Bug Geeks

We really do love bugs, insects, creepy crawlies and flying things in our house. After we cut down the tree we found the casing of a bug. The tree was temporarily forgotten and everyone was totally enraptured with this bug. I never thought this would be where my life would go....or that I would totally embrace these parts of it (lol).

Oh Christmas Tree

Once everyone hada chance to work off their sugar high from the party and play a little with their toy we decided to go cut down our tree. This is something we have done every year with the kids and is a tradition we all cherish. The weather was fabulous, but the little bit of snow meant the kids could take turns pulling each other-which they love. We searched for quite awhile for the perfect tree- not to thick, not to tall and no holes....we did it....and it is perfect.

Dancing, Battery toys and Princesses

This morning was Chris' work Christmas party which the kids absolutely love. It is like the Disney world of Christmas parties, and while its totally not our style I do understand why they love it. Upon entering the banquet hall (there are about 200 families) the kids get to choose a stuffed animal and ornament to take home. Then they walk through the doors into a lavishly decorated hall, decorated trees everywhere, tables for sitting, a coloring station, a huge huge pile of presents which will be distributed at the end, a table full of snacks (from chips to brownies to chocolate milk), pumping through the speakers is the entertainment who leads the kids through various dances. We move from coloring to doing the limbo and chicken dance to snacking until the lunch buffet is set up (there was actually vegetarian food this year!). Then when the sugar hits the peak Santa enters and we have our photo taken (we have learned to line up as soon as he enters the building so not to wait). Then we get the presents just as someone is about to melt....presents that were a princess lap desk, a fuse ball table and a robo arm that is incredibly loud. Everyone climbs in the car and crashes! Phew its tiring re-living it! Ahhh but once a year (lol)

You Can't tell a book by it's Cover

That saying rings so true for the book club I belong too. We formed just over five years ago and it began when I called a group of women whom I thought would be interested. Having never been a part of such a thing I figured we could muddle through it as a group. Some of the original members (four I believe) are still in the group, we have some who have stayed a short time and others much longer. What I love about our group is that we come from such different backgrounds. Different parenting styles, different parts of town, some of us at home- some of us working outside of, we have backgrounds of science, arts, business, different religious beliefs and philosophies. We have a few things in common; we are all women, all mothers, all enjoy to read and share our thoughts with each other. This group has stretched my thoughts to think about and sometimes incorporate into my life. They have rallied around me in times of sadness, we have celebrated births and milestones. As I go off to our potluck Christmas party I feel thankful for this wonderful group of women most of whom I probably wouldn't know otherwise, but am richer because of their diversity and friendship.

Kristkrindl Market

Today was a wonderful festive day. Aria joined some friends for a trip to the local museum this morning to learn about Christmas Around the World (very fitting with coop). The boys and I worked on our to do list and enjoyed a treat out. Afterwards we headed off to the Kristkrindl Market at a local German Heritage Home of Joseph Schneider. It was an event planned for homeschoolers and were able to do a variety of activities. Upon arrival we enjoyed a Punch and Judy puppet show. We learned a German Christmas carol in singing 'school'. Then we baked and tasted some cookies with cider. The kids helped restock the wood in the kitchen from the wood shed. The kids made some crafts and we strolled the market portion which had some beautiful ornaments. We enjoyed maple fudge on the car ride home and took some surprise ornaments home with us.

Who knew life as moss could be so wonderful

Aria loves to be physically close to people, she loves the warmth of another person; Dadda in particular. While Dadda is cooking dinner Aria carried the stool over to him, stood up on it, and hugged him really tight. While hugging him she says " if I had a magic wish I would turn into moss and you would be my rock, so I could be close to you forever"

The pregnant mum that I am cried...actually bawled. Here I go again.

Friends

We are really blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends. Chris and I often talk about setting off to other places to live....but it always comes down to the community of friends we have made here as one of our reasons not to relocate. As Aria grows older it is wonderful to watch her make her own connections within this community, friends that are her own, independent of what everyone else is doing.

Let it snow!

Yesterday the kids were thrilled beyond belief to have this snow; just enough to pull the toboggan and pile high.





























Then we got more snow last night and today. I couldn't keep them out of the snow! The only reason they would come in was for me to put their gear in the dryer and while they waited they made snowflakes and then back out again! They worked tirelessly building snowmen, helping to shovel the neighbours driveway (they are so sweet and she was thrilled!) and piling snow. They are hoping it never ends!

Happy St. Nicholas Day

While in coop the kids learned that the children in Germany put their shoes out (under their bed, outside, on a window sill, by the door) to be filled by Sankt Nicholas. The kids decided(very last minute) that they were going to adopt this tradition. They set their shoes on the window sill filled with carrots for the Christmas donkey and what to bed with full confidence their shoes would hold treats in the morning. Well of course they were not disappointed. By 8am this morning they had eaten all their treats and were burning off their energy outside in the snow!

Christmas Around the World

The current session of coop focuses on Christmas Around the World and what other people may be celebrating during this Christmas season. We all really enjoyed ourselves today, Aria was especially thrilled to be participating in all aspects of the morning. The kids rotated through three different stations; covering Germany, Holland and Hannukkah. While 'in' Germany they listened to some of the German traditions, learned about leaving out your shoes, opening the window at night, eating and opening presents Christmas eve, the parents decorating the tree, etc. They made angels for the tops of the tree (although the kids are already planning them as gifts).
For the trip to Holland Oma (Michele's mum) joined the group to tell everyone about black Peter and Sinter Klaus, Christmas tradtions and looked at photos as well. The kids tried pepernoten and then made some of their own which they baked.
Hannukkah was introduced with a story of the Macabees and the oil for the lamps. A Menorah was lite and the blessings said. They colored the star of David and played with a dreidel (which they are still enjoying).
The morning opened and closed with Christmas Carols which I really enjoyed. The morning seemed to flow very smoothly (maybe because I had the luxury of floating from group to group - the next two weeks I will be teaching though:)

Candy Land

Tonight we got together with good friends for our third or fourth annual gingerbread house decorating and assembling. At first it appeared this was the year for no kinks; the icing wasn't too runny, infact it was perfect, we did pizza and prebought pie needing no real effort and a movie was watched by the kids afterwards so the adults could chat. Everyone had a great time. With the distance between we get together everyother month, but when we do everyone hits it off. The mums became friends years ago, then the partners got to know each other and become friends and the kids naturally adore each other- we are all happy!!!!(thank goodness because we would get together anyway!) Oh the only glitch....we forgot the gingerbread house there! Oh well-it was the get together that was the best part :)

Advice to Self

When you are 33 weeks pregnant (7left to go!), have three kids, a dog, a cat and Christmas is quickly approaching....don't decide to paint the entire main floor of your house!

Swimming Lessons

As we approach the end of the year, programs are coming to an end. Today was the last day of swimming lessons. All three of the kids made huge leaps in their lessons this session, because of the great efforts they made. Everyone was beyond happy for Elias who has struggled getting into the next level, Ben has been waiting for him to move up so they could go together. Now that is brotherly love. We had a little party afterwards to celebrate. I just am in awe of the pride they have in each other's accomplishments.

Collecting

Some of the mums from the homeschool group
organized a showing of one's collections. The kids brought everything from shiny things to hot wheel trucks, from shells to foreign currency. Each of my kids decided to show 'the best of' of their collections. Ben brought his button collection, something he really does cherish and shares as special gifts. Elias and Aria brought rocks, each focusing on different elements of the very large collection. Each person was given the opportunity to share any information about their collections, their favorites, special details. It was great to see what others are doing and be inspired.

Theatre....of the silly sort

We enjoyed seeing Duffle Bag Theatre present Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer today. This theatre company incorporates the audience, encourages interaction and participation, and as a result is flexible with improve. As a parent it is a treat to take the kids to a play that they are asked to boo or cheer louder, clap and standup. As a child I remember my parents taking us to the theatre to see pantomines. I can go back to sitting in the seat in my fancy outfit just bursting to cheer or laugh really loudly....and I could at this performance. The kids go to the theatre fairly regularily and their theatre manners are fabulous, but its a treat to take in the performance with all of your senses.

Here Comes Santa Claus...

We weren't able to go to our local Santa Claus parade this year, so we were pleased to have fabulous weather to watch the parade in Milton. This is both mine and Chris' home town so there is some sentiment and memories in going back to watch it. The parade has gotten quite huge, the Shriners had about a third of the entries in which really surpised us. It was nice not to have too many 'commercial' floats. My personal favorite is always the marching band, although the men on stilts and the unicycle club where very impressive. It's starting to put me in the mood! (for Christmas that is!)

Writing to Santa Claus

As part of the preparation for the Santa Claus parade Elias and Ben made cards to be mailed to the North Pole. They were beautiful. This was the first year they have asked for anything as a gift in their care, a friend recently told them this was the purpose of the letter. They do ask what type of snack Santa would like, if the Reindeer need something other than a carrot, what does Santa want for Christmas. Ben worked for over an hour adding details to the card....I almost didn't want him to send it. So here instead is my photo.

Measuring Success

Elias attended Camp Brebeuf for the second time. This time he knew what to expect and set goals for himself. Despite not requesting the high ropes his group was assigned this task as one of their challenges. To say the least he was concerned, he didn't want to not do it but the alternative of climbing up that high wasn't much better. After lots of talking we talked about goals, and that reaching the top doesn't have to be what you strive for. That perhaps sitting in the harness could be the goal and if it felt okay he could try being pulling into the air, and if that felt good...and so on. He was so much more relaxed when we changed the focus from all or nothing to giving it a try. In the end he made it too the top of the high ropes TWICE!, he got higher up on the rock wall and he loved building a shelter in outdoor survival. The weather couldn't have been more incredible, and his brother and sister were beyond thrilled to join in the last game of the day!

Dance Like No One is Watching

dance
Today was this semester's last dance class for Ben and Aria. The dance class is a perfect fit for them. Aria can wear her fancy pink outfit, imagine she she a twirling ballerina and Ben can move his body as fast and as high as he needs in his everyday clothes. There is no receital, instead the parents attend the last class and are treated to 50 minutes of pure joy. Watching Ben speed through the obstacle course and go through the ballet arms he practices so often, seeing Aria hopping (well kind of :) down the room and twirling with a scarf is something a pregnant women can sit through dry eyed! At more then one occassion I wanted to yell out how cute they were or pick them up and eat them! This was Chris' first time being able to coordinate work to come back to Guelph during the day, he loved watching ben's face light up as they did the chicken dance together and Aria fly across the room.
We wont be taking the class in the new year, with the arrival of baby I have reduced our outings drastically. I am sure this will be one we return to in the spring.

Those Crazy Kids!!!

After playing outside Aria comes running in " Mummy, Mummy my head and feet are frostbit! but don't worry the rest of me was only frost licked!"



Heard while driving in the car
Ben " Our friend S says that toes are really yummy"
Elias "Have you tried licking them"
Ben "No, I don't think they would taste very good...I don't think she knows what she is talking about"
Aria "Okay my sock is off, (sucks on toe) my baby one tastes like a veggieburger at Harvey's.

(I don't know if that is a good thing or not! lol)