I think what draws people to Winnipeg is their comedy festival and artistic scene.

Yes, here are a few ideas to get you started; the Badlands Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump Calgary Zoo Stampede (July) Enjoy!

Thank you for those kind replies. I know I am critical and judgemental toward her. I worry about how she will "turn out" constantly. She is larger than life, so driven, competitive and perfectionnist. A gift, she is a wonderful gift. She teaches me exactly what I need to learn. I need to sit back and think about gratitude.

What do you treasure about your relationship with your daughter? I am having a difficult time appreciating the time spent with my daughter, I'm tense/exasperated when she is around. The time we spend together is filled with reprimands/correction as she tests limits constantly, it's exhausting! I don't expect parenting to be a walk in the park, I also have a son and our relationship is wonderful. I feel horribly guilty for having these feelings toward her. I don't want to look back on these years and feel like I missed my chance of finding peace and being relaxed around my daughter. So, what qualities do you love about your daugher? I need to see her in a more positive light. I'll start (since I badly need to do this exercise) When she chooses to: 1.She can play nicely with her brother 2.Her perseverance (piano practice,running) 3.She can be helpful 4.She is not shy (recitals) Could you please post what you enjoy about your daughter? Thanks, Isabelle

Rice milk? Is coffee whitener an option?

Correction from my previous post. Photocopie + pillage = photocopillage That is the correct spelling, but a play on words nonetheless. (returning to my coffee, minding my own business...) Isabelle:001_smile:

Just to add a very small side note: photocopier, "photocopiage" is the correct spelling. "piller" means to destroy. They combined both words and created "photocopillage" as a play on words. 1. "Youpi" is a well put together magazine for 5-8yr olds. I believe you also get access to online games from Bayard when you subscribe to their magazines. 2. librairieducentre.com (my favorite bookstore) 3. cornemuse.com sweet TV show for kindergarten age/ games 4. tfo.org/jeux/index (television franco-ontarienne)/games 5. radio-canada.ca/jeunesse/pe****/ games 6. caillou.com games/ tv show 7. cforp.ca/minimag/ 8. comptines.net songs, drawing, HTH Isabelle

Just speak to him.:001_smile: We are a bilingual family (French and English with some Dutch/Spanish /ASL thrown in there). The way I have tought my children is simply by repeating in both languages. First in the language that they are unfamiliar with, then same sentence in the language they do understand and a third time to solidify in the new language. EX: As-tu soif? Are you thirsty? As-tu soif? At any moment of the day, all occasions are good for a few more words! You'll know how far they are in their language acquisition, just keep speaking more and more in the new language, they'll pick it up. What a great gift for them ( and you!) Enjoy your journey! Isabelle

Such great news! What a sigh of relief. Enjoy the comfort of your home with your family, united!:001_smile:

Thanks Dana, It is hard. I can assume responsibility, I'm just not sure how to present it to the children.

Could you please guide me as to how I should proceed with the following situation? We have a new family physician (yay!) who told us in no uncertain terms that due to our DD8's asthma and allergies, we need to give our cat away. Of course it is completely reasonable, I am not refuting that at all. DD has always been very careful not approching/petting the cat, washing her hands if she sits on cat hair on the couch...Although it feels odd writing our routine, it is our "normal". It is bad for DD's health, the cat is leaving. Where I am having a difficult time is how to proceed. 1. Find a new home: I have tried and honestly, she is an old cat, we love her, but she is not very friendly.She is an indoor cat. 2.Bring the cat to the vet to have her euthanized: DD will be devastated as she will feel responsible. Should I lie and say she the cat was sick? I am afraid DD will see through that. (She knows the cat must go, she was present at the MD's office.) 3. Humane Society : where she might get a new home, in reality probably not, be stressed for the last few weeks of her life and die alone... I have to do what is right for my daughter's health and I don't want her to feel guilty for giving up our pet. Sad, of course, guilty, no. What do I tell her?

Yes, I would buy it! I know canadian winters all too well. You will be able to enjoy the outdoors in comfort, plus, it's on sale. If you can afford it, enjoy!:)

It's so good to hear positive updates on your baby boy. Here's to warm and cozy times with all your little ones! Merry Christmas to your family!! Isabelle XO

:grouphug: :grouphug:

That is such great news! I am very happy for you. Enjoy cuddling with him!:grouphug:

I enjoyed My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Pixie Hollow ? Tux Paint ? Encarta Kids version (to explore)

How precious! Sounds like he would get along well with my sweet DD8 who dreams of a dress with puffed sleeves. ( a la Anne of Green Gables) :001_smile:

Here you go; 12 ounces ground beef 1 cup chopped onion (1 large) 1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes, cut up 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed 1/4 teaspoon pepper (Perhaps my version is slightly more recent as it was from p. 461 under Soups and Stews.) HTH Isabelle

"Leo et Popi" is such a sweet collection.

Use pears! Simmer 25 min. with seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean. Mash to desired consistency.

:grouphug: Ooooooh yes, take care of yourself! :grouphug:

Lanolin works wonders, I will never use anything else. You only need a small amount of the ointment as it is very thick. I put it on in the evening before bed and by morning my lips are so much better. "Purelan" or "Lansinoh" , the same ointment that nursing mothers may use (for cracked nipples).The relief is immediate (doesn't sting). HTH:)

They are too difficult for my 6 yo. She pinched herself a few times and will no longer play with them. She doesn't love these types of toys though. I'm waiting for my youngest to be ready for them, he will see how cool they can be. We have a large set.

Is there a "Music for Young Children" teacher in your area? My 7 year old is thriving in their program learning about theory, solfege, history and piano.