Invention at Play

One of the things we like to do around here is take our bare feet on a wander. Today we wandered over to DC and the newly renovated National Museum of American History! We hadn't been since the museum reopened and were eager to check it out. Unfortunately so were a whole lot of other people (DC + Federal Holiday + 4th of July weekend = CRAZY CROWDS!!) We fought through the crowds anyway and were thrilled with the changes as well as a few old favorites that did not change!

One new exhibit that was extremely rewarding and fun was the Inventions at Play area! This interactive exhibit was broken down into several different inventions (sailboards, kevlar, robotic ants...) some useful, some playful, and some just interesting. Each area talked not just about the thing, or discovery but the inventor. What was their story, what were they like as children? Now try something different with whatever inspired this particular person. Then there were areas devoted to inspirational toys, nature inspriation and problem solving! The kids and the parents were blown away! We had so much fun that we can't wait to go back when there are a few less people in town!


Right next to the invention area was the Spark!Lab! A hands on area for kids to get down and dirty with inspiration and invention! Isaac and Leah were drawn to different areas, but they were equally engrossed and hard to seperate from their activities. There were Lab Docents who hold hourly presentations. While we were there they were about to start two different presentaions, one about DNA and one about CO2. Again this area deserves more attention than our short visit allowed!

Living Barefoot is about inspiration, imagination, exploration, creation and making connections. These exhibits presented these values beautifully. See all the Blums having fun and getting creative!

So take your toes on a wander. Where do you go for inspiration? Exploration? Share! Or come out to DC and visit us and we will show you our favorite places, too!

Finding your Identity

Overheard in my home while children are watching Phineas and Ferb: "Buford gives wedgies to people he calls 'nerds.' We call them cool, smart people!"

My 8 year old son proclaims loud and proud "I am a GEEK!" He knows his dad is a geek (officially GeekDad). He knew his mom was a Geek even before I knew, I denied my geek mom status too long!

Friends and family members have expressed concern that his pride at being a member of the Geek tribe will draw trouble, bullies, and teasing.

My question is this:

Should I discourage him from proclaiming his Geekness?

Honestly the status of the geek label has changed since we were kids. Geeks rule the world! They keep all our technology toys and tools running. Even Barack Obama is a geek!

We are not just Geeks in this family. We have other hard to explain identities as well. The kids and I are Unitarian Universalists. My husband is an Atheist, who was raised in a Jewish household. I was raised as a Catholic. We are an interfaith family to the max. Does discouraging him to feel true to his self identity send the message that we shouldn't be the people we want to be just because other people disagree. Let's be honest, this is the root of so much teenage angst!

You know what? I never would want my kid to feel bad about who or what he wants to be. So I'm gonna let him be our fabulous, wonderful geekling!

What do you think? What would you do?

Avoid the Summer Slide

I love the site, readingrockets.org! A few tips from them on keeping your readers reading!

Many children, especially struggling readers, forget some of what they've learned or slip out of practice during the summer months. Try these strategies to help your reader improve her reading during the summer and beyond.

It's hard to keep up a reading routine in a season packed with distractions and diversions. These suggestions will fit into a busy schedule and make reading fun!

Six books to summer success

Research shows that reading just six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the six, be sure that they are just right – not too hard and not too easy. Ask for help selecting books that match your child's age, interests, and abilities. Libraries often run summer reading programs that motivate kids to read, so find out what's available in your area.

Read something every day

Encourage your child to take advantage of every opportunity to read. Find them throughout the day:

• Morning: The newspaper – even if it is just the comics or today's weather.

• Daytime: Schedules, TV guides, magazines, online resources, etc. For example, if your daughter likes the food channel, help her look for a recipe on the network's Web site – then cook it together for more reading practice.

• Evening: End the day by having your child read to you from the book he is currently reading (one of the six books, above). Have him rehearse a paragraph, page, or chapter before reading to you. Rereading will help him be more fluent – able to read at an appropriate speed, correctly, and with nice expression.

Keep reading aloud

Reading aloud benefits all children and teens, especially those who struggle. One benefit is that you can read books your child can't, so she will build listening comprehension skills with grade-level and above books. This will increase her knowledge and expand her experience with text, so that she will do better when she reads on her own.

Do it yourself Summer Camp!

Do you have summer camp sticker shock? I do! $300-$400 for one week of Day Camp! WOW! We just can't do it for both kids. Luckily Gramma and Grampa are giving one week to our 8 year old as a Birthday Gift and I found a budget Girl Scout camp for our 6 year old. But that's only one week of activities for each kid. The rest of the summer will be filled with free trips to town pool and playgrounds, zoo and museums!

A group of Moms in our neighborhood have taken a different approach! They are holding their own summer camp for their kids. Each day a different family is in charge of activities. Kids gather at the host house for a hike, art project, game, or cooking activity! They are holding one this week for Pre-schoolers while older siblings are still finishing school. Later in the summer there will be another circuit for the elementary school crowd.

A few ideas for camp activities:

• Go on a nature hike: We live right up against a county park, so this one is easy for us. In addition to looking for real wildlife, that might be startled by a herd of munchkins tromping through the woods, hide small toy animals in the trees, brush and along a path. Just be aware of poison ivy!
• Water games: Have a good old fashion water balloon fight, water bucket relays, squirt bottle target practice. And who can forget Slip and Slide!!
• Obstacle course: Jump from hula hoop to hula hoop, jump over mop handles, ride bikes through plastic cones!
• ART!!: My favorite! Paint outside on large pieces of paper, have fun with shaving cream even paint on each other and then go to the water games!
• Have a sleep over: OK this one scares the poop out of me! More than one or two extra kiddos sleeping under my roof is a bit crazy! But if you have ambition and bravery, pitch a tent and roast some marshmallows. Goooood Luck!

I LOVE this idea and will be gathering a group of kiddos for fun and activities around our house. You can do it for a solid week, or as a playgroup style, meeting once a week at different houses!

Put on those creative caps and beat the bad economy by doing it yourself!

Home is where you read your books!

The move is done! We are here in our new house, boxes are being unpacked, photos and pictures are being hung on the walls, various and sundry things are being lost and then found, ahhh the joys of moving.

One of the very first things we unpacked was books, books, books and yet more books! I have oohhed and ahhhhed over forgotten titles and old favorites, and in the next breath cursed the pure volume of books in boxes, boxes, boxes and yet more boxes.


One book which was actually not packed and not unpacked but carefully transported from old home to new home. That book was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , the book we are currently reading as a family. I have written before about chapter books we read as a family. Now though we have realized the importance of this little ritual more than ever.

The very first night we slept in our new home, we made sure to clear away a few boxes and read a chapter. It helped keep us grounded in our theme for the move, same family, new location. It helped us all feel at home and calm down after the anxiety and excitement of the big move day.

Here's the thing, that's what our story time does for us every day. Every day we get together as a family and share a book. We cuddle and listen, gasp, sniff and giggle, all together as a family. I love this time of day! I love sharing this with my family.

So when friends tell me that they "don't read to their eight year old anymore, they are too old" or "don't think a six year old can enjoy a chapter book" I just tell them it works for us. This isn't a cause or crusade, its just our family!

Getting Over Parenting Panic!

"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." - Dr. Spock

When I discovered I was pregnant with my first child one of the first shopping trips was to the book store. So many books to choose from, I grabbed 3 or 4 and made sure What to Expect when You're Expecting was in the pile! I even bought one for my husband about becoming a dad. We settled in and began to read. I felt like the more I read the less I knew. These books made me feel like I was completely unprepared for this adventure. I didn't eat right, exercise correctly, heck I didn't even sleep on the proper side of my body!

PANIC!

My ObGyn tried to calm me down, and tell me I was fine and on the right track. Oh but the books, the books said otherwise! And then I discovered web sites and magazines...I was even dumber than I thought! The worst was the discovery of the medical reality shows about women giving birth, I had no idea so much could go wrong!

My mother and mother in law tried to calm me down by pointing out how they never had to worry about half the stuff the media was shoving at me. What did they know...my generation is just lucky to be alive!

I do remember the day (actually night) that the dependence on the books began to fall away. My little boy, arriving several weeks early but healthy, was finally home. He did not like his bassinet, he cried and cried. Every time I put him down he cried. My husband kept telling me that a friend of his had said his baby would only sleep in the car seat carrier. How absurd! The books said nothing about that! What does your drinking buddy know that my precious books can't tell me! Another sleepless night went by, and another. OK I'll try it, I conceded...but I'm calling the doctor in the morning to make sure its safe! It worked!

As time went by I threw those books out and depended more and more on my instincts. I can't tell you how many friends of mine feel like they don't have those instincts. That they could never throw out their books. As my kids are now 8 and 6 (and the 8 year old no longer sleeps in the car seat- FYI!) I still need to take a minute and rely on my instincts from time to time. It doesn't make me the most popular Mom all the time, but it does keep me happy with my family and my parenting decisions!

I was inspired to write this today by this awesome article in the Washington Post! Check it out!

Mom's That Rock the Business World!

Inc.com highlighted 5 Moms Who Built Great Companies and Barefoot's own Nancy Traversy is on the list! We've known she's great for a very long time. Read about Nancy and the other 4 wonderful business women.

Books that Help Me LOVE Being a Mom!

It's no secret I love reading, for myself and to my children! When asked what is my favorite chilldren's book, it's hard to answer because I have different favorites for different occasions. Today, Mother's Day in the US, has it's own list of favorites. Most of these books give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Some because they remind me of my children, some because they remind me of my Mom!

Mars Needs Moms!
Berkley Breathed of Opus and Bloom County fame penned this beautiful and funny story. A boy and his mother don't always understand each other but in the end, they show how much the love each other!

Motherbridge of Love
This beautiful poem celebrates the bond between parent and child in a special way. Through the exchanges between a little Chinese girl and her mother, Motherbridge of Love offers a poignant and inspiring message to parents and children all over the world.

Mama, Do You Love Me?
This modern classic by author Barbara Josse illustrates just how far a mothers love can go despite the attempts of an imaginative girl to find it's limits. Also by Barbara Josse, I Love You the Purplest, is great for families with siblings asking the dreaded "Who do you love best?"

Come Along, Daisy!
I discovered this book just as my oldest child was about 3 and prone to wandering off or become distracted with something interesting while I was trying to get someplace! Jane Simmons shows her knowledge of kids and parents with this story!


The Tear Thief
Each night, in the hours between supper and bedtime, the Tear Thief carries her waterproof, silvery sack as she steals the tears of every child who cries. But what does she do with all those tears? This warm, poignant, and beautifully illustrated story offers a thought-provoking message and a starting point to share children's emotional experiences.



You and Me
The imaginary games of a boy and a girl form the basis of this enchanting picture book about opposites and contrasts. As the two children play together, they picture themselves as all kinds of characters, animals, landscapes and moods. "I'm a circle, you're a square; I'm a tiger, you're a bear." Celebrating difference, but above all celebrating relationship, You and Me is a very special picture book that will captivate pre-school audiences but is also sure to attract plenty of adult fans.

Close Your Eyes
The wonderful poetry by Jean Marzollo in this book has the rhythm and rhyme to put anyone asleep, and has lulled our children to bed many times. But I am also in love with the illustrations of one of my very favorite artists, Susan Jeffers! The pictures tell a parallel story of a parent struggling to get their child to bed and the peace that comes at last as they sleep!

Story time is a special time in our house every night! Even though my kids are getting bigger and their interests are changing, I hope this particular ritual holds on for a little while more.

Simple Gifts

Have I been a little introspective lately? Yeah a bit. It's hard not to look around and sigh at all the changes happening to this family. Then something cool happens, like my first clematis bloomed! Hooray!

For weeks I have found myself humming the tune to Simple Gifts, an old Shaker song. We often sing it at church and of course it has found renewed fame as being a major theme in the John Williams Composition Air and Simple Gifts performed at the inauguration of President Obama.

Although this was written in 1797, the lyrics give me quite a bit of comfort. I hope you like them, too!

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come out right.

PURGE!

While we have no idea where our heads will rest once we leave this house, we know that we WILL be leaving this house and moving to a new one by the end of the month. Moving everything that has accumulated in the past 5 years is a daunting task and so I am using this opportunity to PURGE!
As we pack, pull books off of shelves, clean out closets and cabinets and drawers we are sorting things out and making some tough decisions! Items are being sorted into three categories: Keep/Move, Toss, Sell/Donate.

Keep/Move: Obviously the largest section, I try to go through this pile a couple extra times to make sure I really want the stuff in there! There are definitely things that are forever needed...kitchen items, towels, clothing, photographs, and of course favorite loveys, blankies and toys! There are days when I wish could dump everything and start over from scratch, but that is not exactly practical.

Toss: The trash men are starting to HATE me. I have piled up bags and boxes of old magazines, incomplete puzzles, broken toys, and stale herbs and spices! It's important to make sure trash is bagged, some people will disagree about what should be sent off to the landfill! Usually well behaved husbands and children will begin picking through the trash if they suspect their favorite rock, slip of paper, or torn, stained t-shirt is in there!

Sell/Donate: Another dangerous category if you live with pack rats. I have taken the precaution of shipping my children off to Grandma's house the night before our upcoming yard sale. I learned my lesson at the last yard sale when the children had an absolute fit as an innocent stranger walked away with two wooden flutes that I was so happy to see go! So what is ready to be tagged this time? Books, toys, a recliner, a mini fridge, toy box, CDs, DVDs and a whole lot more. But shhhhh don't tell my family! At the end of the sale all left overs will be donated to local charities.

I have to admit, the process feel really good. Throughout this really exhausting and depressing event in our lives it's nice to lighten the load a bit.

Little Leap Forward from Book to Stage

April Showers Bring May Flowers

So far 2009 has not treated the Barefoot Blums very well! Can we call this one early on account of rain?

The last few days of April have brought pouring rain and I am ready for May to begin. I am ready for the storm clouds to part and the flowers to bloom.

While the end of April has not brought a lot of joy, there have been some good things!

• I was able to spend a week with my family in Massachusetts. When I left I felt refueled and rejuvinated! I need to find a way to tap back into that feeling!
• I started helping the school reading teacher by volunteering one day a week with a group of struggling kindergarten students.
• We have GREAT friends who have rallied around to help us get through our own personal housing crisis.
• My amazing children continue to surprise me everyday with their wit and humor!
• My husband is getting healthier and stronger daily and has been able to do more and more with the family.
• I planted new plants and my clematis and day lilies from last year are growing like crazy (all of which I assure you will make the move with us to a new home!)

I know that May will bring new beginnings and adventures, not to mention challenges and hurdles. But I will dig deep for the inner strength to face it head on.

Let me wrap up today's therapeutic post with a joke that Isaac love to tell:
April flowers bring May flowers...May flowers bring Pilgrims!

Explaining tough times to the kids

We have been renting our current home for going on 5 years. We love our neighborhood, friends, school, It seems like we have the whole package here!

Yesterday we had a nice visit from a Realtor who informed us the bank had foreclosed on the property and needed us to move out ASAP. They will offer us cash for a quick move out. All in all it stinks but it could definitely be worse!

So how did we break it to the kids?

First we reminded them that we can't control everything, some things are out of our control. We told them that we followed all the rules, did everything right, paid our rent every month. But our landlord did not pay all of his obligations on his end. As a result we were going to move, to a new house.

We did make sure to reinforce some key points

• We will be together as a family! And that is the most important thing!
• All of our things will come with us, beds, toys, favorite chairs, games, TV, Wii (you know the important things!)
• They will stay at their current school for the remainder of the year, we will explore school options for next year over the summer.
• We will all miss our friends but we are staying right in the same town so we will visit and see them often.

They had a few questions, and our 8 year old boy was a bit shaken and told us he was nervous. Our 6 year old was mostly worried about her friends.

Now that we have looked at a house and they know that we are doing something to make this situation better, they seem to be doing better. But we will keep our eyes and ears open and supply lots of extra hugs.

What have you had to explain to your kids? How did they take it?

Friendship

Do you remember when friendship was simple? When we had rules...hard and fast ones...to follow!
Share your toys, no hitting, pushing, kicking or biting, tell the truth. And even when those rules get broken...It's so easy to just make up and play nice. Do you remember when the most hurtful thing you could hear was "I'm not inviting you to my birthday party!"?

I watch my own children with their friends and I think it can be so beautiful. Even after an argument, a couple of days later they leave it behind and find a way to play again. A new ball or bucket of sidewalk chalk and suddenly the neighborhood is in balance again.

I know it won't last long, my little girl is six and girls seem to be getting meaner and meaner earlier and earlier! But for now I will sit back and enjoy watching her have a tea party with her friends!

To Cell or Not to Cell

With 8 and 6 year olds in this house I thought I had a few years before worrying about cell phones, I guess I was wrong!

My 8 year old reports that many of his school friends do indeed have cell phones but they all know they may not use them at school. My question is, why? Where is my 8 year old gonna be that I need him to call me on a cell phone? Am I just living in the stone age or what?

Talking to other parents, the kids that seem to have the phones are very active and attending multiple after school activities. The phones help in case Mom is late or kids get out of practice early. OK, I can see the point but there are adults at all of these activities that have there own phone, right? Yes, my friend admits, but having her child have his own phone gives her a level of comfort that he is safe. Ah so in that case at least it is just as much about the parent as the child.

Now the question is, "How do you control the beast?" There are a few guidelines that every expert agrees on!

• Choose a cell phone and plan the parent can control. Like the ones on www.kajeet.com. Parents can control minutes for phone and text plus set limits on who can be contacted, incoming and outgoing messages!
• Pick a phone with a GPS. The almost all have them now. Get to know how to use it, become familiar with the computer interface. 2AM, when you are worried about your teenager, is no time to be figuring it out!
• Educate your child about cell phone safety. Calls and texts can be intercepted. Teach them to limit personal information when using a wireless device.
• Think of this Cell phone as a mini computer. Monitor your kids activity, either by occasionally picking up the phone and checking out the call history, or using online tools from your cell phone provider.
• Most importantly, keep communicating face to face with your child. Let them know this is just a tool. Encourage them to share any concerns, fears, or questions they may have. Good advice for cell phones and life in general!

So will my munchkins be toting around a cell phone anytime soon? Maybe. But I'll be sure to do my research first!

How do you handle cell phones with your kids? I want to know!

This post was written as an entry in a TwitterMoms blogging contest in partnership with Kajeet.com. Check out TwitterMoms.com, I love it!

Earth Hour

Tomorrow, March 28th 2009, you have the opportunity to take part in world wide event designed to show your support for the global conservation. At 8:30 local time "VOTE EARTH" by turning off all your home lights for one hour.

Now to think of a few things to occupy the family while the lights are out! No TV, Video Games (even handhelds!), computers or phones! OK don't panic, take a deep breath and lets think about all the wonderful things you can do.

• Play a card or board game, come on you gotta have a couple lying around. Last year we played UNO, this year we have graduated to Apples to Apples.
• Make some S'mores! My friend Eileen suggested this and I plan on stocking up on all the ingredients and making sure we have a Sterno cup around!
• Play hide and go seek! Try flashlight tag in the house, try not to get hurt.
  
• My number one and favorite is READ! Grab a couple of candles, settle in and read aloud or alone, enjoy a really good book, an old favorite or something brand new. Ahhh I can feel the happy already!

Now for some book recommendations! Earth hour really gives me a start time for Earth Day activities. I'm getting ready for a couple of festivals and parties to celebrate the Earth and try to make a difference. Barefoot Books has a couple of beautiful books to help set the mood!

Earth Tales: BRAND NEW! I love the multicultural stories in this book coupled with fun earth friendly activities to do as a family or a class.


Whole World: A super favorite among the Pre-School set! I have customers coming back over and over to give it to every little person in their lives! Sing along and take the "Whole World in our hands!" while enjoying the amazing bright and bold illustrations. So inviting that Oprah put it on the "O" list!

There are more...and more good news! This weekend only, you get free shipping on EVERY order! So before you turn off those lights, skip over to Barefoot Books and pick up some super Eco-Education books for the whole family!

I'm Hooked! - The Dress

A month or so ago I started thinking about crocheting an Easter dress for my 6 year old daughter. I had an idea of what I wanted, drapey with cap sleeves, light and easy! I searched for a pattern and finally found one in a book. We choose yarn and I started.

I made one BIG mistake...I told of my closest friends (who also have daughters) about the pattern. Before I knew it I had committed to 2 more!

Surprisingly they each came out better than I could imagine, but also each has a unique look and feel! I just had to share!

The Allison
This is done in a medium weight yarn, rose color. It is heavier than the other two but the color and structure gives it a classic romantic look, much like the little lady modeling it! Perfect for spring and hopefully will still fit in mid-fall.


The Leah
She is a true free spirit! She dances and sings, draws and writes poetry and that's just before breakfast! She choose these vibrant colors, I choose a light, sport weight yarn. The combination is this breezy, flowing shift dress that can match her energy and creativity! Perfect for this little artist!



The Dori
Pretty and Preppie! Classic fit with bright bold colors. The added polk-a-dot ribbon is the perfect preppie touch. A little more fitted through the chest and shorter for this younger girl, this was customized just for her. Just like her Mommy's undeniable style, these watermelon colors in sport weight yarn fit in on the playground or out to brunch!







I am just blown away that this one pattern could create 3 different looks!

I am taking orders if you are interested...let me know what you are looking for and I will quote a price!

St Paddy's Day Winners!

Sorry for the delay, the household was held in the grips of the evil tummy bug...no details I promise, but it was not fun!

So with out Further delay,

First Prize: Tales of Celtic Lands hard cover with Story CDs read by Niamh Cusak will go to MJ!

Second Prize: Tales From Old Ireland paperback with Story CDs will go to Granny Nan!

A selection of beautiful artist note cards will be sent out to all others who left comments!

Email your snail mail addresses to barefootreston@gmail.com

Thanks to all who entered, come back next month to enter our Earth Day give-away!

The 4th "R" - Recess!

Just the word recess brings back a flood of sensory memories! The smell of freshly cut grass on the soccer field, cold hard metal monkey bars, the sound of random squeals of delight as friends ran around in small packs, and warm sun or cold winter air on my face. Even just 30 years ago very little kept us inside during recess. If it wasn't raining heavily, you went out. Everybody needs that break, the kids and the teachers alike.
Flash forward to today, schools are starting to remove recess from the school day in order to cram in all the required academics. A friend recently mentioned recess being abolished in her local elementary school even for kindergartners. On what planet does it make sense to keep 25-30 five year olds cooped up in a classroom for an entire day?

We have, luckily, not encountered such a strict or sweeping removal of free time from the school day at our school. But winter is a continual struggle. If the weather is too cold, muddy or slippery the kids have inside recess (remember that?). What that has meant is every child in that grade level gathering in the common area to watch a video! Recess is supposed to be a release of energy, a break in the "sit down and stay quiet" environment. But with indoor recess the kids are required to do that even more. I just love it when I hear my son has had indoor recess and then is in trouble for talking or not paying attention in the afternoon. The teachers are sure to get an email cced to the principal for that one!

Since I think this is basic common sense, I was not surprised to read a New York Times Article reporting research that supports the need for recess. The research stresses that downtime is as important to success as active learning time. Read the entire article here. It is, of course, comforting to get some academic muscle back up on what I've been saying as an educator and parent for a while now.

How is recess handled with your kids? How does recess time or lack of it impact your child's day?

I'm Hooked!

Since December I've been exploring the craft of crochet. It started with just the need to do something with my hands. I saw a "Teach yourself to crochet" kit on sale at Michael's and dove in! It's in the genes you see. My mom has been a crocheter since before I was born. She makes the most amazing afghans! I remember a small stuffed bear she made for me as a child named John Bear.

So I bought some cheap yarn and grabbed my hooks and went to work. I learned single crochet, double crochet and half double crochet. I tackled popcorn stitches and broom stick stitches. The month of January I made and gave away a dozen or so hats!

AND THEN I found a great book called Tiny Yarn Animals by Tamie Snow. They were so cute and funky I had to give it a try. Later I realized I had become a fan of the Japanese art form called Amigurumi.

Amigurumi is the art of crocheting animals and figures. The patterns call for crocheting in the round, or in a spiral, adding and decreasing stitches to create forms, stuff and add detail, and voila! So much fun, not to mention a quick and cute project.

I have since acquired Mr Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful (thanks to my MIL!) and have expanded!

So yes I have entered a new area of geekdom! I am a yarn geek!

Check out all my creations on Facebook

The Luck of the Irish!

Céad míle fáilte romhat!

St Patrick's day has always been a fun and meaningful day in my family. While our Irish heritage has been....sketchy, its still a whole heck of a lot of fun!

My family has been involved with the organization of the Holyoke, MA St. Patrick's Day Parade for over 25 years. I would lie if I didn't admit that this time of year my home sickness is hard to handle. I am simply not getting enough corn beef, soda bread or Guinness needed to sustain my Irish cred!

So help me out here, leave me some Irish, St Patty's day love and enter to win one of 2 books!!

First Prize: Tales of Celtic Lands hard cover with Story CDs read by Niamh Cusak

Second Prize: Tales From Old Ireland paperback with Story CDs

Every one who enters...(YES I SAID EVERYONE!!) Will receive a special Artist card from Tales From Old Ireland featuring the art of Niamh Sharkey


To Enter:

Leave a comment on this post
Drawing closes at midnight EST on March 17th
My Leprechauns will randomly draw comment #'s from the pot of gold!
Winners will be announced here on March 18th

Slán agus beannacht leat

Gaelic translations thanks to Irish-sayings.com

To Bribe or Not to Bribe

Spring clean up time is here and I really don't want to think about it. The lawn and porch are covered with leaves and debris, blah!

Ah-Ha! I have two little sprites that can help...but how to motivate them?? Hmm, money?

I have offered my 6 and 8 year old $0.50 per bag filled of leaves. I felt guilty, but you should watch them clean! There is even a little fun competition as to who can get the most leaves. As a bonus, I told them if the porch and yard were completely leaf free I would let them go buy trading cards. I am going to parenting hell!!

They each have a regular chore chart that they check daily. We have pressed upon them that each of the members of this family help out in their own way because we are members of a family and that's what family's do. We do not offer allowance based on performance of these chores. We feel chores are about contributing to the household in which you live, making it a better and more comfortable place for all of us.

So what do you do? Do your children do chores? Do you pay a flat allowance or for individual tasks? What could I have done differently, short of doing the work myself?!

Love and Pain

Please forgive me while I take a break from my regular book loving to talk about the last few weeks of my life...

For months now we have been gearing up for my husband to have back surgery. Arranging for insurance, time off from work, people to watch the kids, gadgets to help once he was home.... the list felt endless. It did distract from the thoughts that this was major surgery, that always carries risks. And also that he would be in pain, I had not thought about the pain.

Matt came through his surgery just fine! Everything went better than expected...if you would like to know the geeky and a little gory details you can read his post here. Afterward he suffered from some minor but painful complications.

That's the thing that I was really not prepared for, watching the love of my life, my rock, my beloved in excruciating pain. I could sit by his bed, help him drink or wipe his brow. I could call the nurse, ask questions and request more pain killer. I could encourage him to get out of bed, walk down the hall and even try the stairs. But I could not really make the pain and discomfort go away.

Watching while he grimaced, all I wanted to do was take it away, make it end. I envisioned drawing the pain out and taking some on myself so he wouldn't have to bear it all. I would go home at night and dream that it had magically vanished but in the morning I could tell just by looking at his tired face that the night had not been kind.

Someplace along the way, sometime in a quiet moment while Matt slept as I sat beside him I had an overwhelming feeling of love. I have always loved my husband, through the good the bad and the ugly, but like any couple there were days of doubt and fear. But in that moment and since, there has been no doubt. If doubt comes crawling back in I all I need to remember is that moment to send it running. Because in that moment I knew that all I wanted was my husband to be happy and healthy and free from this pain. I wished above all else that I had the power I had envisioned and that I could rescue him with just my love.

And now I have him home and he is feeling better every day! I am thrilled and proud of his every little achievement. More and more I am looking forward to going for walks, exploring museums, and taking day trips. I can see the light at the end of the pain tunnel!

All in all I know this was not a life threatening illness, that it could have been worse and it could have been better. But it has had the unexpected side effect of refueling my love for my husband. He is my beloved, the love of my life and I am never letting go of him!

Thank you for indulging my mushy feelings. Back to my regular silliness next time I promise!

WE HAVE A WINNER

Congratulations to Wendy W.! A beautiful copy of We're Sailing to Galapagos will be winging your way!

Runner Up...Janine will receive a bag of Barefoot Goodies!

Thanks to everyone who left comments and sent direct messages to enter this contest. Keep your eyes and ears open for another give away in March!

Celebrate Darwin Day with a Give Away!

Today is Charles Darwin Day! Thursday, February 12, is the 200th anniversary of English Naturalist Charles Darwin’s birth.

Don’t we all need something fresh to celebrate today? I am celebrating by giving away copies of
“We’re Sailing to Galapagos” written by Laurie Krebs, published by, whom other, than Barefoot Books. My kids and I love this book! It has a wonderful “sing-song rhyme” rich, colorful illustrations (the collage-y cut paper kind that amazes me every time I study it). Finally, as all of the titles in Laurie’s world travel series, it has an amazing “glossary” in the back - my friend refers to them often as “Harvard extension programs set to rhyme”.

Laurie does a wonderful job of writing informative, yet light, easy to read rhyming stories. She keeps the main part of the book relaxed and fun (this one among many things introduces the days of the week) then by finishing with rich end notes that, for us, make her books top of the top. The end notes are full of robust details of the subject matter featured in the story. In the case of “Galapagos” the end notes include detailed info of all of the creatures we met on our journey. This element is partly why I am Laurie Kreb’s biggest fan. These books can be read again and again and again. We never make it through all of the end notes in one reading, each time we pick it up there is more to learn and explore.

It is also one of those titles that I say is perfect for many ages. It’s information is so complete I know it will be a valuable resource for the kids school days . . .

Finally, Laurie ends the book with write up introducing Charles Darwin and his famous 5 year voyage, most specifically for his work in the Galapagos Islands. (Not a “Darwinian”? fine, don’t read that page . . . regardless of your beliefs the rest of the book is a “must have”)

the fine print:

1. To Enter: leave a comment on this post
   

2. Drawing closes at midnight EST (doesn’t that sound official) on Friday 2/13/09
   

3. My kids will randomly draw comments #’s from a “hat” (not at midnight)
   

4. Winners will be announced on Monday February 16th.
   

Chapter by Chapter

For quite a while now we have taken to reading aloud from chapter books to our children. They are almost 8 and 6. We have chosen books that we read as children, also books we read good things about our have been recommended by friends. We have read Alice in Wonderland, The Whole Narnia Series, and Winnie the Pooh. Over the past year we have read several fantastic books that I don't feel get the praise they deserve!

1. The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
The book is (as is usually the case) much better than the movie. Sweet, entertaining and suitably dark in some places, it is a brand new and imaginative fairy tale. The narration is the key. At pinnacle junctions in the story the narrator's voice speaks directly to the reader, reminding or easing minds.



2.A Variety of Books
by Edward Eager
Half Magic, Magic by the Lake and Seven Day Magic all have a group of children who love to read as the heroes and creators of the magic. In addition all books were written in the 1950's and 1960's. They are charming and well written and make parents and children giggle aloud!

3. Arabel's Raven
by Joan Aiken

Arabel is a little girl and Mortimer is her pet raven. Mortimer likes to eat stairs, hide spaghetti and sleep in the coal scuttle! They embark on many grand and interesting adventures and misadventures. My son spent the summer pretending to be Mortimer and making his sister pul him around in a wagon while he called out "Never More!


4. The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
These were instant favorites! As soon as we finished the first book aloud, my son grabbed hold of it, secreting it away in his room to read again. And not surprisingly did the same with the sequel! The Mysterious Benedict Society revolves around 4 children who have their own unique gifts. These gifts when combined together make a wonderful team, they thwart the evil genius and his henchmen! the best part is these are REAL gifts....photographic memory, puzzle solver, athletic ability and well stubbornness! The children are not super human, they are smart and capable children. Real heroes that real kids can relate to!

5. Little Leap Forward by Guo Yue and Clare Farrow
Would my list be complete with out a Barefoot Book? This is the first foray into chapter books for Barefoot and this one lives up to all I have grown to expect from them. Little Leap Forward is an autobiographical account of a boy growing up in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution. Seen through a child's eyes it shows the day to day changes that affected the people at this time. The book does not get bogged down in history or politics, just this one boy's experience and account. The text is almost lyrical and the pictures by Helen Cann are exquisite!




There is something wonderful and magical about introducing your child to a book they love! Catching them with the light on, long after bedtime, just to get to the end of a book or even a chapter. One of my favorite images of my son is of him floppe don his tummy on his bed with a book propped up in front of him! Good stuff!!
Here are some of our favorites.... what have you read with your children this year?

Care.com Challange

It’s happened to all of us at some point, whether you are at the playground, school function or on a flight, someone makes a rude comment about your parenting style. They may think they are being helpful, but they are really just overstepping their bounds and making things worse! It could be “can’t you get him/her to quiet down” or “you let him/her eat that?” or “little Johnny, tell your mommy it’s cold outside and you should be wearing a hat…” as you are standing right there! There are millions of them and our friends at Care.com want to hear from you. So, they have developed a fun contest for TwitterMoms, designed around this question that all moms can all relate too:

What’s the rudest comment from a stranger you have ever gotten about your parenting style?

So many come to mind but the one that sticks is from when my son was just 2 years old. At a brand new play group, the hostess mom made a snack of PB and J sandwiches. We had just found out that my son could be allergic to peanuts. As he approached the table and reached for a sandwich I dove in and stopped him and politely asked the hostess if I could make him a just Jelly sandwich. Another mom proceeded to make fun of me in the other room to the rest of the group. Talking about how I had completely over-reacted, should just let the kid eat and this is what is wrong with parents these days and why kids get so many allergies.
I went into full Mama Lion mode! Gave her a piece of my mind and a little education about allergies, too!!

Read some other AWESOME stories on Twitter Moms!

About Care.com:

Care.com helps families across the country find trustworthy babysitters and nannies for their kids (including children with special needs). We also help moms connect to home care for seniors, pet care, tutors and teachers, and housekeepers -- everything you need to care for your loved ones and home.

Find the best babysitter, nanny, or other caregiver by reviewing profiles of care providers in your area, running free background checks, and checking references. To ensure the quality of our caregivers, our team of working-at-home moms pre-screens all caregiver profiles before we allow them into the Care.com community.

Find babysitters, nannies, and other great caregivers near you by searching on Care.comtoday.

My favorite books for little Valentines!

One of the things I have always loved about Barefoot Books is their ability to draw the reader closer to the listener. Or Me as a parent closer to my kids. The language and art give you the feeling you are sharing something magical and special even after the 100th reading!

Valentines Day is a day to get closer to the people you love in your life! And so I humbly present some fantastic books to share with your little (and bigger) loved ones!

The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Written by: Jen Wojtowicz
Illustrated by: Steve Adams

Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
One of my all time favorite books! My kids love it, too! Great gift for children and adults!

Princess and the White Bear King

Retold by: Tanya Robyn Batt
Narrated by Miranda Richardson
Illustrated by: Nicoletta Ceccoli

Beautiful gift edition hardcover with CD!
I love to listen to the CD of this story. A great reminder that Love can conquer all!

Someone I Like

Poems About People

Compiled by: Judith Nicholls
Illustrated by: Giovanni Manna

"This book makes a wise assumption: children are intelligent and will take from each poem what they can. Some children will delight in the sounds of the poems, some in the content, and others will find joy in both." - BookPage
Each poem gives me such joy to read aloud. I hope this has contributed to my daughter and son loving poetry and having a great self image, too!!




View all the wonderful recommendations for great February books on our website!!