spring is in the air

...and in our case, also in the house :)

we started our spring nature table a little early
(with all the impromptu butterfly events!)

but thanks to the beautiful weather this week,
we were able to bring quite a few
outdoor things in.
the green cup contains a leaf j picked up under our rose bush.
it was still alive, and he decided it needed water because it was thirsty.
(he checks on it often.)
rocks, feathers, and pine cones are common occurrences on our nature tables.
the branches will soon hold some Easter "ornaments."

and we were finally able to finish this project,
a homemade bird's nest with painted acorns for bird eggs
we used leftover lint from the clothes dryer,
tacky glue,
and a lot of twigs and leaves.
i must say, birds are amazing creatures...

recycling our tree

...something new to climb on



a new table and chairs



and a new place to color...

oh happy day!

...happy first day of spring!

"Fear not, O land;
Be glad and rejoice.
For the Lord has done marvelous things!


Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field;
For the open pastures are springing up,
and the tree bears its fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their strength.



Be glad then, you children of Zion,
and rejoice in the Lord your God;
for He has given you the former rain faithfully."
Joel 2:21-23a

a three year old

...when I have said my evening prayer,
And my clothes are folded on my chair,
And Mother/Father switches off the light,
I’ll still be two years old tonight.
But from the very break of day,
Before the children rise and play,
Before the darkness turns to gold,
Tomorrow, I'll be three years old….
Three kisses when I wake,
Three candles on my cake...

more butterflies

...saw this activity on montessori beginnings

and knew the boys would love it :)
they did...

step 1: color on coffee filters with felt tip markers

step 2: spray with water (the more the merrier)

step 3: hang to dry

(i love the fact that the boys'
random scribbles turned out so much cooler
than my oh-so-carefully planned designs)
step 4: attach pipe cleaners around middle
and shape the "wings"
step 5: hang to enjoy!

i don't know how birds do it

...we're working on a little something for our nature table...

sorting beans

...a little tweezer work today...