New Venture

While looking for goods books to read and sign at Story Times and Classes for ABC Signing Kids, another instructor suggested Barefoot Books.  I had never heard of them, but after one look at the well written stories and fabulous illustrations, I quickly fell in love with these awesome books. After thinking about it, I realized that Barefoot Books would be a great addition to our personal library as well as being a great company to pair with ABC Signing Kids. 

So, I would like to introduce you to ABC Barefoot Kids.  

 

Barefoot Books began with two mothers who wanted their children to have books that would feed the imagination, while instilling a respect for diversity and a love of the planet. Today, we are a world-wide community of writers, artists, storytellers, musicians, and others who are committed to providing timeless stories and captivating art that can help children become happy, engaged members of a global society.

Best of all there is a great sale going on until January 31, 2013

Hardcover books make great gifts, and become treasured keepsakes. Like the Barefoot Book of Mother and Daughter Tales regularly $23.99 on sale for $14.99.

 What an awesome gift for a mother to share with a daughter for Valentines Day, or even for a daughter to share with a mother for Mother's Day!

Remember this sale ends January 31, 2013, so click on the link above or any of the pictures to start shopping today!

Happy Birthday John!

 14 years ago today I was at the hospital after having just given birth to my first son.  He was delivered by c-section because he was Frank breech and had his little toes up by his ears.  Every time we would go to change his diaper, he would fold in half.  He was so cute, tiny and flexible.

14 years later. and he is still cute, but not really tiny or flexible.   So proud of the young man  you are becoming, John.  Happy Birthday.

Where is My Plate?

I found this old puzzle at our local thrift store this last weekend.  I bought it because every time I looked at it, the song "Set the Table" from the first series of Signing Time came to mind.  Since I am close to becoming and Advanced Signing Time instructor, and I will soon be able to teach older kids as well as babies, I figured it might be a good investment.

A couple hours after taking this picture, I saw that the puzzle was upside down on the floor with the pieces strewn about the dining room floor.   Ben had gotten into it, which is fine, except the plate was nowhere to be found.  I looked everywhere, and I mean everywhere.....the dining room, living room, under sofas and chairs, in toy boxes, even the trash, but it was gone.

As a last resort I looked to  Ben, showed him the puzzle  and asked, "where is the plate?"  Normally he would say "Ummm", and tap his chin like he was thinking, which is cute, but not very helpful.

Not this time

To my complete suprise he said"Oh? Plate? Yeah. C'mere." and took me by the hand.  He led me to the laundry room (a place he is really not supposed to be).  He pulled the front cover off the toe kick of the freezer (something I did not really realize came off so easily) and started feeling around.  I was speechless when he pulled his hand out and handed me the plate.  What the $%^& ?  Had I just discovered his secret stash?  As it turned I had not, since there was nothing more than some dust bunnies under there.   Not sure what possed him to put the plate there or when the little sneak did it without being heard or seen, or how he even knew the cover just popped of like that.

But thinking back on it,  this incident just remineded me of how much information he is able to take in, process and remember. When I held up the puzzle with all the pieces in place execpt for the plate he knew exactly what I wanted, remembered where he put it a couple hours earlier and was able to communicate with me that he could find it and took me to it.

Now if he can just lead me to where he hides all his tippy cups we will be all set.

Career Aspirations?

Ben loves to go to his brother's basketball games.  He cries when he sees them leave the house wearing a uniform if he is not going too.  This year at games he is starting to pay more attention to watching the games and the referees. 

He loves sign language and becuase of this he is naturally drawn to the signs the referees make.  He loves to imitate and now if there is room, he runs up and down the bleachers with the referees.  In addition to the real games he attends, Ben has a very busy schedule refing imaginary games every day of the week.  It does not matter if he is in all the hallway, on a sidewalk or in a gym, any wide open space means there is a game to ref.  I love how he uses his imagination like this.  Please enjoy this clip of him in action.  Sorry that my autofocus could not always keep up with him.