Sunday, August 17, 2008

Skippyjon Jones!

A couple years ago, Braden's Godparents gave him and Keiya one of the funnest children's books ever written ... "Skippyjon Jones". Remember the "test" I spoke of in an earlier post? It passes with flying colors! It's a kick to read aloud ... especially when read at a quick pace with the best Spanish accent you can muster. Skippyjon Jones - a Siamese cat - has a vivid imagination ... which often gets him into a bit of trouble with his mother - Mama Junebug Jones. And, her nicknames for Skippyjon (Mr. Kitten Britches, Mr. Fuzzy Pants, Mr. Cocopugs) never fail to leave children in fits of laughter. Author Judy Schachner has created a loveable, laughable, entertaining little character in SkippyJon ... guaranteed to please readers of ALL ages!

I was reminded of this book and author yesterday, at the birthday party of our friend Ethan, who is now a big 3-year old! As he tore off the wrapping paper to unveil not one, but TWO Skippyjon Jones books, I think our family was more elated than anyone! My 2-1/2 year old daughter exclaimed, "We have that one!!", and my hubby and I excitedly began chatting with the gift's giver, who I was pleased to learn was also a big Skippyjon fan! Isn't it amazing how children's picture books can not only entertain and enlighten, but also create such wonderful connections!

If you'd like to visit the Skippyjon Jones website and join the Skippyjon craze, the address is listed in the links along the left column.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Summer Torture Plan Enters ... Dare We Say ... "Fun" Territory!

Yes, it is true ... as of late, Braden's been enjoying his summer journaling. OK, OK, I admit ... I do have to, sort of, 'drag' him to the point of actually sitting in front of a table with journal and colored pencils at the ready. BUT, once he's there, our recent experiences have actually been quite enjoyable. He gets excited as we go through the process of drawing what we will be writing about; he tries to spell some of the words on his own before asking for help; and, he's not rubbing his poor eyes to bits with the palms of his hands. All very good signs, in my book!

Recently, we completed a journal page, which I then turned into a 'thank you' card for his grandparents ... THIS, he liked. So ... we're rolling with that ... this week, he drew a picture of himself playing soccer at his school's soccer camp. We'll be turning that into a thank-you card for his soccer camp coach! And, in the midst of many less-than-shining parental moments, I savored just a taste of parenting success when Braden told me, "I'm writing a lot of words on this one [the soccer journal page], because then my writing will get better!" After a brief fainting spell (or maybe it was just my heart leaping with joy), I delightedly agreed, "Yes, Braden, that is absolutely right!"