We love our kids. It goes without saying it. But how often do you say it?
This topic came up recently with some friends and we got into talking about how adorable it is when our kiddies tell us they love us.
It melts my heart to hear my little ones tell me, randomly and out of the blue, "mommy, I love you". I don't think there is anything that anyone could say that would make my heart smile more than that.
So it got me thinking, how much do I tell my kids I love them? The answer, A LOT!
I catch myself telling them how much they are loved all the time. Not just at night before bed, not just when I am leaving them to go out, but all the time. Maybe too much. But is there really too much when it comes to telling your kids you love them? I don't think so!
The three little words I whisper to my kids when we are snuggling, or that I say through giggles as we play, or that I say just out of the blue as I give them a hug for no reason at all, are just as important to me as they are for them.
I hear my 4 and half year old say it to her baby brother and her older sister. I hear my oldest tell her little siblings. I hear my kids say it to their grandparents and their aunt whenever we see them.
Whether they are aware of it or not, they are warming everyone's hearts with those words.
As long as I am their mom, no matter how old they get, I will always tell them I love them as often as I can and for no reason at all other than simply because I can and because I do.
So to my kiddies, I love you!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Family Literacy Day Fun!
Family Literacy Day was a great way to remind people of the importance of reading with our kids.
It is so important to make sure our kids find a love for reading and learning. What better way to help your kids than reading with them daily! The time you get to spend with your kids enjoy some stories is precious! They are only little for so long and then they will be reading on their own!
Our momstown tots celebrated with some crafts based around early literacy. The first start to reading for kids is learning their alphabet and the sounds the letters make.
The kids made an ABC book. They had large foam letters for A B and C and then a variety of pictures that started with those letters.
The kids coloured in the pictures and then cut them out (why not throw in some fine motor skill practice while teaching them to ready!).
Once they had their pictures cut out they matched them up to the letters they started with.
The kids sat for so long making their books and were all proud of themselves!!!
Here are some everyday tips on Family Literacy from ABC Life Literacy Canada
• Ensure your child knows that how well they read or write has
nothing to do with their intelligence. Every person is intelligent
in their own way and each person is unique and needs to learn in
the way that best suits them. With practice, your child will
become a good reader.
• The television can be used as a tool. After your child watches a
television show or an episode, talk to them about it. Ask them
questions like, “What was your favourite part?” or “What was the
episode trying to teach the audience?” This reinforces media literacy skills, a medium
that is encompassing our lives today.
• Don’t lose sight of the fact that children model behaviour they see. Ensure that your
child sees you reading, whether it’s the newspaper, the mail or a recipe. This shows
your child how important it is to read.
• While reading a story to your child, pause to ask them what they predict will happen
next or have them summarize what has happened in the story thus far. Good readers
think about what they are reading and this will reinforce critical thinking skills.
• Today’s children, particularly teens, are influenced by music. Have your child read
the lyrics to their favourite song. When your child hears the song, the will visualize
the lyrics they read. Visualization is a reading skill and this helps develop the skill.
• All reading is good reading. If your child is a reluctant reader, allow them to read
comics, a graphic novel, a magazine or an instruction manual for their favourite sport.
They will be introduced to new words, sentence structure, and they will engage their
brains with new ideas and information.
It is so important to make sure our kids find a love for reading and learning. What better way to help your kids than reading with them daily! The time you get to spend with your kids enjoy some stories is precious! They are only little for so long and then they will be reading on their own!
Our momstown tots celebrated with some crafts based around early literacy. The first start to reading for kids is learning their alphabet and the sounds the letters make.
The kids made an ABC book. They had large foam letters for A B and C and then a variety of pictures that started with those letters.
The kids coloured in the pictures and then cut them out (why not throw in some fine motor skill practice while teaching them to ready!).
Once they had their pictures cut out they matched them up to the letters they started with.
The kids sat for so long making their books and were all proud of themselves!!!
Here are some everyday tips on Family Literacy from ABC Life Literacy Canada
• Ensure your child knows that how well they read or write has
nothing to do with their intelligence. Every person is intelligent
in their own way and each person is unique and needs to learn in
the way that best suits them. With practice, your child will
become a good reader.
• The television can be used as a tool. After your child watches a
television show or an episode, talk to them about it. Ask them
questions like, “What was your favourite part?” or “What was the
episode trying to teach the audience?” This reinforces media literacy skills, a medium
that is encompassing our lives today.
• Don’t lose sight of the fact that children model behaviour they see. Ensure that your
child sees you reading, whether it’s the newspaper, the mail or a recipe. This shows
your child how important it is to read.
• While reading a story to your child, pause to ask them what they predict will happen
next or have them summarize what has happened in the story thus far. Good readers
think about what they are reading and this will reinforce critical thinking skills.
• Today’s children, particularly teens, are influenced by music. Have your child read
the lyrics to their favourite song. When your child hears the song, the will visualize
the lyrics they read. Visualization is a reading skill and this helps develop the skill.
• All reading is good reading. If your child is a reluctant reader, allow them to read
comics, a graphic novel, a magazine or an instruction manual for their favourite sport.
They will be introduced to new words, sentence structure, and they will engage their
brains with new ideas and information.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Kicking the Big C in the butt!!!
Yesterday I took part in a genetics clinic for Breast Cancer research.
Breast Cancer is a cause that I hold dear to heart. This disease came into my life when I was just a teen, and everyday I am thankful for the research that is done because everyday I get to talk to my mom.
17 years ago my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. 17 years ago she made the choice to fight. 17 years ago she had her lump removed and went through chemo and radiation.
17 years ago cancer had its butt kicked by my mom.
It was ironic that in the same month that she celebrates another year cancer free that I participated in the clinic.
It was so interesting to learn how they are tracking cancer rates, tracking the rate of sporadic vs hereditary cancer and how researchers fight to find more strains of the gene that can cause cancer.
I get my mammograms annually, and thankfully, as I sit at the same age my mom was when she was diagnosed, I am cancer free. I am grateful to be so, and grateful to have my mom around today, and this is why I will do my part to help with the research that can one day save someone elses' mom.
Like my mom said today, because she fought, she got to have 17 more birthdays, 17 more anniversaries, watch her teens turn into women and meet all 3 of beautiful grandchildren.
She fought and she kicked cancers butt!
Breast Cancer is a cause that I hold dear to heart. This disease came into my life when I was just a teen, and everyday I am thankful for the research that is done because everyday I get to talk to my mom.
17 years ago my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. 17 years ago she made the choice to fight. 17 years ago she had her lump removed and went through chemo and radiation.
17 years ago cancer had its butt kicked by my mom.
It was ironic that in the same month that she celebrates another year cancer free that I participated in the clinic.
It was so interesting to learn how they are tracking cancer rates, tracking the rate of sporadic vs hereditary cancer and how researchers fight to find more strains of the gene that can cause cancer.
I get my mammograms annually, and thankfully, as I sit at the same age my mom was when she was diagnosed, I am cancer free. I am grateful to be so, and grateful to have my mom around today, and this is why I will do my part to help with the research that can one day save someone elses' mom.
Like my mom said today, because she fought, she got to have 17 more birthdays, 17 more anniversaries, watch her teens turn into women and meet all 3 of beautiful grandchildren.
She fought and she kicked cancers butt!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Who doesn't love a parfait!
Every month we hold a Mini Chefs event for our little bakers.
This month I chose a delicious and healthy snack for the kiddies. I thought it was simple and not too exciting, but the kids were beyond excited!
Our recipe of choice this month, Yogurt Parfaits!
We had some super delicious French Vanilla Yogurt, chopped strawberries and bananas and a surprise topping!
The kids filled their cups with yogurt, added bananas and strawberries and layered on some more yogurt and fruit.
As if they weren't excited enough about their healthy and delicious snack, I brought out my surprise topping! Cookies and Crumbs, mmmmmm!
Presidents choice makes these delicious ice cream toppings and I thought that the Cookies and Cream would be a perfect addition to our Yogurt Parfait!
The kids loved it. Some more than others... my son wanted to eat just the cookie topping once that came out!
I have to admit, I thought this was going to be a boring and all too easy snack, but the kids had a blast making their snack and even more fun eating it!
One little miss loved it so much she had a second one!
This month I chose a delicious and healthy snack for the kiddies. I thought it was simple and not too exciting, but the kids were beyond excited!
Our recipe of choice this month, Yogurt Parfaits!
We had some super delicious French Vanilla Yogurt, chopped strawberries and bananas and a surprise topping!
The kids filled their cups with yogurt, added bananas and strawberries and layered on some more yogurt and fruit.
As if they weren't excited enough about their healthy and delicious snack, I brought out my surprise topping! Cookies and Crumbs, mmmmmm!
Presidents choice makes these delicious ice cream toppings and I thought that the Cookies and Cream would be a perfect addition to our Yogurt Parfait!
The kids loved it. Some more than others... my son wanted to eat just the cookie topping once that came out!
I have to admit, I thought this was going to be a boring and all too easy snack, but the kids had a blast making their snack and even more fun eating it!
One little miss loved it so much she had a second one!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Winter Blahs
fHere we are, the middle of January. It's been a weird winter. Not too cold, not too much snow, barely any actually and just plain strange.
While here in Barrie we are usually under a few feet of snow and freezing our buns of in the minues temps, we have experienced not much snow, more days in the plus, and lots of rain. Yet still, I think many of us are gettin the winter blahs.
Stuck inside, not enough sunshine, bored with our activity options and this year, confused about what each day will bring weather wise.
Don't let winter by your enemy!
There are many ways to kick the blahs away and have fun with your kids!!
momstown posts hundreds of crafts for you to enjoy, check out some of the recent crafts for winter!
Snowflakes, we all remember making snowflakes in school, why not make a snowflake ribbon!
Or how about a fun canvas painting of snowmen!
Need some snacks while having fun with the kids? Why not make some yummy Peanut Butter and Banana muffins! or some seriously delicious Caramel Smore's Cups!
Of course the best way to beat the winter blahs is by getting out of the house and having fun with others! Be sure to join momstown for all the fun still to come this month and beyond!
While here in Barrie we are usually under a few feet of snow and freezing our buns of in the minues temps, we have experienced not much snow, more days in the plus, and lots of rain. Yet still, I think many of us are gettin the winter blahs.
Stuck inside, not enough sunshine, bored with our activity options and this year, confused about what each day will bring weather wise.
Don't let winter by your enemy!
There are many ways to kick the blahs away and have fun with your kids!!
momstown posts hundreds of crafts for you to enjoy, check out some of the recent crafts for winter!
Snowflakes, we all remember making snowflakes in school, why not make a snowflake ribbon!
Or how about a fun canvas painting of snowmen!
Need some snacks while having fun with the kids? Why not make some yummy Peanut Butter and Banana muffins! or some seriously delicious Caramel Smore's Cups!
Of course the best way to beat the winter blahs is by getting out of the house and having fun with others! Be sure to join momstown for all the fun still to come this month and beyond!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Literacy Day is This Month!
Reading with our kids is the most important thing we can do with them to help them learn and grow.
On January 27th, we will celebrate Literacy Day. A day dedicate to the importance and power of reading!
momstown is dedicated to enhancing and encouraging the love of readying with the kiddies through our curriculum with a strong partnership with Scholastic Canada and our monthly event Tales for Tots.
Books are a great way to teach your kids, spend time with them and enjoy them. Reading a book with a child is so rewarding in so many ways.
At home I read with my kids daily. I love the giggles as we get to funny parts, or the surprise as we get to the top of a plot, or the excitement when they relate to what the story is.
I love listening to the kids read books themselves, when they actually aren't yet reading, but making up the story based on the pictures or what they remember you reading from that book. Little minds are so creative!!!
I remember watching my oldest learn to read and recognize words, and eventually read books to me. Now, 9 years late, with my middle one in JK and showing an increased interest in learning to read, it amazes me all over again how their little minds work to figure out words.
There are a million toys and activities kids can do, but reading is the best!
On January 27th, we will celebrate Literacy Day. A day dedicate to the importance and power of reading!
momstown is dedicated to enhancing and encouraging the love of readying with the kiddies through our curriculum with a strong partnership with Scholastic Canada and our monthly event Tales for Tots.
Books are a great way to teach your kids, spend time with them and enjoy them. Reading a book with a child is so rewarding in so many ways.
At home I read with my kids daily. I love the giggles as we get to funny parts, or the surprise as we get to the top of a plot, or the excitement when they relate to what the story is.
I love listening to the kids read books themselves, when they actually aren't yet reading, but making up the story based on the pictures or what they remember you reading from that book. Little minds are so creative!!!
I remember watching my oldest learn to read and recognize words, and eventually read books to me. Now, 9 years late, with my middle one in JK and showing an increased interest in learning to read, it amazes me all over again how their little minds work to figure out words.
There are a million toys and activities kids can do, but reading is the best!
Monday, January 2, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Happy New Year everyone!
I still can't believe that an entire had gone by so fast and that 2011 was over! It was a such a great year with so many memories made and so many new friends!
Last year brought momstown Barrie lots of joy. We had so many new members join us and fall in love with all that we are, we had many new partners join us and help the train keep moving forward and we made a difference in the lives of many people.
For 2012, momstown Barrie is looking to continue on this path with new events, new friends, new partners and new fun!
What better way to spend a year than by making memories, meeting new people and watching the kiddies grow?
This year momstown will be turning 5. It's hard to believe that it's already been 5 years! We can guarantee you a rockin' year full of celebrations as we enjoy this milestone and share our pride with you.
Happy New Year everyone!
I still can't believe that an entire had gone by so fast and that 2011 was over! It was a such a great year with so many memories made and so many new friends!
Last year brought momstown Barrie lots of joy. We had so many new members join us and fall in love with all that we are, we had many new partners join us and help the train keep moving forward and we made a difference in the lives of many people.
For 2012, momstown Barrie is looking to continue on this path with new events, new friends, new partners and new fun!
What better way to spend a year than by making memories, meeting new people and watching the kiddies grow?
This year momstown will be turning 5. It's hard to believe that it's already been 5 years! We can guarantee you a rockin' year full of celebrations as we enjoy this milestone and share our pride with you.
Happy New Year everyone!
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