a chain of flowers.

My mom and dad are in town for a quick visit from the west coast this week. Since she is the one who nurtured my love for the arts, I really wanted her to come to my weekly painting class. It's rare for us to get time where it's just the two of us, so getting a couple of hours with her was a special treat. There was something soothing about getting to sit with my mom, create, have quiet conversation, laugh at the terrible muzak being piped through the store, and share in the learning experience. As you can see, we have very similar styles. And neither of us completed our paintings (all that quiet conversation, I suppose). I only wish she lived closer so we could go together every week.

sponge bob on the ceiling.

My mom has a knack for picking out toys for Max.  Carousels with flashing lights and music, laptop computers, musical caterpillars, shape sorters, winnie the pooh on a horse... her winning streak is going strong.  This is no small feat.  Choosing a toy for a child with Autism is a challenge - even for me!  Max's favourite toy right now is a wind up movie projector that projects sponge bob and plays music.  When he first got it earlier this year, he really didn't understand how to play with it.  Apparently he has figured it out now, because I came upstairs the other night to find him putting on a show for Scott and Cam in our bedroom.  Quite a sight to find my three favourite people cuddling together and enjoying themselves.  Joy in the little things indeed.

Note: I was not paid to write this post.  I just wrote it because it's a cool toy.