The Importance of a Good Childhood

I just heard Paul Johnson speak at the 'Embracing the Early Years' conference in Burlington, Ontario.  He said something I found very significant.  From his previous work in a homeless shelter, he noticed that the one commonality among its clients was a negative childhood.  That was it.  Not even income or education level could be said to be the same for everyone.  Only the lack of a good childhood. 

That demonstrates the importance of the work we do as parents.

And I don't think this means buying your kids things.  It's about creating a loving, fun atmosphere with positive structure.  It's giving your time.  I'll never be a perfect parent, that's for sure.  But I love my kids, and I'll keep trying to make sure they know it.  Even when they leave laundry and wrappers on the floor!

Winter Wonderland!

 

 

 

 

It was a winter wonderland yesterday morning, after the night's snowfall.  It's making me look forward to tobogganing, cutting down our Christmas tree, and hot chocolate!  And this year I'm hoping to introduce the kids to some fun winter sports they haven't tried yet, such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing.  Winter fun, here we come!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazing Book: 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry'

This is a fabulous book.  It's about a man who goes to post a letter across the street, but then just keeps walking.  It's all about his trek and how it affects him and others around him.  It's very humorous, touching and insightful.  I love this quote from it:


"He saw that people would make the decisions they wished to make, and some of them would hurt both themselves and those who loved them, and some would pass unnoticed, while others would bring joy." (Harold Fry)

Let's bring joy, people!

Toasted Buns, Anyone?

In an attempt to try something different for dinner, I decided on subs.  I bought large subway buns, toasted them with cheese, and then had options such as meatballs, bacon, sauce and lettuce.  It was a hit!  My one son (eight years old) in particular raved about how much he loved the toasted buns.  Jokingly, I said, "I'll toast YOUR buns!"  He looked at me silently for a minute and then said reprovingly, "Mom, that's offensive."  I'm glad he is starting to understand these concepts, but seriously?  This is a boy who I just caught saying 'mofo'!  He SAYS he had no idea what that meant.  Honestly!

You've Just Got To Laugh! (Or: Having Fun Embarassing Your Kids)

My eight year old son has started walking to school on his own.  He enjoys the independence.  We live pretty close to the school, and he doesn't have to go on any back roads.  The other day I was dropping off his brother when I saw him just ahead, walking toward the school.  I saw him glance back at the car, and then he quickly looked away and began hurrying ahead.  He had seen me, and - shockingly - had pretended he hadn't!  I couldn't believe it, but...it really seemed like...he was ignoring his mother.  Of course that couldn't be right....could it?  Immediately I rolled down the van window and called him, using his favourite nickname, of course.  "Hey!  RY BREAD!  It's your MOTHER!"  He began running away from me.  I leaned out the window farther, yelling, "Come give your mom a BIG KISS!"  It's funny - I've never seen a kid run so fast in my life.  Good times.

Fall Forest Scenes

 

 

 

The forest is fabulous in the fall.  There were so many beautiful leaves, and also tons of fascinating fungus!  It was amazing how many different kinds I saw.  Who knew fungus could be so interesting?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"They Grow Up So Fast!" (says the 6 year old)

My daughter was in a school assembly with her friend.  This friend's younger sister had just started JK in September, and was receiving an award.  As the little girl walked up on my stage, my daughter said to her friend nostalgically, "They grow up so fast!"  And she got a little teary just thinking about it, as did her friend.  These girls - wise beyond their years - at the age of six!