Posts filed under 'family'
Crocodile Crazy
Anyone who has a business that caters to children knows that the last to receive any kind of perks from your efforts are your actual children. I’ve painted a few things for my kids but they were before I started my business. My daughter’s been asking for a Princess Crown Plaque forever! I keep saying ,”soon…soon” but I haven’t got around to it yet. The thing is - I’m always painting for customers that when I do get a break that’s exactly what I want – a break.
I did this Crocodile for a little boy but when my son, Nate, saw it he loved it! He was carrying it all over the house. He even took it to his room and showed me where on the wall he would like to have it hung. I lamely tried to explain to my 2 year old that it was for another little boy and that I would make him one “after”. As I was listening to myself say this I realized that I could make another one. You tend to think in dollar signs when you have a business when really what my son was doing was the reason I paint. He was so delighted – I couldn’t take that away from him in that moment.
So, now it’s Nate’s Crocodile and it seems right – like it was meant to be. It was a sweet reminder that my children are my biggest fans. I better get to work on that plaque.
Add comment April 11, 2010
Monster Jam in Toronto
Just want to thank everyone for entering the The Free Stool Giveaway. The draw isn’t until January 31, 2010 so there’s still time to enter. It’s easy – just leave a comment with your email and city and you’re done!
Recently, Monster Jam came to the Air Canada Center here in Toronto and from what I hear it was awesome! My son who is a little over two and a half went with my hubby and they had so much fun! I’m a little jealous I didn’t go too. My husband bought the mini “Maniac” monster truck for my son to commemorate the day so Nate and my nephew Luke (4) happily had their own Monster Jam show on the crusty concrete floor. It was exciting and super loud. The most exciting parts of the show were when some of the monster trucks would flip completely over. They sold ear plugs for a dollar which Nate wore for a little while then he decided to go rogue and diss the earplugs to man-up and take the noise. After a while, I guess it didn’t seem so loud anymore.
Cars, trucks, planes, and trains are amazing to Nate. Most little boys feel that way from what I gather from other mommies. I often think if they didn’t exist what would he play with? Probably a ball and a stick? Wait – I shouldn’t say cars is all he’s into. He loves to draw and sometimes he pesters his sisters to play babies with him (they started it and he just happens to love it!) Well – he’s a well rounded child is what I think. With these habits he’s well on his way to being an automobile designer and a great dad.
Add comment January 25, 2010
Blue’s Moon
Just want to thank everyone for entering the “Free Stool Giveaway” The draw isn’t until January 31, 2010 so there’s still time to enter. It’s easy – just leave a comment with your email and city and you’re done!
I recently came across this painting I did when my first-born, Hannah Blue, was around 1 year old. I didn’t have my website then and I wasn’t painting on a regular basis either. She loved the moon so much – like it was a night-time super star! She would gaze at it with such wonder- glad it came to visit her once again. She inspired me to rummage around for a ratty paintbrush and a few tubes of paint that were almost dried up just so I could capture that memory in art. Although it’s not my best work it did indeed capture that memory for me. Even though her face isn’t seen it allows me to imagine and remember her like she was in all her chubby glory – and I’m glad I did it. My children often inspire me and give me the “itch” to create. Hannah Blue is now 7 years old and Hannah Montana is now one of her super stars but I still see the wonder in her eyes when the moon is full and bright and I hope it never completely goes away.
Add comment January 12, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Is there a mountain in your way?
Do doubts and fears abound?
Press on, oh, hear the spirit say, “this mountain shall come down”
not by might, not by power, by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts
…by my spirit saith the lord of hosts.
This Christmas remember that it wasn’t just a baby – it was a Saviour who grew up, lived among us, died for us and now longs to be close to you. Through Him everything old can be new, anything broken can be put back together, anything hurting can be healed, anything empty can be filled, anything already good can be even better.
God grant you the light in Christmas which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ… Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Add comment December 24, 2009
Ceramic Ornaments
I recently did a homeschool ceramics class with my children where they were able to create their own Christmas ornaments with clay. www.ceramicscanada.com They made a ton! This is just what’s left over after giving away some as gifts. It was a great experience because they were part of the whole process. From forming the clay, to painting it, to the final beautiful results! Nathan’s came out a bit muddy but he’s 2! Believe me - it took everything in me not to take over but I just let him be – he was having fun. Jessie is my little artist and she didn’t want any help from me and did everything by herself. Hannah is quite artistic too but she welcomes my help. It’s weird how they are so different. I highly recommend this activity – My kids can’t wait to go back!
By Jessie 4
By Hannah 7
By Hannah and Jessie
By Nate 2
Add comment December 19, 2009
First Christmas Present
Nathan received his first Christmas present of 2009 at his Nana’s work Christmas Party. It was an awesome gift – a cute train that goes round and round on a track and sings the alphabet. He loved it!…then he discovered the box and all it’s wonderful possibilities – plus it came with a window! After 3 kids I now know that all they need is a ball, a stick … and a box - but I still get them gifts hoping to broaden their horizons – but slowly the gifts are pushed aside and the boxes become a mountain, a cave, a castle or a car. Remember that when you’re shopping. Children enjoy the simple stuff too.
Add comment December 16, 2009
My Little Artist
My son, who is 2 and a half, began drawing faces the other day – in particular “boys” as he calls them. I think he’s a genius because I’m his mother and I’m allowed. Thought I’d share his creations with the world…
TA DA!!
Add comment December 11, 2009
Natey “Scissorhands”
My sweet baby boy is only 2 and half and he has discovered how to use the scissors. Yeah – I let a 2 year old handle scissors. He’s my third – whatever keeps them busy! Anyways, I didn’t think he’d learn how to use them until I saw little bits of white paper everywhere – and I mean everywhere! Who says we’re not getting any snow this year?! Here’s where you decide if a clean house is worth shattering a huge accomplishment to a 2 year old child. He was so proud of himself and I was very proud of him even though it meant I needed to pull out my 200 pound vacuum and lug it to all 3 floors of my home (yes, he made it to every floor). Things can always be cleaned up and affirmation goes a long way even for a little 2 year old. Congratulations Natey!
Add comment December 3, 2009
Lotion in yur eye?
Okay – so Jessie is my funny one, my hilarious one. She just stands there and she’s funny. She’s even got one of those voices that either annoy you or just make you want to squeeze her and kiss her all over. (of course I feel the latter) She loves make-up and lotions and perfumes and often puts it on whenever she gets the urge. Well, this time she found some of my eye cream and took it too literally. She asked me beforehand what it was and I told her it was eye cream (duh!) I didn’t think she would put it right in her eye! I found her in the bathroom like this. She says to me. ” Mommy my eye keeps watering because of that lotion.” I guess she got tired holding up kleenex to her eye thus the tape. Very innovative don’t ya think? Oh well, at least it was low tack.
Add comment November 30, 2009
Magna Doodle Magic
Introducing my daughter, Jessie(age 4), The Magna Doodle Artist Supreme. This is her favourite toy and lately it’s been non-stop doodleing. I thought I’d capture a few of them because as quickly as they come they disappear. She’s even asking for another one this year for Christmas because she’s annoyed that her brother and sister would like to spread some magna doodle magic as well. I think it’s the best money I ever spent on a toy.
Crab on the Beach
Mermaidia
Penguins on Ice
Whale Fun!
Add comment November 18, 2009
