A Silver for Anya

Anya took part in her second Rhythmic Gymnastic competition last week. She did a beautiful dance with the ribbon and rope. All those hours of practicing at home paid off as she came second in her group and was awarded a silver medal. Well done, my baby! You were terrific!

One kind word can warm three winter months

For three weeks now I have played nurse to three sick children and it is time to play a different role now. I am tired of the running noses, the coughing, the sneezing, the headaches, the sore chests and bodies; and most of all I am tired of saying over and over again: "Where are your socks? Why are walking around on the cold floor without any shoes? Put your jersey back on!" Winter is not my favourite season as I hate being cold - I feel like a walking ice-block most days. I sometimes think animals have the right idea to hibernate as I could quite easily sleep winter away in my nice warm bed.

Ulrich and I finished his project this week-end on his role-model. He chose as his role-model Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. He had to state six reasons why he admired and looked up to Steve Irwin and it was very interesting listening to the qualities my son likes in a person. The words 'fun', 'exciting', 'brave', 'adventerous', 'courageous' and 'happy' came up often. But I was very impressed when Ulrich wrote that he really likes Steve Irwin because he loved his family and never gave up trying to help the animals in the wild. This reminded me that children admire people because of what they do and not because of the material things they have.

Thank goodness there are only three days of school this week - I love public holidays as I get to turn off the alarm and hibernate for just a little bit.

Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories and Love

On Friday it was Grandparents day at the school. Ulrich and Anya were very excited because for the first time all their grandparents would be there watching them perform their poems and songs. Anya was too shy to say an individual poem, but not Ulrich - he said his poem courageously in front of all those strange faces - I am very proud of you, my boy, you said your poem slowly and clearly and you remembered all the words! Well done! Here is the poem Ulrich recited for us:

TREES

by Harry Behn

Trees are the kindest things I know,

They do no harm, they simply grow

And spread a shade for sleepy cows,

And gather birds among their boughs.

They give us fruit in leaves above,

And wood to make our houses of,

And leaves to burn on Halloween,

And in the Spring new buds of green.

They are the first when day's begun

To touch the beams of morning sun,

They are the last to hold the light

When evening changes into night,

And when a moon floats on the sky

They hum a drowsy lullaby

Of sleepy children long ago. . .

Trees are the kindest things I know.

Anya sang in the Dinky Choir, which she absolutely loves. Put on music and in no time our little madam will be dancing and singing her heart out. She keeps telling me that she wants to be a rock star when she grows up. Should I be worried?

Ulrich, Erin and Anya with my parents - this is the first photo I have with my dad
and his grandchildren - just love it