Exploring the World of Shakespeare

With the birthday of Shakespeare approaching in April we have been reading books about the playwright, listening to his sonnets on CD and touring the Globe theatre on line. Our local Gallery has a portrait of Shakespeare on display that is believed to be the only authentic one. In conjunction with this they have put together a wonderful collection of costumes, art work and photographs of Shakespeares plays. The boys both attended an afternoon workshop that took them through the displays, but I wanted to have a look together especially now that we have a little more context and knowledge with which to look at it. The gallery had tours on for march break so we went yesterday to take advantage of it. There was a scavenger hunt which took you through each of the rooms, costumes to try on (such lucious rich dresses) , a claymation video to watch and then plasticene to experiment with, masks to make and games to play. It was a visit worth making.

Sharing the Treasures

After a busy morning at the library for some chess lessons, grocery shopping and errands, we decided to take Dad to see the swan we saw yesterday. It really is a beautiful bird. We got out our birding books to see what type of swan it might be; its orange beak was the biggest clue leading us to believe it is a Mute Swan. They were introduced to Ontario in the late 1950's and are now very common in area's surrounding Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. They have short migratory routes and are fierce competetors for food. It will be interesting to see if it stays for the summer. It appears to be alone, Swans mate for life so we are hoping that it has yet to find one.

The last snow angels, birding and empty parks

Another beautiful day that called for us to enjoy the outdoors. After lots of discussion of where we might go for a hike (we really do have lots of fabulous options-how lucky are we!) we agreed on a shorter trail that leads to a park. It is a green space in the middle of the city that has an incredible amount of wildlife considering. We watched some chickadees in a small cedar grove, we followed racoon tracks through some dense bush, listened to the ducks and geese have a large 'meeting'. Two of the best surprises was a large white swan in the water. They really are majestic birds, the size of their feet are huge! The other was watching the dance of two red tailed hawks catching the air currents, soaring and dipping. After ten minutes about four sea gulls and crows decided the two birds of prey were too close for comfort and chased the predators away. We chatted on the way back to the car about how excited we are for the return of the birds and afternoons spent watching them.

Tobagganing

With the bitter cold weather I have been reluctant to take Shai outside for great lengths of time (and to honest the idea of nursing him outdoors in -20 weather isn't appealing). We haven't gone toboganning during the day as much as we have other years. Now that the temperatures are a little more bearable we have been going down the street to a nearby ravine. The kids have been loving it, Shai has stayed warm and I haven't had to nurse outside while watching yet! Everyone is happy. I am guessing this might be one of our last rounds of tobagganing, the weather is getting increasingly warmer.

Sunny Days

Enjoying the snow is so easy when the sun shines so bright!

A topic has been chosen, the preliminary experiments begun, materials gathered and enthusiasm is high...we are off to a good start. We are in science fair mode!

Editor's note: Mum you must be so proud, we have begun the project three weeks in advance, maybe my procrastination days have come to an end!!!

The Drive to Bring it Home!

The Homeschool group we belong to is having a science fair. Elias and Ben decided fairly quickly to participate and then decide what topic they would explore. I assumed that Aria would not be interested, or of an age were she would have the attention span to focus on such a project. As with all the things we examine she would be a part of the project the boys were looking at, so she wouldn't have been excluded. When we were discussing what the project the boys were doing might involve she asked a lot of questions about the fair itself. It soon became very clear the wheels were in motion completely of her own drive to create a science project of her own. She has been working incredibly hard gathering books at the library, writing to friends for information and creating a beautiful book to display....with very little guidance or assistance from anyone! While she displays her independence and determination on a daily basis, I found myself floored with the maturity and clarity of vision she is taking on this project. Wow! She's growing in ways that awe me. Stay tuned for the final results.

An Art Afternoon

After a morning of hockey in the driveway, coloring and laundry we decided to visit a nearby art gallery for the Family Fun Day. It is a beautiful little gallery which we haven't visited in a long time. The program they put together was very well done. Each of the activities they have around the gallery fabulously connect with the art. The kids did a scavenger hunt around a miniature sculpture, put together puzzles of art work they sat in front of, sculpted, traced and drew, and chatted with friends. We stayed until the end, Elias really enjoyed drawing, Ben loved the sculpting and Aria the Buddha Boards. Shai loved the viewing the abstract art! Everyone was impressed.

A 3-D party

This 3-D party didn't require special glasses, it was a night of Destruction, Discovery and Dessert. We invited some families to join us in taking apart household items; a popcorn maker, some old telephones, harddrives, a lap top, a drill, a small television, a mixer, some old radios and tape players. Aria was enthralled with the old telephone, seeing the bell inside that made it ring and the a dial that was a rotation instead of buttons. Elias and Ben sat with their tools taking things apart almost forgetting to come share in the dessert (which says a lot!). The dad's (and mums sometimes too) were right in the mix exploring the guts of these machines. I loved watching our kids excited about what they were doing, pondering and sharing with their friends of all ages. It was a great mix of families, some we know well and some we are getting to know better. For me, it was having the evening a family event that I enjoyed most. I think we will do more things like this.

A bed of roses

Despite the cold, icy, crunchy day outside, I woke up to a garden of roses. I was commenting during story time last night as the wind howled against the house and the snow swirled around that I was ready for spring; flowers, grass, the smells of freshness, windows open. Aria remembered this and took it to heart. She surprised me with a wonderful gift of a garden to enjoy until the spring comes. A whole row of roses. I feel warmer already.

Will warmth be near????

The kids and I were looking at the blog postings from last March. We were very excited (well, I was) to see the kids playing outside without coats, on their bikes, sidewalk chalk, and on the grass! Ahh spring is near, I just know it!

Photo Surprises

I take a lot of pictures. My friends take a lot of pictures (yes that's you Karen !!!). The kids think everyone has their photo taken throughout their day everyday. They are surprised when the camera isn't there to capture whatever "neat" thing that has caught their eye. They also enjoy photographing their daily special events; often without me knowing. These pictures are a wonderful surprises for me. These are the latest from little girl.

A Quilt of Belonging

A few weeks ago we went with some friends to view a truly spectacular quilt; The Quilt of Belonging. I shared with many of you how awed I was by the work that went into this piece of art. It was created to demonstrate the unique diverse makeup of Canada. Quilt blocks were created by Canadians with connections to each nation of the world and the 70 First Nations groups that reside within Canadian Borders. The Quilt was put together and is touring. We were fortunate enough to a nearby town. The Quilt blocks were as diverse as the nations they represent. The materials used were fur, animal skin, butterfly wings, buttons, bone, ribbon, hand made silks, hand dyed, batiked, woven, metal, every color imaginable.

Even a few weeks later the kids have been creating quilts. This picture is one Ben made out of playdough.

Not so fast

Shai is almost 6weeks, at which time he won't be a newborn anymore. How did that happen? Despite my drinking in every moment possible its gone far to fast. He is such a content baby, smiling at all the crazy faces gathered around him. Maybe the next baby stage won't go so fast?

Our first Baby

A lifetime ago; living in New Brunswick, newly weds, long hair, bushy beard (haha yes that was Chris) driving Ruby(our vw van) and living in a very small slanted part of a victorian house, it was then that Marly became a part of our life. We were at the local farmer's market when we spotted an huge box with a litter of 12 pups bouncing around inside. We awed over them and kept going for our regular samosas and fresh orange juice. When we returned there were two puppies left with a very sad looking little boy. As we stood holding them the boy commented that his dad said if any came home they would end up in the bottom of the pond!!! Probably a ploy but we totally fell for it! Marly at 8 weeks old came home with us, to join into our crazy life. She came to university with us, the pub, to parties, across country numerous times. She was woven into all parts of our lives, present at all major events. When Elias was born we were very aware of Marly's feelings, living in a coop the dog walking and showering attention was gifted on us by a house mate. Marly transitioned wonderfully.

Then Ben was born. Two children under two, Chris with a new job meant that Marly was put on the back burner. Her walks, pets and attention in general was minimal. She began chewing the door frames, scratching the wood floors, and digging huge holes. I guess you could say she didn't transition so well.

Then Aria was born. We now had three children 4 and under. Life was wonderfully busy with a twist of crazy. Marly no got even less time romping through the fields, visiting the pond and fewer treats. We put her in a kennel to stop her from chewing the house, jumping through the screen windows and scratching at the doors, she bent and twisted the metal. I guess you could say she didn't transition so well.

Shai arrived 7weeks ago. We now have four children 8 and under, and life is still wonderful with a twist of crazy; the way we love it. Marly often doens't join us on adventures or walks, but there are now other hands to stroke and care for her. There has been no scratching, chewing, window jumping, metal bending this time. Even though she doesn't get the same kind of attention she once did, she is loved. She is our family, life is better for all of us with her. The big lug!

The love of winter

When Chris and I lived in New Brunswick we loved the winters. The abundance of snow, the crisp air and it lasting the entire winter season. We spent lots of time walking the dog through the woods, building our own snowmen, crosscountry skiing, and freezing in our VW van which had no heat. Our kids feel the same way about snow and winter now. By 8 am they have fed themselves breakfast, dressed in their outdoor gear and are rolling around in the snow (whether its 2 cms or 12 inches). They often talk about how great it would be to live near the tree line those crazy kids.

A Question of Money

(the paint your own tea set Aria bought)

We recently went to a toy store, the kids with wallets in hand. Both Ben and Aria have saved their birthday money which was in the early fall, Elias with a small amount left from his which was just a few weeks ago. As with everything else, they each have very different approaches to money. This is the first year they have all recieved money as a gift and they are all at the age of understanding what they could do with it.

It has been interesting to see the kids handling money, their views toward it and how they think it is best to spend it. Aria is quite indifferent, she is not that attached to things and therefore doesn't have a strong desire to spend it. She often feels as though she 'should' spend it because thats what people do.
Ben saves his money for a long time, it weighs the pros and cons of a purchase, usually opting to pass on the item. He is generous with his money, often buying his siblings toys they yearn for or offering to lend them some. Elias never has money for long. Before he even has it in his hand he has thought of a dozen ways to spend it. He finds it very difficult to leave a store money still in hand, he would almost rather spend it on anything.

We have been having lots of discussions on saving money, bank accounts, interest and loans. This has increased even more since the kids decided to take on a paper route. They have gone through a job interview, enjoyed the reward of a paycheck, wanted to call in sick, thought about quiting and realized how little they get paid compared to the amount of work they do. Above all I am amazed at the determination they have had throughout the entire process. Their level of committment far exceeds mine on this issue, they have shown a great sense of responsibility and understanding. They amaze me.

Beaming Mother Photos

Shai turned 5 weeks yesterday. I am so enjoying having a baby; this baby. He is sooo beautiful in every way. Can't you just smell the sweet scent, those milky lips and soft skin?

Fruit kebobs and kind words

After Aria left for her preschool the boys and I went to a friends house for a Valentines Day party. The morning was filled with cupcake decoarted, playing, some very impressive snacks (melon in the shape of hearts put on skewers, goldfish crackers in blue creamcheese to be fished out with pretzels....our host is a very talented closet Martha Stewart we were impressed Amanda!) and valentines exchange. This exchange was a little different. Each person wrote something they liked about their friends. It was nice to hear what everyone wrote. Who couldn't use more kind words?

Happy Valentines Day

Yesterday the kids worked on making valentines cards to give to their friends at a party they are heading to this morning. I went to pick Shai up out of the bouncy chair this morning and noticed this heart covered card. Ben made this card for his baby brother, with a beautiful picture of himself rocking Shai and hearts floating around them, with the words "i luv u shi". I am not a huge fan of Valentines day....but this has me changing my mind!

Skating Lessons

All three kids are taking skating lessons with our local homeschool group. Aria has quickly taken to being able to stand with ease on her skates, which has been especially surprising seeing as last year she only went out on them once. Elias and Ben have been enjoying road hockey with their friends this year and have recently become interested in watching the game, it has been a natural extention for them to practice some drills in their class. The program is run completely by volunteers from the group, as are most of the programs we do. Those teaching the lessons are their friends, adults they feel comfortable with but more than that, they enjoy their company, enthusiastically share parts of their life with and look forward to being together. I am thankful for these wonderful volunteers/friends that the program runs....but more that I am able to sit in the warm room nursing and watching!