Halloween night

This year all three of the kids decided to choose spooky costumes... something new at this house. It took a long time to decide, but in the end they were thrilled with their decision. They each visualized there costume down to the fine details of a witch doll, a standing collar and purple feathers. We have been enjoying reading halloween stories this week and talking about how it is celebrated around the world and at other times. The kids were hoping to soap the windows....but we passed for this year at least.

Let the Haunting begin

The kids were soooo excited this morning to go our coop's halloween/harvest party. They were thrilled with their costumes (as was I!) , so excited to be going to our friends' house that has a trampoline, horses and miles to roam and starting to celebrate halloween. There was crafts and decorating cookies, bobbing for apples (something they have always wanted to try! who knew? lol) egg races, snacks and of course the trampoline! When we got home we washed the costumes and had some down time to get ready for the evening festivities.

A Sense of Urgency

Yesterday afternoon CBC Radio had a fabulous collection poems, songs, reflections and discussions on the Fall season. One woman commented that fall often came with a sense of urgency; a need to enjoy every day with warm sunny weather, because we don't know if it will be the last before the cold settles in for the season. That we feel concerned that the opportunity will pass us by, that if we don't seize the moment we will have lost out for the next few months at the least. That we never really know which day will have the last of the nice weather which adds to the urgency. With this urgency comes mourning. That knowing this may be the last nice day, we also grieve the passing of the warmth and comfort that isn't present during the wintery cold months.
Today was one of those wonderful warm days. I totally had a feeling of urgency, a need to be outside enjoying every ray of sunshine and warmth. We purposely took an early bus to a play we attended this morning so that we could walk along the river and play outside. After the play we decided to miss the bus and sit outside eating treats from the local bakery. When we finally got home and changed we headed right back outside for a hike. It was glorious and I am so thankful we have a lifestyle where we could stop what we might have done to get outside and enjoy it.

A New Halloween tradition

My kids have never enjoyed pumpkin carving. I have two kids who are very sensitive to different textures, cold and slimy pumpkin guts happens to be one of them (go figure lol). So there have been many years Chris and I carve them or we paint them or we have one created out of paper or plastic. This year two of the three decided they would give it a whirl....and enjoyed it (well with plastic bags on their hands).

Just in time

Halloween is two days away. It's 10:45, I am surrounded by mounds of black silky material that frays when you look at it, feathers are floating around me and the ones that aren't are stuck to me, the carpet and bed with strings from the glue gun. During the next two days I have a craft and snack to prepare for a Halloween party, a play to attend, two dentist appointments, my house has been put under a spell of eternal disaster, three pumpkins to carve, grocery shopping of some sort, and another cape to make. I have finished a raven king costume (and I am sure the feathers will be around for awhile to remind us of it!) and half a very particular witch costume, one more to go. We have at least past the "no changing your mind" place (unless of course they are creating it).
While my heart beats with the clock as the deadline is forever coming closer, I am not stressed by the rush, quite the opposite. It seems to be my pattern from grade school to complete large projects just minutes before they are due. (remember the to scale model of Stonehenge out of dough we began 7 pm the night before it was due mum and dad? Remember those countless essays Chris? ) While those around me stare in disbelief and bewilderment....I thrive on it! It works for me. So while I may walk around a little puffy eyed with fingers dyed black and a few stray feathers, I love the process of creating and working until the project is done....Just in time!!!

Growing Pains

This morning was an emotional roller coaster for all of us. After three weeks of running the track and preparing for a homeschool group cross country run we left bright and early for the event. We had packed the night before, even got breakfast ready, the kids made signs to cheer Ben (who was running) on, laid the clothes out, directions and camera. We felt so prepared and excited. Despite the freezing temperatures, the darkness and the rain we set off. Arriving in the area early we were all anticipating the run with excitement. We searched, we searched, we asked for clarification of directions at a store, we pulled over two passing vehicles, we called a friend in Guelph...twice, we drove for over 2 hours. We never found it. We pulled over all five of us crying. The disappointment Ben felt of not being able to run the race, of his expectations no where near being met, of the opportunity passing when he didn't want it to. For the rest of us, knowing how much this meant to Ben and soooo wanting to make it happen for him. We felt his pain, his sadness, we felt paralyzed not able to make it better.
After everyone had a cry and a group hug we got back into the car and went to the track we practiced at. We used a scarf to make a finish line, Ben ran the distance while we all cheered (and cried) and then he broke through the finish line. We washed the morning down with hot chocolate with whipcream and cookies.
It was a morning we will all remember for slightly different reasons. And though it was difficult and very emotional, it was also bonding and affirming of our connection as a family. Instead of blowing how everyone felt off, or ignoring the intensity, we embraced it and supported each other. We all felt cared for and loved. We acknowledged how awful it felt. It is at times like this that I am so thankful for our choices as a family, to parent in the way we do, to homeschool, to intentionally spend our time in connecting ways. We are closer, in touch with each other because of it. We see each other grow in amazing ways, but we also feel it as a family.

A Knight of One's Own

In the Knight coop session yesterday we talked about what was involved in becoming a knight.
We found some great books at the library that I will list below, outlining the different steps. First there is the Page or Groom who needs to learn; manners, to read and write, to dance with fine ladies, horse riding, to carve meat and to bow before nobles. After getting dressed up at home today (of their own desire) they took turns playing the piano and dancing with each other formally...it was as precious as it sounds!
The next stage is the Squire who learns about armor, dressing the knight they are mentoring with, using the different weapons and battling. The kids dressed each other (remember imaginary tights, mail coat and skirt!!!) and then pretended to learn different moves. (Yes, it got cuter!)
It amazes and delights me how the kids take something they learn and totally emmerse themselves in it, integrate into their play and take it to totally new levels. Two boys in the group yesterday made up a game on their own involving knight figures and shared it with the group. The kids take the material and make it their own. How awesome is that. I genuinely wonder if that happens with kids in public school. I really wonder.

Coop

coop begins again

Co-op has become a regular part of our routine. It is something the kids look forward to and enjoy. They have gotten the chance a know the same children and adults in a group environment, week after week. While this co-op is not without it's trials and hurdles, it is this growth in problem solving that has been one of its merits for us. My kids are so pleased that it has finally started. We have tried something different this session; the kids put forth the topic ideas instead of the mums. This session four topics out of the ten or so were chosen from the main list; Communication, Paper Crafts, Knights and Ancient Eygpt. The children under five are doing a combination of crafts, songs, outdoor and indoor play.
This was our second week and very quickly everyone has gotten into the routine. Ben is enjoying his paper crafts class, one which I sit in on and lend a hand. While Ben has an abundance of energy, a need to move his body and a very physical component to his personality, he equally loves to focus all that energy on a project such as a craft. He has been so pleased with his final products, and is so proud to show them off to dad at home.
Elias is also enjoying his session on communication, sharing at dinner time the sign language, flag codes or cunniform writing he has been doing.
I have been leading a group of 6 boys (gulp) in a session on knights. Despite the fact they fidget, move around, lie down, touch each other, etc, (all of which I find distracting), I am aware that much of this is their learning style. This week we focused on the stages leading to knighthood, with a physical component (limited to a small basement room) to channel the energy. This is similar to my own kids, the challenge has just been the numbers.
Aria is so wanting to join in with the big kids. While she is enjoying the younger group, it is hard for her to be apart from not just me but also her brothers.
I am not sure our family will participate in a session in the new year when the baby has arrived...I don't envision our babymoon with lots of driving around, but we are enjoying it at the moment.

Art Exhibit

With much anticipation the family; including Grammy and Grampy, headed to an art exhibit downtown. This wasn't going to be just any art exhibit but one that featured the work ELias has been doing in his class. We were all met with great disappointment when we heard his class' work was not present because it was still drying. Elias was quite excited about this day, it was one of the few times he was comfortable...even looking forward to being the centre of attention. The teacher was very apologetic, empathetic to how he must be feeling and recognized how disappointing it must feel. She has offered to open the studio for him to have is own exhibit, which was very kind. I am sure we will be working hard at home on new projects to add.
The studio had set up a hands-on clay table which all three of the kids enjoyed molding and creating with, bringing home beautiful creations. The art work on display was quite diverse. My favorite was the art created with layers of beautiful japanese handmade paper. Some of the pieces where abstract and others were more realistic.
The evening ended with Indian food for dinner courtesy of Grammy and Grampy- Yummy!

There is a large part of me that is a farm girl at heart. Two summers ago I looked into raising laying hens in our backyard, which I was very excited about. Some of the kids felt unsure about safety which lead to it being postponed. I saw this very cool product and my dream was restored (although the price caught me off guard!).

10 lbs of Clay

Way back in July or August at the Teddy Bear picnic pictures for a coloring contest at the Local art store were being handed out. As the time approached Aria and Elias decided to enter, Ben was still recoping from the fair. They received a phone call last week letting them know they had each won one of the honorary mentions! They were over the moon! They each received a $5 voucher to spend at the store, which was very difficult because there really is sooo much they would love to spend it on. After many rounds down the aisles and discussion they put their money together and bought 10 lbs of air drying clay, a fabulous purchase in my opinion.

You Got the Cutest Little Funny Face!

I am in hysterics everytime I turn the corner today. These are the faces I see everytime I turn around- they couldn't be cuter!

I Spy with my Little Eye....

Today we had Ben's Spy birthday party. The activities were themed based; writing with invisible ink, a spy training course complete with ropes and bells, a pinata filled with a spy disguise and decorating a secret box. The kids seemed to enjoy each part, Ben thought they were fabulous (which was most important)Ben had four friends, combined with my guys there were 7 kids at the party - which was perfect! Ben really does love everyone and would have liked to invite all his friends and their families but this year we capped it.
This party marked the one year anniversary to our 15 children cowboy birthday party complete with flood resulting in bathroom and basement renovation! I have to say the little bit of glitter on the couch and the cake on the floor with only seven children really was wonderful in comparison!

No where near ready for this!

I wish it was a joke. I really don't think snow and below zero temperatures in October is just. I am not ready for layering, digging out boots, snowsuits, the wet floor, warming up the car or scraping it off. Despite what I think we had today. The kids thought it was amazing, quickly getting out the shovels and making a snow head on the back deck! Notice we haven't even put the patio furniture away!

Happy Anniversary

The Canadian toonie recently celebrated it's 10th anniversary . As part of the celebrations there was a vote to name the polar bear. Check out the results here.

Happy 6th Birthday Beautiful Boy

I remember his birth so clearly, I was intent on being present for every detail of his entry. It is so hard to believe it was six years ago today. His first few months of life were such a whirlwind, with two children under 2 they were hectic exhausting months. When he was just under a year I remember feeling like I was coming out of a fog ande we were being introduced again to each other. Ben is such a kind, thoughtful boy who truly loves being generous, exploring nature and is thrilled at finding creatures of all sorts. He is deeply spiritual, I am in awe of the growth he has in exploring this part of himself, especially at his age. Not to mention his ability to climb! where did those limbs come from!!!

Celebrating him and his part in this world is joyful for us all. We enjoyed going out for breakfast together at one of our favorite places for chocolate chip pancakes (and cafe latte for mum!) Ben was thrilled with his birthday gift, which Dad worked really hard to create. Ben has a passion for all things spy lately. Dad filled a tool box with glasses, a watch, a headset, a laser that shows different pictures, a flashlight, a retractable rope, a tool set and walkie talkies. Ben has been hiding around corners, sending codes and mastering moves.

I was on the phone registering for a course the other day. While I was giving my address to the registrar Aria came over. She kept calling me, calling me, calling me, saying it was very important, I couldn't concentrate on the phone call and excused myself to talk to her. I asked her to please let me finish my phone call but she insisted on telling me something.
"Mama, you said you lived at crescent- its not crescent- its Present, because your home is such a great gift!"
You can't disagree with that!

So I decided (with prompting from a good friend) I should be recording some more of these moments. These are two such from the past few weeks.

Elias: She won't get dressed, I offered to help but she won't even put her underwear on.
Aria: (stomping down the stairs) I absolutely can not wear these underwear! They are too big, they are golden.
Me: come hear and let me see them (I am assuming she has a pair of my underwear!)
Aria: They are pharaoh underwear, golden pharaoh underwear!
Me: (no assuming even more that my underwear could be called pharaoh underwear) Show them to me Aria!
Aria: (underwear in hand- they are hers- not mine) Hepshetsup would not be happy if I wore her underwear!



On a trip to the grocery store Aria noticed the cashier was wearing an extraordinary amount of jewelry. She was covered in rings, sparkly earrings, necklaces and clanging bangles. Aria (who loves accessories) commented
"Wow you adorn yourself beautifully!"
The cashier gave her a confused look- I am not sure she knew what she meant or if she was shocked at her word choice.

If It were a Small World How would it look?

Something to think about over Thanksgiving Weekend

Some very cool large fungus we found on the forest floor. Fungus is something we don't know a lot about.












A praying mantis
























A pile of treasures.











Today, which is sandwiched inbetween two family gatherings, we decided to move slowly amongst the beautiful fall colors and sunshine. We headed to 'our' pond in hopes of finding some frogs before they head below the mud. We found a few frogs...but none were caught and admired up close. After we explored the pond we wondered through the tall grass and headed to the woods. A highlight for the kids was helping the milkweed disperse its seeds. They were delighted opening the pods, scattering the seeds.

Coming Full Circle

The Millpond is a spot I have childhood memories of; going canoeing, summer camp visits, fireworks, hikes with my parents, having ice cream on the banks. Chris also has childhood memories of the millpond; fishing, hiking, pulling out bikes and other treasure, crayfish gathering. We also share memories of a grade 6 pond study, hiking together, skating with friends, quiet moments. While it wasn't the first time with the kids hiking around the pond it was the first time we shared those memories. The kids thought that was so great that this was a place we each remember going at their age, and now they are there. It was a beautiful fall day, thanksgiving weekend, a happy memory...a little bit like a cheesey hallmark moment...in a good way.