of eligible titles. In normal something-for-nothing land, that would mean your kids would be bringing home How to File Your Fingernails with a Back Hoe or Gourmet Cooking with Sawdust. Only I checked out the titles in my son's age group and they included: Ramona Quimby, Age 8, the Tale of Despereux, and Clementine. Since the kids are going to be reading anyway, may as well fill out the paperwork!

summer

Photo titles:
Patient Father
Shy Bullfrog
Hakurei Turnips

whoopee

Last night my husband and I went through a bunch of junk we didn't need anymore. We made a pile for the thrift shop and a pile to get rid of. Unfortunately my son found the get-rid-of pile as soon as he woke up and rescued from the top a broken Whoopee Cushion.
"I think we should fix this," he said.
"I think we should just get a new one," I said.
"No, Mommy," he said. "Reduce, reuse and recycle."
Time to bring out the Duct Tape.

(Note: The Duct Tape worked. Good Old Duct Tape. Further proof that my husband's theory of parenting is on target: All you really need is a ball, a stick, and a roll of Duct Tape.)