I was chair of the Scholastic Book Fair this past week. With the timing of the Royal Wedding, I used that as the theme. The teachers had afternoon tea for their sneak peek, the kids guessed how many jewels were in the container for a contest, and we all enjoyed wedding cake on Friday morning.
Thanks to Vera's House of Bridal for the loaner.
Lots of books were read and enjoyed.
We met Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, AKA The Beekman Boys.
Waiting in line, we saw a group of prom kids, and I firmly explained to them that they should never, under no circumstances, ever take their prom date to the mall... and to never wear anything but a classic black tux. Ah... these little life lessons.
My boys meeting "the boys".
Today was the CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center), at the UW, spring book sale. The boys and I went, and one hour, 36 books worth $598, $104 later, we have hours of reading enjoyment ahead of us!
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave won a Caldecott Award yesterday. I took this book out of the library, being a little familiar with Dave the Slave pottery. I read it first to S, who really enjoyed it, then J read it on his own. He was really excited when it was discussed at school this week, and he was the only one who had read it. Written by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by Bryan Collier, this is wonderful book to have a discussion about slavery with young children. The kids are looking forward to seeing some of the pottery when we are in South Carolina next.
Stealing Magnolias by Debra Shriver
A Passion For Interiors by Carolyne Roehm
The Great Lady Decorators by Adam Lewis
S plays Beethoven in front of an audience for the first time. 
Third grade performing at Barnes and Noble.
J at the piano.I read the book, now I'm anxiously awaiting the movie, The Romantics.
Took the boys to "Take a Brat to Work Day", that is, of course, brat as in bratwurst.
A great breakfast before heading to school on Friday
A visit from Levi. This was the best thing that happened all week. 
Saturday dinner: tenderloin, roasted onions, potatoes, and grilled veggies
Josie, her Mom and S after dinner
Sunday drive to New Glarus and lunch at Glarner Stube
The world's best cheese curds, in a beer batter. 
Every bite was like this.
This was my lunch. A flank steak sandwich, perfectly cooked medium rare. The bun was great, and the roasted pepers were amazing. I would have this again in a heartbeat.
Went to the cemetary to honor B's father, a veteran of the Korean War
Both boys added flags to his grave site. It joined the one placed by the VFW.
Farmer's Market
Reading in the hammock
We did a little antiquing this weekend, HUGE (and heavy) bowl $35
Silver platter, got for $1.50, yes, that is correct one dollar and fifty cents!
I picked this book up for ten cents at the library book sale this week. I didn't have the foggiest idea what it was about, but just loved the title, A Madras-Type Jacket. Written by Evelyn Hawes and published in 1967, the first lines on the book jacket are "Are there still college students who could be called nice, normal, and unspoiled? Who, without being smug, are reasonably happy, and without being naive, capable of falling in love the way their parents did?" Sounds promising... I'll let you know.
Waiting for the guests to arrive.
Is Z not wearing the PERFECT dress? She was matched to a T.
My niece, M, was so excited about meeting a real live author. She wants to know what author will be next. On a fashion note: LOVE Laura's shoes!
The favor boxes were all pink, sugary and girly!
Laura signing her book. Check out her website here, and buy the book!
Mrs V. hosted the party with me. She's the best.
All the young ladies, with Laura.
I got a lot accomplished yesterday, because I couldn't stop listening to The Sweet Potato Queens' Field Guide to Men: Every Man I Love is Either Married, Gay or Dead. I got two chandeliers sparkling, floors scrubbed, carpets vacuumed, spring decor put out, laundry washed, folded and put away. I am telling you, run to the library and get this book on CD!!! Jill Conner Browne, the author, reads it, in the most delicious southern accent. And, I laughed so hard, I almost wet my pants. Many times! And, the last chapter, I did wet the front of my shirt, because her description of a baby girl and her great grandfather was so sweet, tears poured down my face. I'm tearing up again just thinking about it! You will thank me, for giving you hours of enjoyment. 
I have become obsessed with books on CD. This was my latest. I listened to it all day, getting 5 loads of laundry done, dusting the living room, both parlors and dining room, and making dinner. I scrubbed the bathroom, sorted all my magazines, cleaned all the fronts of the cupboard, and more. Just keep listening to the story. I have to go to the library tomorrow to get a new one. What should I clean next?
Queen Takes King by Gigi Levangie Grazer
The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews (I hope there is a sequel)
Stuffed by Patricia Volk, about a NYC Restaurant family (you'll laugh and cry)
Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
Brenda's Blumenladen
