With Advent upon us, here's the last of the cozy and snowy reads for your perusal and pleasure.
Cozy Read, Part 3:
Adventure, lovable heroes and despicable villains, mystery and riddles, great setting and laugh out loud humour; Brian Jacques novel "Redwall" has it all. A delicious read for grownups and children, I first discovered this one listening to Mum and Dad read it to us. We were all captivated and loved it!
When the peaceful Redwall Abbey is attacked by the rat warlord Cluny the Scourge, the brave mice and their woodland allies are hard pressed to preserve their freedom. Determined to restore the legendary sword of their founder Martin the Warrior to rally their cause, the novice Matthias begins a winding path to unearth the mystery of where the sword might be hidden. An unforgettable story, and brilliantly told.
Snowy Read, part 3:
Barbara Reid is a masterful storyteller, and her stunning plasticene illustrations tell the whole story in "Zoe's Snowy Day". Zoe sets out with her Mum one winter's day, and what adventures they have together!From sledding, to watching hockey at the park rink and home again for more hot cocoa, here is a wonderful little book to help welcome in the wintery season and get everyone excited for the snow. Barbara Reid has done three other Zoe books, one for each season, and they are all well worth the effort of finding.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dating: Then and Now
This past weekend we went to visit my family in Calgary. While we were there, it was the annual big Preference Dance in the LDSSA for my two single sisters. Being the formal dance where it's girls' choice, this date usually is a big event.
By the time we arrived, both Neen and Nenie (aka Janine and Elena) were starting to get a little stressed about getting ready, plus looking more than usually gorgeous in less than about an hour! It brought back memories of when I used to go to preference...and how my own sisters were always ready and willing to help me out. I was more than happy to be on the giving rather than the receiving end this time -it was quite fun really. I admired outfits and hairdos, rolled out pizza dough, and soothed soothed ruffled feathers when they got a bit stressed out. They went to a lot of effort to make a fun evening for that group date! Later that night, as I heard them all laughing as they made pizza, decorated cupcakes, and played games before going to the dance I had to smile at hearing how much fun they were having.
In retrospect of my own Preference and dating days, there are very few specifics that I remember. Names, faces, and activities have become blurred. While some particularly significant dates will always be remembered, what has become a treasured memory for me is the fun of getting ready for a date. My four sisters were always there to lend a hand, making the process of getting ready for the date a treasured memory.
The family tradition of helping each other getting ready and going on a date continues; not only did I help my sisters, but my brother helped me too. While Peter took his nephews to a movie, my husband and I got to go out on an actual date-a wonderful treat when you're married with kids. Dating your spouse is trickier than when you're single. Although creativity is appreciated when single, especially for preference, that and ingenuity are absolutely essential for dating your spouse!
We had a marvelous night out together, discovering the most scrumptious of Italian restaurants. It was one of those wonderful moments when I was reminded yet again of things I love about my husband. Thanks to all my family who helped to make it a reality that night.
Did I ever tell you that Jason was originally the best Preference date I ever had?
By the time we arrived, both Neen and Nenie (aka Janine and Elena) were starting to get a little stressed about getting ready, plus looking more than usually gorgeous in less than about an hour! It brought back memories of when I used to go to preference...and how my own sisters were always ready and willing to help me out. I was more than happy to be on the giving rather than the receiving end this time -it was quite fun really. I admired outfits and hairdos, rolled out pizza dough, and soothed soothed ruffled feathers when they got a bit stressed out. They went to a lot of effort to make a fun evening for that group date! Later that night, as I heard them all laughing as they made pizza, decorated cupcakes, and played games before going to the dance I had to smile at hearing how much fun they were having.
In retrospect of my own Preference and dating days, there are very few specifics that I remember. Names, faces, and activities have become blurred. While some particularly significant dates will always be remembered, what has become a treasured memory for me is the fun of getting ready for a date. My four sisters were always there to lend a hand, making the process of getting ready for the date a treasured memory.
The family tradition of helping each other getting ready and going on a date continues; not only did I help my sisters, but my brother helped me too. While Peter took his nephews to a movie, my husband and I got to go out on an actual date-a wonderful treat when you're married with kids. Dating your spouse is trickier than when you're single. Although creativity is appreciated when single, especially for preference, that and ingenuity are absolutely essential for dating your spouse!
We had a marvelous night out together, discovering the most scrumptious of Italian restaurants. It was one of those wonderful moments when I was reminded yet again of things I love about my husband. Thanks to all my family who helped to make it a reality that night.
Did I ever tell you that Jason was originally the best Preference date I ever had?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Book of the Week
More cozy and snowy reads for your consideration.
A Civil Murder:
I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, her mystery novels are my ultimate relaxing read. They have it all: murder, well-written characters, inventive plots and settings, a touch of romance, and that delicious wry wit of which I'm especially fond. And unlike so many modern mysteries, her books are clean; no gory violence, and though dealing with some nasty elements of life, things never get lurid. Things remain as civilized as possible. In short, her books are perfect for a cozy read, be it in the thick of a storm or on the beach.
For those new to "the Queen of Crime" try "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" where she first introduces the immortal sleuth Hercule Poirot and his comrade in arms, Captain Hastings. While visiting old friends, the convalescing Hastings gets more than he bargains for in the English countryside when his hostess is found murdered. Admist the fear and suspicion that follows, the Belgian emigre Poirot must employ his "little gray cells" to oust the murderer.
A Muddle with Mittens:
Who hasn't had trouble keeping track of of those things? That is just the problem facing the boy Nikki in "The Mitten", Jan Brett's adaptation of this Ukrainian folktale. When Baba finally knits the long desired snow white mittens for him, you know it is only a matter of time before Nikki losses one. What happens as more and more forest creatures discover this snug hideaway is beautifully told through text, but mostly through illustration. This one never fails to make me smile.
A Civil Murder:
I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, her mystery novels are my ultimate relaxing read. They have it all: murder, well-written characters, inventive plots and settings, a touch of romance, and that delicious wry wit of which I'm especially fond. And unlike so many modern mysteries, her books are clean; no gory violence, and though dealing with some nasty elements of life, things never get lurid. Things remain as civilized as possible. In short, her books are perfect for a cozy read, be it in the thick of a storm or on the beach.
For those new to "the Queen of Crime" try "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" where she first introduces the immortal sleuth Hercule Poirot and his comrade in arms, Captain Hastings. While visiting old friends, the convalescing Hastings gets more than he bargains for in the English countryside when his hostess is found murdered. Admist the fear and suspicion that follows, the Belgian emigre Poirot must employ his "little gray cells" to oust the murderer.
A Muddle with Mittens:
Who hasn't had trouble keeping track of of those things? That is just the problem facing the boy Nikki in "The Mitten", Jan Brett's adaptation of this Ukrainian folktale. When Baba finally knits the long desired snow white mittens for him, you know it is only a matter of time before Nikki losses one. What happens as more and more forest creatures discover this snug hideaway is beautifully told through text, but mostly through illustration. This one never fails to make me smile.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Heard It All... and Then Some
One theory I've developed as a mother is to never do something for my kids that they can do themselfves. This naturally leads to the ocassional pout fest, or my favourite; yet another creative excuse.
Ben came up with a funny one this morning when I asked him to get the milk on the table for breakfast. Heaving a weary sigh, my four-year old looked at me and said languidly "No, I've been doing that for a hundred years!" His parents were chuckling over that one this morning.
The thing is, spending time in the teaching profession you hear a lot of excuses. These ones are not so cute, but mostly either lame or just pathetic. I'm thinking of composing a list of some of the worst excuses I've heard there, but here's a few of them:
-I'm too poor (?!)
-I'm handicapped (be it ADD, ADHD, mentally disabled, blind... this one is endless)
-I'm (fill in the blank with the minority group of your choice)
-I'm too stupid
-That's just the way I am
-guilt tripping, like one of my very favourites where one student accused me of being a racist because I told her to get back to work
After grappling with pre-adolescents, my kids are a breeze, plus all the more adorable. What they come up with is also a lot more funny.
What are some gems that your kids have come up with?
UPDATE: My apologies to all who misunderstood my mention of students with disabilities. My comment in no way was about students who do live with with them. I have had the oppurtunity to teach many such students and they are a delight to have in the classroom. What I was referring to was those students who do not have disabilities, but try to manipulate me as a substitute teacher and get out of work. I am sorry for any confusion I may have caused.
Ben came up with a funny one this morning when I asked him to get the milk on the table for breakfast. Heaving a weary sigh, my four-year old looked at me and said languidly "No, I've been doing that for a hundred years!" His parents were chuckling over that one this morning.
The thing is, spending time in the teaching profession you hear a lot of excuses. These ones are not so cute, but mostly either lame or just pathetic. I'm thinking of composing a list of some of the worst excuses I've heard there, but here's a few of them:
-I'm too poor (?!)
-I'm handicapped (be it ADD, ADHD, mentally disabled, blind... this one is endless)
-I'm (fill in the blank with the minority group of your choice)
-I'm too stupid
-That's just the way I am
-guilt tripping, like one of my very favourites where one student accused me of being a racist because I told her to get back to work
After grappling with pre-adolescents, my kids are a breeze, plus all the more adorable. What they come up with is also a lot more funny.
What are some gems that your kids have come up with?
UPDATE: My apologies to all who misunderstood my mention of students with disabilities. My comment in no way was about students who do live with with them. I have had the oppurtunity to teach many such students and they are a delight to have in the classroom. What I was referring to was those students who do not have disabilities, but try to manipulate me as a substitute teacher and get out of work. I am sorry for any confusion I may have caused.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Book of the Week
Ever heard of alliteracy? This rising menace is the growing population that knows how to read, but doesn't. This is a great shame as reading improves us in so many ways that whenever I read studies of reading's benefits, I wonder why wouldn't you want to read? Here's some picks for your consideration. For grownup reads this month I'm suggesting some of my favourite cozy reads to snuggle up with as the weather gets cooler. For kids, a few reads that celebrate the coming of the snow.
Reading Too Many Novels:
If such a thing is possible, than I am ceratinly guilty of it, as is Katherine Noland from "Northanger Abbey"-the Jane Austen heroine that I most readily identify with. On an exciting trip to the glittering social world of Bath, Katherine's naivety and wild imagination get her into many a scrape. Although life is not nearly as dramatic as the gothic novels she devours, it does still have its fair share of villains and buffoons to avoid if you hope to live happily ever after.
A Winter Romp:
I adore Uri Shulevitz's book "Snow", especially this time of year. While the rest of the city dismisses the first snowflake, a little boy and his dog happily insists that yes, it is too snowing and that they are going to enjoy it (even if no one else will!) The result is a magical romp through the city landscape as it becomes whiter and whiter. To read it is to love it.
Happy reading everybody!
Reading Too Many Novels:
If such a thing is possible, than I am ceratinly guilty of it, as is Katherine Noland from "Northanger Abbey"-the Jane Austen heroine that I most readily identify with. On an exciting trip to the glittering social world of Bath, Katherine's naivety and wild imagination get her into many a scrape. Although life is not nearly as dramatic as the gothic novels she devours, it does still have its fair share of villains and buffoons to avoid if you hope to live happily ever after.
A Winter Romp:
I adore Uri Shulevitz's book "Snow", especially this time of year. While the rest of the city dismisses the first snowflake, a little boy and his dog happily insists that yes, it is too snowing and that they are going to enjoy it (even if no one else will!) The result is a magical romp through the city landscape as it becomes whiter and whiter. To read it is to love it.
Happy reading everybody!
Beating the Mall Blues
I am one of those crazy people who tries to get all of her holiday shopping done by the end of November. There are multiple reasons for this: feeling organized for once, avoiding the insanity that is any store come Dec. 1, and spending advent actually doing Christmas things I love to name a few. Crowded stores always make me feel crabby anyways.
The thing is, living in a small town, my shop selection is limited. This has prodded me (as nothing else ever could have done) into the hitherto unexplored world of online shopping. As my nearest and dearest can attest to, a techno girl I am not. Last year Jason didn't believe me when I told him that I wanted an ipod for Christmas-he asked what I would do with one! It felt weird the first time I tried shopping online, but I'm becoming rather fond of it. Online shopping perks include:
-I can actually find things my dear ones will like, instead of resorting to shopping at the local Wal-mart for all of my gifts.
-better selection than any store, or mall.
-getting free shipping makes me feel oh-so-very-clever.
-getting actual packages in the mail, which is so much more exciting than the usual paper shredder fodder we usually get. Actually, the packages are probably my favourite thing about it (cue the Rogers and Hammerstein).
Thus, while I'll eagerly be watching for packages in the mail for the next few weeks, come December you will find me wrapping presents, baking a gingerbread castle, singing carols at the top of my lungs...and hardly crabby at all.
The thing is, living in a small town, my shop selection is limited. This has prodded me (as nothing else ever could have done) into the hitherto unexplored world of online shopping. As my nearest and dearest can attest to, a techno girl I am not. Last year Jason didn't believe me when I told him that I wanted an ipod for Christmas-he asked what I would do with one! It felt weird the first time I tried shopping online, but I'm becoming rather fond of it. Online shopping perks include:
-I can actually find things my dear ones will like, instead of resorting to shopping at the local Wal-mart for all of my gifts.
-better selection than any store, or mall.
-getting free shipping makes me feel oh-so-very-clever.
-getting actual packages in the mail, which is so much more exciting than the usual paper shredder fodder we usually get. Actually, the packages are probably my favourite thing about it (cue the Rogers and Hammerstein).
Thus, while I'll eagerly be watching for packages in the mail for the next few weeks, come December you will find me wrapping presents, baking a gingerbread castle, singing carols at the top of my lungs...and hardly crabby at all.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Book of the Week
In light of the recent holiday, here's a little fanciful frivolity to add to you reading list.
Flights of Fancy:
If you're looking for a book that is the feast for the eyes (I know that I will never outgrow my love for picture books) look no further than "Fairie-ality" by the House of Ellwand. The book reminds me of a witch catalogue I drew up with a childhood friend, except this is for fairies, and much more exceptional than our youthful sketches. It is a fashion magazine for the winged folk, with sumptuous gowns and ensembles. Each piece is crafted with things found in nature; flowers, feathers, leaves, and the like. It is a beautiful book, and a delight to pour over.
Witchy Wickedness:
She's Heckedy Peg, she's lost her leg, and she wants to be let in! Beware this nasty witch, "Heckedy Peg" by Don and Audrey Wood. When their mother goes out, her seven children (all named for a day of the week) are lured to let in this evil witch, which naturally leads to trouble and immenent disaster. Can their mother outwit the old hag and save her children before it's too late? A wonderfully satisfying, absolutely scrumptious book.
Flights of Fancy:
If you're looking for a book that is the feast for the eyes (I know that I will never outgrow my love for picture books) look no further than "Fairie-ality" by the House of Ellwand. The book reminds me of a witch catalogue I drew up with a childhood friend, except this is for fairies, and much more exceptional than our youthful sketches. It is a fashion magazine for the winged folk, with sumptuous gowns and ensembles. Each piece is crafted with things found in nature; flowers, feathers, leaves, and the like. It is a beautiful book, and a delight to pour over.
Witchy Wickedness:
She's Heckedy Peg, she's lost her leg, and she wants to be let in! Beware this nasty witch, "Heckedy Peg" by Don and Audrey Wood. When their mother goes out, her seven children (all named for a day of the week) are lured to let in this evil witch, which naturally leads to trouble and immenent disaster. Can their mother outwit the old hag and save her children before it's too late? A wonderfully satisfying, absolutely scrumptious book.
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