#Quotes About Children And #Reading

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”

~Dr. Seuss

 

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“Parents should leave books lying around marked ‘forbidden’ if they want their children to read.”

~Doris Lessing

 

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“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”

~Emilie Buchwald

  

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“Every book is a children’s book if the kid can read!”

~Mitch Hedberg

  

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“I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think interior decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.”

~Anna Quindlen

  

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“A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.”

~Unknown

  

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“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”

~Margaret Fuller

  

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“I wanted to read immediately. The only fear was that of books coming to an end.”

~Eudora Welty

  

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“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”

~C.S. Lewis

  

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“I was born with a reading list I will never finish.”

~Maud Casey

  

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“There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.”

~Frank Serafini

  

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“It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading.”

~Katherine Paterson

 

#Music Monday: Ottawan - Hands Up

Since I shared my brother's favourite song from childhood - well, one of them anyhow - the day before his birthday, and tomorrow is my birthday, I thought I'd share a favourite of mine from childhood too.

I've loved this song since I was really small. As in, still in nappies (diapers) small. I only learned it was called "Hands Up" and by Ottawan when I was about ten. Until then I had another way of identifying it. So... In the words of me as a small child... "Come on, 'cause baybeh's on!"

Guest Post: 10 Tips How to Make Your #Child's #Education More Interesting

10 Tips How to Make Your Child's Education More Interesting

By Emily Watts

By nature kids are very playful and free-spirited beings. They fancy many things, including colors, animals and everything that catches their attention. As parents, we always desire the best for our children. Thus, some of our greatest sense of fulfillment comes from providing them with the best, and education is not an exception. Watching our kids learning new things every day and getting worthy grades puts a smile on the face of every parent.

But sometimes, we may find out that our kids are not catching up with their school tasks. Or they are finding them boring, and just go with the motions without enjoying the process, due to their age or other factors. What to do in this case and how you can help? Here are a few tips that will aid us in spicing up studying process for them:

1.       Little rewards

A little pat on the back for having pristine grades can be a huge source of inspiration to some kids. Usually they work harder when they realize that their efforts will be rewarded. Applaud their efforts and encourage them to do better can make your child become a solid person.

2.       Music

If your daughter, for instance, has a hard time learning by heart her multiplication tables or current affairs info, you can facilitate this process by creating a song together. Children get easily captivated by the music and could learn the required information while singing it. Such way is especially helpful for toddlers, pre-schoolers and most kids before they turn twelve. A good number of education-themed songs have helped children learning various subjects. It’s worth the try.

3.       Videos

There are educational websites for students that offer tons of videos covering subjects found in the school’s program for your kids. For subjects with tons of new words like the Sciences, History and others. Videos can be a good option.

4.       Games

Just like music and videos, there are also games specifically designed to help kids with learning the basics of the certain subjects. Children love playing and having fun. Some of these games can be found on various educational websites. “educational games” might be the exact thing your child needs to assimilate better.

5.       Excursions

Excursions are very vital tools in child education. It helps when the child gets a glimpse of what he is taught within class walls. Of course, you cannot take your child to a laboratory; but you can visit a museum together and see some things described in history books. Or you could take them to a science-themed amusement park with fun rides describing planets or body system. Either way, it’s a win-win for everyone – education coupled with a good time out.

6.       Storybooks

No, not the school ones. Get your children interesting novels written based on a particular subject e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Physics. Depending on the age, there are a good number of children’s novels that can help them understand different subjects while challenging their imaginations.

7.       Other things aside from the books

Anyone could get bored with excessive reading or studying. This is why parents get advised to search out the other things that interest their children. Things like soccer, ballet classes, martial arts, etc. Children who take part in their favorite activities tend to be more relaxed, as well as have a sense of satisfaction. This puts them in a perfect spot for assimilating their school tasks.

8.      Nutrition

Breakfast is seen as the most important meal of the day because it provides glucose boost, which your brain needs to function. Proper nutrition is very essential; kids education and nutrition experts would tell you that certain food affects the brain’s ability to store information. Fruit and vegetables could help increase your child’s focus levels in the class. Water intake should also be implemented.

9.       Talking with the teacher

While at school, each teacher’s duty is to observe kid’s behavior. Talking with your child’s instructor clarify the challenges he/she might be facing while studying. This gives you both the chance to agree on strategies that can improve performance, and can easily be applied both at home and in school.

10.   Get involved

As guardians, we can make sure our kids eat and exercise good – but to the kids it might not make so much impact until we get involved. Have your child told you about his day, show interest in helping out with homework? Even if it takes time to help your child with homework, the effort will be worth it. Children flourish when they have a solid backup. Thus, is there a better backup they  can get than their parents?

Seri, Google Home, And Amazon Alexa Echo

I'm sure you're familiar with Seri: the voice assistant that comes on many devices, such as iPhones and iPads. You probably also know about Google Home and Amazon Alexa Echo by now too: the systems you can set up in your home to have them control things like your lights, the speakers on your music system, etc. If you haven't heard of them, look it up; there's plenty of information out there on them if you just do a simple online search.

I have Seri on my iPhone, and Alexa on my Kindle, because my iPhone came with Seri on it, and Alexa came with an update several months back. I don't use them as much as I potentially could, but I've spent a reasonable amount of time "playing" with them both. I also had some fun trying out my Mam's Google Home system, and saw Dad's Alexa setup in action, while I was in Wales at the start of January.

I'm not going to go in to details on a comparison, becauseI don't see the point. Quite frankly, the main difference I can see is that Seri isn't as advanced as the other two, so can't perform as many functions. Other than that, they all seem the same to me. Maybe I'm missing something? I don't know. But from what I can tell, they all do basically the same things, but Google Home and Alexa take us a step closer to the houses controlled by technology that were invisioned for mankind's future, and often appear in science fiction stories. Plenty of others seem to have gone in to more detail on comparisons though, so you'll find those posts in your online search - assuming you're interested enough to do one.

My Dad swears by his Alexa though, and proudly tells everyone about it whenever he can. I'm not complaining, and don't blame him really: it is a cool system. But I mention it because of something that happened during my visit to Wales.

At dinner on the Saturday, having already told us adults about it, my Dad decided to go and tell Bird, Pip, and Dolly. Those are the children of my cousin, Shane, and his wife, Donna. No. Those aren't their real names. Those are the names they get called most though, and I'm not 100% certain how to spell Bird and Dolly's real names, so I'm sticking with those names.

Anyway, my Dad explained to them how having Alexa is, "Like having a little person to do things for you around the house."

Now, for Bird, who's about ten years old if I'm remembering correctly, this was an easy concept to grasp. I think Pip, who recently turned seven, got it too (though since he said very little, I'm not entirely certain of his thoughts). However, Dolly, who's about four, misunderstood.

The three children ran over to tell Donna - who was sat next to me - all about Alexa, and how wonderful she sounds. Adding that they get to play with her the following day, since my Dad had promised them they could do so.

A conversation followed where Bird repeated my Dad's words on the capabilities of Alexa, while Dolly just kept repeating that they'd get to play with her next day, and it became increasingly obvious that - while Dolly had grasped that Alexa wasn't a person in the same sense that we all were - the little girl was expecting a person of some sort to be waiting to play with her at my Dad's place next day. When questioned about what she thought Alexa looked like, she even kept insisting Alexa was, "Like a little person, but round."

In an attempt to make it clear that Alexa was actually a machine, Donna started explaining some of the things my Dad had said she could do. Finishing with, "She can turn the lights on too, Dolly."

To which Dolly replied, in a voice of utter amazement, "Can she reach?"

Once Donna and I could stop laughing long enough, Donna pulled out her phone and went online to find a picture of what the Amazon Alexa Echo really looks like, and showed it to Dolly.

Dolly was very disappointed to find it's just a square box, and not like a little person at all.

After that she lost interest in talking about Alexa. Some of her enthusiasm returned when she was putting Alexa through her paces with Bird and Pip at my Dad's place the following morning though.

#Kidsmudkitchens In The UK Via @kidsmudkitchens

Mud Kitchens: Inspiring Outdoor Play With Kids

We all know dirt is good, fun and messy and our little monsters love being outside in all weathers cooking up potions and pies!

So we designed our mud kitchens with this in mind. All our kitchens come with a broad range of accessories that are all included in the price.

For more details, or to order a mud kitchen for your little mud monsters, check out their website at https://www.kidsmudkitchens.co.uk/, follow Donna Portman on Twitter @kidsmudkitchens, or like their Facebook page.

Your little mud monsters will love exploring the safe, sturdy mud kitchens in all weathers. Made from reclaimed treated timber it will give them years of play.

#Christmas #Music

I'm not a Christian by any stretch of the imagination. But I do enjoy Christmas music - even those songs with a religeous tone to them - and happen to think most Christmas music is beautiful. I also think the music is even more beautiful still when children are singing the songs. With that in mind, here are a couple of videos of Claire Ryann singing Christmas songs. She's four years old in the first, but turned five by the time the second was done. Anyway... Enjoy!

HOW FAR I'LL GO - DISNEY'S MOANA (COVER BY 4-YEAR OLD CLAIRE RYANN) - #Music

When I first heard this song, I hadn't yet seen the movie it's from. I have since watched "Moana" - having recently got it on DVD - and really loved it. However, though I loved the movie, and really enjoyed the version of this song that's in the movie, I love this version more. I mean, there's just something about listening to an adorable - and talented - little one singing something that makes even the most beautiful of songs that much more beautiful. Don't you agree?

Well, whether you agree or not, I hope you enjoy listening to the song I'm sharing with you today.

#Writing Wednesday - April 27th 2016

Happy Tell A Story Day!

I don't have a story to tell about my day, or my life, but I do have plenty of stories to tell in general, and... As you may remember... In celebration of four years of being published, and ten years of blogging, the eBook versions of some of my books are still on sale until May 7th 2016. Read this post for more details (the post includes titles, links, and coupon codes).

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Just in case you need them, here are 39 things to remember while struggling to build your writing career.

Next... When you - or your publisher - are ready to write your book's description, you may want to check out these three common mistakes made in book descriptions, in hopes you can avoid making them too.

Also, as boring and frustrating as it is, marketing is essential if you're going to make it as an author. So... Listen up authors; here are six tips for people "trying" to promote their work.

Most importantly, however, you should always remember to write books, not war! The words you put out in to the world will be judged, and you will be judged for saying/typing them. So, just bear that in mind.

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When writing your own stories, you might want to make use of these powerful writing techniques, which will help to get your readers hooked, and give them an even more enjoyable reading experience. Or, perhaps, these 12 ways to improve your writing (right now, for free) could be useful to you?

Struggling with writers' block? Did you know that some people use research as writing inspiration, and the cure for writers' block? Well, they do! You should try it too some time.

Another thing that may help you to get over your writers' block - especially if you write for children or teenagers - is to remember that you are writing the future. Of course, this isn't only true for books aimed at children and teenagers. One day, your book may inspire greatness in someone who reads it. Now, doesn't that thought make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and make you want to get back to your writing? I better let you do so then...

Before you go though...

This is how to be taken seriously as a writer (which can also apply to artists). Plus, if you have kids under ten, here are some tips on how to get some writing time in, without losing your mind (which can also apply to time for doing artwork, crafts, and other hobbies where you don't want the kids "helping" you). Yes, it is possible... Even when they aren't in school. It's a little more difficult, but it is possible. Still, I'm sure - if you have kids - that you wouldn't trade them for all the writing/drawing time in the world.

Speaking of children... Next month is National Get Caught Reading Month, which is an anual month long event set up to encourage children to enjoy reading, and show them that reading is a fun and cool thing to do. Check out the post I just linked to for more details, and to find out how you can get involved.

Monday's random mutterings - August 10th 2015

Remember how I mentioned last Monday about the thing I'd heard about our doctor surgery being closed?

Tuesday I called our doctor surgery, in hopes there would be a recorded message telling me where to call to see some other doctor; not because I needed to see one, but because I needed to know whether we had a doctor so I could find one if we didn't.

There wasn't... I got to speak to an actual person.

It turns out we do have a doctor. I have no idea what his or her name is, but we have one.

Apparently our doctor surgery was only closed for a short time - about a week, I think - due to a slight delay between when the old doctors and nurses were removed, and the new ones started working there.

I'm not entirely certain if they had taken the time to send out letters, or make phonecalls, to tell the patients about this. But, if they did, we wouldn't have gotten ours, since - as I suspectede - they still had the old details. So, I gave them the new address and phone number (again) while I was on the phone. Hopefully they got it this time.

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The July reading challenge on one of the groups I'm a member of over on Goodreads was to complete at least one of the following:

1) Read a YA book.
2)Read a book released this month.
3) Read a book that has blue on the cover (Either the word, or the colour).
4) Read a book that takes place during summer.
5) Read 1500 pages.

I did numbers 1 and 4.

I read "Evolution" (E, #2) by Kate Wrath, which is a Young Adult book. Plus, I read "Summer's Cauldron" (Young Sorcerers Guild, #2) by G.L. Breedon, which is a story that takes place during Summer.

Since this is the group that hands out awards if you complete challenges, here's my award for completing this one:

I've also finnished my Goodreads 2015 reading goal.

Originally the goal was set for 150 books, but a few months ago - April, I think - I increased it to 200 books.

I've now read more than 200 books this year.

OK, I admit it... Part of this is due to many of them being short. But there's no rule about how long the books have to be, and they weren't all short books... A couple were well over 500 pages long, and many others weren't much shorter.

I sometimes wonder if I read too much.

But then I decide I don't care, and pick up the next book...

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Conversation between my Mam and Emma (aged 5) while reading "A Very Degu Christmas" (one of my books):

Emma: "Nana, who is Santa Paws?"
My Mam: "You know who Santa Claus is?"
Emma: "Oh, yes!"
My Mam: "Well, Santa Paws is just Santa Claus for animals."
Emma (in a tone of utter amazement): "WOW! Santa just loves everyone, doesn't he?"

Slight pause while Emma thinks about something.

Emma: "Well... If you're good, anyway."

Monday's random mutterings - June 15th 2015 (FD)

We've had some awesome storms lately, but this was the view from our window this past Thursday...

The weather was really nice, the ocean was bluer and calmer than it had been in ages, and plenty of our neighbours - those who live close by, and those who live a little further away - were out there enjoying it; not that I blame them in the least.

I love listening to the people enjoying themselves on the beach. Especially when there are dogs or children involved; listening to the delighted squeals of children paddling and splashing in the ocean, or the excited barks of dogs playing fetch or trying to chase the waves, always makes me smile.

Another reason I enjoy listening to the children out there is because I love hearing some of the things they say, or the games they invent to play, many of which make me laugh when I hear them drifting up through my open window; children have excellent imaginations.

It's just a shame that some of it is interrupted by the sounds of traffic going past us on the road between our building and the promonade; the sounds of cars, busses, and trucks isn't quite as pleasant to listen to, as I'm sure you can imagine.

Anyway, the next day (Friday) it was really hot and humid, and the rest of the weekend was overcast and very windy (Well, Saturday was very windy; Sunday was quite nice). It's meant to stay nice all week, but personally I think there's another storm coming; it's been trying to break since Friday.

***

My Mam and a family friend named Jo came for a visit over the weekend.

They were supposed to arrive with us about lunch time on Saturday, and I was going to go out for coffee with them. Well, OK... I wouldn't have had coffee; I'd have had tea or a soft drink, since I don't really like coffee. But you know what I mean, I'm sure.

Except they decided to drive down Friday evening instead, with plans to stay somewhere nearby for the night, and then come to us to take us to breakfast on Saturday morning.

But, as it turned out, that also didn't end up happening, because they couldn't find anywhere with an empty room, so they ended up arriving with us around 2:00am Saturday morning.

Mam and I had trouble sleeping. Well, actually, Mam had trouble sleeping, and I just didn't manage to sleep at all, so we ended up going for a walk down to the ocean at around 5:00am. Those who have me on Facebook might already know this, since we messed about with the camera on my Mam's phone, and she posted the photos up on Facebook after we got back. I don't have copies, or I'd have put them in this post. Yeah, I know I could grab them off Facebook, but it's not very easy for me to do, and I don't feel like trying to do it; not for photos that were just us messing about.

Anyway...

After that, Mam managed to get a bit of sleep, while I read for a while, until it was late enough for us to go for breakfast; which Mam paid for.

We went to one of our favourite cafes, which is only about a block and a half away from us. Mam and Jo had full cooked breakfasts, I had an egg baguette, and Kelly just had to be different and have a burger for breakfast. But, hey, we all enjoyed our breakfasts, and that's what matters.

They didn't stick around after breakfast, since they wanted to go in to town and look around some of the shops. I expect they'd have been happy for us to join them, but I was just about ready for a nap, so they went to do some shopping, and Kelly and I came home.

I did go for a nap, but didn't sleep much.

But, anyway, after nap time, Kelly and I sampled the cheese scones Jo had made, and the peanut butter cookies my Mam had made; both of which were quite tasty.

We didn't see them again, even though they were in the area until Sunday, because they had other plans, and actually had somewhere to sleep Saturday night besides our living room; which I'm sure they were pleased about, since it meant they had beds, plus didn't have to share a room with the rodent gang (neither my Mam or Jo really like rats, and the rodent gang's cages are all in the living room).

It's probably just as well, since it was Sunday morning before I got any sleep worth mentioning.

Award from Sunfire

Sunfire gave me this award (you can see the post here).

Thank you Sunfire!

I'm supposed to thank the person who gave it to me - which I have. Post the logo for it - which I have. Post 7 things about myself - which I'm about to do. Then pass it on to 7 others.

So, let's see... 7 things about me...

Some of you will know at least a few of these.

1. I have Congenital Glaucoma, which means I was born with the eye condition Glaucoma. So I've had poor eyesight my entire life, and finally lost my sight almost 5 years ago.

2. I've been married for a little over 9 years, having married my hubby when I went to live in Canada for what ended up just being a few months back in 2003.

3. I used to consider myself a Wiccan, but have recently re-labelled myself as a "Nature Witch" - which is essentially an Eclectic Pagan, but I like the term better. Labelling doesn't really matter, but with my self-chosen label I feel more free to take bits and pieces I believe and work with them as I feel is right.

4. I miss having cats. I'd love a cat again; any cat! Though my favourite breed is Siamese, and the type of cat I'd love most is a lion. I have a better chance with the Siamese though, I think.

5. I've now published 3 books, with several more close to being ready for publication. Visit my author page at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/toriz for more details, and to keep an eye out for new books as I publish them.

6. When I was 7 I sprained my ankle. The doctor told me I'd have been better off breaking it. I asked if I should try, and he jokingly said to go ahead. Not realizing it was a joke (hey, I was 7) I tried, eventually succeeding in doing the same thing again at the age of 12, only this time badly enough that I had to be in a cast instead of just having it strapped up for a few weeks. It's never fully healed, and is weak enough that sometimes I can sprain my ankle just by not being careful enough putting it down when I stand up. And that, ladies and gents, is why you should be careful what you say to children!

7. I could easily live without technology as long as I have a way to read and a way to write. Give me an unlimited supply of braille books, an unlimited supply of braille paper, and a brailler (a sort of old fashioned typewriter that writes braille, for those who don't know) and I'll be happy!

As for passing it on... I'm going to cheat, since most of my friends have a "no awards" policy. If you haven't had it and think you deserve it, then it's yours!

A toddler, a get well card, and a dog's new habit

Emma-Jane (my now almost 2and a half year old niece) had her ears pierced recently.  After having it done she was playing with something and accidentally hit herself on the ear with it; I think it was a mobile phone.  Anyway, she sat still for a second, took a sharp intake of breath, then calmly announced, "that hurt a bit, actually!" She then simply returned to playing with the phone as though nothing had happened.  Gotta love kids!

***

Jane (Emma-Jane's Grandmother, and a family friend) had to have surgery recently.  I don't know the details of it, but I know she's recovering well.  Anyway, I made her this card:

***

We have sash windows, and Kero's figured out that if he lays on the back of the armchair when the living room window is open he can stick his head out of it.  So when we've had nice days (which has been most of the time) he's been doing just that.  Naturally I've been making sure to only open it just enough for his head to fit comfortably, otherwise he'd probably jump out and i'd spend my entire day having to get up to go and open the door to let him back in, LOL!

Don't worry, he's perfectly safe doing it.  For one thing the window is very stiff, and doesn't move without quite a bit of effort.  For another thing I'm always right there ready to rescue him if needs be.  And, for another thing, if he did somehow manage to get out after all, the window opens out on to the fenced in courtyard area at the bottom of the steps leading up to the street (which we call our garden); he wouldn't have far to go to get to solid ground, and wouldn't be able to get far once he was out there.

Poem: Mami

I love my Mami
My Mami loves me
I know my Mami
Will come back, you’ll see!

~~~

I was 6 when I wrote that.

No, really, I was.

A couple of years ago my Mam found it and showed it to me, and I typed it up and added it to my collection. At the bottom of all of my poems I put "©" and the year they were written. This one says "© 1991" since that's what the paper my Mam handed me said.

I vaguely know the reason behind it; though I'm not too sure if it's because I've been told, or because I remember. Either way, I was clingy as a child, and drove everyone mad with, "when's Mami coming back?" every five seconds if she went anywhere. When she and my Dad got back together when I was about 6 (the year this was written) Mam left me with Dad and went away for a few days. I didn't take it very well and wrote this poem to make myself feel better. Then presented the poem to my Mam when she came home.

There's a short story I wrote around the same time, which my Dad has. I don't have a copy of that though.

Hey, I did say I've been writing for as long as I've known how!

An hour long chat with a 2 year old (PTMI)

"Tori ring back," said a little voice when I picked up the phone.

It was Emma, of course, and my Mam had been coaching her with what to say while waiting for me to answer the phone yesterday (I usually call back since my free time is for up to an hour any time of any day, but my Mam's is only evenings and weekends). Anyway, Emma had picked up the phone and said, "hello Tori," which is what she does when she wants Mam to call me for her. The result was an hour long conversation with a 2 year old (well, I talked to Mam a bit too).

When I asked her if she had fun in playschool, she enthusiastically replied with, "I ride bike," which I'm taking as a yes, since she sounded so pleased about it.

Mam had brought her a Hello Kitty t-shirt that's pink and blue, so - to get her to say it - I asked what she had. "It blue," she said. And that's all she'd say. She can say all the words she needed to (she knows several colours, pink and blue being among them, and can say Hello Kitty; though she does think we're saying hello to someone named Kitty, and when she sees Hello Kitty items usually calls them "Kitty,"... She does recognize that they're cats though; she loves cats and dogs and always has). But all she would say was that it was blue. She's quite obsessed with blue. I'm wondering if we have the beginnings of a favourite colour emerging?

Mam asked how Willow was, so Emma did too. She seemed rather confused when I said Willow was sleeping though. We think she misunderstood and thought I was saying I was sleeping, because Mam said she was looking at the phone as if wondering how she could be talking to me on it if I was sleeping. She soon lost interest in that and started in on the, "what's that?" thing though. Yes, she's in that phase; the one where you bearly get time to tell them what te first thing is before they're asking, "what's that?" again, possibly about something else, or maybe about the same thing.

We were getting her to say words, and I had her say "chipmunk" because I love how she says it. And Mam was messing about with how she enthasizes the "munk" part, and next thing we know Emma says, "monkey!" Guess she thought Mam was trying to prompt her with the start of the word? LOL!

When we got bored of the word game, she still hadn't, "do more," she said. "More words?" Mam asked. "Yes, do more," she replied. Guess she likes that game. I'm thinking that's a good thing; she seems to love things that help her learn new words or skills - like the game where you tell them to jump, hop, etc. I'm thinking that's got to be positive, and hoping she continues to be so enthusiastic about learning once she's in full time school; enthusiasm for education is definitely good!

Anyway, while we were on the phone, Louise (her Mother) sent Mam a text to ask how Emma was doing, so Mam asked her if she was OK. "Yep, OK," she replied. So that's what Mam told Louise; can't say fairer than that, can you? ;)

At another point - when I was talking to Mam herself for a few moments - Emma decided she wanted Mam's attention. After repeating, "Nana," and getting no response, she yelled, "Nana!" Turned out she was trying to get Mam to pay attention to her so she could sit on Mam's lap for a bit, but it didn't half make Mam jump, LOL!

She's started something cute, and nobody's entirely sure why. If you say, "love you," she says, "love you more." So when - as we usually do at the end of the call - Mam told me she loved me, and I said I loved her too, Emma announced, "love you more," after Mam spoke, and "love you more too," after I did.

She had some important news to tell me while she was on the phone; she no longer has a bottle or dummy (pacifier). Plus, she now uses the potty. On Sunday she just announced, "nappy off, go wee-wee," so they took it off, she sat on the potty, and used it. Ever since then she's only had a nappy at night and if they'll be out for a long time. There hasn't been a single accident, and she asks every time she needs to go. When I asked Emma about what she had to tell me, she proudly announced that she can now, "do wee-wee in there," while pointing to the potty. Mam told me she was pointing to the potty, obviously. She's really turning in to a proper little girl now though; no bottle or dummy, and using the potty!

Those are the highlights from my hour long conversation with a 2 year old; I thought I'd post them for anyone who might enjoy hearing about Emma. I hope they made you smile!

Emma-Jane is 2 years old! (FD)

Emma was 2 yesterday.

Can you believe it? Where has the time gone? Where has that little baby gone?

I wanted to write a post about all the things she does now; how she dances to music (and will likely be put in dance classes in a year or so), how she loves the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (she's a better dancer than singer, by the way, lol) and loves star shapes. How her favourite fruit is a kiwi, though she also loves grapes. And she can already say words like "chipmunk" and "gorgeous" more clearly than some 4 year olds I've known. But to list all of it would take too long.

So, instead I'll just say that I hope her life is full of love and laughter, and that she remembers what a wonderfully special little girl she is.

She starts "Cylch Meithryn" today (I think I spelled it right; it's not something I've needed to write for several years). That basically translates to "play group" (though that's not the literal translation; I believe that would be "infant circle"). But, anyway, today's her first day; the first step out in to the big wide world!

"'Posed to hello Emma!"

Mam phoned me the other day when she had Emma, telling me Emma wanted to say hello. She'd picked up the cordless phone and - holding it out to my Mam - said, "say hello Tori."

Mam usually does call me when she has Emma; I always say, "hello Emma," she says hello back, then she'll tell me something random before going off to play with something.

Anyway, this day - the day Emma handed Mam the phone - I just said, "hello."

Emma's response was a very annoyed, "'posed to hello Emma!"

To which I replied, "I'm very sorry; hello Emma."

"Right," said Emma, before attempting to show me her crayons through the phone.

That's me put in my place, LOL!

Tea parties, trick-or-treaters, pets and holidays (FD)

While waiting for trick-or-treaters, and after my planned ritual was done, I read the posts for the witchy tea party that Anna was hosting this past weekend. I visited every single blog in the list, and commented where possible. The only ones I didn't comment on were for one of the following reasons:

*They had word verification.
*Blogger wouldn't allow me to comment on them; I keep having that issue with embedded comment forms - it says I don't have permission or throws errors at me - and Jaws wouldn't allow me to navigate the menu well enough to find the option to post as an anonomous person on any that might have allowed it.
*The background music stopped me being able to read the page; couldn't hear Jaws over it.
*I couldn't find the post on the blog.

But, where I was able to I commented, and where I was able to I read the posts. There were some awesome tea party posts! Thank you again Anna for hosting it; hope it's on again for next year? I'd love to do it again! :)

Anyway...

We'd allowed for 20 trick-or-treaters. I didn't expect even half that, but... I had to send Kelly out for more treats because we were running low and there was still 45 minutes before the 8:00pm curfew that everyone seems to agree to - I don't remember it ever being arranged, but it seems to be an unspoken agreement in most areas - and it's lucky I did send him, because we had 23 trick-or-treaters! I'm so happy! It was great to see so many children dressed up. We had 8 witches, 2 vampires (one of which was the Dad of 2 of the witches), a zombie, a skeleton, a grave digger (complete with little plastic shovel), 2 werewolves, a pumpkin, 2 ghouls, a princess, a bug of some sort, and I can't remember what the others were. Also, when Kelly went out to get more sweets he saw a tiger running around. The tiger didn't come to us though (I'm guessing curfew came before she could get to us; Kelly saw her a few streets away on his way home from the shop).

One of the little witches - the younger of the 2 with the vampire Dad - was super cute! She was maybe a little older than Emma-Jane, or maybe even the same age (Emma is a little over 19 months old now). When Kelly handed her the bag of treats she took it and said, "ta," in the cute and timid way that little children have of saying it when they're not really sure who you are or what's going on, but they know they should thank you for giving them something.

Kelly was giving out the bags of treats, but I was listening to the kids - while trying to stop Kero getting worked up about the people at the door - and gave Kelly instructions to, "remember what we get, because I want to know." So each time he was done with the group of kids and had closed the door he would tell me what they were wearing, which is how I was able to tell you.

I don't think Kero was too happy that people were knocking on the door and he wasn't allowed to go and say hello to them. We gave him treats on and off though, so I think that helped him to forget about it most of the time. LOL!

I think this year was just about the best Samhain ever!

I had loads of fun with the things I did - which I did mention on Friday, and I'll post more on later this month; when I have the time - and enjoyed the witchy tea parties. Plus, I had more trick-or-treaters come to the door than I have in the last three years combined! That might not seem like a good thing to some of you, but to someone like me who loves hearing the happy children running about in their costumes it was wonderful! Also, someone was doing a firework display not far from here, so I got to hear fireworks too, YAY! :)

So...

It's a beautiful day here; a perfect day for being out walking. So we went; spent over an hour walking around the park... Kero was delighted. So was I, for that matter. How wonderful it was to walk among the trees and plants on such a lovely day!

Today starts a new month, and - for the witches among us - a new year. It's also only a little over 7 weeks until the holidays arrive; 44 days if you begin your Yule celebrations on the 21st of December as we do, 48 if you want to count to Christmas day. Well, if you count both today and the day in question, otherwise it's less.

So, it's time to start making plans and buying or making presents and cards, if you haven't started already. I have, but only because I needed to start planning since I need to get everything sent off to people and would prefer to have the stuff go at the end of November rather than actually in December. Plus, when you're making things you have to start early. And the one thing I've brought so far was something I saw, knew the person would love it, and wanted to grab while it was definately in stock. It's not much, but I know the person will be delighted to receive it, and isn't that the most important thing when giving someone something? :)

Random dribble - 27 June 2011 (kinda FD)

The local Tesco - if you don't know what Tesco is, it's a shop similar to Walmart. It isn't our Walmart though, that's Asda - is doing some work on the building to make it bigger, and is also enlarging their carpark/parking lot. In doing so they have done two things: 1. Made their carpark smaller for the time being. 2. Increased the issues with traffic near there because of all the construction work they're doing. Mam helped me take these photos the other day while we were still - after 15 minutes of going absolutely nowhere - waiting to be able to get out of the carpark. It's not much better elsewhere... In fact, in some places it's worse... Still, it's annoying; and made worse by the fact the work has been "in progress" for a couple of years now, and the Tescos is near one of the main junctions in town. Oh, and... If you're wondering... This was one of the quieter days; some days we've waited longer! This time just felt longer than it was, because we had Emma in the car with us, and she hates being in a mode of transport (buggy/stroller, car, or whatever) when it isn't moving. Good thing she has some toys kept just for car rides to make it a bit easier on her (and us) when waiting in traffic. *** I had some one on one time with Emma Thursday night, and loved it (of course). Yes; even with having the "pleasure" - OK, not so much - of witnessing her defiant struggle against sleep at bed time. 45 minutes of her crying, calming to a whimper, changing to singing to herself, going quiet, then pulling herself back awake to start the whole thing again... And I still want one of my own (and I was even saying that just after she finally gave up the fight; ask Iggy). The only part I hated? I had to give her back! I always hate that part! I hardly slept Thursday night, but I still didn't want to not be the one looking after her any more. I wish I had one of my own; then I wouldn't have to give it back! I know, I know... I'm a complete nutter, and I shouldn't be daft enough to wish for my own so badly - and wish time to hand Emma over to my Mam didn't come so quickly - when a good baby like Emma can do something like cry for the best part of 45 minutes. Maybe I just like torture? LOL! Speaking of Emma though... She's so smart! She says so many things, helps carry something in from the car (OK, with a lot of, "no, Emma... This way," but still... Come on, she's 15 months old), helps put items in the fridge (she's obviously not given easily broken or squashed things to put in... So no eggs), brushes people's hair (not well, but still...), wipes her face with a cloth (again, not well, but still), brushes her own teeth, no longer has a bottle at all, can use a spoon and fork, and dances and sings when you put music on (be it on the TV, or whatever). Children are so smart these days! I think - if her love of music is encouraged - she's going to grow up to do something involving music. Maybe she'll be a famous musician? Or a singer? Possibly - at the very least - a DJ or a dancer of some kind. Like I said, as long as her love of music is encouraged as she grows up. *** I think they've finally gotten me all caught up with the knitting magazine I subscribed to back in March. I got a big parcel from them with a few issues and a bunch of stuff in it a little over a week ago. At least they sorted it in the end! Speaking of knitting... I'm making good progress with the projects on my "to do" list. I've finished a project in this past week, and I've almost finished my next project, so will soon be starting on another. Luckily a lot of them are small projects; stuff to give as presents to children mainly, actually. I'll tell you more about them soon... When I finish - and sort a post for - the item I'm just finishing. And, yes, there will be photos! :) *** I'm managing to get some nice walks in with Kero, but not as many as I'd like - and definately not as many as he'd like, since he would be happy to be out almost constantly. I'd take him out more, but it keeps raining. I think someone forgot to tell whoever is in charge of the weather that Summer isn't over yet; so much for the scorching hot weather we were meant to have through all of June! Even the nice weather we did have wasn't as hot as it was predicted to be. Ah well... At least we aren't among the people suffering from a lack of rain; I should just be greatful for that. I mean, water is essential for all living things (in small amounts for some creatures, but still; at least some water is essential), and at least I can honestly say we have plenty of it. We usually do in Wales. Don't get me wrong, we have had some nice weather. I mean, yesterday was a really hot day, and - despite the breeze - I spent the parts of it where I wasn't out with Kero sitting in front of the fan. And today is looking like it might be one of those days too. But we've definately had more rain than sunshine recently! *** With everything going on - and everything I wanted to post - last week, I didn't end up posting about what weight I lost. So, I guess I'll do both last week and this week's weight loss info today. If you're not interested, feel free to skip this part! Last week I lost 1lb. This week I put half a pound (8oz) back on. Making a total weight loss so far of 1 stone 6 pounds (20lbs). I'm not really all that bothered about the little bit I put back on; I expected a bit of a weight gain, because I definately didn't eat right last week. Plus, The number is going down slowly, and that's what matters at the end of the day. Sure, I'd have liked to have lost something rather than putting a bit back on this week, but at least it was only a small gain. And, like I said, the number on the scales is going down most weeks, so the odd small weight gain wont hurt. As long as the number goes down most weeks, that's what matters... Right? *** OK, I think this will do for today... Enjoy whatever's left of your day!

Just a general update type of post (FD)

When I saw Emma the other day, I learned that she knows more words. She's really talking well now, actually, so she says several things. The cutest though has to be how if you say, "love you," she says, "awww," and gives you a hug and kiss. Though almost as cute is how if you say, "lamb," she says, "lamb, bah," and if you say, "lion," she says, "grrrrr." She learned them from people showing her pictures in books and saying, "the lamb goes bah," "the lion goes grrr," and things like that. I'm told they have tried getting her to read books, but most of the time she's more interested in eating them than reading them at the moment. LOL! *** I haven't quite finished Louise's scarf, because I got in to reading stuff so never got to it. I'll probably get more done tomorrow though, because Wayne is coming to spend most of the day with us to watch a couple of movies. I figure I'll work on the scarf while watching the movies... Give me something to do with my hands. *** Wayne's got a new girlfriend called Amy. I met her last Saturday. She seems nice. Also, Wayne and Amy are sweet together. Can't really tell you any more about her though, since I don't know much about her. Well, I know she's nearly 28, but that's about it (other than a few things that aren't my buisness to mention). Wayne seems to really like her though, and she seems nice, so that's the important thing. :) *** I watched a couple more movies this week, so more reviews are waiting to be posted. Going to have to just set them up to go, and if I have something else to post on the days they're set up for, then you get two posts. Mind you, that's not exactly a rare occurance on this blog, is it? LOL! The two recent movies were great though! I've watched them both at least twice, am watching one of them again with Wayne tomorrow, and will be watching the other again with Dad (possibly next week). *** We've had absolutely beautiful weather over the past couple of days. I'm sat here with the fan on full power, and I'm still a bit too hot! Took Kero out though; we've been out twice, with plans for a third walk this evening (assuming I stay awake long enough). For now though Kero and I are sprawled in front of the fan (in Kero's case, asleep). *** Mam made a vegetable and bean korma yesterday, and she came to have dinner with me so we could share it. It was quite nice. I have the leftovers for my dinner later. I can't remember everything she said was in it, but I know it involved mixed beans, some korma sauce, and a few vegetables, served with rice. Like I said, it's nice. Mam also brought some carrot cake for herself, Nan and I to share today (Nan was here for a while this morning). I have the last piece of that for later too. I love carrot cake, and - judging by the piece I had earlier - it's a really tasty one, so I'm looking forward to my dinner and desert tonight! *** I had Willow here for a while this morning. She was such a good girl! Her and Kero are so good together now. I guess it's because they're getting older? I mean, Kero is now seven years old, and Willow is now six and a half years old. *** With Midsummer/the Summer Solstice - whichever you want to call it - coming up I had to think of an idea for a ritual to do to celebrate. It ended up with Kelly and I deciding to do one together. I'm half excited and half nervous about that. Excited about the upcoming ritual, but nervous because - despite Kelly and I both being Pagan, and despite us having been open about this since we met, and now having been married for eight years - we have never done a ritual together. Not a proper one, I mean. Thing is, we were both so used to needing to keep things quiet that we just kept up our habit of doing things quietly by ourselves. Then we had the last couple of years where we let things slide a bit (OK, a lot), so... Well, you get the idea. Anyway, yeah, we're going to actually do a ritual together to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Kelly had to go up town today, so he fetched some of the stuff we'll need in preporation for it. The rest of the items are things that have to be sorted out on the day, or - at most - a day or so before the ritual is taking place. We figured it was about time we started doing rituals together. Besides, we need to if we're going to do Yule properly. Like I said though, I'm a bit nervous about actually having someone participating in a ritual with me... despite the fact I've been married to him for eight years, and despite various discussions on the topic we've had in that time. I'm just so used to doing it by myself. Like I said though, I am excited about it; just also extremely nervous! *** I think that's all I wanted to say today. Besides, Kelly is taking a nap, and I need to get him up so he can get ready to go out (he's going to watch the new X-Men movie with Wayne tonight). So, I better publish this and go and do what I've got to do. *Sending positive thoughts - and hugs - to those in need of them*

Babies, pets and projects (FD)

My Mam had Emma-Jane for the day yesterday, and she also had Jo (a family friend we've known for years) visiting with her 2 week old grandaughter, Tyler. So - knowing how much I love babies - she brought them all for a quick visit. I had a long cuddle of baby Tyler, but Emma wasn't in a cuddling mood. I'm not sure if it was the fact she'd had her nap disturbed so was still tired, the fact Tyler was around and she was a bit jealous, or the fact that the last time my Mam brought her to my place Mam snuck out for a smoke when Emma was busy, and Emma was worried it would happen again. It could also have been the fact kelly was in the room, because she's developed a bit of an issue with getting upset when men are around. It could also have been a combination of all those things. Whatever the reason though, Emma-Jane wanted cuddles from nobody but "Nana Ka" yesterday. They only came for a quick visit, but I did enjoy my baby cuddling time... Even though I was a bit disappointed that Emma wasn't interested in a cuddle. Mind you, Emma's getting older now, so she's going to start not wanting as much cuddle time anyway. Many of the snacks I have are officially toddler snacks, so I told Mam she could grab one for Emma, and Emma cheered up a bit once she was sat in her carseat eating it. She loves her food that one. LOL! Actually, if Emma had her way she'd have had two snacks, since she took the snack off my Mam then held out her other hand as if to say, "and what about a snack for this hand?" LOL! Anyway, after they left Kero got a bit cuddly. I think he was saying, "I'm your baby still, aren't I?" In other words, I think my little furbaby got a bit jealous seeing me making such a fuss over the human babies. So, I gave him some cuddles and ear rubs, and after that he was happy enough to curl up on the sofa for a nap. *** Our weather wont make up its mind what it wants to be like - one minute it's lovely outside, the next it's raining or there's a hail storm - it's annoying. Actually, I wouldn't mind so much, only it means attempting to plan my walks with Kero between rain showers, which isn't the easiest thing to do, and rarely works as planned. *** I had to re label several posts that I'd labeled on Thursday, because of what happened with Blogger, but I'm quickly getting through the stack of posts on my dashboard. I'd be done by now if I wasn't so picky... I think I mentioned that before? Well, - and I think I said this before too - if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right! No sense in doing something if you don't plan on doing it properly! Once I'm done, maybe I'll actually be able to concentrate more on working on my knitting projects? I've hardly done anything with them since starting with the post labeling thing, so Louise's scarf is still waiting to be finished, Emma-Jane's doll blankets have yet to even be started, and the rest of the stuff on the list hasn't even had much thought directed at it. I will get the stuff done though... I will... Honest! Hey, at least I can't say I'm bored! ;) OK, so I better get back to doing the posts so I can get to doing the knitting projects. I hope you're having a great weekend... Stay safe! P.S. I'll come around and check blogs later.