Some things to show...

On goodbyes and friendship.

About 6 years ago, I was at the OEYC here in Napanee. I did not know anyone, had a small and demanding baby and was feeling quite lost and lonely during the day. There were not too many people I felt I could connect with, not too many breastfeeding moms, and it seemed my other parenting philosophies also put me in the minority.

But, I saw a few other women and for some reason I wanted to befriend them... and so, I did. The rest  as they say - is history. There were 5 of us in the beginning, going to aquafit with our kids, exercise class, baby yoga, Snoezelin rooming, many picnics in the park and at each others houses. We've shared our heartbreak, our pain, our happiness, our homes, our fears and our triumphs. We have offered each other our undying support and shoulders for crying, laughing or resting heads. We've used our hips to carry each others children when extra help was needed. We have our trust. We have our friendship.

Last year we saw one of our group move to Holland. It was sad for us, but they have made their way very well. And we are glad of it but still miss them.

Today, another dear friend moves to the USA for a great opportunity for her husband and family. I cannot express in words how much she is going to be missed. She is the one I called in tears the first day my boy got on the bus. She sang for us at our wedding. She is someone I could always count on, who liked my kids and did not mind doing me a favour watching them. Someone who guided me when it came to cloth diapers (and saved me a pile of money by passing hers on). Someone who is always ready with a hug, and no judgement. I could go on...

Their moving leaves a big hole in our everyday lives. The energy of the boys, the photos her husband is sooo good at taking and, well - her friendship. I wish them well and I know we will see them in the future - but it will be difficult to just call and say, "Hey, wanna meet at the park for a picnic?"

We love you guys. Good luck in NY.
xoxox

Day Two - Marysville P.S. Literacy Workshop

Day two at Marysville PS was... awesome. The work the kids did was fantastic, and it seemed like they were having lots of fun. I Hope to have some pictures to show, but painting silly things in front of 16 kids at a time is thrilling, and then watching them go back and use what you have shown them is even more so. So, I thank the school for having me - and if you would like me to create a program to fit within your curriculum - drop me a line!

Today I was at Family Space in Belleville - what a place! Belleville has to win hands-down as the most family friendly city. With the family bathrooms at the mall, awesome parks/skate parks... and Family Space, many rooms, lots of staff, fantastic programs - all under one roof. And to top it all off, one of Mo's favourite teachers froim his days at Loyalist works there. It was so nice to see her - and we will be going back to visit soon.

Tomorrow, we head to the Napanee Early Years Centre for one more reading for literacy week. I have to say - it has been fun, but I am TIRED, and I need some time at home to clean my house!

Happy Links

Every once in awhile you need to just Google your books. Well, now I've got these happy links to share:

http://booktalk.scholastic.com/2010/12/23/reading-at-home-2/
http://corvallislibrarybirthtosix.blogspot.com/2010/11/brrr-get-cozy-with-good-book.html
http://www.greenleysbookstore.com/?p=456
http://www.papertrailsfamily.com/2011/01/top-10-list-best-books-to-read-in.html
http://www.frontenacnews.ca/2011/11-02_jan_13/early_literacy_11-02.html
http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/756689/
http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/baby-its-cold-outside
http://quiverfullfamily.com/2010/12/31/book-review-moe-malaya-visit-the-nurse-by-odile-nelson-translated-by-louise-flaherty-illustrated-by-peggy-collins/

Thanks everyone!

Day One: Marysville P.S. Wolfe Island

Finishing up my first day of a two-day literacy workshop at Marysville Public School. Digesting what I learned, and hoping that the kids had fun. They certainly were excited! We're re-telling the folk tale the Enormous Potato... what they came up with was awesome - A leprochaun stuck in a pot of gold, the earth getting stuck in a black hole, an a moose stuck in a tree.. today they brainstormed, worked out the stories and started sketching - they are looking good!

A lovely school, small and intimate. Lovely teachers, funny kids. Looking forward to painting on Wednesday.

This is the first time I've done such a large group - so I hope it turns out well!

Happy New Year

It has been awhile. I've been busy. Sick kids, sick me. Tobogganing, visiting, playing, visiting, celebrating, helping, sharing, loving... and all good things. But, now things are ramping up career-wise again.

It is ALMOST Literacy Week - which means a very busy time for me. I am excited this year, because I get to spend two days with an ENTIRE school, working on a very exciting project. I will be visiting The Marysville Public School on Wolfe Island for a book workshop. I am also visiting the Belleville and Napanee Early Years Centre's for stories and crafts.

Here is a bit of (AWESOME) news - In the Snow is in the January ELF Scholastic Book Club order. This is seriously something I have dreamed of my WHOLE life. Ever since I got my very first books from Scholastic - all new and shiny - just for me... I have wanted this. I am so excited, I hope it does well enough they will also sell In the Garden - we will see.

On the home front, we've decided that the best use for our back room is... drumroll please.... a STUDIO for me, and the kids. I could not be more thrilled. We were going to make it an adult space, but well - that is impossible right now, so we are moving me back there... it is magnificent, and almost done. Right now all my craft/art/easels are in our living space, my workspace had to move when baby #2 moved in - I happily obliged. But now, I get my very own work space, with room enough for a large work table and Mo's very own invention desk. Pictures to follow soon. Thank you to my dear husband who is doing the all of the work (and he is oh so talented). WAHOO!

Mo is reading, Zaley is walking and life is moving oh so fast. but fun.

Happy Holidays

So much news to share, and no time to share it - just yet.
Wishing all of you the best Holiday ever, and a very happy New Year.

Please check back again in the new year for the unveiling of some exciting projects!