The Season Opener

Chris picked up a free hockey net from a neighbour this morning. The kids now have 2 nets, allowing them to have a 'full rink'. The weather broke this afternoon and out the equipment came. Road hockey is one of the many ways the kids love to spend time with Chris, he even bought them all their own jersey's from the village...it's very cute!
And if you are going to pull out some of the hockey stuff you can't ignore pieces to build a ???? train? cargo carrier? rocketship? it doesn't really matter, its a fun machine and mum even got a ride!

Let the classes begin

For me, Autumn wins hands down for the best season. The smells of falling leaves, apple butter, pear crisp, the sunshine, the gorgeous colours, the slight breeze...the classes beginning! I love the excitement of trying new things. Today Ben and Aria started their dance class and on the first and last parent can watch. It was a small class with a few students away. Aria loves the movement, the dance outfit she got from her Nana for her birthday, the songs, the concept of dane, the social aspect. She exudes joy while she moves. Ben doesn't love it the same why she does, but he does enjoy moving his body in the way you do through dance. He really is a natural; flexibility, rhythm, strength all are innate for him. It was wonderful watching them both, very different, very much being themselves.

Long awaited

Aria has asked numerous times over the summer about when she would return to the preschool she attended last year. She has written her 'teacher' notes, visited, drew her pictures that she mailed. Today was the long awaited day-her first day back. She has grown so much over the past year, physically yes, but emotionally and intellectually an incredible amount. She was so happy to be back, see her friends, organize everyone and show them her fancy outfit!

A tour of the Universe

...the solar system acutally. The kids- Ben in particular- have shown a huge interest in learning about the solar system. This is one of those topics that I don't remember learning about in school, I am not sure I could have told you the planets in correct order or much about any planet. We have some awesome resources, lent to use, borrowed from the library and gathered over the summer, many from the discard sale the children's library had. We have posters, activities, experiments, crafts and games. We are all pretty excited.
We decided to start with the sun; being the center of the solar system, and have been reading about how it was formed, we made a sun out of clay with it's different layers, made our own eclipse and used a flash light to show on the sun shines on the earth. Today the kids worked on painting a sun for their own mobile. Without any discussion on what it might their sun might look like, they commented about where the corona was and on the size of the sun spots they were painting. They enjoyed adding the sun spots! It was one of those times I know they absorbed the information because they were interested, not because they needed to get the answer right on a test or answer the teacher correctly. Next week we will start talking about Mercury (I now know that it's next!!!) .

So much more than teeth

Elias lost his second tooth over the past two days, the top middle two. He has that super cute toothless smile (of which this picture doesn't show very well). It feels like a big marker of his growing up. I remember loosing those two teeth, rubbing my tounge against the funny feeling gum. The days we share together, the events that happen in his life are ones he will remember, he will call on these as he recollects his childhood. It will be interesting to hear him retell these times with his perspective. I wonder if he will remember waking everyone in the house at 2 am to let them know the tooth fairy had been and left him a tooney. I wonder if he will remember being sad to see his small tooth leave and a little nervous about what the adult ones would look like (commenting that his friends teeth that had come in were huge!). Will he remember loosing the first wrestling with Dadda and his brother? I wonder if he will still feel uncomfortable seeing and talking about blood or if this is incidental for him and won't remember much about it. While I don't wish the time to pass, I am intrigued to hear his stories.

Story Time

I have such fond memories of read aloud time. I remember being tucked into bed sometimes on my own, sometimes with my sister, listening to my mum or dad read alound chapter books before bed. Each night we would anticipate hearing the next chapter, finding out if the little white horse was spotted or whether the mystery was solved. Being read to seems to free your mind to fully imagine what's going on, to paint the pictures. I have a warm connection with those stories still, excited to share them with my own kids.
When Chris and I travelled we often read outloud to each other, taking turns until we fell asleep or finished the book. There was one time in London England while we waited for the train station to open, it was 2 am ish and we were spending the night on the street. Chris began reading out loud (on tribal cannibalism-lol-anthropology major!), within minutes other people who were waiting and homeless people gathered around to listen. A story connects people, sharing in an imaginary world, a person's life, possibilities.
The Eden Mills' Writer's Festival was today. This was the first year we were able to attend. We were excited to have one of our favorite author's in attendance; Aubrey Dasvis, who wrote Bone Button Borsch, Enormous Potatoe and Bagels from Benny. The later is one of the stories he told for the the group, a story that touches my heart. The festival takes place in a small town, some stories read along the river, another in someone's backyard, one amongst the trees. The sun shone brightly, we relaxed on a blanket, climbed trees, swung on a swing set while enjoying being read too. There is something wonderful about being read to.

Here a Crayfish...There a Crayfish...

We met friends this afternoon for some playtime near the river. They enjoyed snacking on trail mix and searching for crayfish among the many rocks in the water. There were squeals of excitement as they found some, turning rocks over and prodding with sticks. I agreed to keep one dead crayfish and bring it home wrapped in a paper bag. The crayfish rode the bus with us, which the kids thought was hilarious...It didn't even have to pay! As soon as we got home the kids rushed in to show dad - who also loves to go crayfish catching. The whirlwind of the evening started; dinner, clean up, baths, stories, more stories, snuggles, bed, and I lost track of the crayfish. When I went to brush my teeth there it was sitting in the sink! I wrapped it in toilet paper and in the morning asked the kids to put it outside or in a container with a lid. A little while later I find it sitting beside my coffee cup staring at me! Later that afternoon our friend has joined my stack of papers beside the computer- its everywhere!....The joy of nature study at home.

Ah Sunflower

We have enjoyed growing sunflowers every year, and each year it is a unique experience. When you we watched as squirrils came at bit the heads of the stalk and ran clumsily away trying to balance the weight of the seed filled flower. We have had more successful years than others. This year we decided to pluck out the seeds off this one head, the plant we chose only grew about 12 inches high but with a huge flower at the top! It was interesting seeing how they were held tightly in, we appreciated the diffficult challenge for animals trying to pluck them out, we tasted the raw seeds, examined the fine hairs that grow on the outside of the seed. This is the first year we will keep seeds to plant next year...a second generation.

Ah Sunflower
by William Blake

Ah Sunflower, weary of time
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller's journey is done

Where the youth pined away with desire;
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves , and aspire
Where my sunflower wishes to go!

Happy New Year

I have always loved back to school. It isn't so much the school part necessarily, although I enjoyed the majority of that time, it was more the fresh start. It was like a new years celebration, full of hope and promise. All three of my kids could be attending public school this year; ELias in grade 2, Ben in grade 1 and Aria in JK. There have been a few 'back to school' seasons during which I felt as though I needed a marker to show the change of the season. There was also feelings of concern or questioning our family's choices of going against the grain. This year there is none of that, with my whole being I know we are doing what is best for our family. I love spending time with them, exploring the world. My life is so interesting, adventuresome and I get to share it with the people I hold dearest. To celebrate this awesomeness we started our day reading stories in bed (30 no less!) and eating cake for breakfast! Here is to a new year!

the big day

After having a sleep over with her brothers in their room, everyone crawled into bed with us to sing happy birthday to our birthday girl and have a snuggle. Chris and I went through our memories of her birth, amazed it was four years ago.
The day happened in Aria fashion, a bit of a whirlwind. We went out for breakfast for chocochip pancakes (some in their pj's). We had Grammy, Grampy, Louise, Aidan, Zoe and Grandma over for cake and play time. We ended with rides on the train and carosel, as they close for the season after today.

On Butterfly Wings

The time finally arrived, greeted with little squeals of delight, little girls dressed in party dresses and a room filled with excitement. Aria celebrated turning four as a butterfly (a suiting metaphor!). Her friends and her decorated butterfly wings, used later to dance with. We read a story every three and four year old loves; The Hungry Caterpillar , followed with a search for pictures of the food hidden in the basement. A family favorite game is a version of the hot potato. Today's let everyone unwrap a layer of paper ending with a fancy straw proboscis to drink fruit nectar with. It was a joy to watch them dance, pretend to be caterpillars and butterflies. At Ben's cowboy party the cake was "stolen" by Black Bart....Aria loved that and wanted to find the cake at her party. Chris created a maze of string through the house for the kids to follow, eventually leading to the cake, which of course was a butterfly. I felt giddy just being a part of the sweet smiling faces. When everyone went home, she snuggled between Chris and I, to quietly sing "today was the perfect party, I loved it, I loved it ......Thanks Mama and Dada" .

Dreaming of 4

Since September 5th, 2005; a day after Aria's birthday, she has been planning, dreaming, organizing this coming 4th birthday party. She has soaked up the details of the parties her brothers have had and committed them to memory. Aria knew what games she wanted to play, the theme, the shape of the cake (down to the icing colors), and friends she wanted to share her celebration with. While we were making cookies to give as thank you gifts Aria turned to me quite dramatically, took hold of my hand and looked deep into my eyes;
"Mama, this is so great, its going to be the best party ever!". Me with teary eyes says "Oh sweet heart I hope so!". I have been a little worried that if something isn't has she expects it too be that she will be disappointed or worse heart broken. I wish for her the magic she dreams of.

New email?

I have been a vegetarian for 16years. That is half my life. During this time I have given up fish, chicken and red meat. My reasons are environmental and humanitarian. I am not against eating meat, but the way animals are treated and the amount (mainly westeners) consume. Chris and I agreed to have a vegetarian household, our kids as a result are vegetarian. Infact Elias and Ben don't show any interest of wanting to eat meat, perhaps as adults they sometimes say. Aria has tried some at outside functions and loves the smell of it cooking.
Many strange things have happened during this pregnancy, by farthest has been my insatiable, uncontrollable, overwhelming desire for meat. I crave dishes like cajun chicken gumbo, barbecued shrimp skewers, fish and chips, chicken off the bone, RIBS!!!! It has been so long I don't even know if I fully no what these taste like. Chris came home from work and there was no dinner made (not an uncommon occurrence lately). Before he had a chance to get his shoes off I got all the kids piled in the van and let him know he was taking me to Swiss Chalet!!!! I ate chicken off the bone!!! I had extra gravy and I loved every greasy bite. The kids watched in amazement, asking all kinds of questions about the bones, the skin the muscle of the chicken while they ate their pizza. Amazingly it didn't phase me at all, answering in between bites.
I don't know where things will go dietary wise from here but I guess we need to change our email......
any ideas????

Full of Love

I have been grumpy. Boarding nasty some days, crazy others. This is the first pregnancy during which I am angry most of the time. With the others I was weepy, overcome with tenderness, wanted to embrace the world and heal everyone. Not this time! I have no desire to be with anyone, I vomit most of the day and am getting no sleep. My poor kids. Elias jumped up on the bed with me this morning, he was sad that Dadda was away, he was worried about me being grumpy all the time and scared that our dog was going to die (there are no signs of that).
I am so thankful to have an intune mum. She came down today with fancy coffee and chocolate. The kids played with her while I went to read my book by the river. It was glorious and refreshing. I was so thankful for that space, as I am sure the kids were. It was so needed because this afternoon I had my ultrasound. I am always awed at how detailed the piture is and how moved I am to see it moving around. To share that moment with all the kids was fabulous. They are so excited and full of dreams to share with this baby. All five of us are already so in love with this baby. This afternoon for this moment I was felt tender, magical and full of love.

The Joy of a Log....

I read a few other blogs, mostly other homeschoolers or quirky women who live interesting lives. This time spent reading these blogs inspires me, rejuvenates me, noramalizes my often crazy thoughts, informs and educates me. I have found some fabulous resources for homeschooling and life in general from these blogs. One such blog shared her children's love of these nature themed Waldorf toys; fairies, animals, toadstools, logs, treehouses. My kids are constantly chopping up sticks, gathering baskets of rocks, drying flowers and then finding ways to bring them into the house. I must admit this drives me crazy. There is a trail of bark, sand, dried petals, broken branches all over the house. The house rule is that these are played with outside. I was so excited when I saw these toys because it provided a way for them to play creatively inside and for me to stop finding bits everywhere. The logs alone were $40 .....that's what I said. So I have a friend whose husband is great at woodworking, has all the gadgets the hobby requires and made us some. The kids have loved them. They are covered in linseed oil, so I appreciate the minimal clean up. Let the games begin.

Today is the day....

The Teddy Bear Picnic was today, hosted by the local civic museum. The kids pined over which bear would be the most appropriate one to celebrate with, once the decision was made, the picnic lunch packed, we hoped on the bus for big event. We were able to arrive a little early which meant avoiding a big crowd (something mum appreciates). The kids ran from station to station getting their faces painted, coloring, playing numerous games with their bears, winning chocolate bars, sharing snack, and running with friends. Ben even volunteered in a magic show....Something Aria desperately tried to do although unsuccessful. On the bus ride home two of the kids and all the bears fell asleep. It was a great way to start with Daddy being away for two weeks.






























































If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise

For every bear that ever there was
will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

lyrics to The Teddy Bear Picnic

Little lady

Overheard walking the dog.
Ben : Hey Aria, if you could have a wish for anything what would it be?
Aria: Hmm. Hmmm. I would go to a party that had horse rides, jumpy castle, balloons, sparkles, candy. When we left we would get a gift bag full of lip balm, some of it would glow in the dark. You would be there too Ben,
Ben: that's a great wish.

Magical

"Moon Ballon, Moon Ballon
Tickle the tree,
four balloons, more balloons
blossom for me"

One of our favorite library books is currently Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman. The kids memorized the spell which is used to turn a tree into a balloon tree. It also requires a balloon to be buried at the base of the tree. This is actually their second attempt, I heard them outside at 6:00 am yesterday. Today they were up at a time I could function (meaning think to get the camera and enjoy the magic of the moment).

To the beach

Chris is going away for two weeks tommorrow to Calgary. It is hard to believe it has been 8 years since we lived there-wow time does fly. As part of the transition to say goodbye the kids came up with lots of their favorite activities to do with dad. They played road hockey with full gear, bought, cracked open and drank from a coconut, go frog catching, eat ice cream and GO TO THE BEACH.
We headed to Guelph Lake for the morning before talking him to the airport. The weather was perfect and it really didn't start to fill up until it was time to leave- so it was like having the beach to ourselves. We swam, made sandcastles and caught minnows. It was wonderful.

Summer Days