The Train Wreck!

Well, I had a Martha Stewart moment today!  Thought Aidan and I would have some 'quality time' decorating a gingerbread 'train' for the holidays!  Before the little love of my life arrived, I got everything organized...the base, complete with 'snow', the gingerbread train pieces all lined  up ready to 'glue' together, the various candies and decorations all in their own little bowls.  Ahh...Martha would be so proud!

The base...complete with 'snow'!

On went 'Raffi's Christmas Songs' on the stereo, for that little bit of 'ambience'.  Let the fun begin!  Aidan, perched on a stool at the kitchen counter, and Nana with icing bag at the ready.  It all looked so easy!  And yet...I managed somehow to mix up the gingerbread pieces (the square pieces all look the same, OK!) and proceeded to stress and frazzle over 'gluing' first the 'engine' and then the 'caboose' scraping and wiping beads of icing along the way!

The 'engine' and 'caboose'!

For some strange and wonderful reason, the little love of my life thought all of this was hilarious!  At first I wanted to cry with frustration, but the sight and sound of Aidan roaring with laughter at all the wrecked train pieces scattered about the kitchen counter, soon had me laughing as well!  To top it all off, poor Raffi and his songs were drowned out by the sound of my little grandson singing 'O Canada' at the top of his lungs!  Ahh...the best laid plans of mice and men... or crazy Nana's!

The 'rock' filled 'caboose'!

All was not lost, however!  I am truly amazed at the ability of smarties and jelly tots to cover up a multitude of icing errors!  Once I (more or less) got the 'engine' assembled, and the 'caboose' to (more or less) stay 'glued' together, I went mad with the icing nozzle as Aidan covered the train and the 'landscape' with candies...smarties, jelly tots, chocolate buttons, chocolate 'rocks' for the railway tracks, drunken teddy bear jujubes sprawled along the 'railway track' and chocolate santas and snowmen doing cartwheels in the snow!

A happy little boy and his 'train wreck'!

Not sure yet if this will become an annual tradition!  I guess it's a bit like childbirth...eventually, over time, we forget how painful it was, and do it all over again!

Be The Change!

Several weeks ago the little love of my life brought home a flyer from school, inviting parents (and Nana's!) to an upcoming conference presented by the local school board.  My daughter is already in the habit of showing me, or letting me know about, anything Aidan brings home from school.  This recent flyer was entitled 'Raising Children Who Care - The World Needs Your Kid'.  The 'Parents as Partners' conference, held today, is an annual event, bringing together parents, kids and educators.

Since this is the first year of school for Aidan, it is the first year his momma and I were made aware of these annual events.  For me, attending was not an option, and my daughter, much to my delight, offered to join me.  The keynote speaker was Craig Kielburger, founder of Free The Children and co-founder of Me to We

I don't know where to begin!  I have admired and followed the work of this amazing human being for many years.  Craig first came to my attention in the late '90's.  It was in 1995, at the age of 12, that Craig saw a headline in a Toronto newspaper that read "Battled child labour, boy, 12, murdered".  The story was about a young boy named Iqbal Masih, living in Pakistan, who at the age of four (the same age as my little Aidan!) was 'sold' by his parents to a wealthy carpet maker, in exchange for the equivalent of twelve dollars, with the understanding that he could be returned to his family once the 'loan' was repaid, which of course, it never was!  Several years later, with the help of a humanitarian organization, Iqbal was freed from his captor, and went on, at the age of ten, to become an international figurehead for the fight against child labour.  In 1995, at the age of twelve, Iqbal was brutally murdered.

Angered by the newspaper article, Craig took it to school and presented it to his classmates, asking who of them would join him in bringing this injustice to peoples' attention.  Several of his fellow classmates volunteered, forming what would eventually become Free the Children which today has become an international organization in 45 countries; built over 650 schools; implemented many social programs within these developing countries, and is recognized and supported by a long list of celebrities such as the Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, and Desmond Tutu.  In 2008, Craig, along with his brother Marc, co-founded Me to We which organizes camps and overseas trip for volunteer youth, as well as providing products for sale made by third-world country artisans.

At the 'ripe old age' of 28, Craig has become the driving force for young people to realize their potential for making positive change in the world, and practical ways to take action and become part of the solution.  He is truly an inspiration to many people of all ages!  His speech today was empowering, uplifting, and inspirational.  It renewed in me hope for our world, when all around us sometimes seems hopeless.

I can only hope my little Aidan will someday hear the call, and be inspired to reach out and help others so much more less fortunate than he.  I will, over the years, instill in him a strong sense of justice.  He will come to know his voice can and must be heard.  He will learn that by his actions, the world can become a better place for others.

Meeting Craig after the conference was a honour, and the highlight of our day.  My daughter and I both felt we were in the presence of a very special soul.  Such greatness and accomplishment from such humility and kindness! 

Craig was happy to sign the two books I had purchased, inscribing them, as requested, to my little Aidan, for they will be required reading at Nana's house!  "To Aidan...Be The Change!  Craig"

Thank you Craig...may my little grandson aspire to your greatness and passion to help his fellow human beings.

Aidan's Great Adventure!

Got up this morning and had my cup of tea...ahhh!  It was early and still dark outside.  But there was excitement in the air!  Telephoned the little love of my life after breakfast and asked if he'd like the day off school to go on an adventure with Nana and Papa.  Of course the answer was yes!  He didn't know where he was going; he was just happy to be spending the day with us.

Once a year, for two weeks every November, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is held in Toronto.  Farm animals galore!  We thought this would be the year to introduce our little grandson to the fair.  Getting there was also an adventure - it would be Aidan's first time on the train that would take us to the fair...

Aidan's first train ride to the fair!

We went first to the petting zoo, where Aidan got to feed the goats... 

Feeding the goats!

Then off to see the cows, pigs, sheep and horses.  We discovered our little guy loves horses!  Was thrilled at the show jumping...but not too sure about petting them!

Petting the horses...maybe!

There were giant pumpkins...

Momma, Aidan & the Giant Pumpkin!

A very large green pumpkin!

...and tractors, clowns and chocolate ice cream.  It was a long day, but Momma, Nana, Papa and Aidan had a great time at the fair!   Soon it was time to make the journey home.  Yet another adventure ...

Waiting to take the train home!

One tired, but happy little boy!

It is late, and one tired little boy is fast asleep in bed, no doubt dreaming of trains and farm animals!  And a very tired Nana and Papa are off to bed, thrilled and blessed to have made our little grandson so happy all day long.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, everyone!  What a busy day it has been!  First off to school, dressed in our halloween costume, to partake in a party with classmates.  Then a  parade around the school to visit all the other classes, and show off our costumes.

Already it is time to say goodbye to our friends, grab our loot bags and head for home, and hopefully an afternoon nap before the evening festivities begin.

Aidan's Scary Pumpkin

 After a quick nap, (Nana had one too!) it was off to Nana's house to carve the pumpkin!  

Great Pumpkin, Nana!

 Before heading home to go 'trick or treat' ing, a photo with Nana... 

Aidan and his 'Witchy Nana'!

Then back home, and into this year's costume - dressed as Papa, the construction worker!  Nana made the tool belt and suspenders.

'Construction Worker' Aidan



The weather was perfect.  A beautiful crescent moon shone in a clear sky, and the temperature was warm for the time of year.   Daddy and Papa stayed home to shell out the treats, while Momma, Nana and Aidan set off to 'trick or treat' not knowing how far we would go, or how many houses we would visit, this being the first real year Aidan has engaged in the Halloween festivities!  Well...there was no holding him back!  An hour and a half later, we arrived back home, with a tool box full of treats!

Let's go 'Trick or Treat'

 One tired Momma and Nana, and one tired little boy, with a belly full of treats.  What a fun time we all had!

A Day of First's!

The 'little love of my life' greeted me at the door at 8 a.m this morning, with a big kiss and hug for his Nana!  What a way to start the day!  He is usually in great spirits every morning, but today was special, and excitement was in the air!

Waiting for the big yellow school bus!

Off we went to school, where a big yellow school bus was waiting to take all the kindergarten kids to the pumpkin farm!  Aidan's first time on a school bus!  His first time to a pumpkin farm!  His first time in a barn full of cows, pigs, horses and chickens!  What a day!  Such excitement! 

Riding to the Pumpkin Farm!

I went along as a 'teacher's helper' with some other mums and Nana's.  A bumpy ride on the bus, but all the more fun the bumpier it was, judging by the squeals of delight from thirty little four and five year olds.  The day started cold and grey, with rain clouds rolling across the sky, but somehow the sun managed to come out and light up the autumn leaves and the hundreds of bright orange pumpkins dotted around the farm.

'I found a Pumpkin, Nana!'

After touring the barn and learning about all the farm animals, it was off to the pumpkin patch to pick our very own pumpkin!  And what a lovely pumpkin was chosen!

One Happy Little Boy!

The morning ended with a walk through the corn maze, then it was back on the bus and back to school.  What an adventure, and what stories we were told for the rest of the day.

I know a little boy who will be dreaming about pumpkins tonight!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is 'Thanksgiving' here in Canada!  A day to reflect...and acknowledge the abundance we are fortunate to be blessed with.  Though I do take time throughout the year for such reflection and gratitude, it is today that we 'celebrate' and give thanks in a tangible way.

The turkey is in the oven filling the house with it's wonderful aroma.  The potatoes and carrots we grew in the garden this year are in their pots and ready to cook.  Home-made pumpkin and apple pies grace the sideboard in the dining room.  Outside the leaves are a mass of red, gold, orange and green, falling ever so slowly to the ground...the cloudless sky an intense blue on this sunny, warm day.  Unusual weather for this time of year to be sure, but we'll take it -it won't be long before the first snows of winter blow across the land! 

I await the arrival of my little family - my dear husband, my beautiful daughter, her husband, and the little love of my life.  Together we will sit down to a wonderful meal...and give thanks!

On this day I give thanks for my health, my husband, my home, and my family.  Good health is a true blessing we only miss when we don't have it.  My home is small, but it is all I need, filled with treasures gathered over the years.  My family grace my days and fill me with joy, pride and love. 

Some of the things I am especially thankful for...

...the Lake and Autumn leaves at my sister's cottage!

...Autumn Leaves in the rain!

...Home-made Pumpkin Pie!

  And most of all...

...my adorable, wonderful, beautiful, funny Aidan!

Abundant Blessings!

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Bond!

Today is my daughter's third grade teachers birthday!  She is 84 today!  She taught my daughter twenty-five years ago.  Beyond the reading and writing, are the lessons my daughter carries with her today.  We keep in touch.  We visit in the summertime.  She is an amazing lady, and remains an inspiration to us both.

Recently, there was a story in one of our newspapers regarding a woman who was about to graduate from University.  She credited her success to one of her early teachers, who took the time to encourage her to be her best.  The writer wanted to find her teacher, after so many years, to thank her.  So she wrote to the newspaper with her story.  The newspaper, in turn, launched a 'Lost Teacher Story' contest.

While my own daughter's amazing teacher story didn't quite qualify for the contest, I nevertheless felt inspired to share her story, excerpts of which follow:

"Bravo to Ms. G for her amazing accomplishments, and Bravo to Mrs. C for her dedication and inspiration all those years ago.  I hope they soon have an opportunity to re-unite!"
"I'm sure there are many teachers out there who are unaware of the legacy they have passed on to their students by being such positive role models.  In this fast-paced world we live in, it is sometimes difficult for parents to find sufficient time to dedicate to inspire their children to read."
"I have a similar story to share, although it is unlikely to qualify for the 'Lost Teacher Contest'."
"Back in the early 1980's my daughter Erin attended Birch Cliff Public School in Scarborough.  Her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Chu was amazing, and Erin loved going to school.  However, grades 1 and 2 were another story.  Her teacher, which she had for both grades, seemed to lack that special quality that so many teachers take to their job - a genuine love of children, and a genuine desire to reach out and inspire as many students as possible.  Erin was withdrawn and sad during those two years, and her self-esteem gradually withered, try as I may to encourage her with her homework."
She began grade 3 as a very shy little girl, unsure of her self-worth and her ability to keep up with her fellow classmates.  That soon changed!  Her teacher, Mrs. Bond, took her under her wing (for she is truly an angel!) and took the time, patience and enery to bring Erin out of the 'cocoon' she was in, and release her beautiful 'inner butterfly.'  Her reading skills soared...her self-esteem soared...her happiness soared!  As a mother, I was beyond grateful for the change in my child.  Mrs. Bond taught Erin, and all the other lucky little ones who were in her class, for two years.  Two transformative years.  And while my daughter had her share of encounters with other teachers throughout her school career, it is the positive influences of those teachers who encouraged her that has stayed with her and contributed to her success as a good person, a loving daughter, a caring partner, and now, an amazing momma to my little grandson, Aidan."

Student and Teacher!

"We have stayed in touch with Mrs. Bond through all the years since Erin was her student!  Christmas cards and letters, emails and visits.  Mrs. Bond was at Erin's high school graduation.  She travelled a long distance to attend her wedding.  I don't know if she really knows how much of an honour for us her being there was.  I hope so."
"Retired from teaching now for many years, Mrs. Bond continues to inspire and bring out the best in people.  When not travelling around Canada, she spends her time teaching writing workshops at her local library, and writing her own collection of books of her early years growing up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia."
"While visiting last summer, I harvested every copy of Mrs. Bond's books!  They have been well read, and now sit on my bookshelf, a concrete legacy, not only for my daughter, but also for my grandson."
"I will tell him of Mrs. Bond.  How good and kind she was to his momma when she was in school all those years ago.  It is my wish that he too will encounter such an amazing teacher in his travels through public school.  I will hopefully draw upon her patience and skill to instill in my grandson a love and passion for reading. 'Paying it Forward' her legacy will continue to live on.  Thank You, Mrs. Bond!"

And a VERY Happy Birthday to you!

School Days! School Days!

Where does the time go?  It doesn't seem all that long ago that the little love of my life was small enough to cradle on one arm.  Small enough to lay across my chest where I could listen to the tiny sound of his breathing.  Small enough to gather him to me and whisper 'sweet nothings' in his ear.  Small enough to gently sing a lullaby to soothe him to sleep.  Where does the time go?

Today was Aidan's first day of school!  His mama had to walk him to school and leave him with his teacher.  It is a rite of passage for them both.  All mothers have to do it.  Nana sat this one out!  But only long enough for school to start, then I too arrived at their home and began to walk to the school, and met my broken-hearted daughter on the pathway home.  I know how she felt.  I remember it well.  But I also know it will all be alright.  She has yet to realize that.  A cup of tea and a shoulder to cry on made us both feel better.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...it`s off to school I go!

It wasn`t long before it was time to pick up the little guy from school.  When mama left him there he wailed and cried out for her.  It was of no consolation that some of the other children cried for their mamas too.

But all was well!  When the bell rang, out ran all the little ones with big smiles on their faces (and relief on the faces of all the anxious parents.)  So, we all survived the day!  And now a whole new adventure begins!  I`m sure there will be lots of tales to tell in the upcoming months.  But for today...a sigh of relief.

The Housework Can Wait!

Today is housework day!  My Monday routine consists of scrubbing and cleaning; laundry and ironing.  But not today!

After a summer of hot, humid days that seeped my energy and made any chore take twice as long to complete, today is a glorious, sunny, cool, late summer day.  So...it's off to the beach we go!

Momma and Nana lounging in the chairs, soaking up a much more civilized sun through the brisk, cool breezes crossing the lake.  The little love of my life, throwing rocks into the lake, as usual.  It's what he loves to do more than anything. 

So, the world can wait. And the housework can wait.  This is where I need to be today!  'Rock On' my little Aidan!

My very own little Super-Hero!

When Aidan was about a year or so old he would love to 'ham it up' for the camera.  Not so much anymore...I can rarely distract him long enough to even 
look at the camera these days!  He decided he liked being 'superman' (even though he didn't have a clue who superman was!) and I was able to take loads of photos of him in superman mode... 

Look Nana...I'm Super-Baby!

Later that year I even found a superman Halloween costume, but my little 'superman' was super cranky that day...

A very cranky Superman!

The photos were so funny...and they got me to thinking.  Hmmm...off to the drawing board I went, where I whipped up a pattern for a super-hero cape, cut out the fabric and had it made up in an hour or so...

Of course, I had to make one for the other little super-hero in our family...

The following spring, off to the beach we went for a picnic, capes in tow, where I got some great photos of both boys (oops, sorry...super-heroes!)...

Super-hero Aidan

Super-hero Emmet

Some moms were asking where we got the capes, and 'the rest is history' as they say!  For over two years now I've been making and selling the capes across Canada and the USA from my website and I also have the capes listed on etsy 

It's a bird...it's a plane...

...it's Super-Aidan!

Aidan now has a whole 'wardrobe' of capes...I made him one for Canada Day, with a maple leaf emblem, and another with totem poles, which he wore to his first 'pow wow', but I think his favourite has been the Thomas the Tank Engine cape. 
It sure is fun having my very own little super-hero!