Hope and Change

I do not follow politics enough to feel that I can comment on what happened yesterday. But I know what I feel, hope and change, and a feeling so great that I was able to witness history as the first African-American was elected president of the United States. Maya Angelou was a guest on one of the channels that I was watching early this morning, and recited this poem. I thought it was so fitting. I wish the best to my neighbours.

When did that happen?

Princess came back from school today with the proofs of her school picture. I really don't know how the photographers manage to get the kids to give them such cheesy smiles. Fairy and Dragon were just as forced looking, lol. Anyway, my post wasn't about the quality of the photography, but to comment on my reaction when I first looked at her pictures. I thought she looked so much older...when did that happen? Our baby is not a baby anymore!

I had a harder time than the kids, adjusting to the three of them starting school. One of my cousins put it so clearly. She said, of course you would have a hard time, it's not just one kid that started school, like most parents have to deal with (unless you have twins, or triplets...) but all three children started at the same time. It's a big void!

One month later, though, I am happy to report that I am doing much better. And after giving this month for the children to adjust to their new routine, we have started adding some before and after school "stuff". Fairy does her Growing with Grammar in the morning, while Dragon does his Singapore Math. In the afternoon, when they come back, after a snack and some playtime, we planned a different subject for each day of the week. Subjects that they chose, World History, Canadian History, Pet Store Math, and Art.

Book Sharing Sunday

I am still reading and enjoying Eldest, just a little slower than usual in my reading...I thought I would share this with you tonight.

"They would stop and huddle underneath a tree until the storm abated, but even then water cached in the myriad branches would, at the slightest provocation, shower them with droplets for hours afterward." Eldest, Christopher Paolini.

Black & White November

I am feeling a push towards being creative this month, so I thought I would join this photography project by Springtreeroad. I made the switch on my digital camera, so every picture that I take this month will be in black & white. I started right away by snapping a picture of Fairy's cat, Clara...

Novel writing challenge starts today!

I had decided to stay up last night until midnight to start NaNoWriMo, but I didn't make it...I ran in the afternoon, my longest distance so far (12km) and was too tired to make it past 10pm!

This morning, after answering countless times "no, you can't have candy for breakfast", I found a little bit of time to myself. I did give in to the candy after their breakfast! The kids had a few friends over, so I wasn't sure how that would go but I sat down at the computer, looked over my ideas that I had written out in October, and started typing. I had noticed that I could do a word count on the word processor I am using. So after a while, curiosity got the better of me and I clicked on word count...2437 words! Wow! It didn't seem that bad!

Then after lunch, the kids asked to go and play outside with their friends...geez...that was a tough decision! Yes! Go ahead! They need to work out all that sugar anyway, and it's a beautiful day. And I need to take these moments when they come...so back to my desk I went and now my word count is at 4254!

One thing I found interesting is that even though I had a rough idea of the story I was creating, putting the words on paper has changed the story along the way a little bit, and that is what I find interesting, seeing the story unfold right before my eyes. It is only the first day, but I am really enjoying this. I will let you know if I still feel the same way by the end of the month!