Today, we took the kids to see "Munscha Meeya" at the Prairie Theatre Exchange. This is becoming an annual treat for us over the winter break - last year was the first year, and I was amazed at how the kids sat so well, intent on the show. Today was no different - Ella's face was so cute, watching the characters act out the stories. Though we were only familiar with one of the stories, they were all very good. Ben & Ella love to read Munsch stories, and we have books on CD as well (read by Robert Munsch himself) that are the most requested in the car.
And as we were leaving the theatre, Gord pointed out a poster for a Robert Munsch reading at the Centennial Concert Hall on June 9th. I bought the tickets when we got home...the kids will be beside themselves to hear him read in person!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Snow ho ho!
I'm more than a little nervous with the reports for snow coming in the next day...my babies are visiting with Grandma & Grandpa...they MUST be home for Christmas! I have complete faith though that my mom and dad will do whatever it takes to get them home to us...right???? They wouldn't keep them all to themselves, would they????
Thursday, December 17, 2009
How many days left until Christmas????
Not enough, that's for sure.
Things are crazy! Concerts, decorating, shopping, working, baking...who has time to wrap or sleep these days?
I'm hoping that everyone else is staying sane out there!
Things are crazy! Concerts, decorating, shopping, working, baking...who has time to wrap or sleep these days?
I'm hoping that everyone else is staying sane out there!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Gotta write this one down
As we were getting out of the car tonight:
Ben: "Mom, do you know what one of the older kids at the Y said to me? When I was hugging Dominique when she was leaving?"
Me: "What?"
Ben: (in a low voice) "Now let's see some lip action!"
Me: "Oh my!"
Ben: "Yeah, but I don't listen to what the big kids say!"
That's my boy!
Ben: "Mom, do you know what one of the older kids at the Y said to me? When I was hugging Dominique when she was leaving?"
Me: "What?"
Ben: (in a low voice) "Now let's see some lip action!"
Me: "Oh my!"
Ben: "Yeah, but I don't listen to what the big kids say!"
That's my boy!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Not prepared
This school thing is really not what I bargained for.
I don’t mean the actual schoolwork – Ben’s report card and student conference went very well – his teacher is very impressed with his progress and his interest in French. He loves to tell us all the French words and phrases he knows, sings us all the songs they learn, and quiz us on how much French we know.
It’s the social aspect. The other kids. The kids who are a bit older and wiser. The kids who wrestle and watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The kids who make farting sounds with their mouths. The kids who use words that we don’t use.
I don’t blame Ben. It must be confusing to do stuff at school and then go home to parents who don’t let him do those things.
But what I’m finding hard is how we balance it all to make sure he’s allowed to be a kid, ya know?
I mean, let’s take the farting noise, for example. He farts. Everyone farts. It’s nature. And fart noises can be funny (c’mon, admit it). But when he constantly makes the farting noise with his mouth, say at the dinner table, spreading germs all over the place, yeah, he has to stop.
And though no one’s gotten hurt YET wrestling/TMNT-ing/karate/Star Wars-ing on the playground after school, it’s only a matter of time. (And my kid has the glasses that will get broken. 5 year old with glasses = mucho $$$$)
We’ve just been going through a transition, I guess, and he’s learning about boundaries and expectations. It’s just hard right now, when we’re frustrated, not to take all his privileges away.
Or then there’s the conversation we had on Sunday night that started like this: “T’s brother so-and-so said that the Santa Claus at the Santa Claus parade was fake.”
Yeah, so not prepared.
I don’t mean the actual schoolwork – Ben’s report card and student conference went very well – his teacher is very impressed with his progress and his interest in French. He loves to tell us all the French words and phrases he knows, sings us all the songs they learn, and quiz us on how much French we know.
It’s the social aspect. The other kids. The kids who are a bit older and wiser. The kids who wrestle and watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The kids who make farting sounds with their mouths. The kids who use words that we don’t use.
I don’t blame Ben. It must be confusing to do stuff at school and then go home to parents who don’t let him do those things.
But what I’m finding hard is how we balance it all to make sure he’s allowed to be a kid, ya know?
I mean, let’s take the farting noise, for example. He farts. Everyone farts. It’s nature. And fart noises can be funny (c’mon, admit it). But when he constantly makes the farting noise with his mouth, say at the dinner table, spreading germs all over the place, yeah, he has to stop.
And though no one’s gotten hurt YET wrestling/TMNT-ing/karate/Star Wars-ing on the playground after school, it’s only a matter of time. (And my kid has the glasses that will get broken. 5 year old with glasses = mucho $$$$)
We’ve just been going through a transition, I guess, and he’s learning about boundaries and expectations. It’s just hard right now, when we’re frustrated, not to take all his privileges away.
Or then there’s the conversation we had on Sunday night that started like this: “T’s brother so-and-so said that the Santa Claus at the Santa Claus parade was fake.”
Yeah, so not prepared.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Whoosh!
Did you hear that? That was the last month or so, flying by.
School, dance, swimming, music, music practice (which isn’t as often as it should be!), holidays, work, renos, etc. etc. etc. It feels like days pass whenever I blink. Suddenly, it’s the last half of October and Halloween is coming, and you all know what comes after that…
And I’m totally obsessing over Christmas shopping.
I’m having trouble, as usual, thinking of ideas for Ella. Despite being a girl myself, I just can’t come up with new gifts for her! She likes what her brother likes. Which is fine – I mean, she can name lots of different Transformers – but geez, she needs some stuff of her own! She likes to dress up in one of her princess dresses and begs to play “Sleeping Beauty” – she lies on the couch with her eyes closed, and the “prince” (a.k.a. Mommy) comes along and kisses her, and then they go back to his castle and dance; repeat x infinity. She loves coins and marbles and scattering them all over the house. She also likes to play “restaurant” and take your order. And then add her own special things to your order – she told me I needed a toy and a book too, and then said I could have Jazz (a Transformer) and for a book, Scaredy Squirrel.
So I don’t know if I should maybe get her a doll (though she has a few already) or doll accessories (which she also has, so I guess I’m answering my own questions there). Or something to do with imaginary play? We already have a kitchen…and a shopping cart, and a cash register. Sigh.
Ben is easy – Transformers! No, not really. He has quite a few already, for a 5 year old boy! I have several ideas for him – he is just easier to buy for. I don’t know why, but he is.
Hopefully I’ll be able to keep the number of presents and toys down to a minimum this year. Three, maybe four, things is what I’m aiming for. We’ll see!
School, dance, swimming, music, music practice (which isn’t as often as it should be!), holidays, work, renos, etc. etc. etc. It feels like days pass whenever I blink. Suddenly, it’s the last half of October and Halloween is coming, and you all know what comes after that…
And I’m totally obsessing over Christmas shopping.
I’m having trouble, as usual, thinking of ideas for Ella. Despite being a girl myself, I just can’t come up with new gifts for her! She likes what her brother likes. Which is fine – I mean, she can name lots of different Transformers – but geez, she needs some stuff of her own! She likes to dress up in one of her princess dresses and begs to play “Sleeping Beauty” – she lies on the couch with her eyes closed, and the “prince” (a.k.a. Mommy) comes along and kisses her, and then they go back to his castle and dance; repeat x infinity. She loves coins and marbles and scattering them all over the house. She also likes to play “restaurant” and take your order. And then add her own special things to your order – she told me I needed a toy and a book too, and then said I could have Jazz (a Transformer) and for a book, Scaredy Squirrel.
So I don’t know if I should maybe get her a doll (though she has a few already) or doll accessories (which she also has, so I guess I’m answering my own questions there). Or something to do with imaginary play? We already have a kitchen…and a shopping cart, and a cash register. Sigh.
Ben is easy – Transformers! No, not really. He has quite a few already, for a 5 year old boy! I have several ideas for him – he is just easier to buy for. I don’t know why, but he is.
Hopefully I’ll be able to keep the number of presents and toys down to a minimum this year. Three, maybe four, things is what I’m aiming for. We’ll see!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sweet deal...
I am totally excited about a deal I got last week! I found out that www.clearlycontacts.ca was giving away 500 free pairs of glasses to people in Winnipeg on September 23rd. So I signed up to get the email with the discount code, etc. I got the code, ordered the glasses I wanted, and BAM! They're being delivered today, so www.canadapost.ca tells me! I did upgrade the lenses to a thinner one, and I had to pay shipping & taxes, but the grand total was $34.74. Sweet deal, no?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Graham crackers...done!
I did end up making these yesterday...here are my thoughts:
- I will cut down the molasses to 1 tbsp next time - I don't know if I'm just really sensitive to that particular flavor, but it seemed really strong
- I'm not a good roller...I have some thicker, softer ones, and some thinner, crunchier ones!
- my food processor sucks
- I would divide the dough into two and then roll it out - I tried to do it as one, which probably contributed to the varying thicknesses, and then I split it into two and baked on separate cookie sheets; next time I'll just do two from the start!
- I cut them bigger than 2" x 2", but still ended up with about 30
Both kids gave them a thumbs up though!
- I will cut down the molasses to 1 tbsp next time - I don't know if I'm just really sensitive to that particular flavor, but it seemed really strong
- I'm not a good roller...I have some thicker, softer ones, and some thinner, crunchier ones!
- my food processor sucks
- I would divide the dough into two and then roll it out - I tried to do it as one, which probably contributed to the varying thicknesses, and then I split it into two and baked on separate cookie sheets; next time I'll just do two from the start!
- I cut them bigger than 2" x 2", but still ended up with about 30
Both kids gave them a thumbs up though!
Friday, September 18, 2009
I'm thinking of making these this weekend...
I'll let you know if they turn out!
Homemade Graham Crackers
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoon molasses
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a food processor, mix together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 30 seconds or so. Add the honey, molasses, water, and vanilla. Mix until the dough starts to come together in a ball, another 30 seconds. Scrape dough out of the mixer.
Between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper, roll the dough 1/8-inch thick.
Chill for at least 1 hour, until firm (I chilled for several hours).
Preheat oven to 350F. Retrieve dough and roll it a bit more if it is not yet 1/8-inch thick. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares. Arrange the crackers on parchment lined baking sheets. With a toothpick, prick several holes in each cracker.
Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan.
Yield: 48 crackers
Note: If you cut the dough through but leave the squares together, you can break them up after they’re baked, just like a store-bought graham!
Homemade Graham Crackers
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoon molasses
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a food processor, mix together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 30 seconds or so. Add the honey, molasses, water, and vanilla. Mix until the dough starts to come together in a ball, another 30 seconds. Scrape dough out of the mixer.
Between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper, roll the dough 1/8-inch thick.
Chill for at least 1 hour, until firm (I chilled for several hours).
Preheat oven to 350F. Retrieve dough and roll it a bit more if it is not yet 1/8-inch thick. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares. Arrange the crackers on parchment lined baking sheets. With a toothpick, prick several holes in each cracker.
Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan.
Yield: 48 crackers
Note: If you cut the dough through but leave the squares together, you can break them up after they’re baked, just like a store-bought graham!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
It's going to be a long school year...
So, not even a week into the school environment (and today is only his 2nd day of kindergarten!) and Ben has a cold. And with the H1N1 on everyone's radar screens, I feel a little guilty for having sent him to school today. But seriously, he has a stuffy nose. He was a little warm yesterday and this morning, but he hasn't had an "official" fever - by that, I mean a fever high enough to make our thermometer beep a warning. I took his temp this morning because he felt warm, and it was 36.8 C.
So yeah, I'm not going to keep him out of school, when he knows he gets to go to kindergarten this afternoon, for a stuffy nose. It's not usually the flu when the symptoms are above your shoulders. He's not achy or tired. He's not feverish. He's not vomiting.
Sigh. And so it begins.
So yeah, I'm not going to keep him out of school, when he knows he gets to go to kindergarten this afternoon, for a stuffy nose. It's not usually the flu when the symptoms are above your shoulders. He's not achy or tired. He's not feverish. He's not vomiting.
Sigh. And so it begins.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's official...
Ben is a kindergartener!
We *may* have been a minute or two late, and we *may* have had a miscommunication with the teacher as to where he was supposed to go after dismissal, but all in all, it was a good day. Ben loved it, which is of absolutely no surprise to us at all. I asked what they did, and he said that "Madame __________ read us stories...IN FRENCH!" I asked if he understood the books, and he said, "Nope!" :)
We *may* have been a minute or two late, and we *may* have had a miscommunication with the teacher as to where he was supposed to go after dismissal, but all in all, it was a good day. Ben loved it, which is of absolutely no surprise to us at all. I asked what they did, and he said that "Madame __________ read us stories...IN FRENCH!" I asked if he understood the books, and he said, "Nope!" :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tomorrow is the big day
Kindergarten. How did we get here so fast? Why can't I slow this train down? What I wouldn't give to have a bit time back, to relive some of the past 5 1/2 years. Or all of them.
I cannot put into words how much that sweet little boy means to me...but I still miss my baby.
I cannot put into words how much that sweet little boy means to me...but I still miss my baby.
Monday, August 03, 2009
A whirlwind weekend
I'm almost glad to be going back to work tomorrow! On second thought...nah.
We had a wedding this past weekend - my cousin Stephen got married and it was a beautiful small wedding. Lots of nice moments, funny moments, and great company.
I don't think I'm the only one who loves to watch the kids dance their little butts off! I have such fond memories of wedding dances as a kid... Ella and Sari honestly danced for an hour straight. They would hold hands and "dance" in a circle. If Ella got distracted or if someone else tried to join in, Sari would have none of it! She, and only she, could dance with Ella. It was so cute to watch her take charge! Ben was being a maniac, flitting from here to there, we could barely keep track of him. It was a very late night, coming to a close near midnight, when Ben spilled his 7-up all over himself and losing his head over it. Oy.
On Sunday we decided that since we were so close to the International Peace Gardens, we would go take a look around. It was really nice - we took the scenic drives around the Canadian loop and the US loop. Just a few minutes into the Canadian drive, we saw a fox lying in a ditch. I was worried that he was hurt, but no, he was just relaxing! He wandered off after a couple of minutes. The kids thought it was pretty cool to see him up close. We checked out the Peace Tower, the 9-11 memorial, the flower clock, and some classic cars that were on display.
After the gardens, we headed to Deloraine for my grandpa's 85th birthday tea. Lots of people showed up, not that the kids cared! They were taking advantage of a beautifully sunny day, playing frisbee and lawn darts, playing with trucks and other random toys, eating cake and drinking lemonade. I think Grandpa was enjoying himself though - everyone was making a fuss over him!
Gord finally got our lawn mowed today...but it was really tense for a while as the lawn mower wouldn't start. We figured out that it was bad gas (that's been a good joke all day..."I've never had bad gas before!" etc., etc.) and he was able to thresh down the knee-high grass. Gord, always looking for the silver lining, announced that at least the lawn is really healthy!
Those are the highlights of our long weekend. I have some pics from the birthday party, but I want to get them shrunk down so that uploading them doesn't take so long!
We had a wedding this past weekend - my cousin Stephen got married and it was a beautiful small wedding. Lots of nice moments, funny moments, and great company.
I don't think I'm the only one who loves to watch the kids dance their little butts off! I have such fond memories of wedding dances as a kid... Ella and Sari honestly danced for an hour straight. They would hold hands and "dance" in a circle. If Ella got distracted or if someone else tried to join in, Sari would have none of it! She, and only she, could dance with Ella. It was so cute to watch her take charge! Ben was being a maniac, flitting from here to there, we could barely keep track of him. It was a very late night, coming to a close near midnight, when Ben spilled his 7-up all over himself and losing his head over it. Oy.
On Sunday we decided that since we were so close to the International Peace Gardens, we would go take a look around. It was really nice - we took the scenic drives around the Canadian loop and the US loop. Just a few minutes into the Canadian drive, we saw a fox lying in a ditch. I was worried that he was hurt, but no, he was just relaxing! He wandered off after a couple of minutes. The kids thought it was pretty cool to see him up close. We checked out the Peace Tower, the 9-11 memorial, the flower clock, and some classic cars that were on display.
After the gardens, we headed to Deloraine for my grandpa's 85th birthday tea. Lots of people showed up, not that the kids cared! They were taking advantage of a beautifully sunny day, playing frisbee and lawn darts, playing with trucks and other random toys, eating cake and drinking lemonade. I think Grandpa was enjoying himself though - everyone was making a fuss over him!
Gord finally got our lawn mowed today...but it was really tense for a while as the lawn mower wouldn't start. We figured out that it was bad gas (that's been a good joke all day..."I've never had bad gas before!" etc., etc.) and he was able to thresh down the knee-high grass. Gord, always looking for the silver lining, announced that at least the lawn is really healthy!
Those are the highlights of our long weekend. I have some pics from the birthday party, but I want to get them shrunk down so that uploading them doesn't take so long!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A hum-drum Wednesday
We’re still recovering from vacation…suitcases remain mostly packed, except for the essentials. Supper last night was frozen pizza. Tonight will probably be pasta with sauce, maybe peanut sauce, maybe tomato sauce. Depends on what I think the kids will actually eat. I should also do some laundry. And sort out the rest of the stuff we bought at IKEA. And wash our duvet cover because holy heck there’s a lot of cat hair on it!
I’m trying to get myself organized for our weekend – one of my cousins is getting hitched on Saturday, and then on Sunday we’re having a birthday celebration for my grandpa, who is going to be 85 years old. Although, I think I should say 85 years YOUNG because he’s got a repaired ticker and new eyes, so he’s good for another 20 years at least! It will be a lot of fun for the kids to hang out with that side of my family (my mom’s side) - we don’t get to see them all that often! The wedding and birthday party are back in the area where I grew up, so we’ll be driving out there, about 3 hours or so, on Saturday. I’m so glad that Monday is a holiday, so we don’t have to rush back on Sunday.
The kids both need haircuts. I need to find Ben something to wear to the wedding. I did find some shoes for Ella's dress this weekend, but I desperately wanted these instead. Gord will need to figure out what he’s going to wear. I need to call the kennel. I really hope that the finale of the Bachelorette recorded on the Tivo…uh-oh! Now I’m really wondering…
It's a good thing I got an extra shot in my coffee this morning!
I’m trying to get myself organized for our weekend – one of my cousins is getting hitched on Saturday, and then on Sunday we’re having a birthday celebration for my grandpa, who is going to be 85 years old. Although, I think I should say 85 years YOUNG because he’s got a repaired ticker and new eyes, so he’s good for another 20 years at least! It will be a lot of fun for the kids to hang out with that side of my family (my mom’s side) - we don’t get to see them all that often! The wedding and birthday party are back in the area where I grew up, so we’ll be driving out there, about 3 hours or so, on Saturday. I’m so glad that Monday is a holiday, so we don’t have to rush back on Sunday.
The kids both need haircuts. I need to find Ben something to wear to the wedding. I did find some shoes for Ella's dress this weekend, but I desperately wanted these instead. Gord will need to figure out what he’s going to wear. I need to call the kennel. I really hope that the finale of the Bachelorette recorded on the Tivo…uh-oh! Now I’m really wondering…
It's a good thing I got an extra shot in my coffee this morning!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ottawa was…
A wee bit muggy.
A little bit busy.
Quite wet.
Sometimes quiet.
A lot of times loud.
And all fun!
Pics to come (though I did forget the camera a few times...)
A little bit busy.
Quite wet.
Sometimes quiet.
A lot of times loud.
And all fun!
Pics to come (though I did forget the camera a few times...)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Deja vu.
Why can't I ever get around to blogging???? Work has been insane - we've been a couple people down, and I've been covering for all of them! But we've filled those positions, and now I'm on vacation for a week! Wahoo!
We're off to Ottawa tomorrow morning, bright and early. We can not wait to see the K and the G and the R and the F! Gord's friends Garth and Jill had a baby boy back in March, so we get to meet him. And Liz, another of Gord's friends, who lives in Cambridge Ontario, is also visiting in Ottawa, so we get to see her too! It's going to be a fun-filled week, for sure. Lots of cousin time! Lots of friend time! Some sightseeing, probably some IKEA shopping, and definitely a beaver tail!
I won't promise to post while we're there, but I'll be taking lots of pictures! I'll post some when we get back.
Why can't I ever get around to blogging???? Work has been insane - we've been a couple people down, and I've been covering for all of them! But we've filled those positions, and now I'm on vacation for a week! Wahoo!
We're off to Ottawa tomorrow morning, bright and early. We can not wait to see the K and the G and the R and the F! Gord's friends Garth and Jill had a baby boy back in March, so we get to meet him. And Liz, another of Gord's friends, who lives in Cambridge Ontario, is also visiting in Ottawa, so we get to see her too! It's going to be a fun-filled week, for sure. Lots of cousin time! Lots of friend time! Some sightseeing, probably some IKEA shopping, and definitely a beaver tail!
I won't promise to post while we're there, but I'll be taking lots of pictures! I'll post some when we get back.
Monday, June 08, 2009
This weekend...
...was an exercise in patience. And I have run out.
Friday night was enjoyable enough – we went to the mall to eat supper (I know, fan-cay!) and then to see “Up”. (Highly recommended, BTW.) Ben was stressed out the whole movie – he’s sensitive (I don’t know where he gets that from) – and he carried on about how scary the movie was, all in his regular voice. I’m surprised the people around us weren’t pelting him with popcorn. But it was hard to stay mad at him for being noisy when you watched him cry throughout the movie. And he’d cry over silly things (which I can’t tell you about or I’d ruin the story). It’s heartbreaking to watch him try to control his emotions sometimes… Anyways, it was overall a great night, a great birthday night!
Saturday and Sunday went downhill (see “exercise in patience” above). Ella seriously peed her pants six times this weekend. And Ben was moody and belligerent and just ignored any request we made of him. But he’s fighting the sniffles, so I’m hoping that that’s the reason behind his behavior. As for Ella…I hope it’s a phase…there was a full moon, after all.
On the bright side, the week can’t get worse! Uh-oh, was that lightning that just struck me?
Friday night was enjoyable enough – we went to the mall to eat supper (I know, fan-cay!) and then to see “Up”. (Highly recommended, BTW.) Ben was stressed out the whole movie – he’s sensitive (I don’t know where he gets that from) – and he carried on about how scary the movie was, all in his regular voice. I’m surprised the people around us weren’t pelting him with popcorn. But it was hard to stay mad at him for being noisy when you watched him cry throughout the movie. And he’d cry over silly things (which I can’t tell you about or I’d ruin the story). It’s heartbreaking to watch him try to control his emotions sometimes… Anyways, it was overall a great night, a great birthday night!
Saturday and Sunday went downhill (see “exercise in patience” above). Ella seriously peed her pants six times this weekend. And Ben was moody and belligerent and just ignored any request we made of him. But he’s fighting the sniffles, so I’m hoping that that’s the reason behind his behavior. As for Ella…I hope it’s a phase…there was a full moon, after all.
On the bright side, the week can’t get worse! Uh-oh, was that lightning that just struck me?
Monday, June 01, 2009
A visit with GG
Sunday, we took a little road trip to Morden. We owed my parents a visit, and GG (my Grandma Lil) was there. Since we don’t see her very often, we try to jump at the chance to see her whenever it presents itself.
I think it’s really important for the kids to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. I have snippets of memories from visits to my great-grandma’s house. The smell, that of an old person’s home. Her ceramics. Playing in her yard.
Ben is always happy to bestow hugs and kisses on GG, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve last seen her. He is so outgoing and friendly and loving. He was on her lap and they were taking turns blowing into each other’s ears. Ben was giggling, and so was GG. They were so stinkin’ cute together.
Ella, on the other hand, likes to play shy with GG. Part of the reason she does this is to drive us crazy; she’s the second child you know, and she’s three and stubborn and moody – she tests us non-stop. Before we left home that morning, Gord asked Ella if she was going to give GG a hug when we got there, and she said “No. I’m going to be shy with GG.” Seriously people, she’s got attitude. Sure enough, she wouldn’t even look at GG when we got there, but after a while she was fine. I know that GG pushing her on the swing is what cleared it all up – push Ella on the swing and she’s your friend for life. And after supper, when it was time to go, Ella did give GG a hug and a kiss.
Hopefully, next time we see GG, Ella will remember that she pushed her on the swing and will be ready to shower her with hugs and kisses, like Ben does. I know that it means the world to GG. And to me.
I think it’s really important for the kids to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. I have snippets of memories from visits to my great-grandma’s house. The smell, that of an old person’s home. Her ceramics. Playing in her yard.
Ben is always happy to bestow hugs and kisses on GG, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve last seen her. He is so outgoing and friendly and loving. He was on her lap and they were taking turns blowing into each other’s ears. Ben was giggling, and so was GG. They were so stinkin’ cute together.
Ella, on the other hand, likes to play shy with GG. Part of the reason she does this is to drive us crazy; she’s the second child you know, and she’s three and stubborn and moody – she tests us non-stop. Before we left home that morning, Gord asked Ella if she was going to give GG a hug when we got there, and she said “No. I’m going to be shy with GG.” Seriously people, she’s got attitude. Sure enough, she wouldn’t even look at GG when we got there, but after a while she was fine. I know that GG pushing her on the swing is what cleared it all up – push Ella on the swing and she’s your friend for life. And after supper, when it was time to go, Ella did give GG a hug and a kiss.
Hopefully, next time we see GG, Ella will remember that she pushed her on the swing and will be ready to shower her with hugs and kisses, like Ben does. I know that it means the world to GG. And to me.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Reading
So Ben is making headway on the reading front. It is hard to teach him when I don't even remember what the rules are...but every once in a while, my memory kicks in and I can explain why a letter makes the sound it does. Although, I often feel like I'm talking out of my a$$.
However, I wonder if Ben has a photographic memory - I bought him a Cars easy reader book almost 2 weeks ago. We read through it once (1/2 one night, 1/2 the next). I suggested we read that one last night, and he read almost all of it by memory. Seriously, is that normal? Could you tell already if he has a photographic memory?
I find it so frustrating because it's hard to teach him phonics when he just looks at the picture and spouts the words from memory. Gord suggested that I just accept the fact that maybe he won't learn phonics and will learn by recognition. I suppose he's right...much as I hate to admit it. But I still want to get Ben to learn phonics - and he does know all the letter sounds and he does a super job sounding out words. Last night, when he would recall the words from memory, I would then track my finger along the words and we'd say them/sound them out together.
Anyways, all this to say that Ben is doing great on the reading front and we're so proud of him (despite my small amount of frustration)!
However, I wonder if Ben has a photographic memory - I bought him a Cars easy reader book almost 2 weeks ago. We read through it once (1/2 one night, 1/2 the next). I suggested we read that one last night, and he read almost all of it by memory. Seriously, is that normal? Could you tell already if he has a photographic memory?
I find it so frustrating because it's hard to teach him phonics when he just looks at the picture and spouts the words from memory. Gord suggested that I just accept the fact that maybe he won't learn phonics and will learn by recognition. I suppose he's right...much as I hate to admit it. But I still want to get Ben to learn phonics - and he does know all the letter sounds and he does a super job sounding out words. Last night, when he would recall the words from memory, I would then track my finger along the words and we'd say them/sound them out together.
Anyways, all this to say that Ben is doing great on the reading front and we're so proud of him (despite my small amount of frustration)!
Bolt love
Gosh, do the kids love the movie Bolt! They ask to watch it every day, seriously. EVERY DARN DAY. As much as I love John Travolta, I dislike Miley Cyrus - she just grates on every last one of my nerves...
Anyways, this morning, I hear Ella in our room, on our bed (I guess I was really asleep!), talking to Simon (one of our cats):
"Come here, boy! Come here!"
"Such a good boy!"
"You saved me again Bolt!"
She's reenacting the movie, with the cat. Very, very cute (even though I hate Miley Cyrus)!
Anyways, this morning, I hear Ella in our room, on our bed (I guess I was really asleep!), talking to Simon (one of our cats):
"Come here, boy! Come here!"
"Such a good boy!"
"You saved me again Bolt!"
She's reenacting the movie, with the cat. Very, very cute (even though I hate Miley Cyrus)!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Disney in pictures
Just a few of the 800+ pictures we took on our Disney trip...
We stumbled upon Stitch as soon as we got to Epcot on Day 1
Ben and Bruce (Ella would not even go in this room - and she STILL talks about not wanting to see Bruce!)
Ben vs. the fountain at the Moroccan pavilion - I go inside for one minute, and come out to a soaking wet kid! He still says that this is his favorite part of the trip, although he was a little upset at first...
Taking a round out of the drums in the World Showcase at Epcot
Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival was on - every character you can think of, made out of flowers/plants
The centrepiece of Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's castle!
Aladdin & Jasmine in Magic Kingdom; Ella was so cute - she would not let go of Jasmine's hand, even while she was autographing her book!
HUGE carousel
There were big hugs for Buzz & Woody in Hollywood Studio's Pixar Place:
Lightning & Mater at Hollywood Studios
Hugging Mickey at Donald's Safari Breakfast (in Animal Kingdom)
Hanging with a band outside of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom:
At Lilo & Stitch's character breakfast
Meeting Snow White - Ben was so shy, he wouldn't even look at her. (Gord liked looking at her though!)
Waiting in line...
We stumbled upon Stitch as soon as we got to Epcot on Day 1
Ben and Bruce (Ella would not even go in this room - and she STILL talks about not wanting to see Bruce!)
Ben vs. the fountain at the Moroccan pavilion - I go inside for one minute, and come out to a soaking wet kid! He still says that this is his favorite part of the trip, although he was a little upset at first...
Taking a round out of the drums in the World Showcase at Epcot
Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival was on - every character you can think of, made out of flowers/plants
The centrepiece of Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's castle!
Aladdin & Jasmine in Magic Kingdom; Ella was so cute - she would not let go of Jasmine's hand, even while she was autographing her book!
HUGE carousel
There were big hugs for Buzz & Woody in Hollywood Studio's Pixar Place:
Lightning & Mater at Hollywood Studios
Hugging Mickey at Donald's Safari Breakfast (in Animal Kingdom)
Hanging with a band outside of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom:
At Lilo & Stitch's character breakfast
Meeting Snow White - Ben was so shy, he wouldn't even look at her. (Gord liked looking at her though!)
Waiting in line...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sigh.
My gosh, the world can be depressing. I've been feeling a little bit down this week, and then I see this on Oprah's site. And this (which includes a video) on Huffington Post. Sad. Depressing. Makes me want to ramp up my green habits a little bit more.
Seriously, whales with breast cancer?
I need to buy some more cloth bags...
Seriously, whales with breast cancer?
I need to buy some more cloth bags...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Where does the time go?
Ruby & Fiona are 3 today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY you sweet, smart, funny girls! We will call you later today because we want to hear about all the fun you had today!
We miss you all terribly - we are so overdue for a visit, aren't we?
We miss you all terribly - we are so overdue for a visit, aren't we?
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tales from the toilette
If you were standing outside our bathroom this morning, you would have heard the following:
“Ben, get your hands out of your pants!”
“But Mom, I like to scratch my BUTT!”
“Ben, get your hands out of your pants!”
“But Mom, I like to scratch my BUTT!”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Repenting
What can I say? I keep meaning to blog…lots of stuff to blog about…but I am never in the mood when I get home at night, and now there’s just so much to write about that I can’t motivate myself. Where do I start? How do I remember all the details? Aaaaaahhhhh!
Baby steps…baby steps…one thing at a time…this could get random and messy…maybe I’ll do separate blog posts…here they come!
Baby steps…baby steps…one thing at a time…this could get random and messy…maybe I’ll do separate blog posts…here they come!
A visit to the zoo!
During the warm weather we had a few weeks ago, the zoo called to us…little did we know how incredibly enjoyable the zoo can be in the winter! The animals were active – the monkeys were crazy, the leopards and tigers were prowling, the squirrels and lemurs were out and about, the snakes were slithering up and down the trees, the crocodiles actually MOVED… The camels were enjoying the weather too – and the zoo staff took one of them for a walk! Unfortunately, Ben and I missed it, as we were taking a bathroom break, but Gord, Ella and Grandma Susan got to see it! And they had a better view than the poor staff member following the camel, carrying a huge shovel!
And although this is a family-friendly blog, I do have to report that quite a few animals were very…uh…affectionate? frisky? carnal?...during our visit. What it is about us that brings this out in them, I don’t know. But you’ve gotta wonder… tortoises and guinea pigs getting busy (not with each other)…a goat that wanted to make out with my hand, complete with weird sounds…a spraying male leopard…monkeys and gibbons showing me their “parts”…why us?
It was just a glorious visit to the zoo – both animal-wise (not the animal sex part though) and weather-wise – the kids wore their snow gear, and were great sports about it – they climbed snow piles and played at the playground. But I didn’t even wear mittens! That’s the way to enjoy the zoo in the winter!
THE guinea pigs:
And although this is a family-friendly blog, I do have to report that quite a few animals were very…uh…affectionate? frisky? carnal?...during our visit. What it is about us that brings this out in them, I don’t know. But you’ve gotta wonder… tortoises and guinea pigs getting busy (not with each other)…a goat that wanted to make out with my hand, complete with weird sounds…a spraying male leopard…monkeys and gibbons showing me their “parts”…why us?
It was just a glorious visit to the zoo – both animal-wise (not the animal sex part though) and weather-wise – the kids wore their snow gear, and were great sports about it – they climbed snow piles and played at the playground. But I didn’t even wear mittens! That’s the way to enjoy the zoo in the winter!
THE guinea pigs:
The Big 5
What to say about Ben’s 5th birthday…I don’t know where to start. Ben was very excited about his birthday – excited to have cake and open presents. I was up early on his birthday to make him pancakes (his favorite) and bacon. He went to daycare as usual, and when we got home that night, I told him he could have whatever he wanted for supper. His choice? Peanut butter & jam. Yep, he REALLY went out on a limb with that one! Ben got a Nintendo DS for his birthday and a game for it, as well as some great gifts from Ottawa (thanks K, G, R & F!).
Saturday, the 14th, was his birthday party – and he had requested a secret agent party! So I did invitations with the text reversed, so you had to read it in a mirror. And we set up a scavenger hunt, and did a fingerprinting game. The kids had a really good time, and most importantly, so did Ben! Although it was touch and go when he didn’t win the scavenger hunt…he calmed down though, and loved opening up all the presents he was given! A Webkinz, a Build-A-Bear, remote control cars, games, books, clothes, a watch…it was great, and a big thank you to everyone!
Saturday, the 14th, was his birthday party – and he had requested a secret agent party! So I did invitations with the text reversed, so you had to read it in a mirror. And we set up a scavenger hunt, and did a fingerprinting game. The kids had a really good time, and most importantly, so did Ben! Although it was touch and go when he didn’t win the scavenger hunt…he calmed down though, and loved opening up all the presents he was given! A Webkinz, a Build-A-Bear, remote control cars, games, books, clothes, a watch…it was great, and a big thank you to everyone!
Disney on Ice!
We went to see Disney on Ice last week – it was a great show! Ben is in skating lessons, so I thought it would be great for him to see all the skaters. Of course, I teared up a little bit when Mickey and Minnie came out. The kids were in awe, and the show was great – from Mickey & Minnie to Mulan to Pinocchio to Aladdin to The Incredibles!
One of the funniest things of the whole night was the woman dressed as Dory (from Finding Nemo). Dory's eyes were right on the woman's chest...see? (photo by Dan Harper)
One of the funniest things of the whole night was the woman dressed as Dory (from Finding Nemo). Dory's eyes were right on the woman's chest...see? (photo by Dan Harper)
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