A Corner Table in My World

Online schooling starts this week from the kids’ schools. Princess had her first online class today. It sounded very interesting from the other room… at least there was a lot of talking and a lot of laughter. Which I’m going to assume are good things. Gamer Boy and Angel Face get back to things on Wednesday, with quick set up calls happening tomorrow with some of the teachers. Piano and singing lessons have already transitioned to online with Zoom , and through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube , and websites, dance classes are launching in earnest this week as well. And there are a number of online tours (zoo’s, museums, etc) that I’m looking forward to doing [you know, with the kids] over the next couple weeks too. What are some online tools you’ve already taken advantage of during your social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine time? What are some that you’re looking forward to taking advantage of in the coming weeks? Remember I promised some Corner Table Kitchen Adve...

As I’ve mentioned multiple times over the past year or so, the Corner Table Kids are becoming increasingly busy with extracurricular sports and activities – both through school and through community organizations. Heli Dad and I support and encourage their interests. We want them to be interested, active, happy, and healthy. And yes, as a result, we are ever-increasingly busy. Some parts of the year we’ve got one Kid or another at practice, meetings, games or tournaments every day of the week, and some weekends too.  Just this past Friday Angel Face and Princess both had games for their particular sports at the same exact time, but in two different towns… But you know what? We managed to get both of them where they needed to be, when they needed to be there, and though it required some extra communication and finagling of schedules with other family members, we did it. (Shout out and major thanks to Auntie Lil’ Sis and Uncle Mech Man!!) We did it because when our children...

The fall slipped past us all in a rush, filled with a variety of uncertainties, discoveries, excitement, fun and hope. We were busy - oh boy, were we busy, but our down time really was spent together and taking care of one another. We lucked out not to suffer to often or to greatly with any illnesses and despite some occasional aches and pains stemming from workplace or sport injuries, Heli Dad and all the kids made it through to the holiday season healthy, happy and intact.  As for me… Well, I told you all last spring that Heli Dad and I had finally decided to take a leap and try to conceive again. In the end it didn’t take too terribly long for it to happen either. In early September we began to consider the possibility that we may be pregnant again and by the later half of the month we had it confirmed - we were indeed growing another addition to the family. Because of my history with early term miscarriages and rough pregnancies, we told no one except our closest family me...

For most of the summer I continued to get up with Heli Dad in the mornings, simply to see him for a few minutes before he left for work for the day. Then I decided that if I only had a couple weeks left of summer holidays with the kids - aka: a couple weeks before I'd have to start getting the kids up and motivated in the mornings for school, I would spend them sleeping in. You know, mom sleeping in until 8:30 or 9am.  This week with back to school (check out the Corner Table Kids hamming it up for their first day of school picture) I've slowly managed to get myself back to getting up before Heli Dad leaves for work, if only to give him a hug and kiss goodbye. Which he appreciates and it's something I've come to realize is really important too - because honestly somedays that hug and kiss is one of only a couple intimate moments we have throughout the day. We've only finished the first week of school but already I can see that there are days that I'm going to be...

We’ve always tried to instill a love of a physically active life style in our kids. Whether it was bike rides in the neighborhood, swimming lessons, hiking in the mountains, gymnastics, football, or simply walking to the library instead of walking – we’ve tried to make sure that they are being active, trying new things, and having fun. Because, honestly, it sort of drives us crazy (as parents) when all the kids do is sit on their butts playing Minecraft or other video games, or watching TV or movies. And let’s be frank, the more I focus on my writing career and blogging gigs the worse I’m being as an example of what they should be doing to stay active – because I’m constantly reading a book (hardcopy or on a digital device), working on my iPad or iPhone, or sitting in front of my computer writing. Which is why I push for sports and physical literacy programs. And is why Heli-Dad (even though he loves going for hikes and bike rides with the kids on th...

Swimming is one of few activities that everyone in our family almost always enjoys. I personally love swimming, both as a fun activity and for exercise, and as my kids have been growing up its been one thing I've been pretty insistent on them learning to do safely and properly. (Especially as rafting/boating is one of Heli-Dads very favorite summertime activities with the kids!) Vistas like this are a daily find and you know, I LOVE that they love it so much. Swimming lessons have been one of the kids key summer programs over the years and this summer is no exception. This year Princess and Angel Face have elected to continue lessons after school starts too so they will be logging pool hours like crazy this fall. Actually we probably all will be at the pool a lot because the kids convinced grandma to spring for a swim pass for the family and they are determined we will use it atleast once a week, if not more.  While the girls will be swimming (and possibly more) t...

Summer sports and activities have always been a cinch in our family - swimming, rafting, hiking, biking, camping, etc... There's never been a shortage of things to do or new things to try during the summer.  But Winter - those long, cold months that (especially in Canada) can seem to stretch endlessly on, have consistently posed a problem. The kids enjoy tobogganing , especially at the farm, and sledding usually includes some minor fort and snowman building , but that only uses up a couple hours and while it can be fun Heli Dad and I only enjoy this type of cold day play for short bursts.  Not to mention that the kids inevitably argue over the best sleds, the best method of building a snow home, or the correct and best way to accessorize the snow people.  And those are just arguments that neither Heli Dad or I want to stick our (by then) freezing noses into. We've tried ice skating ... A couple times.  Princess liked it right off.  Gamer Boy eventually de...

I've mentioned several times over the last couple months (in my posts and on Facebook) that I've been planning and working on something (BIG) that was going to change a great many things for my family, my kids and husband, for myself and for the community/region that we live in...  I've said that an official announcement would be coming when I had certain things lined up and some other things sorted out...  I've made vague references and given hints...   And now it's time! So here's the story:  With so many years of experience, so much passion for the sports involved, and so much desire to share my interests and that passion with others in my community, I finally gathered my courage and am taking the leap.  Starting Fall 2013 my facility - Zephyr Athletic Arts Inc. - will be offering competitive and recreational programs in Gymnastics, Dance and All Star Cheerleading!   As of now we can be found on Facebook and Twitter, though the center's ...