Interim

A little of what we've been doing in the cold white north... (except for you, Average Mom - to you we are in the balmy white south) ...



Recreating the game of kings... and jedi knights and wizards and ninja masters.  Because that's just what we do when a lego-crazy 6-year-old boy wants to learn the game and his equally lego-crazy mom wants to teach it.

It's a crazy awesome world here.

Merry Christmas!

Because this blog needs a "Merry Christmas, one and all!" post, I give you...

... photos from our excursion to The Nutcracker ballet performance with good friends.

You can dress him up, but can you really take him out?

He thought it was awesome. There were guns, a cannon, swordfights, and evil rats. The best Christmas story ever, according to some.

Yes, it was awesome.

From our family to yours: the Merriest of all Christmases to you!

Baby L Turned One and Knows How To Rock It

So! Busy here! But thank goodness it's busy with happy stuff.

Happy stuff like this: Baby L turned 1 a week ago. We love visiting our friends often (today is his party!), and so we just happened to be there on his birthday. And I just happened to have my camera with me. And Baby L just happened to turn on the charm. Though none of these things are rare, it was nice that it happened as it did. Check it out.

How funny is he?! He really can work a camera. He had us cracking up constantly with the faces he made.

And it wouldn't be normal if I hadn't taken at least one photo of my son... with Baby L's big sister, one of Evan's good buds... building a ladybug trap.

Don't worry... in the end, we rescued the ladybugs.

A Nightmare Come True: I Became A Soccer Mom

It's been a busy week. I haven't been able to do all the fun stuff I've wanted to do, like publishing all the photos I want or visiting (and commenting on) all my favorite blogs. I appreciate, more than ever, those who still come and visit me and leave kind words behind. It means a lot, and I promise to put in more time here... as I relax and unwind.

You see, I became a soccer mom this week. But only for a week.

My boy spent 3 hours every morning, every day, all week long at soccer camp. It was, he told me, the best week ever.

And "it's the best sport ever!"... his favorite.

Of course it helped that he was one of the best players in the Pre-K/K class.

And at the end of the week, everyone got medals.

Gratuitous Fun Shot

Spring Joy

For The Fear Of...

I'm a fraidy-cat. This is not news.

This is fact.

People are motivated by either fear or anger, I've heard. That is, the emotion that fuels their energy and drives them onward. Neither is particularly healthy, but this is the theory that I've heard.

I'm full of both. I've got enough personality to fill a minivan, but I'm scared to show it.

I'm scared of most things. Typically this means change and people. Mostly people. But also change. I also have trouble making decisions. Particularly decisions regarding people. And change. I tend to weigh pros and cons and over-think and analyze until I'm blue in the face. Does it work? Surprisingly, yes. But deliberating too long has also made me miss out on some suh-weet opportunities that I've kicked myself over and over about later. I've also experimented with the impulsive side of things, for balance you know, and I can tell you from experience: FAIL. But that's not what this is about. This is about being scared.

We moved to a new province about nine months ago. I went through some adjustment phases with people, from trying really hard and talking to complete strangers (I'm terribly shy) with limited response to the opposite side of hiding in my house for weeks and only coming out to take Evan places and support his social development. He is truly what has kept me going. And see? I'm all about balance. I try different approaches to find out what works. Not surprisingly, hiding out in the house doesn't add to one's social life. It also tends to drive one nuts. Particularly when paired with a rather energetic preschooler who wants to know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.

But back to the point: I'm afraid of rejection from people. So, I stopped reaching out. I stepped back. I focused on other things: I spent time with my favorite tv shows. I got a job. I took pretty pictures. And I read and read and read books. None of that really solved the problem, but it distracted me.

Cut to today: Today was a new experience for me. There were people -- real actual people, people I invited over -- visiting me and my boy, for the first time since we moved here. I'm talking, non-family, non-photography related people. After they left, I had a faintly uneasy feeling... something a bit off... that made me analyze the afternoon. Some reflection led me to realize that the weird feeling was that I wasn't nervous or anxious while they were here. That doesn't happen. Ever. Anxiety, particularly social anxiety, has been such a part of my life for so long that I had to stop and wonder if I had taken a valium... I was that relaxed.

It helped immensely that I had cleaned my house for two days before the visit, because usually I don't care about the dust bunnies but I've found out other people do. (Is it a bad thing when someone says that my house makes them twitchy because it's so dusty?) It also helped that my son displayed remarkable maturity for his four years and didn't fuss about sharing his toys.

Sharing his friends is another matter. Are all little boys such drama queens?

People came... we ate... kids played... adults chatted... kids got triangulated and cried and redirected... we chatted some more. It was... nice. I haven't had nice in a while.

Of course, I could be imagining things. And the ultimate success of this mission will be determined in seeing whether or not another playdate occurs... or if the other moms talk to me again.

Then again, I could be over-thinking it.

Photo Editing Without Caffeine... There Should Be A Law About That

I have an edit to do today. Here's my half-@$$ed sleepy attempt... after losing sleep the last few nights and up way too early for no reason at all. Because I have to have something to complain about, right? But on to today's thing.

The edit. And the original. Remember this thingy? (And by the way, go check out some more great photos.)

The SOOC:

I didn't like the background, and that's really all I wanted to change. I've also been seeing a lot of composite editing lately and have wanted to try it, so... here's my first ever attempt.

I don't have many stock photos in my files of just plain winter backgrounds, so this was it. I got rid of the building and teacher (she's really super nice but kids still wanna have fun without the adults around, right?) and put in this shrubbery type thing. Then I incorporated some of the editing suggestions from Ashley at Ramblings and Photos. I did a few more tone and levels adjustments, and voila.

I like it. In a totally surreal kind of way. To me, it looks a little fake, almost like a magazine ad. So does that mean it looks professional? I think so. But only in the most amateur unprofessional way. Because that's how I do it.

(Update: My next post shows how I did it.)

**************************

Taken with my Canon Rebel XSi, and edited with PS Elements.

And More Christmas

Whew! The wrapping is done. That is, all the wrapping except for the gift from *Santa*. I need to get different wrapping paper and a completely different style of bow. You know, to further the myth.

Speaking of which, I ran into a big problem the other week. It's one of those things that is on my mind and aggravates the heck out of me.

It's Santa.

"You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry, you'd better not shout, I'm telling you why;"

That's right. The red-suited old clown who insists on hood-winking young children into behaving. It's actually kinda creepy how "he knows if you are sleeping; he knows if you're awake; he knows if you've been bad or good..." If some old red-velvet clothed dude who sees me when I'm sleeping told me to hop on his lap and offered me candy you'd bet I'd scream and run. Which is probably why this happened:

And then when I asked him to smile, I got this:

The blur is my own fault. I was giggling to hard to hold the camera steady.

Don't misunderstand -- Evan was more than happy to go to see Santa. He asked for it; he wanted to. He couldn't imagine anything better. But when it came time, he froze. I say those are good instincts. Even though we're in public and mommy is right here, if you're uncomfortable, say so.

Afterwards, though, he was unhappy that he forgot to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.

Which brings me right around to the rest of this: I didn't want him to believe in Santa. From his first Christmas I've explained (because a 9-month-old understands these things) that Santa Claus is a cultural icon, representing the spirit of giving and goodwill, and fabricated around the saint who saved hundreds of children from slavery in the middle ages. In a nutshell. Of course he forgot about it because he mind cannot retain any pertinent information unless it's about one of his hobbies or how mean I am (which is a hobby in itself).

I tried to explain it all again to him this year, however the massive inpouring of cultural specificity regarding this joyous season overwhelmed him and rendered this subject taboo. And, of course, I'm mean for suggesting it.

Also, in a nutshell, he cried.

"There's no Santa?"

"Um, do you want me to lie to you?"

"What?"

"Would you rather I lie to you about Santa and tell you what you want to hear, or do you want the truth?"

"I want you to lie to me."

So that's how it is around here. I think deep down he knows there's no Santa, but for now, he'd like there to be one. And now I'm left holding the bag and supporting the myth.

He wants me to pretend? Okay, I'll pretend! We're going all out: the letter to Santa, the email from Santa, the rules and regulations about behavior and expectations that Santa has of young children, the cookies and milk (or in our case, the cupcakes and juice -- my preference), the cats being Santa's spies on behavior, etc. I'm working it.

"... so be good for goodness sake!"

Trust me, I'm using it completely for my advantage.

Ayanna

She was spotted by a little boy on a random completely accidental unprecedented visit. Their eyes met. It was love at first sight. Kismet.

Meant to be.

Totally in love.

I could go on and on and gush some more about how they were MFEO. Good thing I'm not a gusher. And anyways, who wants to hear that coming from your mom? (Good thing he can't read yet. Or competently use the computer to find this.)

Instead of gushing, here's a photo of the newest friend of the boy's, the newest family member. And Evan's newest reason for being.

The beauty of gray and yellow. This is the hottest new thing in fashion. Or so I've heard. At any rate, she wears it well.

But more about Ayanna...

She plays like a puppy. She chases things. Anything. A crumpled up piece of paper, a cat toy, a ball, a toy car, a toy anything. Even a soccer ball.

She plays soccer. With Evan. And then when she gets bored with it, she lays down on the sidelines and watches.

Noises interest her. She doesn't run from legos skittering across the tile floor or even the big tin car hurtling into the cupboard. Rather, she runs to add her mayhem to the madness.

She doesn't stop moving for long. (See the motion blur here? This is a very typical photo of Ayanna.) She's a girl on the go. She has places to smell and a new house to explore. Plus, a boy that needs playing with. Those are her own words.

(He's in seventh heaven.)

She's a beauty with attitude. And obviously enjoys the finer things in life, like elegant silk scarves and our company.

However...

There is someone here who is not too happy about our newest girl. She is singing her displeasure with great enthusiasm and volume. Mostly from her hiding spot in the darkest part of my closet. But frankly, anywhere will do.

You should hear what she has to say about this situation.

It's not pretty. But I think Ayanna is impressed a bit by her vocabulary. Or that Chloe can curse in seven cat languages. Frankly I'm a little impressed too.

I know she'll come around eventually... in five or six months. And then they'll at least tolerate each other, if not become grooming buddies or even the best of friends.

Who can resist this face?

At one time abandoned. Homeless. Unwanted.

She spent nearly a year at the SPCA. Think about that for a moment. Almost a whole year, unwanted, unloved.

But now... wanted. Loved. Home at last.

Help those animals today. If you can't adopt a pet, click here to donate for the care of animals in need of rescue or waiting for adoption.

We Used F-Words Today*

So, friends, with my beloved camera still gone (sigh!), I've had to do other things to pass the time, fill the hours, while away the long long days....

Okay, so it's not been THAT pathetic. Almost, but not quite. But there's only so much walking one can do... without a camera... in the meantime. And then there's the rain.

Let's not forget the rain. Is this the time of year, like spring, when all it does is... rain? Seriously, Mother Nature, enough is enough.

So, no Canon, stuck inside.... what to do?

I "played" school today with the 4 year old.

I guess it's not enough that I'm obsessing in my mind about school readiness and homeschooling. (Warning: tangent ahead!) He's entering his 3rd year of part-time preschool. That is to say, 2 mornings a week. That's not a lot, not even for having done this since he was 2 and a half years old. It's important to socialize him with other children and get him involved in things; he's always been very active, curious, and social. Aside from getting used to it, which I did by easing him very gently into it (I went to preschool with him for several weeks until he got used to it and could go without me), and some minor shyness, he's loved it. It offers him the stimulation and activity he seems to crave. But I digress...

So, he's had a lot of preschool exposure. Great for fun and social things; not heavy on the academics... this is where I obsess. You see, by the time I was 4, I had learned how to read; I read everything I could get my grubby preschool hands on. I worry because Evan can't read yet.

Now, before you kick me in the pants for this, I should qualify this by saying I don't honestly expect him to read. I would like him to, but it's okay that he doesn't. Yet. (I'm hoping that if I tell myself this enough I'll start to believe it.) At least, I try not to pressure him in this. I encourage and provide the opportunity to do this, but I don't push. Much.

For the summer I had basically given up on this anyway. I mean, even at home we have summer break. Why not? There were so many playgrounds to visit, bike trails to ride, physical skills--such as riding a bike without training wheels--to acquire... we've been busy. And he's quite accomplished, now. I would even go so far to say he's physically precocious. I'm still holding him back, cautioning him about trying "bike tricks" that I don't think he's ready for. He's trying to do the stuff that much older kids are doing. And lord help me, I've got enough gray hairs I'm not looking for any more!

So, back to the schooling stuff. We did school today. I don't mean we played "teacher and student". Nope. I just pulled out some educational games and we had fun with them. Here's my curriculum:

Alphabet Bingo

Go Fish with Alphabet Cards

Racing game, finding specified numbers of specific objects (naming and counting -- "Go find 1 truck! Quickly! No, that's not a truck that's a bus!!! Go find 2 horses! 3 superheroes!! 4 cars!!! 5 tyrannosaurus's!!!!")

Read several books (I read, he "listened")

Talking about words that start with "F", seeing what f looks and sounds like

Discussing whales and sharks (fish), talking about differences and commonalities

And all throughout the afternoon, I pointed out the words we used that start with "f" (very fun and fabulous).*

I was rather surprised by this laid-back approach to educating at home. (I'm not ready to say homeschool. That implies a real curriculum and me teaching him. That doesn't happen here. Nuh uh. I can't get him to do anything he doesn't want to do, hence the decision--at this time--to not homeschool. But when he's interested in something, he allows me to participate in the discovery with him. Isn't that a nice way of saying he'll let me help him learn?) He was receptive. And what was more surprising is how much he already knows. I don't know how many 4 year olds know what baleen is or what humpbacks eat, or any number of biology/zoology trivia that he threw at me today.

If this is what homeschooling is, I can do this. As long as no one tells me what to do, that is. Because that's where Evan and I are very much alike.

And then for fun, we ended the "school session" with kicking the soccer ball around the basement, which turned into a very complicated game that involved kayak-riding yaks, horse ninjas and flying to Africa to visit the lions and hyenas. All his idea.

* Sorry about that. I got carried away.

Steven Spielberg, Eat Your Heart Out

So.... this is what happens when my son's obsession and my new obsession collide. I'm no James Cameron or Eric Steelberg, but I think I'm off to a good start.

Sometimes, We Play

Let's play a little game today.

The name of the game is: what is more fun?

Which is his favorite? Water play?

Or the slide?

Water play?

Or the slide?

Both!

**************************

Play is brought to you today by I Should Be Folding Laundry.

One Day This Past Weekend...

... I ended up going swimsuit shopping. For the record, trying on bathing suits is never easy. Or self-esteem boosting. Even in good lighting. That is, for some of us Mummies... (we mummies who find a late night snack easier to fit in than that taebo dvd). However, it has come time to buy a swimsuit due to recent threats by someone who shall remain nameless to take the family to the water park. Sigh.

To make a fun time even more fun (note the positivity I bring to this adventure? no? only sarcasm? ok, that works too), I brought along my own little dinosaur dude. You know, the roaring ball of prehistoric ferocity in sweats, preschooler-size.

Because everyone needs a cheering section, right. Right?!

Said little dinosaur dude had to be in the change room with me for a couple of reasons: a) he couldn't stay out without me, alone in the store--it's just not safe; 2) his lower lip quivered at the thought of being out there in the store without me, and his panicked eyes convinced me (ruthless predator, indeed! hmmmph!); iii) he was (relatively) cheerful for once.

Too cheerful, as it turned out...

WM: "Avert your eyes! Look away! Mummy's changing."

Little dude (LD): giggle!!!, hands covering his eyes

WM: "Okay, little man, what do you think?"

LD: "Hellooooo, Pretty!"

WM: "Um, okay, what about this one?"

LD: "Mmm, pretty pretty!!!" while hugging WM leg and patting soft and cuddly WM tummy.

WM: "So, how about this other one?"

LD: "Hel-LOOOO PRETTY!!!"

And on and on he went. I could only imagine what the other people in neighbouring fitting rooms must think.

But honestly, in the end I didn't mind after all. It ended up being the best swimsuit shopping experience I've ever had. I actually feel pretty darn good about this bathing suit and what I have to stuff/shove/pour into it. I wonder why that can be?

The next project: turn my attention to the legs.... After going "natural" for the winter months, it might be time to rectify this environmental disaster of shrubbery gone wild. Options: razor? Wax? Weed wacker? Chain saw?

Sweet Things - Captured

Today I'm especially thankful that my son is healthy and happy, and that one of my friend's sons came through surgery successfully and is on his return to health. (Let's just keep sending positive thoughts and prayers her way in the meantime.)

What sweet joy, finding these moments in life.

It's really not that hard to find. I mean, just look at that sweet face! (But try to ignore the underwear on his head. It was a thing.... never mind....)

It's not hard to find sweetness in this face. Nor in this one:

After all, who can resist the sweet warmth of a sunbathing kitty?

On the topic of sweet... sweet foods are rather rarish in our life because I primarily don't have a sweet tooth. But there's just enough treats for everyone else. Except this one was so good that I've been sneaking too many bites out of it. But isn't that the point... take in the sweetness of life? Or in my case, the sweetness of a welcome-to-our-new-house homemade (right out of the package) chocolate fudge cake with butter cream icing.

Sweet dreams!

************************************

More sweetness awaits at I Should Be Folding Laundry.