Just for fun: Sending you some sunshine!

First Day of Preschool and volunteering at the preschool: Success!

Today was our official first day of preschool after the open-house last week and a fail attempt on Tuesday (this is a long story...). But we all did pretty well. This morning we prepared the snacks. I've sliced watermelon, cut cheese in cubes and add some blueberries for his snack and he was quite pleased. Got some other ideas while watching the lil'ones snacks. For example, chicken salad, cheese strings, whole peas in a pod and some peroggies too.
There was a lot of hands-on activities. But I think today, because I was around, he was clinging on me and ask me to join in the activities. However I was quite busy with my own tasks (fill up the glue tubs, cleaning after the children, witting the children names on their art so they can take them home, etc.) Although Leandro is going to a very good Day Care when I have to work. Going to this preschool makes me more involved into his education and force me to take the days to spend with him as preschool is only in the mornings. I will be volunteering every month and spending those afternoons with him at home. Great, isn't?!

There are a few openings in the three days afternoon classes. And if you know anyone interested. Please see the contact information below:

"We offer a nurturing and stimulating environment that is Reggio and Project Approach inspired. With the teacher in the role of researcher, the children contribute to and negotiate the curriculum in partnership. The daily schedule provides time for interactive play in a variety of interesting centres, a gathering time, a snack, and group activities (e.g. yoga, drama, art, drumming, etc.) The students display and revisit their learning through photos, text, artwork, and artefact gallery"

"Family and community play an important role in supporting the children's inquiry and learning in our program and parents volunteer on a rotational basis. We offer trips, in-class guests and visiting artists."

St. Matthew's United Church
2035 26A St SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T3E 2B9
403-465-1141

How does Leandro count to ten?

Caterpillar Dreams

Books we selected for the children at FAYA Orphanage

I wanted to show you the books we selected to send to the children at FAYA Orphanage.
We thought it would be nice to send sturdy hard cover books and fun educational game cards such as the snap cards shown above. I

My First Pair of Havaianas

Havaianas are Brazilian popular flip-flops. They are the everyday slippers a typical Brazilian would use around the house, at the beach, at the swimming pool, at the grocery store, etc. Just about everywhere and every time type of slippers.
Leandro got his first pair from Batian and Ditian all the way from Brazil. His Havaianas are blue and so small. Mine are pink and I also have gold pair with tiny beads on top. Kerry has a orange pair and a green pair with a tiny Brazlilian flag on it. We all love them and use them almost all the time!
Havaianas are made of rubber and nowadays is exported internationally. They have a massive variety of trendy colors and distinctive styles. These rubber sandals, which are popularly known as flip-flops, are extremely comfortable.
Since 1962, São Paulo Alpargatas, a manufacturing company in Brazil , have been making these one of a kind flip-flops. The inspiration for the Havaianas innovation is the Zori, which is a Japanese style sandal and the term Havaianas, which is Portuguese for Hawaiians, serves as homage to the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches of Hawaii.
Many years ago I brought some pair and gave away as a gift to some Canadian friends, but I believe not knowing what exactly they are, people could not really appreciate them. As they have simple and somewhat plain looking.
Note: Batian= grandma and Ditian=grandpa