Parking the Minivan

After a great deal of soul-searching, I’ve decided that this will be the last post on Crumbs in the Minivan.  It's been almost four years and over 500 posts sharing the good, the bad and the silly here on this blog and the time has come to say goodbye. 

This blog started, as I suspect many others do, as a place to share some of the stories of my family.  Our quirky suburban nest is far away from my parents and other family so this was a way to keep them abreast of our goings on, offering a little glimpse into our life.  

What it turned into was much more than that. 

Through this blog, I came to know many really amazing people.  Some are writers, some social media superstars, others from all walks of life in a wide range of locales around this great planet.  How fascinating to get the chance to connect in such an intimate way with people from Australia, Finland, the Middle East or the Philippines.  How totally hilarious to see how people end up on this blog through Google searches of “exhibitionist neighbour” or “Peter Criss wants a hug”. 

What a beautiful and strange, comforting and intimidating place the blogosphere (and all social media, really) is.  I’ve really enjoyed connecting with so many of you, sharing and comparing stories, or just laughing about the world of parenting or 30-somethinghood.  I’ve loved reading your blogs and comments and engaging with you about your adventures, too.

I’ve also been fortunate to have met many incredible people, mostly women, who have taken their passions and turned them into successes both online and in real life.   I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met.  Most recently driving a Chevrolet Orlando to Orlando with a bunch of other really amazing families or performing onstage with the National Ballet of Canada in The Nutcracker, my life has been enriched by every single experience. 

I’ve also had the good fortune to connect with people who are even more passionate about music and culture and help share some of the wonderful arts experiences out there for families these days.  I’m a huge fan of those superstars. 

Aside from all of this, having Crumbs in the Minivan taught me a lot about myself and about what I really value in my life, in people, in family and friends.  It has inadvertently clarified what’s really important to me.  It has allowed me to laugh, to cry, to share or to hold back, to think, to question, to challenge and to release.  It has taught me who I want to be as a parent and role model for my children.

It’s time to close the doors on Crumbs.  I will be adjusting my Twitter and Facebook handles accordingly so you may need to get to know me by another name since my last name isn't really Crumb.   I intend to continue with MapleMixtape.com and continue blogging for the ever-so-cool Bunchfamily so you’ll still find me there, too.  I have a freelance writing business that I enjoy and I have some other interesting things I’ve been mulling over.  I’m excited about what 2012 might hold for me.

So please still keep in touch.  And thank you for allowing me into your lives, sharing some bits and pieces from mine.  I’m grateful you’ve been here. 

As 2011 closes, so too does Crumbs in the Minivan.   I wish you all a new year filled with laughter, love, inspiration and challenge.  I hope that you never stop dreaming and never lose sight of what’s most important to you.


**Added Jan 1st: I can't believe I didn't leave this with a song.  Where was my head?  This artist continually offers me a soundtrack to my life and this song in particular gave me strength when it first came out.  I believe I will use it again here to kick-start my 2012.  Neil Finn's She Will Have Her Way.

 

PS: I still drive a minivan full of crumbs. 

Pajama Friday Christmas retrospective

A smattering of photos from our Christmas, things new and old we've enjoyed this week...

Hope your holidays have been filled with all kinds of crazy, wonderful joy.

Our comic moment in The Nutcracker

It's hard to believe it even happened now but a few days ago I had the opportunity to be involved in The National Ballet of Canada's Nutcracker.

No, I wasn't actually dancing (my infamous robot dance moves would likely not be as acceptable in 19th century Russia where this production was set) but we did get to don some colourful costumes (nothing says coolness like pompons and knit slippers!), hang out backstage and have a few comic moments in front of the audience as cannon dolls.

You can read more about it here but I put together a little video sharing my perspective of the experience with you.  Unfortunately we couldn't get any footage of the actual performance (not allowed) but I explain what happened here... (and you're welcome in advance that I edited out much of my rambling...definitely not ready for prime time!)

Can't see that vid?  Click here.

Heather Ogden in The Nutcracker

Photo by Bruce Zinger

Thanks to the National Ballet for the very cool experience - my mother-in-law was thrilled and we both thoroughly enjoyed every moment, despite my almost being taken out by a horse backing up.  (Thank you Lindsay Fischer for the repeated reminders to avoid colliding with performers who lack spacial awareness in their costumes!)

James Kudelka's Nutcracker runs through to January 3, 2012 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.  Don't miss it!

Must not have been using the flash...

Suvi:  Finn said that the last time we came here.  It was like a few years ago.

Mom: Suvi, how do you possibly remember that?

Suvi:  I have a photographic memory!

Mom:  Really? Then what happened on your last math test?

Suvi:  Duh, my brain doesn't take pictures of everything!

Sigh.

My National Ballet debut (cue comic relief)

Next week, on December 27^th, I’m going to have the chance to play a small role in a very special performance.  It’s not a speaking part (phewf) and it requires no dance skills (darn, I was hoping to show off my new robot moves) but I anticipate it being a great deal of fun.

When I was first contacted by The National Ballet of Canada a while back to see if I might be interested in playing a cannon doll in a performance of James Kudelka’s version of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, I immediately thought “wow, cool!”  All kinds of interesting folks, like Ron McLean, Stephen Page, Margaret Atwood, Mats Sundin, and Rick Mercer have played the role of cannon doll in this production in previous years.  I’m still a little unsure how my name got thrown into the mix but my main challenge will clearly be: will I be able to match those celebrity dance skills?  Hmmm…

After accepting, they informed me I could choose another person who would join me on stage as the other cannon doll. 

Right away, several friends came to mind, many who even without theatrical experience would probably be true “characters” on stage with me.  But when I told Daddy Crumb about the opportunity, he didn’t hesitate one moment to suggest to me who I should choose as my partner in crime: his mother. 

After giving it further thought (and no puppy dog eyes from Daddy Crumb whatsoever…ahem) it actually seemed like exactly the right choice.  See, my mother-in-law, now in her early seventies, has had a lifelong love of dance.  Her passion for it has long been part of their family’s history.  I believe she hoped to be a ballerina in the early years but ended up pursuing a different kind of dance, one that involved more than simply beautiful choreography.

The Margaret Morris Method (known as MMM) was developed by modern dance pioneer and physiotherapist, Margaret Morris, in the UK back in the early part of the 20^th century.  It’s based on creative exercises and people of all ages, from children right up to the elderly, can learn.  It’s particularly helpful and enjoyable for those with special needs, like Parkinson’s patients and seniors.  My mother-in-law has been an instructor of it since its early days in Canada. You can read more about it at their international website: http://www.margaretmorrismovement.com/

In any event, given her love for dance and the opportunity that presented itself to me, it seemed perfect to have her accompany me.  I’m hoping she enjoys the moment on stage with a national dance ensemble in a gorgeous production, even if it is just the comic relief at the end of the battle scene! 

So watch next week for an update and hopefully some backstage video of my adventure in The Nutcracker.  Let’s hope I don’t get whacked by the vibrating Christmas tree on the way to the stage like poor Mats Sundin...

The Night Before Christmas App

Sweet holiday app alert!  The lovely Night Before Christmas app by Peter, Paul & Mary, narrated by Mary Travers only months before her passing, walks us through a beautifully illustrated version of that classic Clement Moore poem, The Night Before Christmas.  

Kids get the chance to hear the poem, see the illustrations, and choose to see the text, as well.  So they can have it read to them, or can read it themselves.  Plus, it’s got lots of cute little interactive elements (from Touchoo), like putting ornaments on the tree or making Santa’s sleigh fly, as you go through the book.  Even on my little iTouch the kids have enjoyed using it.  

Take a look:

 Click here to get the link.

So head over to iTunes and download - it might just keep your kids busy for a few moments while you wrap those last presents!  

Goodnight to tech-lovin' parents and their kids

I'm giggling about one of the kids' gifts that arrived from Chapters today - the latest addition to our Goodnight collection, Goodnight iPad (by Ann Droyd).  Love.

 
Now shhhhhh, don't tell them.

Dude. It's not real.

Finnegan wondered why the shiny french horn that was hanging so invitingly on the tree didn't actually make any noise.  He nearly blew his eyeballs out trying.

It's time for a Kids World Party!

While we may not have travelled to every part of the world with our children (like some amazing families we know!), in our own way we try to help our kids understand and appreciate the differences between countries and cultures.  That the people in our world are diverse and colourful and beautiful. 

Putumayo has long held a place in our music collection, with their compilations of world music of every kind.  We think they are simply wonderful.  So I was thrilled to see what they’ve produced recently for kids: a new Kids World Party music compilation, a big Europe colouring book and a Latin America Sticker Collection.  

First of all, the music on the Kids World Party cd is fantastic and fun.  It's the first in a new series and commemorates the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International. Plus, 7% of the proceeds from the sale of these CDs goes to Amnesty - even better.  Check out a few samples:

Quimbombo by PALO! from Cuba/USA

Can't see the video?  Click here.

Or Nadie by Monedita de Oro from Mexico:

Click here if you can't see the video.

The colouring and sticker books feature the colourful artwork that always graces the Putumayo album covers.  And the kids love to colour the big colouring book with its pages each containing a scene from various countries like the Parthenon or Big Ben.  

So if you are raising some wonderful little global citizens and are looking for more ways to bring the world into your home, you must check these out.  They'd make fantastic holiday gifts for those little people, too. {nudge nudge}  

A few kid-friendly ideas for your holiday gift list

Time's ticking away as we countdown to our holiday celebrations.  I know I'm often desperate for ideas for gifts since I just don't have the time or energy to scout out neat gifts for so many people.  I thought I'd pass along a few great ideas for kid-friendly gifts.

Here are some items that have kept our kids out of trouble (a little) so far this holiday season.

This microphone caused excessive fits of giggles in this household.  It’s the Merry-Okee microphone (available at Hallmark) and you can sing along with holiday songs either in your own voice or have your voice turned “elf”.  This item, in fact, would be hilarious for those who just love to sing or be silly at any age.  Who comes up with these things?!  So funny.

Another great item from Hallmark is the Story Buddies interactive book sets.  A great story *and* a cuddly that helps you read it?  Sweet.  My kids thought this was the bees knees and we’ll definitely be picking up at least one more of these for gifting this season. 

And if you’re looking for something for the budding artists in your life, Crayola has some great products out right now for a range of ages.  Suvi, who is nine and loves to craft and create, is a huge fan of all the PopArtPixies line.  Anything from this range would be a hit with girls in the pre-tween and tween years.

Max, my six year old, totally loved this Glow Book: you craft four versions of a scene with glow markers on these plexiglass panels, each panel having something that's moved. You know, like we used to do with notepads or pages when you'd draw the person walking along or moving and when you flipped it through it would create the effect of animation?  This one, however, is done with glowing images and lights on plexiglass.  Max loved it and has had a great time creating new scenes with it.

And Finn, four years old, enjoys the Dry Erase Crayons set (see left!) which is ideal for the littlest ones who might forget to cap those markers. I have no idea how they get crayons to be dry erase but it's pretty cool.  

So there you go, a few little ideas for you.  Hope your holiday shopping is as stress-free as possible and that you can take a moment to enjoy the real spirit of the holiday season with friends and family.  

Taking charge of my gift list

Somehow, despite my best efforts to keep it top of mind, holiday planning has totally snuck up on me.  I mean, I’ve almost sent out all of my Christmas cards and have picked up a few gifts but with 26 people on our holiday gift list, I have a huge mountain to climb (without breaking the bank) in the next few weeks. Ugh.

So I’ve been looking for solutions to my time/money crunch.  As a work-at-home-mom with three monkeys in my midst, online shopping has been my saviour these past few years so I was excited to discover WagJag, which seems to be a great way I can address some of my holiday panic!  Their Holiday Shoppe is the place to start.

Heading over there today, I was able to nab a really awesome deal for Picaboo, the photobook shop that I always order my photobooks from.  In fact, I just this week received my latest Picaboo photobook that I created from our whirlwind adventure to Orlando in August.  I do these for all of our trips now and they're wonderful keepsakes.

Best part?  The books don't need to be created right away! So I was able to get 2 custom photo books (for future order) for just $35 which would normally cost $100!

This is perfect because these photobooks are something I love to gift to special people in my life.  I’ve decided to use these to create some personalized holiday memory books to give to people in the new year!  I'll create some fun "gift certificates" to give them at Christmas that say a special gift will be on its way to them in January. 

That not only gets me two gifts to scratch from my list, it also gives me the time to make them after the holiday madness is over!  Awesome.

Why not head over to WagJag and see what deals you can find that tickle your fancy? A great way to help get through holiday gift buying craziness.  

Oh, they’re also running a holiday contest on their Facebook page where you can win $500!   I shared the details of that here (and you can watch my little video entry… I’m just a little nervous in front of the camera so don't laugh too hard!).  So head over to their Facebook page and enter!

I am participating in an influencer program with EverythingMom to support WagJag for the holidays. Although I have been compensated for my time to write this post, the opinions expressed are purely my own.

Two kids cds for your gift list this season

Looking for some great kids music this holiday season?  There have been lots of really fun releases out this year, ones that kids will love and parents will feel even better about.  You heard me, moms and dads, there’s no cringe-worthy tunes on these cool albums for kids.  In fact, if you're an aunt or an uncle, you could make yourself extremely popular amongst the elementary school set this season by gifting any of these to the wee ones in your life.  

 

Two highlights from this year you would do well to check out:

The Jimmies – Practically Ridiculous  

This power-pop pack has catchy, rockin’ tunes with a whole lot of energy.  Perfect for air guitar solos and dance parties.   

Here's a sample of their sound (from one of their earlier albums), Cool to be Uncool:

Click here if you can't see that vid above.

 

And if that weren’t enough Jimmies goodness for you this season, they also just released a holiday album called Mama Said Nog You Out {giggle}, which is available through Barnes & Noble.  

They’ve got a sound all over the map which means a variety of great tunes to bounce around to – I’d love to catch these guys (and gal) live sometime because I bet they’d be amazing.  In the meantime, I highly recommend picking up Practically Ridiculous and Nog You Out for the little people in your life.  So fun!

Next up, some Deedles...

I'm talking about the latest from The Deedle Deedle Dees.  Even saying their name makes my kids crack up.  Anyway, this savvy smartypants band of four teachers and musicians were “raised on Schoolhouse Rock, the Pixies, the Muppets and Tom Waits” according to their bio.  Such an eclectic mix is evident when you hear their stuff.  

Their tunes are smart and wonderful.  You know, like They Might Be Giants smart and wonderful (but different!).  And don’t just take my word for it, The Dees perform interactive, educational shows all year long and create workshops, residencies and other cooperative programs with schools. Their website and blog feature curriculum guides and other awesome goodies.  These dudes are serious about their message: you can learn something when you listen to music.  And there are lots of really cool stories in our past.

Their latest album, Strange Dees, Indeed, features songs about history, science and folklore.  From tracks about Hindu philosophies to one about Marie Curie smuggling radium in her suitcase, there’s a lot more here than just your usual kid-pop fare.

Take a listen to some of their swingin' wonderfulness (track from an older album...but you'll get an idea and I dare you not to feel like clapping along):

Can't see that embedded vid?  Click here.

More amazing kids music to come in the next week...watch for it!  And shake a leg, holiday time's-a-comin' and little people need great music, too!

All Hail, Gustafer!

I think the kids have developed a replicating machine.  

Quirky fictional children's characters are taking over the world.