We went to Chapters today.
It only took a few seconds for me to tell Natasha to put her toy away.
And Jaida was gone.
I searched the store for at least five minutes calling her name.
Some of the staff helped me look for her.
A nice lady was holding her hand, and had stopped her from leaving the store.
Jaida was oblivious, she is an explorer. She told me "but I didn't leave the store"
I was terrified.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
First day on the school bus
Natasha has been asking since JK to take the bus to school. Today I finally let her.
She was so excited that we got to the bus stop 15 minutes early.
She was all smiles.
She was so excited that we got to the bus stop 15 minutes early.
She was all smiles.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Something to keep in mind while shopping.
Just before heading out to check out a dining room table, Maya says to me:
"Amma, you better make sure the table you buy has a blue Energy Star sticker on it."
and I say:
"Hmph, that is an interesting point Maya."
Maya says:
"Well, the sticker means that it uses less energy and is more efficient. You should only buy things with that blue sticker on it."
Sadly, none of the tables we looked at had a blue Energy Star sticker on it.
"Amma, you better make sure the table you buy has a blue Energy Star sticker on it."
and I say:
"Hmph, that is an interesting point Maya."
Maya says:
"Well, the sticker means that it uses less energy and is more efficient. You should only buy things with that blue sticker on it."
Sadly, none of the tables we looked at had a blue Energy Star sticker on it.
Monday, November 8, 2010
These are a few of my favorite things...
Over the week-end I was reminded again of so many things I love about kids. Here are just a few:
Giggles and tickles
Hoppy little kids - Natasha is not capable of walking anywhere!
Skipping
Smart questions... "If everyone has a mom and dad, who was the first person in the world's mom and dad?"
Uncontrollable laughter
Hugs
Smothering kisses
Smiley faces
Cuddle time with the girls, on week-end mornings.
Watching sisters become friends.
Giggles and tickles
Hoppy little kids - Natasha is not capable of walking anywhere!
Skipping
Smart questions... "If everyone has a mom and dad, who was the first person in the world's mom and dad?"
Uncontrollable laughter
Hugs
Smothering kisses
Smiley faces
Cuddle time with the girls, on week-end mornings.
Watching sisters become friends.
Monday, October 4, 2010
CIBC Run for the Cure 2010
Quite a few months ago, I decided that I was going to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure this October. Once I realized that it was on my birthday, I told the girls what my birthday plans were, and immediately they said they wanted to do it with me.
Between August and October 3rd, we did a few, 3, 'training' runs together. I can't say they really enjoyed them, but they liked the idea of it. I gave them an out, several times, by suggesting they do the 1km instead, but they were 100% set on doing the whole thing.
Race day, they were pretty excited, Natasha said she had decided that she was going to do BOTH the 5km and then the 1km!!! We decided to bike to the War Museum, as it is so close by. We made it there just in the nick of time...8:57am I believe!! Thankfully we were warmed up from the ride.
I was amazed by the number of participants, it was such a sight. The girls and I quickly made our way into the crowd and off we went. I'd say we ran the first kilometer and then took a short walk break, and kept running until we saw Grant and Jaida at Parkdale, approx 1.5km.
From here we ran through Tunney's Pasture, this is where the girls hit their slump. I had to find ways to keep them going, taking walk breaks, increased silly talk... We made it to the water station, they enjoyed a quick drink, and seemed to perk up for the next .5km...!
We saw Grant and Jaida again at the 3.5km mark, Parkdale again. At this point the girls were slowing down quite a bit, and walking quite a bit more. Realizing our pace, I asked Jaida if she wanted to join in for the rest, and she was super excited! And run she did... for about 30 meters, at full speed, and turned to me and said "You carry me!" I ran with her on my back for a bit, and she asked to get down, The cycle continued until the finish line. Here is a picture of Jaida on my back:
The girls perked up once Jaida joined in. It was pretty cute watching the 3 of them holding hands while running together. We finished the run, in just over 45 minutes, in great spirits, and even managed a little sprint to the finish line.
We enjoyed some post run bagels and beverages:
and made our way to the main stage to watch the cheerleaders and enjoy some music.
It was a great day for a run. I can't describe the feeling of seeing so many people running/walking for an important cause.
For me, what made it even more special was that my girls did it with me! They were wonderful company, no complaining, even though it was evident they were tired, they kept going and are eager to do it again next year!!!
On the way back to our bicycles, Natasha said "Amma, we haven't done the 1km yet!!"
Between August and October 3rd, we did a few, 3, 'training' runs together. I can't say they really enjoyed them, but they liked the idea of it. I gave them an out, several times, by suggesting they do the 1km instead, but they were 100% set on doing the whole thing.
Race day, they were pretty excited, Natasha said she had decided that she was going to do BOTH the 5km and then the 1km!!! We decided to bike to the War Museum, as it is so close by. We made it there just in the nick of time...8:57am I believe!! Thankfully we were warmed up from the ride.
I was amazed by the number of participants, it was such a sight. The girls and I quickly made our way into the crowd and off we went. I'd say we ran the first kilometer and then took a short walk break, and kept running until we saw Grant and Jaida at Parkdale, approx 1.5km.
From here we ran through Tunney's Pasture, this is where the girls hit their slump. I had to find ways to keep them going, taking walk breaks, increased silly talk... We made it to the water station, they enjoyed a quick drink, and seemed to perk up for the next .5km...!
We saw Grant and Jaida again at the 3.5km mark, Parkdale again. At this point the girls were slowing down quite a bit, and walking quite a bit more. Realizing our pace, I asked Jaida if she wanted to join in for the rest, and she was super excited! And run she did... for about 30 meters, at full speed, and turned to me and said "You carry me!" I ran with her on my back for a bit, and she asked to get down, The cycle continued until the finish line. Here is a picture of Jaida on my back:
The girls perked up once Jaida joined in. It was pretty cute watching the 3 of them holding hands while running together. We finished the run, in just over 45 minutes, in great spirits, and even managed a little sprint to the finish line.
We enjoyed some post run bagels and beverages:
and made our way to the main stage to watch the cheerleaders and enjoy some music.
It was a great day for a run. I can't describe the feeling of seeing so many people running/walking for an important cause.
For me, what made it even more special was that my girls did it with me! They were wonderful company, no complaining, even though it was evident they were tired, they kept going and are eager to do it again next year!!!
On the way back to our bicycles, Natasha said "Amma, we haven't done the 1km yet!!"
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Smart ??
Sitting at the dinner table one night, we were talking about how smart kids are. Natasha speaks up and says:
"I'm so smart I'm even smarter than my brain!!"
"I'm so smart I'm even smarter than my brain!!"
Monday, September 13, 2010
First week of school...
and right back into the swing of things.
I had to set my alarm for the first time in months Tuesday morning, to make sure we all got ready in time. I had to wake the girls up, again for the first time in months.
This year is a little different as Natasha is in Afternoon Senior Kindergarten, so only Maya needs to have a really good breakfast, the other two can eat well all morning.
Tuesday morning anxiety. I too had butterflies. The class lists were being posted only on the first day of school. Maya had spent the last couple of days trying to figure out all the possible scenarios of "what if" ... and worrying herself silly.
Maya got the 'new' teacher this year. Mme Marguerite. She is also very lucky to have lots of good friends in her class. Others were not as lucky. There were a few tears on day 1 and 2, but since then the smiles have been coming out more frequently. Let's hope this continues. Last year it took until Thanksgiving to have a tear free day!!! When asked if her teacher is nice, Maya replies "yeeeeeeeeessss" with a crazy head nod and smiles. This makes me happy!!
Maya and Cleo at home before school:
Natasha started school on Wednesday afternoon, and she too has the 'new' teacher. Mme Alyssa. Already a great name, had to imagine her being anything but super nice! Tasha, of course, loves school and forgot all about me starting on the walk to school. Her head in la-la land, excited to get to school.
Unfortunately, this year, ALL of Natasha's friends and acquaintances are in the 'other' afternoon class, so Natasha gets to watch them all walk in together everyday. She is handling really well by saying "I get to make new friends" but she has been clear on mentioning that she has NO friends, and they are ALL in the other afternoon class.
In order to cope, or maybe because she is she, Tasha is making up amazing stories. The main story of last week was of her "friend", Emma, who lives in Paris and comes to her school. But today she had to leave early because her mom just had a baby come out of her tummy and they had to go back home to Paris. Because that is where they live. When asked if Emma travels from Paris to school everyday she says "yes, they fly everyday!" Wow!!!
Alas today, a new little girl joined her class. Lucy. Lucy lives very close to us, and the girls met over the week-end, and we decided to walk to school together today. Now Tasha has a 'real' friend, and it seems they hung out and talked a fair bit today. There were still 'stories' though.
Today's main story was about the fire alarm. Apparently they were eating snack when the fire alarm went off. They had to go outside while the firefighters 'fighted' the fire, which was right under their class room! When they came back in from being sent outside, their snacks were all wet and so was their classroom. They looked outside the window and they could still see the firefighters fighting with the fire!!! :)
Often it is hard to tell stories from the truth, especially when so many of her details could be accurate. In this case, I told Natasha that I really enjoy the stories she makes up.
Maya's class is full swing into homework. I imagine it will only increase in the coming weeks. But a presentation today, 2 tests this week, along with Club de Lecture. I wasn't expecting it so soon. I think Tasha's will start in a couple of weeks.
The girls are really happy, so I think it is going to be a good year.
I had to set my alarm for the first time in months Tuesday morning, to make sure we all got ready in time. I had to wake the girls up, again for the first time in months.
This year is a little different as Natasha is in Afternoon Senior Kindergarten, so only Maya needs to have a really good breakfast, the other two can eat well all morning.
Tuesday morning anxiety. I too had butterflies. The class lists were being posted only on the first day of school. Maya had spent the last couple of days trying to figure out all the possible scenarios of "what if" ... and worrying herself silly.
Maya got the 'new' teacher this year. Mme Marguerite. She is also very lucky to have lots of good friends in her class. Others were not as lucky. There were a few tears on day 1 and 2, but since then the smiles have been coming out more frequently. Let's hope this continues. Last year it took until Thanksgiving to have a tear free day!!! When asked if her teacher is nice, Maya replies "yeeeeeeeeessss" with a crazy head nod and smiles. This makes me happy!!
Maya and Cleo at home before school:
Natasha started school on Wednesday afternoon, and she too has the 'new' teacher. Mme Alyssa. Already a great name, had to imagine her being anything but super nice! Tasha, of course, loves school and forgot all about me starting on the walk to school. Her head in la-la land, excited to get to school.
Unfortunately, this year, ALL of Natasha's friends and acquaintances are in the 'other' afternoon class, so Natasha gets to watch them all walk in together everyday. She is handling really well by saying "I get to make new friends" but she has been clear on mentioning that she has NO friends, and they are ALL in the other afternoon class.
In order to cope, or maybe because she is she, Tasha is making up amazing stories. The main story of last week was of her "friend", Emma, who lives in Paris and comes to her school. But today she had to leave early because her mom just had a baby come out of her tummy and they had to go back home to Paris. Because that is where they live. When asked if Emma travels from Paris to school everyday she says "yes, they fly everyday!" Wow!!!
Alas today, a new little girl joined her class. Lucy. Lucy lives very close to us, and the girls met over the week-end, and we decided to walk to school together today. Now Tasha has a 'real' friend, and it seems they hung out and talked a fair bit today. There were still 'stories' though.
Today's main story was about the fire alarm. Apparently they were eating snack when the fire alarm went off. They had to go outside while the firefighters 'fighted' the fire, which was right under their class room! When they came back in from being sent outside, their snacks were all wet and so was their classroom. They looked outside the window and they could still see the firefighters fighting with the fire!!! :)
Often it is hard to tell stories from the truth, especially when so many of her details could be accurate. In this case, I told Natasha that I really enjoy the stories she makes up.
Maya's class is full swing into homework. I imagine it will only increase in the coming weeks. But a presentation today, 2 tests this week, along with Club de Lecture. I wasn't expecting it so soon. I think Tasha's will start in a couple of weeks.
The girls are really happy, so I think it is going to be a good year.
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