Bookmark the Read-a-Thon
Author: jill
•9:57 PM
Today was the Read-a-Thon at my kids' school. When I was a kid, I LOVED the Read-a-Thon. I would make such an earnest effort to read as many books as I could in the prescribed time. Do you hear that? That is Jonesy chuckling ... he was probably too busy playing road hockey to read books for his school's Read-a-Thon. But I don't care ... I loved to read and it was something I could excel in. 'Cause I was NOT very athletic.

I wanted to mark the occasion by doing something nice for the teachers and my kids' classes. Afterall, I have my own little personal Read-a-Thon happening. So I decided to make everyone bookmarks. Every serious reader needs a bookmark, and it is never too early to become a serious reader. Anyhow, bookmarks can be used for lots of projects ... not just while reading novels.

I use bookmarks to mark favourite recipes in my cookbooks. And, I use bookmarks to save the page while working on my latest knitting or crochet project.

I have developed a neat way to make bookmarks that last. It's really fun for kids and crafty adults. Make one for yourself, or for your grandchildren or for a friend. And, it is super easy for kids to do, too.

The first thing you need to consider is the paper. Choose a heavy weight cardstock and I have found that paper with a pattern works best. Maybe something floral, or theme-related. I love me&myBiGideas ... they have lots of different specialty cardstock. The heavier the weight, the better quality the bookmark. I chose a school-related theme for my bookmarks.


After you choose your paper, gather the rest of your "gredients," as Addie C. would say. You will need Modge Podge, a paint brush of some kind, a rolling pin, and some newspaper or parchment paper, if you care to protect your table. If you have not used Modge Podge before, it is glue. It is so easy to use and you can do so many things with it, as you will see. I also suggest having some wet wipes close by for easy clean up because your fingers can get a little goopy.


Cut your bookmarks into the size you want. You will need one for the front-side and one for the back. I made mine 2-inches by 6-inches. I happen to have a rotary cutter and a large ruler - this made the cutting part much easier. If you do not know what a rotary cutter is, you should probably just visit your local bookstore and buy yourself a bookmark.


Basically you just want to glue the two pieces of paper together using the Modge Podge. Using your paint brush, run a strip of glue down the centre of the paper. Place one strip of paper over the other, and use the rolling pin to press the two pieces of paper together. Some glue might squish out the sides, but that's okay; just wipe it away with some papertowel. There is no need to be precise at this point. There is something about using a rolling pin to ensure the paper is flat ... it makes a better bookmark. Trust me.

Yes, this gluing part can take some time. But, put on your i-Pod and the time will go much quicker. The first couple are really fun, but if you are making a batch, invest in the time to charge up your i-Pod battery.


Let the bookmark dry thoroughly ... it shouldn't take too long. And, while it is drying, you can think of ways to embellish it. You could use stickers or cut out paper yourself to make the design you want. For this project, I cut out words from some cardstock. Now, don't go all crazy. I think I have mentioned before that it is difficult for me to just sit in front of the television and watch it. So, if I'm watching a movie, I need something to do. Sometimes I cut paper for future craft projects. In this particular case, while watching the Canadians kick some butt during the Olympics, I prepared for the Read-a-Thon.



Now, you must be thinking that it looks like I had too many adornments. Not really, because I made about 50 bookmarks; so, I needed a lot of stuff to make them look cool. Just take your decorations and position them the way you want on the bookmark. Once you are happy, glue them with the Modge Podge.



Get creative ... this is suppose to be fun!!

At the same time, add a layer of Modge Podge over the top. Don't be shy, but at the same time ... be reasonable. Do not let it be goopy or globbed in any particular area ... this is the part that young children might need help with. The Modge Podge will provide a protective coating, and although it is very forgiving, you do not want it look lumpy. Then let it dry.


This is the boring part ... waiting for them to dry. But once they are dry, you get to flip them over and paint a layer of Modge Podge onto the other side. But, then you have to wait for it dry again. Now, the advantage to doing a very large number of bookmarks, like I did, is that by the time you have given them all a coat, the first ones are ready to flipped and coated AGAIN. In fact, you can repeat this process many times. Give them as many coats as you have time to give - the more coats, the more sturdy. For the project I just completed, each side got two coats of Modge Podge, and I think they are pretty good.

The final thing you want to do is trim the ends ... to make them look super professional, of course. Use pinking shears or some other fancy scissors.



And then, enjoy your new bookmarks.

Give them as a gift, with an awesome new book - the recipient will appreciate the gesture of something homemade, along with something you recommend - like a favourite novel or cookbook. In fact, any teacher would love a new bookmark with at gift certificate from Chapters/Indigo as a parting gift in June.

I would. Wouldn't you?

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Gardening with the Jones'
Author: jill
•6:51 PM
There is a reason the Jones' do not enjoy gardening.

For us, gardening is something that we have to do. Cutting the grass, trimming the bushes, watering, fertilizing ... these are things we do because we have to, not because we enjoy them.

And often when we do these things, something goes wrong. Once, after gardening, I pulled the muscles in my back and was horizontal for a week ... a week of vacation. Ugh. I have over-trimmed those aforementioned bushes. I have forgotten to water planters ... I have over-watered planters. I have neglected to even put in planters.

Today, Jonesy did some gardening. He cut our Cable wire trying to dig up some weeds. I know what you are thinking ... you are shocked that we would have weeds. But, we do. Well, not any more because he dug them up ... along with our Cable wire.

So, we are now without technology ... no television, no land line phone service, no Internet. It could be sort of freeing ... but not on the twenty-nineth day of a personal goal to blog every day for an entire month. This, my friends, is life with the Jones'. Nothing is easy. Nothing.

But Jonesy came to the rescue, as he usually does in emergencies. Because this was an emergency for me. I wanted to meet my goal ... I just wanted to meet one goal I had set for myself. Jonesy suggested that we go out for supper, to a restaurant that offered free WiFi.

Now do you see why I married him? Working toward my goal and not having to cook supper. This whole "cutting the Cable" thing has definitely worked out to be in my favour.

So, as I type this, the Jones family is enjoying a not very relaxing supper at Bubi's Awesome Eats. Jonesy is trying to entertain the kids by counting as fast as he can. The waitress keeps looking at us with that "Don't-Your-Kids-Need-to-Get-Home-to-Bed" look. Not until I get this post done, lady. Not. Until. This. Post. Is. Done.

In the meantime, there will be no more gardening for Jonesy until May 1st ... which will be fine with him, I'm sure.
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Do You Know Why Reading is Important?
Author: jill
•9:08 PM
Last night, while eating supper, Caiden had a question. Caiden has many questions ... but that is another story for another day.

"Mom, do you know why reading is important?" he asked.

"No, I don't. Why don't you tell me," I answered him. I love to hear my kids' perspectives on the world.

"Well, it's important because you get to learn new words," he explained. "Like ... words you have never used before."

"That is very true," I agreed. "Reading can really help expand your vocabulary." He smiled, happy to have found something we agree upon - it is important to Caiden that we are like-minded.

I went on to tell him that when I was a child, I read all the time. And, because I read all the time, I was reading novels at an early age. But, sometimes, I did not know what the words meant; that is, there were times that I could not define specific words. However, I always got the gist. Caiden found this interesting.

"You mean, you didn't know what every word meant?" he asked. When we read together, he ALWAYS stops me if he has not heard the word before or is unsure of its meaning. Always. He is a perfectionist and an avid learner, and so he must always know the answer. This is not always a good thing.

"Nope."

"Well, how did you know what the story was about?" he wanted to know.

"Well, I would read the whole sentence or paragraph and come to an understanding of what the writer was trying to describe," I explained. There are many ways to learn and I think that I benefited greatly from developing the ability to get the gist. You do not have to understand every single word to understand the message or to get the point.

Caiden is eight years old and an extraordinary reader. He thinks that the other children in his class are pathetic readers, but what he doesn't understand is that there are many adults who do not read aloud as well as he does. He reads with inflection and emphasis ... I love listening to him.

So why does he insist on me reading to him each night? He doesn't need me to read his story anymore, and he doesn't need my help to learn to read. And yet, he insists that we read together each night.

In just about any situation, I have found that if you want to know the answer to a question, the best way to find out ... is to just ask. So I did. And do you know what he said? "Because I like to have time with only you and me. It's our special time, Mommy."

Now, you can't really argue with that, can you?

And, I love that he is articulate enough to put it into words - at the age of eight years old.

I recently read an article in the New York Times about the importance of reading with your child. And, as Caiden pointed out, it's not just to teach your child to read ... it is important for many different reasons.

The article tells the story of a single father, with two daughters, who just happens to be a Librarian. When his oldest daughter was in the 4th Grade, she announced that she no longer wanted to read with her Dad. Jim Brozina was heart-broken and became determined to find a way to keep his younger daughter, Kristen, interested in reading with him. So, when she entered into Grade 4, he came up with The Streak ... a challenge to read together for 100 bedtimes in a row. While celebrating their success over pancakes, Kristen suggested that they extend The Streak ... to 1000 nights. And, when they eventually met that goal, it seemed impossible to stop.

So, Jim Brozina and his daughter, Kristen, read together every single night from November 11, 1997 until September 2, 2006 - Kristen's first day of College. She has gone on to win National writing contests and has been accepted into the Masters in Liberal Arts program at the University of Pennsylvania. He continues to spread the good news about the importance of reading. To read the entire New York Times article, click here. It is a wonderful story.

The one thing that stands out in my mind, however, is that when everything else was crazy or unpredictable in her life, Kristen could alway count on The Streak. It was a constant. And sometimes, children need that reassurance. Let's be honest, we can all use some things in our lives that we can count on.

It is a really simple thing - reading each night - but it held such an importance in Brozina family. Such importance, in fact, that they each made many sacrifices to keep their nightly ritual.

So, when you read to your child each night, know that it is about more than just the reading part. They look forward to spending time with you. And they remember it as special time you spent together.

So, do you know why reading is important?
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Pleasantly Surprised
Author: jill
•11:03 AM
I think it is fair to say that I do not like surprises.

I am a planner. I make lists, I plan my days, I set goals. I do not fly by the seat of my pants and I do not wait to see what the day brings. I plan it. Or, I try to and when something unexpected happens, usually I am not thrilled about it.

What if someone showed up on my doorstep with a cheque for $1million, you ask? Surely, I could deal with that kind of surprise, right? Of course, I would be thrilled, but I would secretly wish that I had known they were coming ... you know, so I could prepare myself a little.

But sometimes, it is nice to be pleasantly surprised. And yesterday, I was.

You might recall that I entered a blogging contest in March ... I had to write about that which made me passionate. I wrote about words. And, although I did not make the Top 10, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have made some great connections with other mommy bloggers.

But I also learned about the wonderful women who make up Mabel's Labels. I am not just referring to the company, but to the individuals as well.

Shortly after the Top 10 list was announced, I received an email from Caitlin Madden at Mabel's. She wanted to thank me for entering the contest, and as a thank you Mabel's was offering to send me some free labels. Shouldn't I be thanking them for the opportunity?

I was thrilled ... because, since you already know that I like to make lists, surely you can appreciate that I love to label stuff, too. With cute pink and purple princess labels. Marnie assisted in our selection and we had fun picking out the perfect ones.

Yesterday, my package of free labels arrived - which was not a surprise. But guess what? Caitlin sent a hand-written note. A hand-written note? I didn't think anyone in the business world knew what a hand-written note was anymore ... not with e-mail and fax and Facebook and Twitter and all the other ways of communication. I honestly cannot remember the last time someone sent me a hand-written note ... in the mail ... especially from a business. Wait ... once an insurance company or a bank sent me something to sign, with a Post-It note indicating the spots I needed my signature or my initial ...

In any case, this small gesture reinforced my initial feelings about this company. It should not be forgotten that personalized attention along with those special touches are important in a business environment that thrives on e-mail and fax and the Internet. I can assure you that will receive personalized attention when dealing with Mabel's Labels. Somebody has surely taught Mabel the importance of good ol' fashioned manners!

In reality, it seems to me that I should be the one sending the "Thank You" note. It was Mabel's Labels who offered me the opportunity to write and offer some exposure to my website. And Mabel had to promote the contest and read all the entries and organize the entries and correspond with all the crazy mommy bloggers. She did all the work and the part I contributed ... the writing ... that was the fun part. So really, I should be the one saying thanks.

So, Mabel, and especially Caitlin ... consider this post my thank you. I hope that if even a couple of people who read this come to appreciate your product as much as I do, it will help to support your business.



Check out Mabel's Labels sometime ... it's an Ontario based business run by Moms for Moms.
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The Grabby Lunch
Author: jill
•2:20 PM
On Sunday morning, we always have The Big Breakfast. It is a breakfast that is very big. Sometimes it is waffles and bacon; other times it freshly baked cinnamon buns and ham; freshly juiced fruits or fruit salad. Yesterday we had it all - eggs, peameal bacon, two kinds of toast, and some leftover grilled potatoes made excellent fried potatoes.

But it was not on the table until after nine o'clock. And when the first meal of the day was finished, we all agreed that our tummies were very full.

So, when the Noon hour arrived nobody was very hungry. Well, nobody except for Addie C. but she is always hungry, so we don't really take her opinion very seriously around here. I made an executive decision and declared it was a perfect day for the The Grabby Lunch.

I wish that I had come up the concept and the expression ... The Grabby Lunch. But I didn't ...Jonesy did. While I painstakingly try to create fun, interesting and new meals that everyone will eat and still maintain a high health quotient, he throws a bunch of different food items on the table, calls it The Grabby Lunch and becomes a culinary hero. But it is a great idea, so I jumped on board and make use of it all the time.

It is an hors d'oeuvres party for kids ... and it doubles as a meal. Make hors d'oeuvre size platters of food, and let your children pick what they want to eat. Choose all fingers foods that do not require a fork or spoon ... otherwise it is just too messy to be included in The Grabby Lunch. You have to be able to grab it and eat it. Things like cheese, lunch meat or leftover slices of meat, cubes of fruit, pickles, crackers, nacho chips, fresh vegies - they all work great. Yesterday I made a black bean dip and sometimes I use leftovers from the day/night before. Pizza cut into bite-sized pieces, chicken wings, whole baby roasted potatoes ... anything you like, as long as it is "grabby."

And, if it is planned ahead, you can include some things that your kids have never tried before ... like exotic cheeses, or tropical fruits, or a cracker other than Ritz. Why not use those fancy toothpicks? The kids will feel like they are at a party ... even if it is just a regular ol' rainy Sunday afternoon.

Place the platters on your coffee table and turn on a family movie. Your kids will think you are the coolest. Have a glass of wine or a fancy cocktail while the kids drink their juice boxes and sample Luneberg cheese from Austria. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours with the most important little people in your life.



My kids absolutely love The Grabby Lunch ... try it sometime.
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Loyal and With Purpose
Author: jill
•12:34 PM
Every year I wait, hoping it will happen again.

In the Spring of 2005, a family moved in with us ... just for a little while. A family of birds, that is. We watched as a pair of robins built their nest on our front window ledge ... way up high over the front door. Luckily for me - I mean, the kids - the nest was easy to see from inside the house. And so, we watched while they worked.

We watched as they came and went, returning proudly with each new treasure - a clump of grass, a trail of string. They were a skittish pair, fleeing from their nest whenever we happened near the front door. Especially the Daddy - he trusted nobody.

The activity around the nest settled into a quiet hush and one day there were three little blue eggs. I know this because I pulled over the table in our foyer to use as a ladder, so that I could peek inside. I did this so many times, Jonesy started to wonder about me. But, wouldn't you? Look at the eggs, I mean.

The Mama Bird would sit on those eggs ... loyal and with purpose. She was there day and night, rainy or sunshiney. She was there when I went to bed at night and she was the first one to greet me on my way down the stairs in the morning. And, if by chance, I was awakened in the middle of the night, because somebody had a scary dream, there she was, sitting on her eggs ... loyal and with purpose.

As time went on, things changed between the Mama bird and me. I talked to her. I know, it seems a little strange. I didn't tell her my darkest secrets or anything - I'm not crazy. I just greeted her with a "Hello, Mama" and told her what a great mommy she was. And soon, she never flew away when I was around. In fact, she watched me with the same interest I took in her. If Jonesy even looked at the foyer, she would leave her nest, keeping watch from the tree close by. But not me ... it seemed as though we had come to an agreement. Two mommies, looking after their babies. A commom kindred spirit.

So, there she sat for days and days, until one morning I noticed Daddy bringing some worms. A baby had arrived. I was lucky enough to actually watch one of the babies poke through the blue shell, watch as a life began. Soon there were three babies ... but they were not beauties. They were scrawny and pink and there were no feathers to be found. But I still loved them.

As the days went by, instead of being greeted by my Mama bird each morning, I was instead greeted by three little beaks poking over the top of the nest ... never satisfied. Mama and Papa frantically searched to find worms or bugs and whatever else would quiet those little beaks. And those same three little beaks were poking over the top of that nest if I was awakened in the middle of the night by somebody's bad dream. But Mama and Papa arrived routinely ... loyal and with purpose.

Soon there were three little round fluff balls poking over the top of the nest. And it became apparent, that their time to leave was approaching. My heart was heavy because I had come to adore each of them ... our little family of visitors. One morning, there was a great deal of activity on the front porch. Two of the three babies had taken that great leap of faith, while the third watched hesitantly from the nest. He tried to do it ... throw caution to the wind and take that big leap ... but eventually cowered back to the safety of the nest. Some are so hesitant to leave, aren't they? Mama and Papa had the two brave babies on our front lawn, trying to keep them safe until they found their wings. They were hopping and jumping, until finally the third baby joined them.

I watched the babies, flapping in their attempts ... their parents by their side ... loyal and with purpose. Finally, they hopped and jumped around the corner and were out of my sight.

My front porch felt quiet and lonely.

But, it was time to get lunch for my little ones. And so, I walked to the kitchen ... loyal and with purpose.
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