Hey Piano Woman, Play Me a Song!

Don't Read This Book!

Got your attention, didn't I?  There really isn't one particular book that I want to tell you about today, rather it is about the thousands that have been given the "banned book" label.  Someone, somewhere took it upon themselves to tell others that you (or your child) should not read a particular book because THEY thought it was inappropriate, etc.  In my opinion, I believe I am a better judge of what I would like to read and/or what my daughters should read than some anonymous source.

This week is the American Library Association's Banned Book Week.  On their website, they state that "Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment."  So do yourself a favor, pick up one of the numerous banned books this week and truly let freedom ring.

Here are just a few of the books that have been banned over the years:

By the way, all of these books were banned in the last ten years.  This still happens.  Today.

What are you waiting for?  Go READ!

Autumn

Well, today is the beginning of fall.  Hard to believe summer is officially over and colder days are upon us here in the midwest.  Autumn also means a certain person in my life will soon be turning seven.  What?!?

Here are some printables, fun projects that I have found across the interwebs and had previously posted on my Pinterest boards.  Click on the photos to go to the link.  Enjoy!

Smile Like You Mean It: Autumn Printable

30 Handmade Days: Fall Subway Art Printable

Mine For the Making: Autumn Printable

Lady Anne: Fall Felt Wreath

Just Sew Sassy: Burlap Harvest Banner

One last thing, only one really great low entry giveaway to announce this week:

Lissa Like it or Love it: $15 Barnes and Noble Gift Card (ends 9/24)

Put That Baby in Time Out!

Children's Music You Won't Want to Stick A Hot Poker Into Your Ears While Listening To

Just some of our family favorites.  Click on the album (yeah, I'm old school) to hear some music clips and/or get some more info on these great artists!

Notice not a Wiggles or Barney in the bunch!  One last thing, I check out the majority of my kid's music from the local library.  Helps to ease the listening fatigue as well as it is easier on the wallet.

Feel free to add your favorites in the comments below!

One Last Dip

Sweet Little Bee

Not this kind...

This Kind.

Photos taken by J at Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook, IL

'Tis the Season For Resales!

Boy, do I love me some resales!  I hardly buy my girls new fall clothes.  I just wait until September rolls around and stock up at my local resales.  And if you volunteer at them?  They let you shop early!  Before anyone else!  So this year I am even volunteering at one.

I have compiled a short list of local (Chicago western suburbs) resales below.  I encourage you to check out your local paper, school's PTA organization, and/or this website to see if there are any resales heading your way.  It is a great way to help get great clothes at a pretty decent price and help a worthwhile organization (i.e. schools/churches) all at the same time!

Many are just starting to collect clothes to sell.  So check out these links!

Highlands Elementary Infant/Preschool Clothing Resale, Naperville, IL
Sept. 15 9am-2pm  6:30pm-8:30pm
Sept. 16 9am-1pm (many items half off)


Chicago First Church of the Nazarene Children's Toy & Clothing Resale, Lemont, IL
Sept. 17 9am-12 noon (No babies/children allowed)  (Cash only)


Timothy Christian School's Fall Toy & Clothing Resale, Elmhurst, IL
Sept. 17 8am-12pm


Epiphany Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, IL

Clothing Resale (no junior sizes):
Sept. 16 6pm-9pm (all items full price)
Sept. 17 8am-11am (some items half price)

Toy Resale:
Oct. 1 8am-11am (select items half price from 10am-11am)


Lester School PTA Clothing Resale, Downers Grove, IL
Sept. 23 6pm-9pm (no children under 12 allowed)
Sept. 24 8am-11am (many items half price)


Brook Park Council- Children's Clothing Consignment Sale, La Grange Park, IL
Sept. 24 (no hours yet listed on their site)


St. James the Apostle Children's Clothing and Toy Resale, Glen Ellyn, IL
Sept. 23 7pm-10pm ($1 admission this day only)  (no children or strollers allowed)
Sept. 24 8:30am-11:30am (many items half price)


Ellsworth Home & School - Children Clothes Resale, Naperville, IL
Sept. 29 9am-4pm  6:30pm-8:30pm
Sept. 30 9am-1pm
Note: No children allowed on either day during school hours.  No strollers.


St. Pius X Fall Toy and Clothing Resale, Lombard, IL
Sept. 30 6:30pm-9:30pm (NO children admitted - they are strict about this too!) ($1 admission fee)
Oct. 1st 9am-12 noon (children welcome)
This sale is located in the Social Center of the school.
There is no website for the sale.
The dates to register to sell your items are:
Sept. 14th 7-8pm  and  Sept. 20 7-8pm.  Registration Fee $12.  Registration is located in the school.
Address: 601 S. Westmore-Meyers Road Lombard, IL

Naper Home & School - Adult Clothes Resale, Naperville, IL
Oct. 13 6pm-8:30pm
Oct. 14 9am-2:30pm
Oct. 15 8am-11:30am (many items half priced)
Note: No children allowed on the 14th during school hours.  Also, this sale is a bit different since it specializes in the resale of adult and junior sizes.