Almost Easter

We got through the Chirstmas holidays and now are eagerly awaiting spring, with all the wonderful sights and scents that come with this season of rebirth.

Pleasanlty, I am reminded of my Gramma taking me for a new Easter outfit each spring.  She worked at Eatons in downtown Toronto.  Back then, Eatons had a cafeteria and the bribe for me to try un dozens of dresses was lunch out.  She would let me push the tray around, collect my own sandwich, dessert and use the chocolate milk dispenser myself.  Now that might sound silly to some of you but it made me feel grown up.  After making my own decisions on what to eat and drink, I had to pay the lady at the cash, even though I was painfully shy. My Gramma was one smart cookie and knew I needed these experiences to get over my shyness, chocolate milk being the best part.

Tegan's mom, Chistina, has already gotten Tegan's Easter dress so I'll be searching for some other fun clothing.  We are commited to only buying from companies here in Canada or the US. Please Mum is a based out of Vancouver, Ontario. Tegan has a snowsuite from them and the quaility of their childens' clothing is excellent. Often they have fantasic sales both online and in their retail stores. If you sign up for the newsletter you will not miss a sales event.

Shoes!! Goodness but Tegan had 18 pair of shes before she  could even walk. That will be my next project, to find Canadian or US made shoes that are affordable. Say tuned for my next blog post.

Tegan's First Visit to the Library

This week Tegan and her mom, Christina, invited me along on Tegan's first visit to the library. Now some of you might be thinking, "So, what's the big deal?" Well Tegan is not quite 6 months old but she already understands that letters, words and pictures in books, are reaching out to her, telling her about the wonders of the world.

Her mom reads to her every night, so it's no wonder this little girl is already interested in books. That association with mom (or dad) and the closeness she feels with them while reading would be a powerful tool when encouraging a child to read.

The Library is located in a heritage building that used to be the old schoolhouse. It was quite a chilly, windy day for a walk but we could all use the fresh air. By the time we arrived, Tegan's button nose was a bit red, even though she was bundled up like a polar bear cub. The walk was all uphill and the wind wanted to blow right through our coats but we were on a mission and continued.

The children's section of the library was much bigger than I had anticipated and the shelves were filled with fantasies to suit the most discerning reader. Christina quickly went about looking for books for Tegan and then one for herself as Tegan and I browsed the books and chose one to read.

I sat on one of the wee chairs meant for someone much smaller. Tegan sat on my lap and was fascinated by the Disney story of Tramp the dog. Although, a few times she did think the book looked pretty tasty and I had to rescue it from her iron grip. You know, the age where everything gets tasted just in case it is food.

Next, we headed over to the computer and it was talking to us!! We sat down and watched as Green Eggs and Ham was told to us with wonderful, bright scenes and sound effects that fascinated Tegan. I felt like I could have recited the book from memory after reading to my kids so many times. It took me back to another time and place and the thoughts of my sons at Tegan's age made me smile inside and out.

By the time the story was over, Tegan was ready to leave. Christina checked out 5 books for Tegan and one for herself. We walked on back home with the wind at our backs and the sun was finally out and this time it was all downhill so a much faster trip. This was a marvellous adventure and the memory of it cherished.

So when you're looking for an activity for a rainy day, don't forget about your local library. Who knows what adventures await your grandchildren?

Hugz from,
Gramma