Throwing Back to 2005 ...

Hard to remember what life was like 9 years ago for us. These photos make me smile:

Oh my goodness, how he loved that balloon! He'd giggle and flirt with it. When it bounced about he'd kick and wave his feet and hands. My grandmother would have said it was the Irish in him.

So many things to touch and tug on that cow. It'd make him laugh so much.

Nap time on the beloved John Lennon Imagine gym mat. Miss Sylvia Daisy Pouncer sits curled at his head.

James was about three months old here.

Tackle It Tuesday: Work Area

This school year, both kids are ramping up in academics (grades 1 & 3). The breakfast table wasn't going to cut it anymore for homework. Only James' sister has a desk in her room, and it's rather snowed under by Squinkies, at present.

Over the summer, I knew some changes were in order. The kids needed a homework center. That meant the toy shelf needed to go. That make me weepy, because that's been our fun center for many years. It's lasted longer because James is a bit behind the developmental curve with toys and we keep inheriting cool new things (like the Disney Potato Head family and a very cool box full of characters from Monsters Inc, as well as the interactive Scare Floor).

Work Area Before:

However, it's been a worthwhile project. Over the summer, I found a used desk for $10 at the Salvation Army. The toy bookcase got moved in September, after we'd started settling into the new school year.

The new work area got set up recently. The kids are very excited to use the Homework Desk. Their calendars that they make in school get posted to the wall. Each of them has a folder for their homework and school notices. The lamp was on sale at WalMart (bulb included) for $9. A folding chair from the dump (about $1) with a pillow makes a great seat.

Markers, crayons, and paper moved out of the kitchen cabinets and into some desk drawers:

Lolli at 5 Minutes for Mom had the same challenge for her Tackle It Tuesday. What challenged you lately? Do you have an idea to share from your own homework center? Hop on over to share and view creativity on Tackle It Tuesday.

Noticing and Playing

Recently, James has been watching less TV (yay), using his Leapster less obsessively (right on), and noticing some of the cool toys he's had lying around for a while. He totally gets into these:

The Thomas Train magnetic book started out with 32 magnetic train stickers. We're down to the last 4, and he's finally using it appropriately, creating distinct voices for each train and making them do tings in a coherent story line. Awesome! He lines them all back up in the stationhouse when he's done.

The CD is full of the alphabet songs that he sings in school. his teacher let me borrow the CD to make a copy for him. He gets the most delighted look on his face when he plays "his" songs. I just love watching him jump, smile, and hearing him sing.

James has a small fleet of trucks. I thought he'd at least spin the tires. Nope. He's ignored them all, until the past two weeks. Now he's a driving convert, with sound effects. Usually screeching tires and vrooming engines. I'm not so sure how much I like those last two, but I am totally supportive of all the playing that goes on. He's even using his construction map/rug in his room as a roadway.

It's really nice seeing James play more with toys in an appropriate way. It doesn't help with the Spring cleaning (more scattered things and what should I not toss becaue he's going to discover it next?), but it is a lot of fun to watch:

Special Exp./Wordless Wednesday: Guy Toys

Cousins were up visiting Oma and Apu, and many many photos were taken. I have a small Olympus point & shoot; my brother has a nice camera. James was fascinated. Guys and their toys!


For more great images or to join in the fun, Visit Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

and ... Wordless Wednesday