MAKING FRIENDS

I always told myself I wouldn't be one of those moms who become obsessed about controlling my child's social life, especially since my girls are only 4 and 2. But I think I'm doing it. It's week two of full-day school, and I am becoming worried about my little one making friends. I, like all parents, want my daughter to make friends, be liked ( not necessarily popular, but liked, ya know), and generally be happy at school.

Soooooooooooooooooo, when my daughter came home saying... "E didn't want to play with me, she doesn't want to be my friend!" My heart ached. I immediately started to hatch a plan in my mind to make sure her social life flourished.

But the thing that I quickly realized is that I think I'm the only one who really thinks this is a problem. I mean my daughter doesn't appear to be traumatized by this. It just seems to have rolled off her back.

I think I need to use my daughter as my example...and learn by watching in her.

But, I have not totally abandoned my plan...it will remain on the back burner, always at the ready. Mom to the rescue!

BOB BOOKS

I signed up to review Bob Books: Set 1 Beginning Readers by Bobby Lynn Maslen for MotherTalk. This time it wasn't for my self. Although I'm sure there is some of you out there that might doubt me. Ha ha.
My daughter is 4 years old and just started school this year and I thought it would be a great series for her and my younger daughter who is only 2 years old.

I was very intrigued when the books arrived. Right from the start I noticed the colours. My daughter also liked the colours. She immediately wanted to open up the box and take a look. At first we decided that I would read them to her. We read ever little book. My daughter was amused by the word combinations and the pictures. She was even able to do a bit of reading on her own. She was very excited by that. And that makes the books worth any penny you spend...seeing your child with a smile on his or her face, reading on their own...so proud of themselves.

The words were simple, easy to read, and yet so effective. This was my first introduction to the Bob Books series. After seeing the joy on my daughters face when she was able to read on her own, I would definitely recommend this series and I would definitely pick up other Bob Books sets.

SCHOOL HAS BEGUN

I can't believe that my little girl is off to school. Our school has staggered entry for JK kids, so my girl hasn't gone for a full day yet but it's coming. Next week is her first full day of school.
Boy, kids grow up fast.

Maximum Ride:Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
by James Patterson


Let me first start by saying this is my blog tour with MotherTalk. I am excited and a little nervous. This too is my first experience with James Patterson and Max and the gang.

Let me first say that I did enjoy the ride. Sci-Fi and fantasy are genres that I enjoy. I think the idea of getting lost in another world, or worlds away is what I enjoy most. It's always an escape for a brief moment. And this book definitely offered that.

Maximum Ride ... the third edition in the series... tells the latest adventures of Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy and Angel. A group of kids that have been created by a bunch of mad scientists. They are hybrids, part human and part bird. They all have some pretty special skills and talents. More bird than human really. Of course they can fly, but they also have super strength, hearing and even powers to read minds and change thoughts. Maximum Ride 3 chronicles the flocks escape from The School and their journey to save the world from the evil scientists and save themselves. Max is the leader of the group, Fang plays second in command but when the flock splits up both Max and Fang need to rise to the challenge and guide the others to safety and back to each other.

As I mentioned, I have not read the first two Maximum Ride books, but I liked the fact that I wasn't lost while reading this one. While I think I will go back to pick up the first two to find out how it all starts for Max, Fang and the rest of the flock, I don't think it is necessary in order to enjoy the book.

This book is geared to young adults, but I think most adults would also enjoy it. It was a quick read for me, and the story was fast paced. It is definitely a series worth picking up if you are into this genre.

There are a number of things I enjoyed. James Patterson used themes that many young kids are dealing with and familiar with. One of those is the need to be environmentally conscious and how important it is to work together, kids and adults, to save the planet. This topic is at the forefront for many people, especially since LIVE Earth rocked cities around the world. This book definitely empowers kids to do their part. It reminds the reader that kids have a voice, an important one, and that they do have the power to change the world.

James Patterson also uses technology in an interesting and familiar way for kids. The idea of telling part of the story through Fang's blog is great (check it out. It's a lot of fun and adds to the Maximum Ride experience). It really felt like the story was more than just a book, more like we were riding along with the characters. It gave me the sense of how Fang was reaching out to the kids of the world and how his honesty ( a way to rebel against the secrecy of the School and the scientists) had a real impact on other kids.

Of course, you could not ignore the whole mad science aspect in this book. It takes the idea of cloning and DNA to an extreme. I liked it. I think it could get kids really interested in science and what the future could hold. It also has the depth that a more mature reader could enjoy, especially when you start thinking about the ethics of mad science and where it could all go.

I also liked the subtle teen angst between Max and Fang. It really showed through. No doubt issues that most young kids have to deal with.

There was a lot of twists and turns in the book that kept me turning the page. I was intrigued by things that were revealed ...never sure if they were true or not. I felt like I was discovering things right along with the characters.

It look forward to going back to find out how it all started for the flock. And I look forward to the fourth book in this series to see the next chapter in the adventure for Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, Angel and Total ...and the rest of the characters. The Maximum Ride website is worth checking out too.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Kids grow up so fast. A saying that every new parent hears, over and over again, from veteran parents. And it certainly goes by in a blink.

My oldest daughter is going off to school this year. OK, so it's only a few days a week. It is a serious milestone. Go get em girl...sniff, sniff. :(

My youngest is learning to do things without Mom. One of her favourite sayings, " I do it, I DO IT!"

Cherish every moment...the good, the bad and the ugly. You can't get it again once it's gone...no matter how much you wish you could.

TEMPER, TEMPER

I have two sweet little angels. My two daughters. 2 and 4 years old. And they both have a propensity for what I affectionately call the FREAK OUT! It's the age...it must be I tell myself, because up until very recently it wasn't something that happened(OK, maybe on a very rare occasion) with my youngest. But then again, she has just entered into that terrible two zone.

Both my girls have become quiet skilled at the FREAK OUT. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, watch out. There is nothing spared. It goes full tilt. Crying, screaming, arms swinging in the air, feet stomping. There is no reasoning with either of them.

It calls for serious intervention. Right now, my tools of the trade to quell the angry FREAK OUT beast? Counting to 5. Because when I get to 5, I mean business. Take a deep breathe...not me...my girls(although, secretly I need to take a few deep breathes to remain calm).

Any other creative FREAK OUT intervention tools out there? Will gladly accept.

EMBARASSING MOMENTS

I think every mom has embarrassing kid moments. Things your kids do that embarrasses the heck out of you, but is just pure and true curiosity or innocence on the part of your child. Sweet moments that make you laugh.

I love these.

My 2 year old daughter did something very embarrassing the other day at the Y. We were getting dressed after swimming lessons. Inside a stall. And like every curious child, she wondered what was on the other side of the stall wall. So, imagine to my horror, she peaks her little head under the wall, to look at the people on the other side. YIKES! I was shocked at the time, telling her to stop doing that RIGHT NOW. But when I replay the story in my head I chuckle a little.

My older daughter, now 4, has done so many funny and embarrassing things. When I think of her, I remember a long list of embarrassing moments. She has always been a bit shy, especially when she meets people for the first time. One of her favourite things to do was hide between my legs. What's so embarrassing about that you say? Well, when your daughter sticks her head up your skirt, the only one not laughing is MOM.

Oh, I could go on. Maybe I will share a few more later. Feel free to share your embarrassing kid moments.