A Quote

I was reading through some flyers which came through my door this morning, one from a local college that was discussing its recent honor students. The author described stories of students who have achieved honor status and scholarships. Then I read a quote from the keynote speaker encouraging students to stay positive despite exasperating circumstances. In making a reference to Holocaust survivors the speaker said, "The more you are empowered, the more you have the ability to make a difference to the world by thinking clearly and making a positive response when frustrated." It struck a chord with me. What a difference it would make to allow my frustrations to charge a positive response instead of a negative one.

I miss my Mummy

My mother called today. She was super sweet and loving and kind. It broke my heart.

She explained to me that she went shopping for the kids because she was thinking of them and as she couldn't come out and visit she would go shopping for them instead. As she detailed the clothing items she realized some pants were probably too long and a winter jacket may not get worn that much.

Her happy excited chirp fizzled down to a pragmatic mother by the end of the call, "Well, they can grow into them, and you can roll up the legs." I stifled my cries as she did hers, I'm sure.

We both felt the rip in our hearts as we knew if she was living here or I there she could be "Grandma Annie" and take them on shopping trips herself and Grandpa could buy them ice cream and give them his loose change from his deep pockets.

I love my parents and I miss them. My children have no idea of just how much they'd miss them too.

A New Reader

Maggie decided to choose this day to read to me. I mean really truly honestly and completely read to me. It was the best feeling ever. Gosh it was just beautiful to hear her voice. Words fail me right now and I wish I could time lock the emotions that ran out of me as she read word after word. For months, for more than a year, I have been trying to encourage Maggie to read a few words here and there but she has always refused to perform for me.

I have always been so sure she knows how to read. I see her mouth form the beginning sounds as her eyes glance over the letters and she has known her alphabet letters, upper case, lower case and phonetic since she was two, maybe earlier. Any place we go, any place -- a party, a restaurant, a supermarket, a park, a nature center, a DIY store, an airport, train station, a museum. Virtually any place I have taken her where there is a book she will find it, and she will "read it". She will find the one and only book in any facility and park herself on the nearest flat surface to browse the pages (you see my frustration that her love of books did not appear to bring along a love of reading the words within the pages?)

Today, out of the blue she just picked up book and read the tittle. Just like that. I did my usual thing as she introduced a new book to me, "Oh, that looks like a lovely book Maggie. What do you think its about? Look at the pictures. What do you think the tittle is?" "Bear Finds Some Treasure" she says quietly. We exchange in dialogue for a bit about the book and how well she read it and she brings me another book. "And this one Maggie. What does this one say?" "Miss Mingo and the First Day of School" ..."My Little Sister Hugged An Ape"..."Duck in the Muck"... and the reading went on and on.

She was truly marvelous today. I could squeeze her to mulch. I am so proud of her. I am so excited for her too. This is the beginning of a beautiful love affair for her. I can hardly contain myself.

Will Play For Food

Today I had the pleasure of meeting up with blogger friend Tonya and her gal pal Shannon who invited me to a food drive, "Will Play For Food". I had a wonderful time and I'm here to tell the few readers that come here to check out Tonya's blog for photos of the event and then go on to "Will Play For Food" to be inspired.

The essential idea is to set up a play date and request your play mates to bring along non-perishable foods to be donated to a local food bank. What a great way to have a good time and a great value to teach your children in the process. It's a win win. I'm adding a "Will Play For Food" to my list of things to do and plan on contacting a few of my mummy pals and their little'ns to see if I can set something up too. It would be a great way to pass it on, and pay it forward.

Damaged Heart

Open up your heart my dear.
I will love you.
Do not fear. I will love you.

Open up your heart.
I will protect you. I will accept you.

Open up your heart.
And you shall receive.

Randy Pausch

Please visit an old entry Randy Pausch and be inspired again by linking to the links within the post.

Randy Pausch; devoted father and loving husband 1960-2008. A hero.

Sweet Tuesday

There is a beautiful girl named Tuesday with a loving family and a circle of amazing compassionate and loving friends. She needs your help. Please visit Tonya or Debi to hear more about her and offer your support in any way you can.

Sincerely,

K

A Bone Marrow Drive is Happening in Reno

I recently read a post in the evolution of the me who is getting word out about a bone marrow drive in Reno to help save the life of a young boy. Please, please, please take the time to link here, read his post and see if you can get word out from your own blog post. And if you live in Reno, please offer your support in any way you can.

Kj

I'm loved by someone ...

Not quite sure what I'm supposed to do with this but here goes. I'm posting a blog award. According to Tonya I am very sweet and loving and do so many things "behind the scenes".

Personally I think I'm just being a good friend. I suppose the world can be short on them from time to time but please trust me, I am not doing anything extraordinary and Tonya -- your cup runneth over. I make the occasional comment, forward something I think she'd be interested in, send the occasional email when I'm really moved by a post but that's pretty much it.

I am humbled by your award Tonya. I feel very honored that you recognize me in this way and hope that goes unchanged when you finally meet me. To me, you are just one of those rare gem of a girls that loves unconditionally, without expectation or reciprocation, without resentment or envy. You give your all to everything. Always.

Thank you T. I love you right back.

Conversations at the table with Maggie

Maggie is at the table, colouring in. We spent some time together working on her pen grasp and writing a few letters and now she is colouring in the bear, his clothes are going to be rainbow coloured. I left the table with pen and paper in hand to write a shopping list for our errands this afternoon.

Me: Now, I need to write that shopping list for Costco...

Maggie: What are we getting?

Me: Paper towels, fish and some fruit…

Maggie: How about you get yourself some hummus?

Me: (chuckle -- she knows I like to snack on hummus. She hates it, or rather refuses to try any) Yes Maggie. That sounds nice. Thank you.

Maggie: I just wanted to remind you. That’s all.

Me: Thank you Maggie.

Loving Luvs

I finally get a clue and started looking for cheaper option to diaper my kids than Huggies. I tried out a small sample of Luvs and as of this week have official switched my pin from Huggies supreme to Luvs. Seriously, these diapers are the best. So much cheaper than Pampers or Huggies and perform just as well, if not better. For any Pampers or Huggies fan looking to trim their weekly budget I seriously suggest you look at Luvs. No kidding -- they are the best.

For My Mummy

You'll always be my mummy
I hear your words, Your thoughts, Your wisdom
They are my strength.

I wish that the big ocean were just a small pond
I wish that we can share in a scone or two
With strawberry jam and fresh cream

I miss you
I love you
and I miss you some more

Happy Birthday.
Mummy,
I love you.

Why?

Why does my washing machine have a child lock on it which only stops my son from pushing on the power button and not prevent him from pushing the stop button?

Why does my son insist on picking up the dry dog food and putting it in the dog's water bowl?

Why does my son toss food on the floor and then ask for more?

Why does my son insist on climbing up to the dinning table and sitting there, right in the middle?

Why does my son want to read the same books over and over and over and over and over again?

Why is my son not talking yet?

Folk Stories, Puppet Shows and My Library

This week I took Maggie off to a reading of traditional folk tales for Children at our local historical Ranch. The event included three separate outdoor readings of folk tales by some talented volunteers -- all did a great job at bringing each story to life. All it cost me was five dollars and a little early planning in signing up for the limited space. The event also included a small art project, a sample of assorted vegetable seeds to plant in our back yard, some yummy homemade snacks in the form of mini carrot muffins plus a string puppet show of Jack and the Beach Stalk at the very end.

The puppet show was seriously impressive and it was fun to watch the expressions on my daughter's face. It was her first experience of a puppet show and she was visible enjoying it; her facial expressions were so demonstrative. I can hardly believe I got all of this for five dollars. We are going to another reading in a couple of weeks and its theme is wheat, I think we'll be baking some bread. I'm really looking forward to it.

Today we treked off to our local library because on our weekly visit yesterday I was told about a puppet show which was going on there today. We went, and again Maggie had a great time. It was sponsored locally and the performance was put on by a company called Swazzle. If you live in LA county I highly recommend you check their website out and take a look at their tour dates. They're performing at public libraries all over LA county.

To top off my excitement I signed Maggie and Ryan up for a summer reading program at the library for which they get rewarded with coupons and coins that you can trade in for various things such as small toys, books and tee-shirts. It is an awesome program and didn't cost me a penny. All I had to do is fill out a decorative reading chart (which they provide you with), chart the books we have read and how long we spent reading. Seeing as I read with them everyday, signing up for the program was a no brainer. For signing up I also got a discount coupon for Legoland in California that gives me one free adult entrance with the purchase of a full ticket. That's a saving of $69.95! See what I mean about topping off my excitement? Sadly, I'm not all together sure that we'll we'll make it to Legoland as it is still going to be a little costly for us but maybe. The coupons is valid until the end of August so we might find a way squeezing it in.

I do so love my library. They often have free events, especially over the summer, and it has been so great to take Maggie, and now Ryan too. On one occasion, there was a lady showing off some reptiles that the all kids got to touch. She did a great demonstration, it was my first time of seeing a legless lizard that I would have sworn was a snake. Another time her grandma took her (I think I was taking a college exit exam or something minor like that) and there was a balloon man who blew balloons up to all different shapes and sizes -- apparently one large enough for him to climb into and I hear he was a pretty big guy. Both grandma and Maggie came back full of enthusiasm about the performance.

I was noticing yesterday how many new releases (of books) my library has. In fact they have a very good selection all round. I can also borrow a good selection of glove puppets to take home, books on tape/CD, videos and DVDs. It caters really well for younger children too with a small fish tank that both my kids love to look at, some toys for toddlers to play with (including a kitchen set if you can believe that). Its all free, free, free. FREE! The staff are sweet too and even helped me out of late fees on one occasion. Now they have free wireless connection. Why more people don't use their local library is beyond me. I'm hoping to get back on my own this weekend to browse their parenting and cookbook sections. I picked up a couple of them when I was their with the kids yesterday but I'd love to have a good long look, and maybe check out some chick-lit too. I need me some summer reading.

Borrowed Post From Debi

What Karen Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Hmmm, well not sure I agree with everything here. I am a seeker of knowledge but have a memory like a sieve, I wouldn't call myself "fun" (I like fun, but I'm not "fun"), I hope I'm not snobby, I know I am aloof (because I am deep in thought and worry), I am far from being the best at anything -- still looking for my hidden talent. I try my best at most things but often feel discouraged by my perfectionist narcissistic attitude, I'd be surprised if people thought I was confident and authoritative (when necessary I can put on a good show but I certainly don't feel confident or authoritative -- but that's most people, right?). Aggressive? Only when it involves my kids (that would be when I'm protecting them, not hitting them). I think I am friendly and relaxed -- people seem to gravitate to me and pour out their troubles. I've heard some stories. I go out of my way to not rock the boat which is probably not a good thing when all is said and done. I am prone to a little paranoia -- comes with the territory of being overly anxious. I wouldn't say I get jealous (hate that word) but maybe the occasional bit of envy and wishful thinking, again I reckon this is most people (women).

I think they missed one little thing that is a big part of me. Empathy. I have great empathy, some might say insufferable empathy. I once considered being a counselor but decided it would probably be the end of me. I find it very hard to bear other people's misfortunes. They can keep me in a cloudy daze for days on end. Fortunately, there is an upside -- I can also bask in the glory of all things great. Get me near kids performing on stage and you get a guaranteed tear stained cheek from me. Tell me you're getting married to the love of your life and I jump for joy and start thinking of ideas for you, tell me you're pregnant and I start shopping for baby clothes, tell me you've bought your first home and I want to buy you a house warming present. Tell me you've graduated college and I want to sit through the ceremony with you. The list goes on.

Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago, about this time I was flying somewhere above the Atlantic Ocean. Ten years ago today I was migrating from my beloved England to America. Wedding dress over my arm and a trolley of four suitcases I was met by my future husband. I was hot, tired and sweaty. Nervous and bewildered. I wouldn't call it romantic. But it was significant.

One would think ten years would be a grand affair. Not so. But it is okay. It is these times where I take a little solitude and give thanks for all that I have. Life can change on a dime and so far, I have been blessed.

Helpful Hands

Have to give a mention to my mother and father in-law who have been an amazing source of support and help these last couple of months. Between a painted bathroom, a loan of their carpet shampooer (is that such a word), washing down the back deck for the party and an inordinate amount of time looking after my children while I was tending to the needs of my husband I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

I am also, so glad that my children have the beautiful relationship with my in-laws that they do. I am sure will be treasured in their adult years. To some it might be hard to comprehend the depth of my gratitude for the relationship I have with them and the relationship my children have given that I am so far away from my parents, sibling and extended family -- I miss my parents very much and grieve the for the time I cannot share with them. Phone calls, emails and photo are no compensation for the intimacy which comes from the physical time spent but to withhold affection from my in-laws would be robbing my children, and myself, from the love and security which builds trust, confidence and self-esteem.

My family-in-laws do not knock on my door unexpectedly, they rarely initiate a visit or two that is outside the boundaries of birthdays, holidays and anniversaries but, they are always here to support in times of need and are aways willing to share in some fun family time with the children whenever invited. It is the perfect balance.

One Organ Hubby Can Do Without

Maggie spent her actual birthday with Grandma J while the hubby and I spent it watching the paint dry at the E.R.

In a nutshell Eric has been feeling ill on and off for a good while (days, weeks, months) with complaints of a stomach upset and sore back. Early Monday morning I took him to E.R. . They ran test after test and finally admitted him for observations which eventually lead to him having his gallbladder removed. Poor guy was in a lot of pain but true to his form remained sweet and loving, even under the heavy dose of knock-you-out drugs. Thankfully, he is doing a lot better post op and should be coming home today or tomorrow.

We plan on celebrating his health and Maggie's birthday with a trip to the museum and a meal out when he's fully recovered.