While walking to school this morning, I noticed that Tasha is not capable of just walking. She skipped, hopped, jumped, danced and ran the whole way. All the while chatting and singing to herself. My heart melts just watching her being so happy.
A friend of mine said something to the effect of "I wonder what magical thoughts are going through her head" Here was her well thought out random thought of the afternoon.
After listening to a phone message from a friend whose son, who comes over weekly to play, is just getting over the Chicken Pox, Tasha and I were pulling weeds from our garden. While taking a 'break' on the swings, she was chatting to herself and suddenly announced "Anyways Amma, it's good that you are pulling all those weeds, so we won't get the Chicken Pox"
So, anyone who had pulled out a lot of weeds lately, it seems you are safe...!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Helping out around the house...
Tasha came to me while I was doing dishes after dinner tonight and said "Amma, can I vacuum?" I was a little perplexed, but quickly jumped at the offer or help!
As she went to get the vacuum out, she proudly announced to Grant
"Daddy, I'm vacumenting!!!"
She proceeds to clear the toys off the family room floor, vacuums, puts it away, comes back to check out her work and says "Ahhh..now that's better!!"
What a girl!! She IS great!!
Never say no to that kind of offer!!
As she went to get the vacuum out, she proudly announced to Grant
"Daddy, I'm vacumenting!!!"
She proceeds to clear the toys off the family room floor, vacuums, puts it away, comes back to check out her work and says "Ahhh..now that's better!!"
What a girl!! She IS great!!
Never say no to that kind of offer!!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Life at home...
Well, it has been a very long time since we've posted anything. Time has been flying by.
For those who don't know, I took a leave of absence from my job at Canadian Heritage, last August, to stay home with the kids. It is not the first time I've been home, but it is certainly very different. I was home for two and a half years after Natasha was born. That was very very busy, living out of suitcases for 7 months, moving from house to house as our house was under construction. I can barely remember it, and don't really remember enjoying it too much. It seemed very chaotic, running around from construction site to hardware stores with a toddler and crying baby.
This time around is very different. It is so busy, but also a lot of fun. 3 kids is so incredibly different that two, in so many ways. And yes Dana, very very frustrating and exhausting!! There are so many more combinations of trouble by adding just 1 child...!!!
The girls are incredible. They are so much fun, full of new ideas everyday, always keeping me on my toes. They are growing up so quickly, it is no nice to share all of this time with them.
Here are some things that have been going on here:
Tasha - started school. JK in the morning. She loves it, didn't even think twice about heading into the classroom. She has been learning so much, and having loads of fun with her new friends! She loves riding her bike, and is pretty fast. It is a workout trying to keep up with her, on foot! She is still always smiling, constantly chattering, and pretending not to hear the rules... she loses them in her head!! :) How do you argue with that?
Maya - Maya started Grade 1. She has a rough start, but has now adjusted. She has mastered the monkey bars, she loves reading and writing. Of course her favorite part of the day is 'gym' or DPA, "Daily Physical Activity" , and the 'monkies' (monkey bars) at recess. Swimming is a hit with her. She is quite a fish. She loved our trip to Calgary, jumping off the 1m spring board, over and over again. She even did the run and jump, and canon balls!!!! She loves her bike, and is scary on her scooter. She tries all sorts of tricks going full speed downhills. It freaks me out!!
Jaida took some time to figure out what do to without the other 2 girls, but now thrives on the time where she gets to play with toys that she otherwise doesn't get the opportunity to play with!! She is such a clown, always being funny and dramatic!!! She is great at copying what the other two are doing, and when Tasha and Jaida come up with a plan, you'd better watch out, they are out of control!!
Jaida is super girl, has been out of diapers since the beginning of January. (This was unplanned but certainly encouraged.) We had more incidents that with the other two, for a few weeks, but now she's a pro!!
This stage is really great! Life is getting easier is many ways (ie: sleeping through the night, following directions...) and so much busier in others. The days of diaper bags, strollers and tantrums are nearing and end, and being replaced by days of family fun!
I won't speak here of the incredible effort it is to get everyone up and out the door in the morning, to get the school on time, or the challenge in getting kids to listen, and eat and wash hands... I will just say, I love PD days, and holidays!! :)
Grant and I are looking forward to family bike rides this summer, and I am looking forward to hanging out with the girls...
For those who don't know, I took a leave of absence from my job at Canadian Heritage, last August, to stay home with the kids. It is not the first time I've been home, but it is certainly very different. I was home for two and a half years after Natasha was born. That was very very busy, living out of suitcases for 7 months, moving from house to house as our house was under construction. I can barely remember it, and don't really remember enjoying it too much. It seemed very chaotic, running around from construction site to hardware stores with a toddler and crying baby.
This time around is very different. It is so busy, but also a lot of fun. 3 kids is so incredibly different that two, in so many ways. And yes Dana, very very frustrating and exhausting!! There are so many more combinations of trouble by adding just 1 child...!!!
The girls are incredible. They are so much fun, full of new ideas everyday, always keeping me on my toes. They are growing up so quickly, it is no nice to share all of this time with them.
Here are some things that have been going on here:
Tasha - started school. JK in the morning. She loves it, didn't even think twice about heading into the classroom. She has been learning so much, and having loads of fun with her new friends! She loves riding her bike, and is pretty fast. It is a workout trying to keep up with her, on foot! She is still always smiling, constantly chattering, and pretending not to hear the rules... she loses them in her head!! :) How do you argue with that?
Maya - Maya started Grade 1. She has a rough start, but has now adjusted. She has mastered the monkey bars, she loves reading and writing. Of course her favorite part of the day is 'gym' or DPA, "Daily Physical Activity" , and the 'monkies' (monkey bars) at recess. Swimming is a hit with her. She is quite a fish. She loved our trip to Calgary, jumping off the 1m spring board, over and over again. She even did the run and jump, and canon balls!!!! She loves her bike, and is scary on her scooter. She tries all sorts of tricks going full speed downhills. It freaks me out!!
Jaida took some time to figure out what do to without the other 2 girls, but now thrives on the time where she gets to play with toys that she otherwise doesn't get the opportunity to play with!! She is such a clown, always being funny and dramatic!!! She is great at copying what the other two are doing, and when Tasha and Jaida come up with a plan, you'd better watch out, they are out of control!!
Jaida is super girl, has been out of diapers since the beginning of January. (This was unplanned but certainly encouraged.) We had more incidents that with the other two, for a few weeks, but now she's a pro!!
This stage is really great! Life is getting easier is many ways (ie: sleeping through the night, following directions...) and so much busier in others. The days of diaper bags, strollers and tantrums are nearing and end, and being replaced by days of family fun!
I won't speak here of the incredible effort it is to get everyone up and out the door in the morning, to get the school on time, or the challenge in getting kids to listen, and eat and wash hands... I will just say, I love PD days, and holidays!! :)
Grant and I are looking forward to family bike rides this summer, and I am looking forward to hanging out with the girls...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
More biking news...
Maya’s been riding bicycles since she was two years old. She had her “red bike” that she rode for two summers, even riding it to junior kindergarten sometimes. When she was four she got a bigger bike for Easter, her “pink bike”. She rode that to senior kindergarten pretty much whenever the weather allowed and last year she started riding the trail-a-bike, which attaches to a parent’s bike. She has over 500 km on the trail-a-bike so far this year so she definitely knows how to pedal, and she knows all about braking from her pink bike, but she’s never had to balance before.
She’s been talking about taking her training wheels off this summer but was somewhat hesitant. A friend of hers from school who recently learned to ride a bike without training wheels learned the balancing part from a “run bike”. This is just an old bike, without training wheels, that has had the pedals removed. Basically you push with your feet and when you’re up to speed you lift your feet and coast and have to maintain your balance by yourself. Maya borrowed the run-bike and to no one’s surprise figured out the balancing part pretty quickly.
So we took the training wheels off her pink bike. She put on her helmet and gloves, I gave her a little pep-talk, and then gave her a little push and she was gone! First try!
She’s been talking about taking her training wheels off this summer but was somewhat hesitant. A friend of hers from school who recently learned to ride a bike without training wheels learned the balancing part from a “run bike”. This is just an old bike, without training wheels, that has had the pedals removed. Basically you push with your feet and when you’re up to speed you lift your feet and coast and have to maintain your balance by yourself. Maya borrowed the run-bike and to no one’s surprise figured out the balancing part pretty quickly.
So we took the training wheels off her pink bike. She put on her helmet and gloves, I gave her a little pep-talk, and then gave her a little push and she was gone! First try!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I bet you didn't know...
Last Friday, my mom was over to watch the girls as I left for work. Jaida and the girls followed me out the door, and Jaida started crying as she didn't want me to leave. I of course left as my mom tried to distract her.
A little while later, in the house, Maya and Natasha sat down and started their breakfasts, Jaida, who was having a whiny morning, walked to my mom, who was drinking her coffee, and said "eee, eee". (We are trying to encourage Jaida to use her words instead of sounds.) My mom asked her "Jaida, what do you want?" and of course Jaida's answer is "eee, eee". So, my mom proceeded to ask her "Do you want some coffee?" as she lowered her coffee mug. Natasha bolts up, hands in the air screaming "Ajji NOOOOOO!!!! She is a VEGETARIAN!!!!"
A little while later, in the house, Maya and Natasha sat down and started their breakfasts, Jaida, who was having a whiny morning, walked to my mom, who was drinking her coffee, and said "eee, eee". (We are trying to encourage Jaida to use her words instead of sounds.) My mom asked her "Jaida, what do you want?" and of course Jaida's answer is "eee, eee". So, my mom proceeded to ask her "Do you want some coffee?" as she lowered her coffee mug. Natasha bolts up, hands in the air screaming "Ajji NOOOOOO!!!! She is a VEGETARIAN!!!!"
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Mid-summer update
School's out for summer...
It has been a very busy summer so far. It is hard to pin point exactly what we've been doing, but we have certainly been very busy!
In spite of the weather, the summer has been very nice so far. The girls have been spending time at the pool, parks and having picnics and play days with friends.
For those who don't know, we changed caregivers in May/June, so we endured a transition period, which was difficult for work, but, in my opinion was quite nice, we got to spend more time with the girls, and they spent more time with my mom. Jane started with us in June, she is so nice, and very good with the girls. I have noticed a considerable difference in the girls, they are far more at ease and comfortable, and Natasha's behavior has improved greatly!! (Keeping in mind, she is still 3.5!) Jane works with us 3 days a week, while Grant and I take turns being home on Monday's and my mom comes over on Fridays. Having family home more, makes a good difference in behaviour.
Grant helped coach Maya's soccer team this spring. Her team name was the purple "DRAGONS"... scary indeed. They only lost 1 game all season, and won most of their games by a score of 8-1, 10-0, 10-2...I think she enjoyed it. She preferred to play goal, saying that was the best way for her to get the ball! Check our her style!!!
June 6th and 7th, Grant and I, along with Kevin, Steve and Jody, rode the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour. It is a 2 day, 354km bicycle trip to Kingston and back, spending the night at Queen's University. It was very nice, all the training paid off, though I was certainly sore afterwards, it was well worth it!
The end of June saw Maya finish Senior Kindergarten. Yes, it's true! This means she will be in Grade One next year!!! Full days of school! I am not sure who is going to have a harder time adjusting, me or Maya. My baby is growing up so fast... Here is a picture of Maya and Sofia on the last day of school.
We had a great visit from my favorite uncle, my aunt and cousins from North Carolina! Ravi, Vrunda, Prateek and Praveen came up on June 27th for almost a week, and we spent several days just hanging out for hours, as the kids all played. It had been 3 years since we'd seen them, and it was so nice to spend so much time with them!
We went camping at Bon Echo Provincial Park for a few wet but fun days. From here Ravi and co, left to return home, while we spend another 2 nights camping. The kids had a great time, fishing, canoeing, going for a hike, and playing on the beach, not phased by the rain or bugs!!
Our site:
Maya on the cliff top with Prateek:
All of us at the top look-out:
Whole family shot, back at the camp site:
and Jaida, loving the beach!
The girls have been enjoying lots of time on their bikes, and Maya has been training hard for her upcoming bike trip. She and Grant are taking part in the MS Rona bike tour again this year. Maya insists on riding the tour this year on the trail-a-bike. It is a 130km round trip ride to Kemptville and back, spending the night at the college in Kemptville. This will be Maya's 3rd year on the Tour, but the first year as a rider. The ride is to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. You can support their ride and MS by making a contribution to the MS Society here.
In August we are looking forward to our trip to Calgary, to visit Cristal, Craig, Flannery and Iona. I always have a good relaxing time with the McLawson clan, and the girls are looking forwards to playing with their cousins!!!
Well, that is all for now. Obviously, the girls are growing up quickly, changing so fast, but they continue to be challenging, crazy, fun and absolutely amazing, as all kids are!!!
Cousins eating ice cream after water play:
Jaida loving the swing:
Crazy Chef Maya:
Tasha loves her braids:
My Jaida:
and even a celebrity among us!!!
Check out our full photo set on our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/b_and_g (Let me know if I need to add you as a contact!)
Until next time, keep FIT and have fun!!! :)
It has been a very busy summer so far. It is hard to pin point exactly what we've been doing, but we have certainly been very busy!
In spite of the weather, the summer has been very nice so far. The girls have been spending time at the pool, parks and having picnics and play days with friends.
For those who don't know, we changed caregivers in May/June, so we endured a transition period, which was difficult for work, but, in my opinion was quite nice, we got to spend more time with the girls, and they spent more time with my mom. Jane started with us in June, she is so nice, and very good with the girls. I have noticed a considerable difference in the girls, they are far more at ease and comfortable, and Natasha's behavior has improved greatly!! (Keeping in mind, she is still 3.5!) Jane works with us 3 days a week, while Grant and I take turns being home on Monday's and my mom comes over on Fridays. Having family home more, makes a good difference in behaviour.
Grant helped coach Maya's soccer team this spring. Her team name was the purple "DRAGONS"... scary indeed. They only lost 1 game all season, and won most of their games by a score of 8-1, 10-0, 10-2...I think she enjoyed it. She preferred to play goal, saying that was the best way for her to get the ball! Check our her style!!!
June 6th and 7th, Grant and I, along with Kevin, Steve and Jody, rode the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour. It is a 2 day, 354km bicycle trip to Kingston and back, spending the night at Queen's University. It was very nice, all the training paid off, though I was certainly sore afterwards, it was well worth it!
The end of June saw Maya finish Senior Kindergarten. Yes, it's true! This means she will be in Grade One next year!!! Full days of school! I am not sure who is going to have a harder time adjusting, me or Maya. My baby is growing up so fast... Here is a picture of Maya and Sofia on the last day of school.
We had a great visit from my favorite uncle, my aunt and cousins from North Carolina! Ravi, Vrunda, Prateek and Praveen came up on June 27th for almost a week, and we spent several days just hanging out for hours, as the kids all played. It had been 3 years since we'd seen them, and it was so nice to spend so much time with them!
We went camping at Bon Echo Provincial Park for a few wet but fun days. From here Ravi and co, left to return home, while we spend another 2 nights camping. The kids had a great time, fishing, canoeing, going for a hike, and playing on the beach, not phased by the rain or bugs!!
Our site:
Maya on the cliff top with Prateek:
All of us at the top look-out:
Whole family shot, back at the camp site:
and Jaida, loving the beach!
The girls have been enjoying lots of time on their bikes, and Maya has been training hard for her upcoming bike trip. She and Grant are taking part in the MS Rona bike tour again this year. Maya insists on riding the tour this year on the trail-a-bike. It is a 130km round trip ride to Kemptville and back, spending the night at the college in Kemptville. This will be Maya's 3rd year on the Tour, but the first year as a rider. The ride is to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. You can support their ride and MS by making a contribution to the MS Society here.
In August we are looking forward to our trip to Calgary, to visit Cristal, Craig, Flannery and Iona. I always have a good relaxing time with the McLawson clan, and the girls are looking forwards to playing with their cousins!!!
Well, that is all for now. Obviously, the girls are growing up quickly, changing so fast, but they continue to be challenging, crazy, fun and absolutely amazing, as all kids are!!!
Cousins eating ice cream after water play:
Jaida loving the swing:
Crazy Chef Maya:
Tasha loves her braids:
My Jaida:
and even a celebrity among us!!!
Check out our full photo set on our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/b_and_g (Let me know if I need to add you as a contact!)
Until next time, keep FIT and have fun!!! :)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Biking, biking and more biking...!
That pretty much sums up what we have been doing of late, or so it seems.
Grant and I have signed up for the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour, a 177Km ride to Kingston, where you spend the night in the dorms at Queens University, and ride 177km back the next morning. So, since the beginning of April pretty much every week-end has been filled with biking.
Grant has done this ride once before, in 1997 I believe, and for the past few years we have been talking about doing it together, on our tandem. So this year, being the first year since 2003, that I am not pregnant or nursing a little one, I thought it would be a good year to try this out! Who knew it was going to be such a commitment? :)
My mom committed early on to watch the girls one morning a week-end, so that Grant and I could do our long training rides together! Without her help, I would have to do my long rides solo, which likely means they would not be happening!
A couple of weeks ago, I did my first 100km ride. I was completely exhausted and drained by the end, but I think lack of food and water played a huge role in that! Last week-end, we did a 145km ride to Merrickville and back, and despite the crazy winds and 2 hours of rain, I felt pretty good. My legs were sore, and the 32km family ride, pulling Maya in the torrential winds, surely didn't help the situation!
The girls seem to be enjoying our 'shorter' family rides. Maya seems to love riding on the trail-a-bike, and from day one rode the 32km route without complaints, and with energy left over to 'push' me home down Sunnymede!!
So, am I enjoying all this biking? Well, yes and no. It is so nice to get outside and get fresh air and exercise, and yes, be away from home and the kids for a while! I am finding it is taking up a lot of time, and energy, and I don't have nearly enough time to get organized at home. So while I am really looking forward to doing Rideau Lakes, I do find myself looking forward to the week-end of June 13th, to enjoy some 'free' time.
Stay tuned for more May updates...and maybe even photos of the girls! :)
Grant and I have signed up for the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour, a 177Km ride to Kingston, where you spend the night in the dorms at Queens University, and ride 177km back the next morning. So, since the beginning of April pretty much every week-end has been filled with biking.
Grant has done this ride once before, in 1997 I believe, and for the past few years we have been talking about doing it together, on our tandem. So this year, being the first year since 2003, that I am not pregnant or nursing a little one, I thought it would be a good year to try this out! Who knew it was going to be such a commitment? :)
My mom committed early on to watch the girls one morning a week-end, so that Grant and I could do our long training rides together! Without her help, I would have to do my long rides solo, which likely means they would not be happening!
A couple of weeks ago, I did my first 100km ride. I was completely exhausted and drained by the end, but I think lack of food and water played a huge role in that! Last week-end, we did a 145km ride to Merrickville and back, and despite the crazy winds and 2 hours of rain, I felt pretty good. My legs were sore, and the 32km family ride, pulling Maya in the torrential winds, surely didn't help the situation!
The girls seem to be enjoying our 'shorter' family rides. Maya seems to love riding on the trail-a-bike, and from day one rode the 32km route without complaints, and with energy left over to 'push' me home down Sunnymede!!
So, am I enjoying all this biking? Well, yes and no. It is so nice to get outside and get fresh air and exercise, and yes, be away from home and the kids for a while! I am finding it is taking up a lot of time, and energy, and I don't have nearly enough time to get organized at home. So while I am really looking forward to doing Rideau Lakes, I do find myself looking forward to the week-end of June 13th, to enjoy some 'free' time.
Stay tuned for more May updates...and maybe even photos of the girls! :)
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