Kids Teach Us So Much

Kids Teach Us So Much!

These funny little critters say and do the darndest things.  We marvel, we laugh, and moon over their every word and action.  When they first learn how to talk, the sounds of their tiny voices are so soft and sweet, we think it's music to our ears.  We can't believe how smart, lovable, cuddly ... and full of kisses and hugs they are.  We let them fall asleep on us and their warmth is pure bliss that envelopes us and makes us almost fall asleep with them.  They remind of us of things we loved and may have forgotten a long time ago.  They know how to smile and their laughter sounds like something from the angels in Heaven, and we love to hear them laugh. In fact, for a lift, we go out of our way to find videos of babies or little kids laughing because there's nothing to compare it to...it's the best sound in the world.

Kids see things as black and white....there are no shades of grey in their little worlds.  It's either good guys or bad guys.  Their little friend is either sharing with them or not.   Someone is a stranger or not.  In a restaurant, it's hard for a four-year old to understand that all the people at the nearby tables are strangers and that we at our table are not strangers to ourselves but strangers to everybody else.  Confused?  So was the four-year old.  Their dogs bark, go outside, poop, get a treat, and play with them.  They have an imaginary pet dragon living in their back shed with purple and pink polka dots. They know this because grandma tells them so for their bedtime story :-).

In a child's world, late day snacking is not  a half-way deal and demonstrates how persistent kids can be.  If  allowed to get hungry, they're soon going to eat  you out of house and home.  They don't care whether it's too close to meal time or not.  They know where the snacks are and will be like a moth to a flame until they get 'something' into their growling little tummies.  They will fling open every cupboard door and dump out the boxes onto the floor...like crackers and spaghetti for instance.  They will open the fridge and pull out the cheese strings and the beer sticks.  They will shove them in your face and ask that you peel them.  They will ask for the blue Freezee, but if you don't have blue, then any colour will do... Note to parents:  Freezees should be left out to thaw for a little because especially for two-year olds, they don't understand that hanging onto a really cold Freezee will turn their little hand into an ice block.  Certainly, nobody likes a brain or a hand freeze..

They would prefer jelly beans or licorice but will settle for yogurt, milk, or cookies.  Ice cream cones, pudding, and Jello are all-time favorites.  Yet, savvy parents are persistent too.  They know there is a trick to snack time.  Timing is everything, but remember, you may or may not beat them at their own game.  There is no guarantee you will win, but take heart, everyone loses once in awhile.  Parents know there is only a very small window of opportunity to work with.  Snacks have to happen before hunger pangs get sharp.  If not, once you're here, it's all overeating and totally wrecking any chance for the next nutritious meal.  Adults do exactly the same thing, remember?  The better idea is to offer cut up fruit like bananas or apples, along with Cheerios or another healthy cereal much sooner while they're still playing and before they even start to think about their tummies.  Keep them hydrated too because thirst sometimes feels like hunger. Staving off those intense cravings early enough is a parent's persistence at it's best!

Kids generally know no fear and have great imaginations.  They will jump into your arms from half-way up the stairs without even an inkling that they could be hurt by the fall.  They fall backwards onto the bed or couch like nobody's business.  Of course, little by little, trips to the emergency room happen, stitches happen and they learn that they really can get hurt...Since they have a steady diet of superheros, they may tell you that they are a superhero.  They aren't lying....at a certain point in their lives I think they really believe it.   Let's hope they don't think they can fly...  After all, it would make sense since most of them have at least one life-sized red or blue cape in their bedroom.  They wear it playing around the house, visiting at their friend's house, or even out shopping at the mall with Mom and Dad. (This is when someone has to have a serious talk with them about what is in their imagination and what is real).  Their pyjamas are Spider Man or Tinker Bell.  Their t-shirts are Super Man or Hello Kitty.  Everything else is either a Ninja Turtle, Star Wars,  Dora the Explorer, Diego or Batman....you get the idea?. Their sheets and clocks are Thomas the Train, Buzz Light Year, Toy Story, or Cars.  Their blankets,bicycles, helmets, running shoes, back packs and lunch boxes are all something of note too. Is it any wonder that little girls sometimes grow up to think they are princesses who look like Barbie?  After all, they get to dress up any time of the day or night.  Wearing ballerina outfits, princess ball gowns, fairy dust  and make up, they can serve tea to anyone.  How could you refuse whether you're at home, daycare, the neighbour's, or Mom or Dad's work?  They love all things in miniature like Polly Pockets and dinky toys like cars, trucks, motorboats, motorbikes, buses, and semi-trailer units.  I think to begin with all kids like bugs and frogs and other little things they can examine at length.

Wearing something plain is almost unheard of....But, I went ahead and bought all my grandkids matching flourescent green t-shirts with writing that said "I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL!" Because, yes....you bet they are...they are a REALLY big deal and I hope they never forget it. I want them to feel so good about themselves that they are unafraid and have the strength to grow up and conquer the world.

Kids are nothing if not the product of all the generations that have come before them.  They have the benefit of learning everything we know up until now.  They get to watch either a VHS Pinocchio video or a new show on NetFlix....they have their pick.  They have all the Golden Books and Nursery Rhymes we all had as kids plus a whole pile and I mean a whole pile more that have sprung up since.  They have reruns of Mr. Dress Up, Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street along with Whinney the Pooh, Garfield and all the new shows from today. The kids of today will be nothing but brilliant if they can absorb even a fraction of this tremendous amount of knowledge. Knowledge is key, so if it helps, then good.

Children are great sports and very open to any kind of attempt an adult makes to play with them.  Doesn't matter how silly or goofy, a child will play along and give you the benefit of the doubt that you know what you're talking about.  You can make up anything and they will absolutely play along.  If you don't believe me, just try it some time.  They don't generally tell you you're stupid or give you heck.  They don't do this because they are too busy grinning from ear to ear and enjoying the attention you are giving them, no matter how little it might be. Just go and lay on the floor and see what happens.  Within minutes, they will be crawling all over you and jumping on you and tickling you.

Kids have excellent memories.  Like elephants, they never forget.  They remember every magical story you ever made up.  Every pretend character you taught them.  They don't forget, even if you do.  As they get older, they know every word to every storybook you have ever read to them, especially if you make a lame attempt to try to shorten or fake your way through it.  Remember, as you get older to see, you personally will need more natural light...This could become a bit of a problem for bedtime stories when you're reading by their dimly-lit bedside lamp...(flashlights work wonders and kids love them!)

Kids are very enthusiastic!  Most grandparents can tell you the rush they get from seeing their grandchildren.  These little people are so excited, they're jumping up and down and squealing with delight just because you came to visit them.  They stand at the window and wave you into the house as vigorously as their little arms will let them and do the same thing when you leave.  They are kissing and hugging and blowing kisses and waving with such enthusiasm it takes your breath away.
At the same time, they're dying for you to talk to them and play with them.  They want you to jump into their world and live it right in the moment with them, right now.  Whether it's to play trains or Ninja Turtles, babies, house or the Wii, they'll play whatever you want.  They'll even give you the best toy or controller.  They are always ready for a game of Eye Spy, colouring a picture, painting, cutting with scissors, and making things from pipe cleaners and play dough.  Most of all they love to play outside.  Running in the back yard, and playing in the sand box is the best. 

If anybody can remind you how to play, it's a kid.  They will cause you to laugh and to cry.  You may think you're teaching them my friend, but really, it is the other way around.  Remember, there's still one somewhere inside you....you just have to find it!


 

Spending Time at the Cabin

Spending time at the cabin.

When I was a kid growing up, my own family didn't have a cabin at a lake.  My aunt and uncle, Hazel and Warner, and their family  had one in the Qu'Appelle Valley  about three hours away from us in Hudson Bay.   Every summer for several years, my siblings and I in any sort of combination would go stay with them at Crooked Lake for a couple of weeks.  We walked daily to the beach which was at least a mile one way, swam and played, and bought a treat at the store.  Every summer I lost weight and came home with a nice tan.  Those lakes in the Qu'Appelle Valley tended to have alot of green algae.  In fact, depending on what the wind was doing, it could have a thick layer of the green slick sludged up against whatever shore the wind was pushing it.  You always had to shower after swimming because you would be nothing but green slime when you came out...especially your hair.  I am a blonde and green is one of my favorite colours, but that was a look I didn't really go with.

We were exceptionally fortunate to have had this opportunity of going to the lake.  First off, it was a chance for us to get to know our cousins and not only learn how to swim but to perfect the skill.  We would always go when swimming lessons were on.  Little by little, summer by summer,  year after year, we achieved one swimmer's badge after another.  Some years we also took lessons at other places such as at our home lake, of Ruby Lake, and eventually one summer I achieved my senior's badge in Yorkton where I had a summer job. I was taking lessons in the evenings at an indoor pool after working during the day in  my other aunt's corner grocery store.  I remember being really tired and barely able to do the number of laps required by evening...but somehow, I passed.  The feat didn't seem like much at the time, until I was asked to assist with teaching swimming lessons at Ruby Lake.  Word travels fast in small towns I guess.  The lessons weren't Red Cross or anything, but some other type that used different fish and aquatic names like "Salamander" to designate levels of achievement.  I felt quite proud and just hoped nobody drowned while under my watch...Luckily, nobody did.  The only thing I didn't like about Ruby Lake were the bloodsuckers.  I came out of the water one day with one globbed onto my forehead...I forget who saved me, but usually a lit cigarette did the trick.  You can imagine the screaming fit I was having, so it wouldn't have been an easy rescue.

In 1972, I graduated from Hudson Bay high school and moved to Saskatoon. My parents sold the farm south of Hudson Bay in the community of Etomami and moved back to their birthplace - Melfort in 1974 or 75.  They bought the local funeral home, lock, stock, and barrel.  About four minutes later, dad also bought another farm.  The previous funeral home owners also had a cabin at Whelan Bay on Whiteswan Lake.  It's a Northern lake that is big and cold and great for fishing but the water is so cold you can't swim in it.  They get around that little technicality by having a big, pool at the lodge that everybody uses.  I only visited that cabin once, believe it or not.   I remember that it was fully, and I mean fully furnished..right down to the last fork, blanket and cup.  My family just moved in and didn't have to bring one thing.  They bought it that way.  I remember it had a propane outdoor toilet that instantly burned up the excrement.  You didn't spend alot of time sitting and pondering life that's for sure.  You also didn't go out for a walk on your own since there were bears lurking all over the place.  Berry picking took on a whole new meaning ...you knew there was the distinct possibility you were going to be sharing your find with a bruin...that is if he/she let you. 

Mom's cousin and her husband had owned the lodge for decades but have retired and sold it within the past few years.  So getting to reconnect with more family was important for my parents.  This was a cousin my Mom had grown up around so it would have been great hooking up again.  The location was also a draw for my Mom' brother Jerry, and his family as well as her sister, Dianne and her family because the men loved to fish.  My uncle's family still have their cabin there to this day.  Their cabin is one of notoriety because, in fact, it is my grandparents' actual house which they had moved to a lot.  I remember when I visited it once it was moved.  By this time it had been their cabin for years.  It looked so different, and although hard to recognize, I could by closing my eyes and remembering the exact location of the rooms.  My kids had spent the weekend with my uncle and aunt, Jerry and Lorna and their family and we went to pick them up afterwards.  My uncle was entertaining them all with his ghost stories at night and in the morning he taught them how to make pancakes for breakfast.  My kids were totally impressed by their time there.   My parents had long since sold out and bought another cabin at Greenwater Lake.  Greenwater is further south and the water is warmer for swimming and water skiing.  There are much better services such as a fully stocked store, a marina, and golf course.  Unfortunately, because it's a provincial park, it can also be an incredibly busy place.

Mom and Dad's Greenwater cabin was also purchased fully furnished. It was a nice place with a big yard and a fire pit in the back. We four kids were all young adults by then, and there was even a first grandchild.  We had lots of company, friends and relatives flocked for the fun, the novelty, and the camaraderie.  Long weekends we discovered, became a zoo on the water and roads of a provincial park.  Our family's cabin was located on the first street back from the lakefront.  We woke up Saturday mornings to find total strangers who had pitched their tents in the ditch right in front of our cabin.  Sometimes there were several tents and they ended up partying most of the night.  We were somewhat dismayed...well really dismayed to the point of disgust and began to pine for a lakefront property.  There was only one new subdivision at Greenwater that had lakefront cottages, and they were far from the main beach and other services.  Lots for sale were as scarce as hen's teeth and way too expensive.

One day several of us, including Mom and Dad, loaded up in the car and went for a drive.  We wound up about half an hour away at the north end of Barrier Lake, also called Barrier Ford.  It was actually really hard to find.  There was a young guy from Tisdale with his newly-built and almost-finished lake front cabin "for sale". It was so cheap it was hard to believe, but the guy was at the end of his rope.  Dad bought it on the spot and that's when he put the Greenwater cabin up for sale.  Mom and I took a drive over there to visit a friend of mine the summer of 2012, Bonnie, and couldn't believe how much development has occurred.  We had a really hard time finding our old cabin!

My son was the baby grandchild with us that day.  It was 1976 and today is 2013.  The cabin is still there and going strong.  It remains a place to be enjoyed every bit as much as it was almost 40 years ago.  The grandchildren increased in numbers to about a dozen and they all grew up there.  Funny thing was, I don't think any of them attended swimming lessons.  Go figure.  Regardless, they swam and frolicked, skied, knee boarded, fished, went boat riding, sun tanned, canoed, played at the playground, went for walks, rode bikes, went paddle boating, sat and laid in all the floating inflatables and the floating lawn chair, went for walks in the forest, went to the store, to the dump, and one of the biggest attractions was to catch crayfish.  At night, when it's really dark, the crayfish venture out from under the rocks to sit on top just below the water surface.  We had no less than half a dozen flashlights and butterfly nets for our young hunters..  We took an old aquarium from home and let the kids catch to their hearts content, then watch the little creatures with the pinching claws swim around trying to find their way out.  The kids ate all sorts of everything fun, played in the sand, built sandcastles and moats, joined us at the campfire after dark, and slept hard every night from all the fresh air and sunshine. 

A number of years later, this first generation of kids have produced more kids...At last count there was an additional 10 kids or so.  In the last few years, my daughter and son have both bought the cabins next to Mom's.....one beside and one behind.  My Dad passed away in 1992, so he has missed alot of good times at the lake.  We generally take turns going there, but not necessarily, and everybody contributes what they can in physical labour, maintenance, repairs and that sort of thing.  The family cabin although getting old seems golden to all of us.  It is a place where memories were made and where family has had many good times together.  So if somebody tells you they think a cabin is not something for them because it's too much work, or they don't want to go to the same place every summer, or people might fight over it....From my perspective, I think they might want to rethink the joy, the history-making and the getting to know each other that is built when a family enjoys and shares time at the cabin.

Handyman...er...woman adventures

Handyman ...er... woman adventures.

I have great intentions.  I do try very hard, but I am absolutely NOT gifted in doing things that involve drills, screwdrivers, screws and especially those funny-looking plugs they call wall anchors....You get the picture.  A simple little thing like hanging a towel rack becomes a nightmare.   First off, I bought two towel racks at Home Depot probably three years ago.  It took this long to get the equipment I needed all lined up and ready to go and I laid it out on my dresser.  I walked past that grouping  every day thinking I should do something about it... probably for the last month.  Finally, today, as I strip and ready myself to enter the shower, I decided it was time.  Of course, I was under a time constraint because it was after 11:00 a.m. and I had an appointment for 1:15 p.m.  I had to shower, eat lunch and get out the door....Doing things under pressure seemed like a good plan.

I thought it would only take a few minutes so why get dressed?  Well first off, I had Phillips screws which I know are bad with that criss cross pattern, but thought I'd use them anyhow.  If you reef too hard on the little fellows, you wreck them and can't get them back out of the wall if you need to.   I have a stud finder so marked the places on the wall for the screws with my trusty pencil...Then I drew a line that I measured with my little level....It was the straightest line I think I have ever worked with.  I was proud. 

Then I brought out the drill...I needed an extension cord, so that meant running to the broom closet in the hall.  I decided I needed my slippers on at least with the rubber bottoms in case of electrocution.  Then I got to thinking....if I do get electrocuted...considering I'm working in the bathroom where it could be wet, maybe I should have some clothes on after all....Nothing worse than being electrocuted and found with no clothes on.  So I threw my nightgown back on.

I chose a drill bit that was big enough to accommodate the size of the wall anchor which is always bigger than the screw.  I adjusted the drill to open to accept the bit and closed it tightly once it was in place.  I attached the extension cord and plugged it into a power bar close by in my bedroom.  My house is old enough that the bathrooms still have those kinds of plugs that don't take three-prongs...you know...for electric razors only.  Nobody has used a razor of that variety in this house for eons, so quite useless really.   I made a mental note that all the cords leading into that power bar were in extreme disarray and that I should organize and label them better.  Pinterest showed how to use bread bag tabs as labels and I'm happy to say I did get that done later in the day.

I took a look at the towel bar and it's two fancy ends.  It came with a little type of screwdriver shaped like an "L".  I thought that was in case you didn't have one of your own.  That was no problem for me since I have all kinds of screwdriver sets.  Regardless, the backsides of the end pieces of the towel rack had  stainless steel holders with two long narrow openings one above the other for two screws.  I decided this would be a cinch, just hang it up on the screws.  I measured where the two holes should be on either side and marked with my pencil.   I drilled the first hole on the right hand side and started screwing the wall anchor in.  About 3/4 of the way in, it got stuck...As I tried to force it in, the entire end still sitting outside the opening broke off....  Oh brother...  Well, I was just going to have to try to put the screw in anyhow.  Brute force and ignorance does have a place in this world and I used it to my advantage.   I started to screw the Phillips screw in and it got stuck about 3/4 of the way in....  By this time I was starting to sweat.

I decided there and then I needed to go on a hunt for some decent Robertson screws.  I walked out to the garage, in nightgown, slippers, unwashed and uncombed, and luckily found a whole container of them and exactly the right length.  I was overjoyed!  I drilled the second hole, deliberately broke off the stuck wall anchor and screwed in the two Robertson screws. They have a square peg instead of a crisscross, so seemed a little stronger and easier to work with over all.   I grabbed hold of the towel rack end, ready to put it all together but was horrified to find the screw heads were too big to get through the holes on the back.  I couldn't believe it.  It was then I saw a teeny little screw on the outside edge of the round towel rack end and then realized what that little "L" shaped bike tool was for.  You have to take the little screw out so the stainless steel thing will come off.  You have to put the stainless steel thing against the wall first then screw the screws through it.  Maybe these are common sense things to you, but NOT for me.  So, I did all that.  I dropped that little screw at least five times, before I got it done....but eventually thought I was homefree...Only to find, of all the idiotic things, that the stainless steel piece was screwed to the wall backwards....Oh frick...

I straightened that all out and actually considered throwing in the towel for the other half.  I talked myself into continuing on though, because I realized if it took me this long to get going, it would likely take me that long again.  So I forged ahead.  This time I got a stool involved so I would have a little more oomph. I did the very same thing as I had for the first one, including deliberately breaking off the heads of the wall anchors.  It was on my left side so I wasn't quite as strong.  This time, I was a little smarter about what was backwards and what was forwards, so it went faster.  I wasn't any quicker about working with that teeny black screw and dropped it umpteen times.  It was getting so ridiculous, I started to laugh out loud and accused somebody from the other side of playing tricks on me and told them they could quit any time.

Finally the ends were on the wall.  I went to put the bar into the little round holders and was ready to kill somebody when I realized that although I had hit the studs, I had neglected to measure the bar...It was way too long for the actual holder spots.  Luckily for me, there is a curly cue on either side that I could set the bar on.   Take a look and see what you think....I did it all right..., but I think it might be upside down....
OMG!!!