We love to colour in

We love to use google images to find pictures to colour in. Requests today include:

pig
goat
fairy

and a fish goat.

And yes there are pictures of fish goats....


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3858423810_bf4056a631_o.jpg

marshmallows in the living room

bringing the joys of flame cooking marshmallows to the living rooms of modern kids.

Family Dentist Appointment

Felix, Tilda and I ride the bus to the dentist. Felix is experienced and walks in with a sense of confidence, " I know all about the dentist" he announces to the receptionist, "I have been in the chair before. Tilda is quiet and is taking it all in, this is her first visit.

Felix egerly jumps int he chair and dons the sunglasses. 5 minute after a quick too the dentist is satisfied, " they look good" Phew I thought, we are a little relaxed with brushing teeth, although we had brushed them before we came.

It was now Tilda's turn.

She stared at the dentist with obvious judgment. Even the dentist recognised the suspisious look of a strong minded 3 year old. "I want to go in the chair" Tilda asserted. Without eye contact she sat in the chair. The dentist suggested that she open her mouth. Tilda ignored this request and continued to avoid looking at the dentist. 2 minutes in the chair and half a dozen request to open her mouth from the dentist Felix and I, Tilda decided that her go was over and promptly jumped out the chair and told me " it's your turn now...

My turn was involved 2 minutes of examination and the dentist gave me a clean bill of dental health, no fillings yet! We jumped on the bus to travel home and enjoyed some donuts with sugar on top!

Mamatoto- post read reflection

I was concern when pregnant the first time about having a natural birth. Fortunately I trusted my body, my partner and my midwife to have a natural first birth. Second time around I was so busy with a young toddler and trying to complete my studies that I had little time to think about it. I knew my body was going to birth my baby I would just have to trust it. And so my second was birth was natural too.

So what would a two time mother get from reading a birth and pregnancy book now?

Mamatoto was profound. I have found myself reconnecting with my birth experiences and gaining a better sense of self. While the mechanics of birth seem to be in order I do desire a better connection with my body to engage with the pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods. I hope that when I complete my birthing story (ie have the last baby) I am complete in mind and sprite and do not live in a state of what if I have another baby. Unfortunately a women's biological does not stop and we only have a small window of opportunity to have children and can not necessarily practice birth to perfection. This text has opened my eyes to the strength of women worldwide. I feel for women who do not experience birth as nature designed or can not have the number of children they desire. However I am equally strengthened knowing individuals with a deep sense of self and emotional intellect who have been able to resolve the negative emotions with being denied another baby due to infertility and I treasure them a friends.

A Letter

My heart pounds a letter from the primary school arrives. Did we get a place or have we missed out. My head spins. But I am relieved when I see there is the prep transition program inside. Wow my first baby is going to start school. Although a milestone he is ready as are we.

I wish I was going back to school. His new year is still based on play so no formal reading or writing, but instead school will foster a love for story and play. I did worry about this delayed reading and writing philosophy when I first encountered Steiner education readings, but now having educated myself in the philosophy I feel very confident that it is a wonderful way to start a child's education. Having studied education this year I have a new founded confidence in the Steiner philosophy and know it will complement our natural and gentle family framework.

We have shied away from the oppressive and rigid routines we have witnessed in other families and have opted to follow our instincts and adapted our choices to suit our children. I believe in doing so we have well grounded, confident and gentle children. I have no doubt that Felix will adjust to school and flourish in an environment where children are treasured as he has in our home where he is also treasured.

Agile and the family Day 1

WOW he just washed the dishes and now is asking what is next- a bath.

"I have moved the note mum what is the next one?"

A corporate management tool used to help preschooler to have a sense of control of their night at home. Thanks Michael!

Why I love my family

The spring air is filling me with joy as do my children and husband. I constantly think of them and will welcome them home any minute. The first embrace and hello will reconnect us after a day apart. As they get older my thoughts have move from the legistics of helping them to get dressed, eat and sleep to a more deep and profound one of them as people. I can't wait to talk about the ideas they have and the attitudes they are developing. I am so thankful that both Felix and Tilda are unique. Michael and I try to maintain that

"what is good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander".

We cringe when we witness parents asking their child to be more like another. I always internally ask myself "Why would you not want you child to be themselves?"

I feel alone sometimes. I wonder if anyone else sees the world of family the way I do. Thankfully my friends and community do appreciate that children learn to be themselves and I feel comfortable in allowing my child to express who they are even if society says that the is "bad behaviour".

Unfortunately some people do not appreciate this notion. I see my children draw back from possible positive relationships when they are instructed to conform. While I know that they have and will continue to form relationships my hope is that we all accept each other for who we are and not judge.