Repurposed Toys

The Art of Freya Jobbins

Dinovember

Just had to share this with all of you! I love what these parents have come up with to keep the magic and enchantment alive for their kids! {{Thanx Tracy!}} Click Here to read more!

Late Speaking Children

I wrote two weeks ago about the challenge we had with grand-daughter #1 and her excess energy (read about it here!). Well, grand-daughter #2 presented us with another unique challenge. The inability to speak. At the age of 3 1/2 when little Bri came to live with us, she could say very few words. Many members of the  family (in-law side) were so quick to label her as 'slow' or 'mentally challenged'. But Grandma knew better! Little Bri was smart as a whip and she and I had a sort of unspoken communication link between us. I encouraged my daughter to get her tested for practically everything - hearing, speech capability, everything. After test upon test, it was determined that she had not developed her ability to talk. (DUH! I could have told them that! But at least we knew what wasn't the problem) Bri was then enrolled in preschool where she met with a speech therapist twice a week. This therapist was awesome! Within three months Bri was speaking - not clearly but she was saying words. And now a year later she is making up for lost time and treating us to lovely tales of wonder and songs of beauty.

Not long after Bri started her speech therapy, Hubby ran across a book at a thrift store entitled, Late Talking Children by Thomas Sowell. This book answered so many questions we had about Bri! Because the lack of words was not her only unique trait - Bri was also an extremely finicky eater, she ADORED music, she's borderline OCD, her problem solving skills were far above the other children and she didn't know a stranger. Her world was filled with rainbow colored trees, peace signs and imaginative animals.
In his book, Thomas Sowell writes of his own personal experiences with a late talking son. And the subsequent formation of a group of more than 50 parents with late-speaking children. The studies conducted by Sowell (in coordination with a Dr. Stephen Camarata - a scientist and researcher who specializes in speech and language development) showed that most of these children have normal intelligence and some even have above normal IQ's. It is Sowell and Camarata's belief that some children speak later in life because other parts of the child's brain develop before the part of the brain that controls language and speech. Albert Einstein is a prime example of a child who was a late talker who had extraordinary intelligence.
With much patience and perseverance, little Bri now has a broader range of food "likes" and her OCD is not nearly so "O" or "C". We still listen to a lot of music and she is still quite the extrovert when it comes to social  interaction. Bri still has a wider and more advanced understanding of many things compared to her siblings and her world is still filled with rainbows and imaginative animals. I have great faith that Bri will grow up to be extraordinary in whatever she attempts!
(No Grandma bias there!)

Click here to learn more about Late Talkers!
Click here to go to the Late Talking Children blog!

A Solstice Blessing & Request

May your past be a pleasant memory,

        Your future filled with delight and mystery, 

Your now a glorious moment,

That fills your life with deep contentment.

A Celtic Blessing

My Daughter and her Family are currently going through a Life changing experience with many extreme challenges lying ahead. Family has rallied around them to give them strength and comfort. But if you could maybe light a candle and send a little good energy their way this Solstice, I would greatly appreciate it. A Mother's Heart aches when a Child (no matter the age) is in distress.

The Angels of Sanchez Park

I would like to share with you a story about two individuals whose love for Nature and Mother Earth go beyond recycling. These two people take the time to try and make their part of the world a better place - not only for them but for others as well.

These two individuals live very near the heart of a Big City. They have a very nice but modest home which they share with a lovely Lady of generous heart, a Dog of strength and nobility, and a Cat named Gaia. Their yard is well cared for and nurtured. Not far from their home is a large Park. A place of trees and grass. A small but lively stream runs through this Park - this place of trees and grass. 

Quite often these two people - these Angels in disguise - can be found at this Park - enjoying the peace and tranquility and marveling at the wonders of Mother Nature and her mysteries. But like so many places in or near a Big City the rubble and refuse of Mankind's castoffs will find their way to this Park - littering the grass and clogging the stream. 

But these two individuals, these two Angels, do their best to keep the Park clean and clear of the rubble. These Angels take trash sacks with them on their trips to the Park to collect and contain the rubble they find. The oldest of the Angels will climb into the stream to remove old tires, pieces of wood, or other large objects. The smallest of the Angels watches and learns the valuable lessons being taught. 

And I am very proud to say that I know these two Angels quite well. They are my son and grandson. 

A Mom couldn't be prouder........

Recommendation needed! Book on Yule

I am looking for a book that is suitable for small children - age 7 and under - that explains what Yule is from a Pagan point of view and that compares Yule to the holidays which are celebrated by other religions - Christmas,  Hanukkah,  Kwanzaa, etc. 
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!