Schwartz Chronicles

On not wanting to wake up and summer is around the corner

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:44:00 +0000

It is that time of year. June is here and it gets a little harder to get out of bed when the alarm goes off. The weather is warm and the days are longer. The end of the school year is drawing to a close and the breath of summer is just around the corner. I am fortunate that I get summers off so that means lots of family time together and new adventures are just around the corner.

Last weekend, we pretended it was summer and did some "go to" favourite activities that we all love. We spend some time at Bear Creek Park. Monkey bars are a must for Sarah right now as they are her current obsession.

Jack likes it when there is lots of new apparatus to climb.

Last year, Jack was afraid of this ride. He would get on and as soon as it started going fast, he would try to scramble off and as it was still moving pretty fast, he would fall off. But this year, he was loving every minute of the time on the ride. Jack even helped make the ride go faster. It is those little things that make me realize he is growing up.

Our other happy places to spend time is Playland. This was our second visit this year. I am so ready for the kids to expand their horizons and try some of the bigger rides that they now meet the height restriction. But there were no takers for my beloved Log Ride on this trip to Playland.

But, there were lots of turns on the helicopters and we quickly figured out that Zippy went the highest.

Sarah takes pride in her love the swings and will even ride on the outside swings now.

Jack loved the Super Slides.

Sarah posed for me on carousel and I took this picture. Love it.

A favourite ride from my childhood.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Walk Up, Walk Down, Walk Together for Down Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:32:00 +0000

Here we are, Team Decky's Daredevils ready to take to the course and walk 1.5 km for Down Syndrome research and programs.

Decky the captain of our team.

We blazed through the starting gate, balloons streaming, feet moving and signs held high.

We joined hands and made our way along the course enjoying the time together to celebrate Decky.

Nearing the finish line, team members picked up the pace.

We didn't want to waste anytime as there were bouncy castles to jump in, games to play and faces to be painted.

Post race, rainbows, puppy dogs and butterflies were spotted on faces filled with big grins.

It was time to say goodbye to our cousins until the next time.

Final tally, our team raised over $4000 (of which I can take very little credit) for Down Syndrome research and educational programs.

Run Up For Down Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:09:00 +0000

My nephew Declan is four years old. As many of you know, he has Down Syndrome. To us, our family, his parents and friends, we don't see Down Syndrome. We see a little monkey with a great big personality. We see a boy who a day after surgery that was to keep him out of commission for a week, tearing his hospital room apart with a toothy grin and wicked gleam in his eyes. We see a little boy who shows empathy and rubs his cousin's back when he is crying. We want other people, those who do not know him as well as we do, to see what we do. We want them to see the endless possibilities for him and his future.

The Run Up for Down Syndrome is one way to bring awareness to individuals with Down Syndrome. The run is hosted by the Down Syndrome Research Foundation that works to empower those with Down Syndrome and support them as they work to reach their full potential as members of the community.

My hopes for Declan are the same hopes I have for my own kids. That he has a circle of friends and family that love and care for him. That he loves and feels love. I want him to find a job/profession that brings him joy.

On Sunday, June 2, my family will gather at Simon Fraser University and participate in the Run Up for Down Syndrome. There will be wagons and devil ears, balloons and signs. There will be piggy back rides and hands linked together as our feet make our way over the pavement towards the finish line. We are doing it for Declan and other individuals with Down Syndrome.

To join the run, click here.

To donate, click here

Determination

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:12:00 +0000

How do you teach kids determination and how to persevere at a task that is difficult or new?

This question has been on my mind lately. A combination of events have me wondering. First I started reading the book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough. The book argues that character skills such as perseverance, grit, curiosity, self-control, optimism and conscientiousness are more important than IQ in determining success.

Then I watched Jack at the park a few weeks ago. He was determined to make his way down this fire pole for the first time. We offered advice and tried to help him, but he wanted to do it on his own. Although it took close to a half an hour, he figured out how to reach with his arms and wrap his legs around the pole. His determination won out over his fear.

He was proud of his accomplishment and after doing it once, he did it over and over again.

Sarah is different in her approach to new skills. She does not exhibit the same determination. I want support the development of her perseverance. But like many things in this parenting gig, I am still figuring things out.

Mother's Day Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:52:00 +0000

Today is Sarah's 6th birthday. On Mother's Day 2007 I became a mom for the first time. Here is what I have learned in my six years as a mom:

1. Your heart will swell with love for your kids, especially when they are sleeping.

2. Sleep will never be quite the same. It is an urban myth that kids crawl into bed, fall asleep and stay asleep and in their beds all night.

3. Some weeks, grocery shopping alone is the kids' equivalent of a trip to the park. The possibilities are endless.

4. Your kids will always want to show you something, hand you something or for you to get them something when you are driving alone.

5. Seeing your personality traits in your kids, especially the less desirable ones, can scare the hell out of you.

6. You are viewed as the keeper of all knowledge when you are a mom. You can reel off who needs money in their lunch, where those rechargeable batteries are and what colour t-shirt needs to be worn on the field trip without taking a breath.

7. There will be days when your heart sings with pure joy from the love and happiness that your kids bring you and there will be days when you want to bang your head against a wall in frustration.

8. Wine goes from being a 4 letter word to a 5 letter word.

9. Any trip out of the house will be more successful if you have water and snacks in your bag, hence the need for a BIG bag.

10. There isn't much that is better than a snuggle from your kids and those sweet words, "Mommy, I love you to bits and bits and bits."

Spring Break Adventures Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:37:00 +0000

It has been weeks since I have been able to sit down and write a blog post. At first I had a hard time writing because there was much bad news being shared around me. Colleagues, friends and extended family battling cancer and friends losing family members made it hard for me to write. Then just the day to day stuff got in the way. Now I am back and I have not forgotten to post pictures of our adventures in Vernon.

The kids and I drove up together on Monday of the second week of our spring break. It was not a picnic. It was not rainbows and unicorns. It was not a particularly fun car ride. But we persevered and made it. Although Jack was lucky to make it there in one piece.

The kids had a wonderful time playing with their cousins. They enjoyed having lots of space to run and spending many hours outside. One day I glanced out and there were Emma and Sarah digging in the dirt in my parents field. They spent at least a half an hour with a stick and their imaginations. Isn't that what childhood should be about?

But anytime you have three 4 year olds and one 5 year old under the same roof, there is a good deal of negotiating going on over whose turn it is, who gets to sit by who at dinner and whose turn it is to take a bath. I think all adults involved could give a workshop on negotiating turn taking 101 by the end of the week.

Although there was plenty of negotiating, there was also time for:

Relaxing on the couch.

Enjoying a good book.

Mommy snuggles and photos on the tractor, practically a tradition.

The cousins, sitting still and together for a moment.

A family photo. But where is Jack? Where is Mommy? Jack was having a screaming fit in the house during this photo.

Time to celebrate a birthday, blow out candles and eat cake.

Swing Rides.

Playing guitar and singing along.

Playing a family favourite game, washers.

Four wheel rides.

Tire swing rides after dinner.

Pushes from Daddy. Those ones are the best.

Easter egg hunts.

Intense games of hopscotch morning, noon and night.

Family photo re-do.

A stop at our favourite rest stop in Merritt for a stretch break and photo op.

Our Spring Break Adventure Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:20:00 +0000

We spent the first weekend of spring break on an island get away with our favorite traveling family. It was an official Schwakida vacation.

The weather was perfect and it allowed for the perfect combination of inside and outside activities. We spent a day in Sidney exploring the little town and the shoreline.

The kids spent lots of time throwing rocks, exploring shells and other treasures and uncovering little crabs.

We paused for a group adventure shot minus Jack.

We walked the pier in Sidney and watched the crab fisherman. We decided to try for a shot that included Jack.

This photo was taken at Glass Beach along the Sidney Seaside Walkway.

Our next stop, was a visit to the Victoria Bug Zoo. While it looks small, there is many fascinating bugs to see, hold and learn about. The Bug Zoo is housed in two smaller sized rooms. Two tour guides circle the rooms talking about the different bugs and bringing them out for a closer look. It was a great place to visit.

We explored Beacon Hill Park and Petting Zoo. The kids were worried about this peacock who was roaming free. They thought he was going to wander into the parking lot. We learned that the peacock is wild and not part of the petting zoo.

Brushes are available to show the goats some love.

Posing with the back end of a goat.

It was Jack's birthday while we were away and so worked some of his favourite things into his special day. A visit to Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream and Fun was in order where he could play video games and win prizes to his heart's content.

There was no question it was his favorite food, pizza, for dinner on Jack's birthday.

A birthday song with a a special birthday oreo cake for a special four year old boy.

It was another adventure filled with lots of memories and good times.

Jack's Sonic Birthday Bash

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:21:00 +0000

Jack celebrated his birthday last weekend. He chose a gymnastics birthday party with his friends. Watching Mr. Jack grow up is bitter sweet. Our last baby. This year, he was very excited for his birthday and to share this time with his friends. But as his friends began to arrive, he was so shy. Smiling, not making eye contact and saying hello quietly. He had a great time with his friends.

Waiting for the fun to begin.

Warming up and ready for action.

Loving the "Happy Birthday" tag game.

His level of concentration can be measured by how much of his tongue you can see.

Birthday boy handstand.

The circuit included a spin on the rings. The kids can never get enough of the rings. It must be that weightless feeling as the rings allow the kids to soar through the air. Freedom.

The handcrafted Sonic cake. Cake creator- Captain Canada.

A happy boy, making a wish.

A short break for snacks and back to the gym for trampoline and foam pit fun.

One Little Word: Saying Sorry

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:04:00 +0000

Oh it seems to me

That sorry seems to be the hardest word -Elton John

I continue to work with my 2013 word, LEARN. I am taking time to reflect each month on my word and how I am doing with my word. This year, in an effort to make the most of my word, I have tried to set goals for myself.

In January, I learned how to take photos with a DSLR that was not in full auto mode. Full auto is my safe place. I branched out into AV mode and learned about ISO, f-stop and shutter speed.

In February, I decided I was going to learn how to be better about saying sorry and owning up to my mistakes.

If you have ever been at a concert where little children are singing, you will inevitably notice the child who is standing stock still, staring straight ahead and not singing. Its like their stage fright prevents them from singing and in not singing, they feel that they won't be noticed or visible. That is the often the route I take when I make a mistake or have acted in a way that I am not proud of. Rather than own up to my mistake and saying sorry, I pretend it didn't happen in the hopes that other people will not notice it happened and therefore will not be upset, mad or disappointed in me.

In February, I made a concerted effort to be forthright with my apologies. When I blamed Captain Canada for taking all of the ipad chargers and then found one in my purse, I was very tempted to slip the charger into the drawer and then "find it." But instead, I pulled it out of my purse and said sorry.

What I need to be better at is saying sorry not just over something small like an ipad charger, but when dealing with conflict and bigger issues.

How do you deal with apologies?

Saturday Afternoon Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:22:00 +0000

We had a beautiful time yesterday at the adorable Adorabelle Tea Room in Steveston.

It was our first time to the old Courthouse in Steveston for tea, sandwiches, scones and petit sweets.

All of the delicious food is made in house. This is what our trays looked like.

While everything was delicious, without a doubt, my favourite was the scones.

We chose our tea from their selection of loose teas and our drinks were served in our own teapots with covered tightly with a cosy for warmth. It was a lovely afternoon with time to visit and enjoy each other's company.

Sarah with Peggy who takes the best care of our kids while we are at work.

Sarah and Gram

When we were all done, our trays were emptied and our tummies were satisfied.

I highly recommend this charming little teahouse in the heart of Steveston.

Disclaimer: All photos taken with my iphone. I had the camera all ready to go for my second DSLR field trip and forgot it at the door.

This is not a paid post. Just a recommendation for a lovely afternoon and a spot of tea.

Tormenting your Sibling for Dummies

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:54:00 +0000

I am slowly going crazy.

Crazy going slowly am I.

Lately Sarah and Jack have been very focused on tormenting each other. The sibling love and adoration has taken a back seat to tormenting the crap out of each other. The two of them could probably co-author a book, "Tormenting your sibling for Dummies."

If they did, this would be their top ten:

1. When your sibling launches into an exciting story, talk right over him, even louder to get your mom's attention.

2. If one sibling is very particular about how things are placed and stored, move said object an inch to the left and wait for the fire works.

3. Decide that singing jingle bells over and over again is the best idea ever, especially when sibling has just declared, "I hate that song."

4. Just got in trouble? Feeling mad? Throw a ball in frustration and accidently aim it right at your sibling. Oh look, it hit her right in the head, how did that happen?

5. Always get in the last word, in any discussion. Declaring you are right and she is wrong is key to annoying your sibling.

6. When sibling says, "Don't stand so close to me." Move one inch a way and look perplexed when sibling isn't thrilled about your new position.

7. If your sibling is standing waiting to use the toilet, legs crossed and holding private parts, take your time, go real slow. In this situation, you can never be too sure about being done.

8. When it is your turn to choose a t.v. show, choose one that you know your sibling really doesn't like.

9. Accidently on purpose, forget that it is your sibling's turn to get out of the bath first and step out as soon as you are washed.

10. When your sibling is getting talked to by her parents due to a wrong doing, do your best to offer your two cents just like the peanut gallery.

Face Painting as Art

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Captain Canada attended a photography workshop last weekend on creative lighting, hosted by fashion photographer Dwayne Girvan. During the day, Captain Canada shot photos of models with elaborate face paint in settings with different kinds of light.

After returning home from this workshop, Captain Canada wanted to apply his learning on the home front. While the kids were willing participants, I was more hesitant.

Jack was proud of his fierce dragon like appearance.

Sarah got her model face on and tried a few different looks.

As a less willing participant, I really just wanted the session to be over. But I adore my hubby, so I did it for love.

For all you photographers out there, can you see the cookie in the background?

When Skimmers Don't Suit

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:36:00 +0000

I am a big fan of shopping, especially for new clothes. With spring around the corner, I have been checking out the must haves for the upcoming season.

One thing that is super cute is the Gap's new skimmers. Cute skinny pants in spring hues that skim just above the ankle. I love them.

Unfortunately, they don't love me. The style and length is not that flattering on me. My legs look like sausages and the length emphasizes round at the top, small at the bottom. So I will forgo the skimmers.

What do you do when a style you love does not suit your body?
Any alternate suggestions on what to wear this spring?

One Little Word: Photo Field Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:58:00 +0000

As I continue to live with my one little word this year. I made a promise to myself that I would not only live with my word, I would talk to it, listen to it and let it lead me. I am keeping myself accountable by blogging about my word, learn.

On the Family day long weekend, we took the kids to Colour Me Mine. Captain Canada thought this would be a great opportunity to take my developing photography skills on the road. I was in charge of capturing the memories.

I didn't do too badly. Although I don't think of things like what is behind my subject, so those boxes behind Sarah in some of the shots are not pretty to look at.

Sarah had a hard time deciding. She settled on a mug with a cupcake on the sides. Like her mother, she never met a cupcake she didn't love.

Jack hard at work on his Hulk.

This is Captain Canada's "I really want a turn" face.

Background = boxes. Not that nice.

A tip from my teacher and much better to look at.

Finished product. Model refused to pose for this photo.

Jack, proud as punch about his finished product.

This month my focus has been to learn to say sorry. Update coming shortly.

How are you doing with your one little word?

Will Work for Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:48:00 +0000

What Jack will do for candy:

1. Pose for a photo or two.

2. Pee on command.

3. Go to swimming lessons.

4. Sleep in his own bed all night by himself.

5. Skate without a bar. Jack made monumental strides with his skating this past weekend. His incentive, candy. His new nickname is Taffy Boy.

Love and Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 06:05:00 +0000

I just got back from my fitness class and apparently, Valentine's day is just another day as there were fifteen other people sweating right along with me. But it is a day for love and appreciation, all things red and chocolate. Throw in a new Pandora charm and call it a holiday.

But on this day, as I was counting down the minutes until my fitness class was over and my body would stop hurting, I thought I have a lot to be grateful for:

A husband who gets me.
A job that challenges me and offers something different every day.
Mentors who support me and tell me I'm smart even when I don't think so.
My health.
Two adorable kids who make me laugh and love to snuggle (even though sometimes its at night, when sleeping is a high priority).
Date nights.
Starbucks VIA Instant coffee.

What are you grateful for?

The Making of a Birthday Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 04:38:00 +0000

First you have to catch him.

Then you have to convince him to stand still.

Next, he will need a pep talk to get him into character.

Staying in character can be a challenge, especially when throwing the prop is so much fun.

Mix in a little artistic impression.

Now put it all together and press print.

Voila, a birthday invitation is ready to go.

Stompeez for Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:24:00 +0000

In December, I was one desperate Momma. I was desperate for a full night of sleep in my own bed without children. It got to a point that I couldn't remember the last time I had spent a full night in my own bed. I spent a lot of time going from Jack's bed to Sarah's bed and back again. There were a lot of bad dreams in our house and they were wearing me out.

Both kids wanted Stompeez (slippers for kids). I told Jack and Sarah, if they stayed in their own beds all night by themselves for five nights in a row, they could each get a pair of Stompeez. It was like a miracle, within a week they both had earned Stompeez.

Once the Stompeez arrived, old habits quickly returned. It was the bed hopping Olympics and I was the gold medal contender.

Now when we promised the Stompeez, I didn't realize they were $30 a pair. Yikes. So we needed a more affordable plan.

The bed hopping has stopped for the time being, thanks to a well stocked treat box full of favourite chocolates and candy. Some people would call it bribery, I like to think of it as incentive.

A Brisk Afternoon at Kits Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:30:00 +0000

I know I am biased. But, we truly live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We are surrounded by beaches, parks and mountains. Almost any outdoor activity you could want or need is at your fingertips.

Last Saturday, we decided to head down to Kits Beach for a little family fun. It was cold, so it was short visit. I was a lot colder than Jack and Sarah and I think they would have stayed longer.

As soon as they saw the park, they could not slow their run.

I can't get enough of their happy faces and rosy red cheeks.

Sarah loved this rolling slide.

Jack climbed the peek-a-boo ladder over and over again.

This new age merry-go-round was also a hit.

On the way back to the car, Jack accidentally posed for one more photo. One of my favourites of the day.

Family Favourite: Bowling

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Last weekend, we took Sarah and Jack to an age old Vancouver landmark, Varsity Ridge Bowl. Both Sarah and Jack love to bowl. But, it can be difficult to find a bowling alley that doesn't have age restrictions. Bowling makes both kids happy. It is the perfect family outing for a chilly day.

We love the back and forth rhythm of the two handed, between the leg throw.

We love the high fives after a particularly good shot.

We love the idea that we can control our ball's destiny by leaning to left.

We love that we can celebrate any shot, even gutter balls.

We love that feeling that anything is possible as we are about to release the ball.

We love to that our team is always forgiving. It's ok to accidentally take someone else's turn and then cheer about it afterwards.

We love to check the score, compare numbers and proudly recognize the big numbers.

We love that there is always time for a family shot at the end.

What's one of your family favourite activities?

OLW: sensitivity to light, f-stop, and shutter speed

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 15:00:00 +0000

“That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you’ve understood all your life, but in a new way.” ~Doris Lessing

Earlier this month, I wrote about my one little word (OLW) for 2013. This is going to be the year of learning. But unlike last year, I want to be more engaged with my word and be purposeful in living with my word. This year, I plan to do some blog posts as updates to keep me accountable.

I had a plan to go snowshoeing for my first time ever earlier this month during a kid free weekend. But our kid free weekend, became a sick kid weekend and there was no snowshoeing. What I did learn, is that staying in your car while on the ferry, so as not to infect other ferry passengers with the flu, makes for a very chilly ride.

But I have been getting regular camera lessons from Captain Canada. I have had four so far. I am beginning to gain an understanding about ISO, aperture and shutter speed and how these three variables interact with each other to take good and bad photos. Learning these things makes my brain hurt and I do keep a cheat sheet that I sometimes refer to.

What I have learned this month, is that I need to feel like I am making progress in order to persevere on a task. I also hate looking like I don't know what I am doing or that I am not smart. And it took me all of three seconds to realize that I am no different then students I work with every day who are doing their best to learn a skill, try something new or make progress.

Here is a picture that I took after lesson number four.....

I was using a 30 mm lens and here are the settings I chose;
ISO 800
F 5.6
Shutter speed 1/60

As visions of Mommy guilt dance through my head

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 06:34:00 +0000

I am no stranger to Mommy guilt. It seems hard to be a mom and avoid it. But, since returning to work full time, I seem to feel that guilt more keenly. My guilt list confessional includes some of the following:

I don't clean my house enough
My kitchen floor is dirty
I don't floss my kids' teeth ~~ever~~ enough
I am not patient enough when I am trying to get the kids out of the house in the morning
I bribe my kids with cookies and chocolate
I do too much for my kids
I often can't find the Sarah's library book on library day and I curse about it
Sometimes we eat meals while watching t.v.
Some mornings Jack doesn't brush his teeth
I don't take my kids to the public library enough
Jack is only in swimming lessons right now, no other programs
I can never to do pick ups or drop off for school

I could go on and on. Part of this guilt comes from comparing myself, my family, my kids to others. It is a bad habit, but it is such a difficult one to kick. It is easy to look around and see another mother who has it more together than me. It may be the fresh kleenex she can whisk from her pocket, at a moments notice. While I madly dig to the bottom of my bag and produce a used dry wipe and try to pass it off as a kleenex. Or it could be the glamorous mom who is off to yoga at 8:00 p.m. while I sit on the couch eating bon bons and pinning pins to my pinterest boards that I will probably never try.

Francesca Kaplan Grossman's article, "Jealousy, Judgement and Motherhood" got me thinking about the whole issue of feeling inadequate. It seems to me, we are all incredibly hard on ourselves. We need to give ourselves a break. We need to give each other a break. Because in the end, we are doing the best we can. We are human, not super human. As a result, we get tired. We get frustrated. We get sad. We get hungry. We get cold. And these things can affect my feelings and actions at any given moment.

So I want to learn to be a little easier on myself this year. Won't you join me?

A beautiful Saturday with my family can whisk much of that guilt away.

Taking Turns

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 05:25:00 +0000

In our house taking turns in an ongoing issue. Who does mommy sit with first at bed time is probably the biggest taking turn issue. Careful track of whose turn it is needs to be kept as no one wants to miss a turn at having mommy first. Getting in and out of the bath first is another area where we are constantly negotiating and talking through so that Jack doesn't scream and cry and lose his mind. But for the most part, Jack and Sarah do well taking turns with other people, just not each other.

Today was a busy day at Science World and taking turns was an ongoing issue. Jack really enjoys doing the wheelchair race. On several occasions, he stood patiently waiting his turn and other kids would run over and jump on the wheelchairs when it was his turn. I saw his little face, he didn't want to say anything and just looked at me for help. As I stood there waiting with him, I struggled with what to do. Especially in cases where parents were nearby and made no move to correct the situation. To me, this is such an awkward position to be in, having to speak to other people's children about waiting their turn when their parents are standing right there. But, if I don't speak up for Jack and I stand there and let child after child go in front of him when he has been waiting patiently, what message am I sending him? I want to show him with my actions and my words that he deserves what he is asking for.

In the end, I did speak to several kids, pointing out that Jack had been waiting and it was his turn and in most cases, the kids let Jack take his turn. Speaking up was hard for me. I avoid confrontation like the plaque and I cringe at the idea of upsetting or annoying people. As a result, I am not that good at standing up for myself. I want Jack and Sarah to be more assertive than I am. Today I realized that sometimes as a parent you have to do things that are uncomfortable for the sake of your kids.

How do you deal with turn taking when out in public?

Have you done anything lately that felt uncomfortable for the sake of your kids?

New Year's Eve: Tourists in Our Own Town

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Last year for new years, we whisked our kids away to Bellevue for a kid friendly new year's celebration. This year, we decided to stick close to home and we played tourist in our own town. We took the Canada Line downtown and stayed at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel.

Upon checking into the hotel, we headed straight for the pool.

We started our evening with a celebratory dinner at Red Robin with a nice view of Robson Street.

After dinner, we headed to Robson Square to enjoy the outdoor performances and ring in the New Year.

The next morning, after another swim and a yummy breakfast, we headed back home.

Happy New Year from the Schwartz family.

2013: My One Little Word

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Schwartz) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:50:00 +0000

You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities. -Ali Edwards

It is that time of year again, when I take some time to think about an intention that I want to carry with me for the following year. This will be my fifth year of choosing one little word. Five years ago, my friend Janice helped start this journey and I find a word or intention easier to manage than resolutions that I have often broken by Thursday of the first week of January.

Last year, my word was "choose" and I didn't do that well with my word. The truth is I didn't take enough time to focus on my word and in the areas that I wanted to really apply my word, I didn't. The regular exercise amounted to two days a week, even in the summer when I had more time. Our budget lasted a mere three months and I continue to hold onto things emotionally rather than choosing to let them go.

I am determined to make this year's word meaningful and I am going to etch out time to focus on the word and blog about it throughout the year.

My word this year is LEARN.

Image Source

I plan to try some things I haven't done before like snowshoeing. I took a bread making class last year and loved it, so I plan to take a cooking class in 2013.

Captain Canada is determined to get me using his DSLR and it not be in full auto mode. So there will be a few photography lessons in my future. This is exciting, but nerve wracking as some may remember a dropped lens and shattered lens in 2010.

My job changed this year and for the next two and a half years, I will be working as a consultant with other educators in learning focused relationships. Starting something new is always scary, but I am learning something new everyday and I find that part exciting. I need to learn that it is o.k. if I don't have all the answers.

I am also interested in continuing to expand my knowledge about using technology in classrooms, but not as a replacement for pen and paper, but as a way to transform students' learning and giving them tools to search, to think, to learn and show what they know.

And finally, it wouldn't be one little word without some health and wellness intentions. I need to learn to find the time to get in regular workouts. Two days a week is not enough. It seems like the early morning workout is the only way to go as I am too tired by the time the kids go to bed and by then, I just want some down time. So learning to say yes to the early morning alarm will be key in 2013.

Have you chosen a word for 2013? What will your word be? I would love to read about your word in the comments section.

For more information and inspiration about choosing one Little Word, check out Ali Edwards' blog