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.

The Birthday Party and the Birthday Cake

The Birthday Party was great. Worth all the sweat and stress. I'll even go as far as to say it was the best yet. Maggie had a blast, which is the main thing and despite a couple of melt downs from a couple of her party guests, I think everyone else had a good time too. The party took on a dinosaur theme, we had a t-rex pinata, a plaster brick with genuine fossils and shells to dig out so the kids could feel like paleontologists for as long as their patients could master, a beading activity where the little ones could make their loved ones a necklace of beads, pin the horn on the triceratops and thanks to a gift from her auntie Lisa and uncle Mike last year we also had a dinosaur stamp making card activity for the artistically minded tots.

It was a great party, and perfectly right for our little family and circle of friends. Asides from seeing the birthday girl running around giddy with excitement, it was also great to see my family, friends and neighbors come together to celebrate another year of my five year old. As people were saying their goodbyes I noticed hugs and farewells were happening between people that only know each other through my stories and the annual gatherings of family birthday parties, "Great to see you again...look forward to seeing you again next year" -- word which were music to my ears. I'm not much of a party planner and I get stressed and anxious at the mere thought of entertaining anyone at my house (even a playdate) but I do love it when the people who I know and love find something in common with each and build a relationship of their own.

Now, just because I want to, I'm listing some of the things which were on my to do list to get ready for the party. Not trying for any sympathy vote or award here -- its just my chance to sit back and look at how much I got done. Here goes -: Wash carpets in hallway and three bedrooms (I did this three times), wash hardwood floor, clean bathroom(s) and the kitchen, clean fridge -- really clean fridge (people might look in there), clean sheets on all beds (little children might get hurt/sick and need to lay down for a little), clean bookcase (people might want to pick up a book or something and it was way too dusty and disorganized to leave it as it was), clean paw prints off windows, clean blinds, clean car out (I might have to race someone to the ER), clean out toys and clothes (make room for new toys & clothes), clean back porch and patio seating, sort night-mail (ended up bagging some, okay most of it, and building a little fortress in hall closet)... send evites/emails with party details, buy party games, balloons, order food, prep food, set the stage for party with games, flowers & decorations etc buy and bag party favors, inspire and motivate father extraordinaire to bake and make a dinosaur cake the night before.

I pretty much achieved everything on my to-do list plus some and dear hubby woke before the crack of dawn and put together this master piece -- isn't it fantastic!?! It earned him the privilege of bedtime stories two nights in a row, "... because I love him and he made a dinosaur cake..."

Before I sign off, I want to make a quick shout out too my husband's family who really feel my heart with joy. I am so glad my children get to grow up with you. I also want to give a mention to my parents who I miss daily, especially on occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. I love you whole heartedly and wish we could bring our worlds closer together. And lastly, to the family who could not make it -- we love you too and made sure to have a piece of this yummy cake in your honour :-)

The Night Before

No matter what my best intentions are, I always end up staying up late and stressing out the night before my child has a birthday party. No matter what the best intentions are, my husband crashes before I do and spends the following morning making the birthday cake as I flap around him getting increasingly stressed. People arrive, family dive in to help with the last minute madness, a good friend arrives and gives me the look which tells me she understands without me uttering a word. The children and their parents arrive and my world starts to spin on its head and then, finally, I relax. In time to watch my child blow out the candles on her birthday cake. I watch with every ounce of my being. My eyes are on nothing but my child and I wish time could stand still for just five minutes so I could absorb every details. I wipe away my tears and move in for a smooch.

As of this evening I have a bathroom floor to clean, a sofa and floor full of clutter that needs to be hidden away in some form of collective order, kitchen counters to be wiped down and gifts to wrap.

I look forward to the day after tomorrow when I can sit back and say it went well and that it was all worth it.