Valentines and the Value of reading with Dad.

It used to be that bedtime was a family ritual, that is, before there were four of us. We would take turns reading, all snuggled into our sons double bed. We’d tell stories in the dark and it was our time together, to end the day. When our daughter was born, I had to leave this cosy time – and join another one. Now, at bedtime, I listen to my husband and son reading together as I quietly nursnuggle (thanks Elaine) my little one… and I am amazed. The power a dad has when he reads with a child, esp a boy – is tremendous. He waits patiently for him to sound out the words. He reads the books that our son chooses and he never gets sucked into ‘just one more book’. It is three Picture books, or chapters from a ‘big kid book’. As I lie there, I think – he is teaching him – and doing it so well.

I miss it, and part of me looks forward to the time we can go back and forth, getting each child’s special time – but for now, I will listen. It brings tears to my eyes I love it so much.

Then there is Valentine’s day – and I wonder – when did loot bags start getting handed out? Seriously people! Kids don’t need that junk, you know. However, I did bake cookies – lol. So I guess I am just as bad. Mo and I worked on valentines on monday (not a school day). I did give him the option of going in to ‘buy’ some, and he said NO. “Homemade one’s are better, and we don’t need to go shopping every day!” Amen to that little wise man. I will keep that one close.

Day One: Marysville P.S. Wolfe Island

Finishing up my first day of a two-day literacy workshop at Marysville Public School. Digesting what I learned, and hoping that the kids had fun. They certainly were excited! We’re re-telling the folk tale the Enormous Potato… what they came up with was awesome – A leprochaun stuck in a pot of gold, the earth getting stuck in a black hole, an a moose stuck in a tree.. today they brainstormed, worked out the stories and started sketching – they are looking good!

A lovely school, small and intimate. Lovely teachers, funny kids. Looking forward to painting on Wednesday.

This is the first time I’ve done such a large group – so I hope it turns out well!

Happy New Year

It has been awhile. I’ve been busy. Sick kids, sick me. Tobogganing, visiting, playing, visiting, celebrating, helping, sharing, loving… and all good things. But, now things are ramping up career-wise again.

It is ALMOST Literacy Week – which means a very busy time for me. I am excited this year, because I get to spend two days with an ENTIRE school, working on a very exciting project. I will be visiting The Marysville Public School on Wolfe Island for a book workshop. I am also visiting the Belleville and Napanee Early Years Centre’s for stories and crafts.

Here is a bit of (AWESOME) news – In the Snow is in the January ELF Scholastic Book Club order. This is seriously something I have dreamed of my WHOLE life. Ever since I got my very first books from Scholastic – all new and shiny – just for me… I have wanted this. I am so excited, I hope it does well enough they will also sell In the Garden – we will see.

On the home front, we’ve decided that the best use for our back room is… drumroll please…. a STUDIO for me, and the kids. I could not be more thrilled. We were going to make it an adult space, but well – that is impossible right now, so we are moving me back there… it is magnificent, and almost done. Right now all my craft/art/easels are in our living space, my workspace had to move when baby #2 moved in – I happily obliged. But now, I get my very own work space, with room enough for a large work table and Mo’s very own invention desk. Pictures to follow soon. Thank you to my dear husband who is doing the all of the work (and he is oh so talented). WAHOO!

Mo is reading, Zaley is walking and life is moving oh so fast. but fun.