More than just Hockey

Elias could spend most of his life outside. We have read the first in the trilogy and watched On the Other Side of the Mountain, whose main character ( a 10 year old boy) is influenced by Henry Thoreaux's works and heads to the mountains to live in nature. Elias loved it; being outside literally all the time, carving wood, observing nature, building and learning from his environment. It totally resonated with him.
Unfortunately his unquencable appetite for fresh air can't be met in the woods or on a mountain all the time. While we each spend some part of the day with him outside, walking, biking, drawing, at the park, he still wants someone to enjoy it with him. He has been so enjoying road hockey with his dad and siblings. Still his ability to be outside longer than anyone else means he is often on his own. There are very few children in our area that are close in age, they are either 2 or 14 and the one child a few years older he doesn't connect with.

After a small melt down after a long tiring day Elias was able to voice he wants to play road hockey more often with lots of people. I just think how awesome it is that he he both able to share so clearly how he is feeling and then take it to the next stage of brain storming how to meet his needs. (while building a pyramid out of sugar cubes is cool- this is why we homeschool- to help them have incredible life skills) So we sent out an email to 5 or 6 other families to see if anyone could join us for a road hockey afternoon. They all came!! and with cider, hot chocolate, treats, extra equipment and prepared to have fun. It was wonderful. The parents played the kids (5 on the one side and about 20 on the other!), little ones went from the park to the chalk to the snacks, mums chatted and we set aside a date for the next gathering.
It was a fabulous afternoon, not only because of the hockey with friends but because we were reminded how great it feels to have the courage to go after something and have it turn out.

Croquet Anyone?

It was a gorgeous day. After a walk with the dog we decided it was perfect to take advantage of Grammy and Grampy's croquet set at our house. We had planned a few times to have a game with friends as part of our geography coop but the weather didn't cooperate. So the weather was fine, the time was there, and we played. We played a traditional round the first time, following the rules and doing our best to talk with British accents. Then we tried doing a speed version, during which no one could stop moving. This was followed by a game of who could hit the ball the farthest and still get it through the target. It went down hill from there, mallets became crutches and balls became objects to hide. We followed the game with a high tea with watercress sandwiches and some British chocolate. We read Beatrix Potter books and snuggled. We will be starting Germany in the next week or so.

The People on the Bus...

Despite having a fully functioning 2 year old van we have recently been choosing to take the public transit. The other day a friend asked why we were making this choice. I have felt quite queasy this pregnancy and preview to avoid having to drive behind the wheel as much as possible. I would like our family to cut down on the cost and the emission of choosing to drive the van. I would like us to stay home more often and when faced with the bus we often question why we are going out. Reasons though have popped up that I didn't expect since riding the bus. Normally leaving our house to go somewhere; dance, art, co-of, etc. Is a struggle. If one of the kids or me is going to 'loose' it during our day it is from the time I say to get ready until we are driving out of the driveway. The stress of having your attention divided multiply times; getting everyone to the bathroom, packing the four types of weather outfits, snack, lunch, drinks, the dog, the cat, the napsack, the keys, etc. is often nerve racking especially if we are in anyway running late. To catch the bus on time we need to leave even earlier, the kids are happier to be walking down the street to catch grasshoppers while we wait for the bus then they are to be piling into the van. My stress has time to alleviate on the walk instead of intensifying in the van.
Our conversations on the bus are very connecting, probably in part because we are physically huddled together. We have had extremely interesting conversations about public behavior, personal space, reasons for riding on the bus, taking care of each other, our city. We have been forced to be more mindful of how we spend our time, move more slowly because the bus doesn't allow us to fit one more thing in.
While by no means has our bus days been without hurdles; times we missed the bus, intoxicated riders, the temperature change on and off the bus, our personal space changing, being tired and hungry while out of supplies, filling our evenings with errands we didn't get done. I can't imagine us riding the bus as much in the below zero temperatures, or when the baby arrives. It is something we do fondly enjoy overall and will sporadically continue.

Art in our Home

My kids were so patient and cooperative today. I was on the phone in a state of semi panic for a good portion. I coordinate the meetings for our homeschool group and over the past 24 hours four of the six guest panelists cancelled and the meeting is tonight! What are the chances! I have written about how I enjoy the last minute rush of preparing for something, but this was not one of those times (lol). I had done all the leg work weeks prior, taken care of all the details so as not to be in the position. I had two friends who stepped right up with a list of possibilities and helped pull the night off with great success- thank you!. In order for that to happen though I needed to spend most of the day phoning artists, studios, talking to answering machines and running around.
The topic for the panelists was Bringing Art into the Home, with both homeschooling parents and artists discussing the topic. While the last minute rush was a bit daunting and overwhelming I did have an incredible opportunity to talk with various local artists about this topic. The importance of experimenting, giving space for the child to connect with their creativity and let go of the finished product. While none of this was new, it is how I try to homeschool. It was affirming for me and encouraged me to pull out the clay for the kids to play with. Despite the clay getting everywhere (how does it get on the lamp?) it always amazes me how wonderful it is to see them create totally uninhibited.

Surprise

Our camera goes everywhere with us; the grocery store, the park, library, field trips, on the bus and in my bag. It is a family camera, everyone feeling comfortable and able to pick it up and use it to take a picture of whatever moves them. Therefore, when I down load the pictures it is often a surprise to see what is moving people to
be captured on film (so to speak). There is just a sample of some of the most recent download....I love the pumpkin shots, they look as though they belong in a collection entitled something like Pumpkin Pieces or The Pumpkin in the Corner.

Celebration of a New Kind

Having British parents I have heard lots about the celebrations that happened on Guy Fawkes day, but this was the first time I celebrated it. We joined two other families as part of our wrapping up a tour of Britain. It was a beautiful fall night with a gorgeous pink and orange sunset, we walked to the lake and the kids loved the open space this empty conservation area offered us. One of the mum's read the story of this 400 year old event to everyone. As in keeping with the tradition the kids each made an effigy which were burned on the bonfire. We enjoyed baked potatoes, biscuits, british candy, toffee apples and cider. The sparklers were a huge hit, lighting up the early darkness. Keeping everyone awake on the ride home was a challenge but they are sound asleep with the sweet smell of fire in their hair!

Please to remember the
Fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
And I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Science on a Saturday

Last year at this time Chris, Ben and Aria went to a local University Open House which featured a some very cool events with a science theme. Elias and I were looking forward to going, for last year at this time Elias was going into the hospital. We talked a lot today about what that was like for each of us, the time and the knowledge that he is healthy made it much more comfortable for everyone to go back to that time. We are were all very thankful to be in a much different place this year.
The event was great. The kids mined chocolate chips out of cookies, created gem and mineral sheets, participated in experiments and watched others, made gloop and slime, looked at beautiful rocks and crystals, rode a vacuum powered hover craft and watch a very spectacular magic show. We came home with lots of new rocks for our collections, and we are very excited to show Grampy a rock that is magnetic....hello iron!

On a cold and frosty morning

I love these mornings. It is freezing outside, the windows are frosted, there is a white sprinkling on the ground. We can hear the school kids gather on our front lawn waiting for the school bus, hudling to keep warm. We are are sitting in our pj's at the kitchen table eating apple pancakes and hot tea, no plans of going out anytime soon. I love our life. (yes you do hear my sinister laugh in the background :)

Could life get any better?

Our baby is now 30 weeks old and moves lots. The movements are big enough for the kids to feel. In a quiet moment this afternoon I called them over to come feel the kicks and ripples. I look down at my big ripe belly to see three beautiful smiling faces talking to our baby, sharing how much they love him/her. There is something amazing about physically being with a baby inside of me, three on the outside - all loving each other. To see their gleeful faces talking and singing to their little sibling is soo precious- I am getting excited to birth!

Out of this World

This afternoon we enjoyed a presentation by the Brott Music Festival.
Canada's first astronaut ;Marc Garneau, the only to have been in space three times joined the orchestra for a very interesting performance. Garneau shared his experience of being in space during his three trips and the music he listened to while in space. The result was very interesting. Space travel; something we are currently reading about is usually presented in very scientific and philosophical terms, to accompany the topic with beautiful classical music shed new light and emotions onto the idea (for me at least). It was a treat to be in a new theater and have Grampy accompany us.
The kids enjoyed sharing all the details (especially how one goes to the bathroom on the shuttle!), leading to pulling out the photo collection of space, the kit to create an eclipse, books and puzzles! I would say it was enjoyed by all.

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.