Your Active Community with Patti Fletcher - Mom & Baby Yoga

BB (Before Baby) my relationship with yoga constituted the primary focus in my life.

I discovered it in early 2002 while recovering from a lengthy illness, when I needed the space to focus on physical well-being in a quiet, centered way. What I discovered was the doorway to a healthy head that began with working out the kinks in my back and knots in my hips.

A few months into it all, Ken would send me off to class with a reminder that - if we worked on hips that day - I was supposed to tell him so he could plan to work late. I laugh now, but it was true. Hip work brought out the worst in me emotionally. But, eventually, yoga became the salve rather than the spoon stirring the pot and we both loved it.

The zen buzz and quiet space gave me the chance to truly enjoy pregnancy. It was my time to bond with our daughter in a very intimate way, something that looking back upon I consider priceless.

I totally admit that my struggles with motherhood early on including a hard whack of postpartum depression entirely derailed that yoga practice. But, the time I spent on the mat still allows me to work out a few kinks and refocus on those days when life is in overwhelm mode.

So, when you run down the list of mama workout options, yoga is most definitely in there. What momma doesn’t need some Zen in all of chaos?

Here’s Patti to share some perspective on why:

Throughout a childs’ lifetime, the opportunity for them to participate in recreational activities with Mom are many and varied, but the very first year is critical and the very first opportunity to recreate together starts in the womb.

One of the most valuable and popular programs to experience while pregnant is pre-natal yoga. Pre-Natal yoga programs are designed to allow for the mother to gain physical and emotional strength, while the child within gains a sense of calm and confidence. This quiet practice allows for precious time during which Mother and child can relax, breathe and focus on the new and exciting days to come, together.

Following the birth of a child, yoga programs are also an ideal venture for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual activity, in a supportive and caring environment - a great way for Moms to release the tensions of new parenthood, gain elusive relaxation time and build strength and muscle.

As early as 4 weeks post natal, Mom and babe are encouraged to join in.

Gentle poses to strengthen the body, relaxing poses to relieve stress, tension or fatigue, and playful poses for Mother and newborn to enjoy together fill the room that is designed to meet the needs and flexibility that new moms require.

Once a child begins to crawl and has that desire to explore more of the wonder and joy of the world, Diaper Gym programs are the next step for Mother and child being together.

Diaper Gym is a facilitated free play time with a variety of preschool gym related toys, mats, balls, and other parents and tots in a safe and sensory-activating environment. Developmentally, a baby’s first year is remarkable, and scheduled uninterrupted activity time together is invaluable for both Mother and child to share.

Together with Comox Recreation, Mother and child can experience any one of these programs, by calling 339-2255 or visit www.comoxrecreation.com

You can also find pre- and post-natal mom/baby classes through Courtenay Rec, Comox Valley Aquatic Centre and Black Creek Community Association. There are several private yoga studios in town that occasionally offer prenatal and postnatal classes as well. (If you know of any that are currently offering classes, please leave a comment.)

 

CVK In The Community - Our First NeighbourWood Walk

We couldn’t have asked for a more awesome day to kick off the Spring series of NeighbourWood Walks over at MacDonald Wood Nature Park yesterday.

The sunshine and low tide meant this fun walk through the forest turned into a great afternoon checking out crabs and snails and logging serious splashing in with some new friends.

You know how when you go to plan a party that’s BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid), spend some late nights getting everything put together and worry that no one would show?

Well, yesterday was BYOS (Bring Your Own Smile…oh, the cheesy factor is over the top), with a huge crew of happy kiddos and parents testing out their new Nature Passports, checking off their I Spy sheets for cool things in the forest (the trillium proved the toughest to spot) and singing a dorky NeighbourWoodie song that Ken and I concocted.

Here’s hoping every Wednesday proves just as fun, relaxing and kid-friendly.

I want to send out some extra love to Norm over at St. Johns Ambulance Service for manning the first-aid station during this walk series as well as Dianne over at Scrapbook Central for hooking us up with the tools to properly make our Nature Passports.

Registration is closed for the Spring series. But, the Summer series - which we anticipate will be longer, with more time and day options - is already in the works. You’ll be able to sign up for that in June.

Next Wednesday’s walk is at the Puntledge Greenway. If you are registered, we’ll meet at 1 p.m. again and take a walk through a cool slice of city parkland.

 

Food & Your Family with Christa Herrling - Mom’s Day Spinach Pesto Fettuccine

On this, the week before Mother’s Day, I’d like to offer up a recipe that I have come to love for its simplicity- or in other words- I have come to love this recipe because it is easy enough for my husband to prepare, and is downright delicious.

I know there are many husbands and partners out there who excel in culinary pursuits, and to those of you living with one of those people, may I extend my congratulations.

My hubby’s repertoire amounts to…scrambled eggs on toast.

It’s partly my fault.

I hoard the kitchen because I actually enjoy cooking for all of us. It’s the one place where I become a bit of a control freak.

When my husband and I first moved in together, he would attempt to help out prepping vegetables for me, and wind up listening to me tell him exactly how to do it- as though there was actually a wrong way to slice carrots.

Over time, the kitchen became almost exclusively my domain.

In the years since we’ve become a family of three, I’ve urged him to give cooking another try. He is apparently scarred by days gone by, and ever convinced that I won’t approve of the food he would make.

He’s a little bit right on that one.

After seven years together, he’s perfected the art of asking, “Is there anything I can help with?” at the exact moment in dinner preparation that there is in fact absolutely nothing left to help with.

To his credit, there are occasions when he whips up delicious eggs on toast, and every now and again, he- my allegedly inept husband- drags out the food processor and whips up Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto, from scratch.

Doesn’t food seem to taste better when somebody else makes it for you?

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a snap to prepare, takes virtually no time in the kitchen, and requires just a few simple ingredients. It uses only a few dishes, and involves steps that your big kid can help out with, such as juicing the lemon, weighing the pasta, or grating the cheese.

Take a little time as a family this Mother’s Day weekend to show the special mom/family chef in your life that she’s appreciated by giving her a break from her routine, and letting her sit back and relax while you make dinner.

Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto (ready in 25 minutes)
Adapted from Everyday Food
Serves 4

12 ounces fettuccine
coarse salt & ground pepper
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 Tbsp pine nuts
1 garlic clove
1 tsp grated zest plus 2 Tbsp juice from 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water; immediately drain pasta and return to pot.

2. While pasta is cooking, place spinach, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, and lemon zest and juice in a food processor (if you don’t have one, a blender should do the trick). Process until a paste forms. With motor running, add oil and 1/4 cup cold water; process until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add pasta; toss, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce is thinned slightly and coats fettuccine (you may not need the water). Serve, sprinkled with additional Parmesan and nuts, if desired.

Food is so much fun. We’ve got lots of family-friendly foodie goodness HERE.

 

All Mom, All the Time - Mother’s Day the Together Way

There’s a running debate amongst my girlfriends about whether or not we personally should have a hand in what happens on Mother’s Day.

Yes, there is a wonderful charm about waking up to a magical surprise this Sunday morning (yes, gulp hard dads, Mother’s Day is Sunday) completely crafted by your partners and tiny people to show how very much they love you.

But, I am of the mind that holidays like Mother’s Day freak most gift-givers out, leaving one of a handful of things to happen:

1. They default to something done a million times before.

2. They assume moms require extravagance in order to feel the love.

3. They do nothing.

All three of these options often result in one at-least-mildly disappointed momma, and that sucks for everybody involved.

Moms - we’re not really a fussy bunch (mostly, although I’m pretty sure Ken will belt out a big HA! after reading that) - often it is a hand-picked bouquet of flowers, a picnic in the sunshine, an extra-long sleep or a homemade gift that makes us melt into a pile of goo. But, we all have our own personal visions of what would constitute big love in the Mother’s Day universe.

It’s a tough balance (like so much in our lives) to figure out what to do for the special people in your lives that will really have some extra heart, or to say to the people who love you, “Hey, if you are thinking about what to do for Mother’s Day, I’d really be into something like this.”

I have this theory that Ken shouldn’t have to bear the wrath of my unmet holiday visions. So, he spends the week before any given calendar event receiving not-so-subtle hints from me. Notes taped to the computer, newspaper clippings on the keyboard, e-mails with links.

This year - a brunch with some bonus adventure - I picked the spot, made the reservations, and totally can’t wait to spend a great afternoon with my loves. Yay!

But, telling your spouse, partner or kids the low-down on mom - or getting the scoop out of your favourite mom in terms of what she’s hoping for - is not the easiest thing. Sometimes planning it all together and seeing how things evolve is the best present ever.

So, here are a few hints from me on what makes a mom’s heart sing that families can plan and do as a team. Drop a few hints yourselves by leaving a comment with your suggestions. I think we all could use a few. I’m still trying to figure my mother-in-law out. (in a good way). She’s been recruited for our brunching adventure.

- A photo collage is an amazing treasure. Snapshots are the best slices of life and pulling them together in one spot so your favourite mom can remember warm times at will is priceless. Each family member can pick out their faves (no content editing, the personality of each choice is what makes it special) and you can create it together.

- A special picnic with all of mom’s favourite foods (anything at all) is a fun treat. I highly recommend a desert picnic where everyone gets to spend an afternoon snacking on all of mom’s favourite confections.

- Schedule a photo shoot with the family - whether professional or with your own set up - and get silly taking family photos at a spot that’s special to Mom.

- Plant a Mother’s Day garden. Head out to the plant store together to gather up some momma faves and turn a corner of the yard into an ode to mom (you could even make a Mom’s Garden Patch sign to sweeten the deal)

- Plan a Mom’s movie night. Let the mom in your life pick out her favourite movies (no censoring for chick-flick content, all Meg Ryan and George Clooney movies are on the table), stock her with some serious movie goodies and let her curl up under a big, soft blanket for the night.

- Check in about doing something traditional like breakfast in bed or Sunday brunch. Your favourite mom might be in the mood for some sentimental mom-focused feasting. Tradition doesn’t have to be dull. Find a great locale for brunch (which can be a surprise), have the kiddos come up with the breakfast menu and get them involved in the cooking.

Most of all, have fun.

Moms are all about seeing their families happy and healthy. A smile on everyone’s face is the best present of all!

 

This Week - Mom, Mom and a NeighbourWood Walk Announcement

I’m sitting at the dining room table this morning looking out at partly cloudy skies with some serious hoping that this rain-free weather lasts through Wednesday. We’ve had an overwhelming response to the NeighbourWood Walks series and I am totally excited to hit the trails.

That said, because of the great response, we’re going to have to cap the registration at 30 kiddos, which means we have only three (3, I can’t believe it) spots left. I didn’t expect to have to set a limit. But, with 30 tiny people, that means we’ll have 50 to 60 people on the trail at any given walk. That’s one serious group!

So, if you are considering registering for the walks, please do so ASAP as I suspect we will only be able to take one or two more families with this group. I’m very excited that you all are into these walks and we are working hard on a Summer walk series that will kick off in June and potentially offer two walks a week at different times and locations.

After all of that good news, let’s get to what’s happening around the region this week:

- The final Spring Storytime at the Courtenay Library kicks off next week and registration is now being accepted. This FREE program is really fun. So, get signed up today by calling 334-3369 or dropping by the library. Preschoolers ages 3 1/2 to 5 meet from 1:15 to 2 p.m. Mondays from May 12 to June 9. Toddlers ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 meet from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays from May 14 to June 11.

- For flower-loving moms, get your tickets for the Mother’s Day Garden Tour with the North Island Rhododendron Society. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features six gardens around the area for $10 per person. Tickets are available at Art Knapp’s, Plantland, Anderton Nursery, Blue Heron Books as well as Home & Garden Gate.

- I think this sounds totally sweet, book your favourite mom a Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Tea for this Sunday at The Rose Tea Room in downtown Courtenay. Times vary so make a reservation today by calling 897-1007.

- Want to tell everyone how much you love your favourite mom? Put a photo Mother’s Day greeting in the Echo. You’ve got to do it before Wednesday. So, e-mail your picture and message to sales@comoxvalleyecho.com or drop them off at the Echo in downtown Courtenay. All submissions are entered into a drawing for cool prizes.

- If you or your kiddos are planning to boat or swim in the Courtenay River, be aware that Fisheries and Oceans Canada is operating a low-voltage electronic seal deterrent at the Fifth Street Bridge from dusk until dawn through May 26th and then 24 hours a day through July 18. There will be someone on-site to de-energize it if you are swimming or boating in the area. Call 703-0908 for information.

- Girls ages 7 to 18 can now register for the BCGA Zone 6 Women FREE Junior Golf Clinic. First-timers are encouraged and clubs are provided for the event which will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. May 10 and May 31 at Pheasant Glen in Qualicum Beach. Register is needed by May 3. Call Jenn at (250) 951-9990 for information and registration.

- If you are considering taking your favourite mom out to Mother’s Day Brunch, you need to make reservations VERY SOON. Here are some options:
* The Coast Westerly on Cliffe Avenue will host brunch and dinner. Brunch has a 12:30 p.m. seating in the ballroom or a 10:30 a.m., Noon and 1:30 p.m. seating in the greenhouse with a coast of $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors and $14.95 for kids under 12. Dinner seating is at 5 and 7 p.m. and the costs are increased by $2 for everyone. Call 338-7741 to reserve.
* The Edgewater Pub on Beaufort Avenue in Comox will host a Mother’s Day Dinner that looks great. Seatings are at 5 and 7:30 p.m. and is $19.95 for adults with a regular children’s menu available. Call 339-6151 for reservations.
* Raven Lodge up at Mt. Washington is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch buffet with one heck of a view. Seatings are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with a cost of $21.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors and $12.95 for children under 12. Make reservations by calling 1-888-231-1499.

- The Spring Skating Schedule for the Comox Valley Sports Centre is up. Everyone Welcome skates are now from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturdays through May 15.

- If you homeschool or are considering homeschooling, NIDES - the North Island Distance Education School - will host an information session from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (May 7) at the Tsolum Campus, 2505 Smith Road. Call 1-800-663-7925 for more information.

- Kindermusik registration with Carol Anne Parkinson is now on. You can register by calling 338-7223 or e-mail Carol Anne at kindermusikwithcarolanne@shaw.ca
Classes include:
Kindermusik Adventures ~ newborn to 18 months ~ Busy Days - Set your baby’s day to classical music. With a little more Tchaikovsky in your “Twinkle, Twinkle” repertoire, you’ll discover new ways your baby benefits from the classics as you both develop an appreciation for the world’s most respected music. Each lesson features new activities and songs you can sing for all the places you go together—the store, the playground, the doctor, and more.
Mondays 11:00am - 11:40am (parents attend entire class) May 26 - June 23 or
Mondays 12:00pm - 12:40pm (parents attend entire class) May 26 - June 23 or
Tuesdays 10:00am - 10:40am (parents attend entire class) May 27 - June 24
5 weeks 40-45 minutes $95 including materials (CD, book, poster, bell instrument)

Kindermusik Adventures ~ 18 months to 3 ~ Creatures at the Ocean ~ Pretend play makes the most of a toddler’s verbal and physical growth spurt. Plus the one-on-one time gives your toddler the love and attention she craves. Sing sailor songs and make the ocean count. “Five little seashells lying on the shore: Swish! Went the waves and then there were four.” Make homemade kites and take home recipies for your own fish sandwiches using fish-shaped bread.
Mondays 10:00am - 10:45am (parents attend entire class) May 26 - June 23 or
Tuesdays 9:00am - 9:45am (parents attend entire class) May 27 - June 24
5 weeks 45 minutes $95 including materials (Picture folders, story cards, CD, seashell castanets)

Kindermusik Adventures ~ 3 to 5 ~ On the Road - Your summer vacation becomes a musical learning theme, and makes the most of a preschooler’s burgeoning imagination and ability to learn more words and solve problems. Take imaginary trips to summer vacation locations such as the carnival, a summer cottage, and the beach. Crafts use simple materials—most can be found around the house. You’ll also learn more about how music improves your preschooler’s ability to think, reason, create and express.
Mondays 9:00am - 9:45am (parents attend last 15 minutes) May 26 - June 23 or
Tuesdays 11:00 am - 11:45am (parents attend last 15 minutes) May 27 - June 24
5 weeks 45 minutes $95 including materials (Hardcover Book, poster, CD, frog guiro instrument)

 

Sunday Morning Walks - Kin Beach and Bird Badges

On those sunny days when the wind is warm and a day digging in the sand is in order, starting your morning out at Kin Beach Provincial Park is the way to go.

This tucked away spot, just down the hill off of Kilmarnack Road in Comox, is the perfect combination of quaint picnic/cookout locale, beach goodness and playground that will keep the whole family entertained.

So, make a store run, stock up on grill food, bust out the potato salad and in the midst of this gorgeous weather, head out to explore.

Kin Beach isn’t a challenging hike in the woods, more a leisurely wander from the BBQ pit to the rocky waterfront and back. A stroll along the beach checking out some of Kin’s unusual foliage and wildflowers makes for some excellent exploring while the kiddos test drive the ancient, funky playground equipment that may make you cringe a bit in the safety universe. But, totally gives you 70s elementary school flashbacks (whoa, did I ever just date myself).

The main parking area also doubles as the camping/BBQ spot and a flat, well-maintained path leads you out to the beach. You can walk in both directions for a fair bit, particularly at lower tides with snails and crabs dominating the tide pools.

There is PLENTY of grassy open space just above the beach for running, touch football or all kinds of fun with a big covered picnic area if a cold lunch is more your style. The quaint treat is the Kin Beach Store, where you can pick up a few snacks and chat up the friendly folks there.

My biggest tips for this locale are to dress for changing weather and bring lunch, maybe even a tent. You’ll be charmed into spending the better half of a sunny day there. You get there from Courtenay by taking Ryan Road out to Comox 19 and making a left onto Military Row. Make a right on Kilmarnack Road and at the fork in the road, go down the hill to the left and into the park. From Comox, head out to Military Row past Comox 19 and follow the directions from there.

One of the treats of this spot are the birds - from the seemingly ever-present bald eagles, crows and seagulls to the robins, hummingbirds and chickadees who linger around the old cherry trees. The grassy park space draws in some of the more charming chirpers and make Kin Beach a great spot for some serious bird watching.

After some good binocular-wielding times, you can head on home and to make the whole family a set of bird badges in honour of their field studies.

This is a great craft from the book Look and Make with Paper (available through VIRL) that you could even do at the picnic table while on a break from the beach or the BBQ.

Here’s what you need:

- Red, green and yellow construction paper
- Scissors
- Google eyes
- Pompoms
- Craft glue
- Medium-sized paper clips
- Tape

Directions:

1. First, cut out a body, beak, leg and two wings (there’s a great template in the book) and glue them together.

2. Take a paper clip, open up one end and slide a piece of tape over the unstraightened end.

3. Tape to the back of the bird and put a pompom on the sharp end of the paper clip to keep it from poking someone.

4. Wear and enjoy.

We are actually going to be using these as our NeighbourWoodies mascot for the NeighborWood Walks that kick off this Wednesday. If you haven’t signed up yet, check out all of the details HERE and join the rest of us NeighbourWoodies for some good times on the trail!

 

The Dad’s Perspective - Spend An Afternoon (or more) Digging Disc Golf

The birds are singing.

The sun is out.

Approaching the start of the first tee, you feel the wind blowing gently on your face. It’s a beautiful day.

As you prepare for your tee shot, you shift your target and aim a little bit more to the left, hoping to get around that tree in a tricky spot ahead of you.

Your body coils and tenses. This is it!

You swing your arm around and release the disc, watching it narrowly avoid the tree and promptly land in a bush.

Wait a minute. Release the disc? Aren’t we talking about golf?

Sure.

It’s disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf. Like its better-known ancestor, disc golf is played over a series of holes, with a similar goal: trying to get to your target with the fewest number of shots. However, fans of disc golf (and this now includes my son and I) claim several key differences. It’s cheaper; you’ll spend less money on the equipment needed, and most courses on public parkland are free to play.

Disc golf courses tend to have less of a negative environmental impact; courses are designed to respect the landscape instead of replacing it. Instead of balls and clubs, disc golfers use special discs with thinner rims (the design helps the disc cut through the air better) than the Frisbees we’re used to.

Instead of holes, disc golfers aim at above-ground targets such as baskets (chains mounted above a steel basket on a post) or tonals (usually a brightly-painted tube or a post mounted in the ground which sounds a tone when struck). If you’ve seen either of those on a walk through the woods somewhere, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a disc golf course!

Of the 33 in British Columbia listed in the Professional Disc Golf Association’s directory, the Comox Valley and Campbell River are home to five. My son and I have played two of them and will soon be trying out two more, planning ahead for a late-Summer run at the Mount Washington course.

The courses don’t take too long to play – we are usually done in about an hour or so – and we reap the benefits of fresh air and exercise at the same time!

Here’s a quick guide to the courses, with thanks to Craig Dieno of the Comox Valley Disc Golf Club. Unless rental availability is noted, you will need to bring your own discs.

The Campbell River Cooper’s Hawk disc golf course is located beside the Sportsplex in Willow Point Park. There are 18 unique holes (baskets) with two sets of tee boxes. Opened nearly five years ago, there are no fees to play the course if you have your own discs. If not, you can rent discs from the Sportsplex for $2 + deposit ($8 of your $10 deposit for each disc will be refunded when you return the disc). Scorecards and pencils are available there, too. We’ve played this one the most. Most of the holes are less than 300 feet in length. There can be mucky areas after it rains, so wear appropriate footwear if the weather hasn’t been dry.

In between Campbell River and Courtenay along the old Island Highway, Black Creek Community Association’s disc golf course can be found at the Black Creek Community Centre, 2001 Black Creek Road. From the parking lot, walk east around the swinging parking gate and check out the course map on the glass-covered sign board. It will probably help if you bring your own printed copy of the course map available HERE . It’s a short 18-hole (tonals) course that Craig recommends for kids at least eight years old. You’ll be playing directly through the bush close to the nature trail.

Comox is home to two different courses of varying difficulty. Village Park is the easier of the two; it’s a 9-hole (baskets) course directly across from Comox Community Centre on Noel Avenue. You can play it as an 18-hole course by playing the holes in reverse.

We decided to take a break midway through our game and chased each other around the adjacent playground. There are maps available at the community centre. The SandPines course is located on an old farm-now-wildlife-area near the Lazo Marsh at the end of Sand Pines Drive. To get there, take Lazo Road and turn away from the ocean to keep following Sand Pines Drive to the left until you reach the end of the cul-de-sac and the first tee. It’s a longer 18-hole (tonals) course with a lake to avoid, some tall grassy areas in the Summer and extremely wet conditions (read: bring gumboots!) in the Winter. You’ll need to print off the map and bring it along with you to help navigate the course. Tee boxes are marked with blue tape.

And, if you’re planning a trip up the mountain, Mt. Washington also has a 9-hole (baskets) disc golf course. As with Comox’s Village Park course, you can play 18 holes by playing the course in reverse. It is usually open from July to October, but check their website for precise dates. Craig mentioned that a course redesign last year has made it easier to find your discs now that the holes are located on the ski runs (hence why it’s only open during the Summer). The course is more rugged so kids or adults who tire easily might want to pass on this one. Charges are $5.75 per person, which includes disc rental. There is a package rate involving unlimited access to this and other activities if you’re planning on making a day of it up there.

Enjoy your time out there!

My son and I have now purchased our own discs (they’re available at local sports stores) but there’s no law against using your old beach Frisbees.

They won’t fly as far, but if you’re not keeping score, who cares?

Photo courtesy of Derek Kwan

 

Inspire Creativity - Flower Stamped Mother’s Day Cards

It’s about 10 days before every holiday that demands something cute, sentimental and homemade be sent thousands of miles to grandmas and grandpas that I realize I have failed. (mail takes roughly two weeks to get where it is going for us)

I am, or at least have been, the woman who shops or makes or bakes or books at the very last minute. It’s not that I don’t love my family and want to make sure their special moments aren’t memorable. In the end, my short-term memory for long-term planning seems to have been the most significant casualty of pregnancy and motherhood.

So, when the newly installed holiday alarm clock went off on my lap top last week, I figured our Mother’s Day present to the grandmas and GGs this year was that they’d get something from us BEFORE the actual holiday

The tiny person’s current obsession with flowers and an everlasting love of paint made for the perfect combination to create fun nature stamp cards that blossomed with a flower centerpiece featuring our favourite bloom of all - her.

Here’s what you need:

- Flowers and leaves from your garden.
- Craft or construction paper
- Photos of your kiddos that can be cut in the shape of flowers
- Tempera paint
- Paint brushes
- Craft glue

Directions:

1. Pick out some photos of your kids. If you are digital, you can upload them over a London Drugs photo centre, pick them up and even pay for them in-store within an hour or so. I love this service.

2. Head out to the garden and start picking. We found that soft, wide, flexible leaves worked best. Flowers with big petals that are easily made flat on a piece of paper, dandelions are great too.

3. Put just a bit of tempera paint on a plate or palate so that your kiddos can use it like a stamp pad

4. Get your paper, flowers and paint and get stamping

5. Stamp two long leaves on the paper to form the base of a flower and let your stamp art dry for about 30 minutes or so, depending on how much paint the kiddos used.

6. Cut your pictures into the shape of a flower.

7. Glue them on between the leaves and draw in a stem.

8. Write your greeting on the cards and send them off to someone special.

We love to make things around here. Check out our kid-friendly crafts HERE

 

CVK in the Community - Join Us for our NeighbourWood Walks

Want to go for a walk?

With the weather warming, little feet in need of a good run and an itch to explore the region together, we at CVK are excited to invite you to join us for NeighbourWood Walks - a series of weekly community walks at spots around the Valley where you can explore the trails, meet other families and plug into nature together.

In partnership with Active Comox Valley, CVK will host six Spring walks - one each Wednesday afternoon - with our first kicking off at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 (that’s next Wednesday) over at MacDonald Wood Nature Park in Comox.

These fun walks are all about family - with all of the routes relatively flat and safe, plenty of room for kiddos to explore and some structured fun attached to it all. Each walk is relatively short (under 3K), with a bit of games and fun at the beginning and a hike that can be completed in just about an hour. We aren’t going to put any time limits on your afternoons in the forest. But, the hour is there so you can plan your time around naps, school pick-ups and other activities.

Each kiddo who registers for the walks (you have to register to get the goodies) will receive a Nature Passport that will be stamped at the end of each adventure and in which tiny people can keep their weekly I-Spy adventure sheets. Families will also get the scoop on keeping the family connected to nature with a weekly take-home activity to do together that links back to each walk.

At the end of the six weeks (walks will wrap up in mid-June), kiddos who earn all of the walk stamps will land a cool prize.

Here’s the schedule. Each walk begins at 1 p.m.:

- May 7 - MacDonald Wood Nature Park
- May 14 - Puntledge Greenway
- May 21 - Miracle Beach Nature House
- May 28 - Lazo Marsh Loop
- June 4 - Seal Bay Swamp Loop
- June 11 - The Filberg (with a wrap-up picnic)

Registration is required as that’s the only way I can be sure we have enough gear for each family. So, please do so before Tuesday, May 6 by e-mailing Comox Valley Kids (click the link for the address) with your name and the names/ages of your kiddos. Even if you think you’ll only be able to make one or two of the walks, register and include the walks you hope to hit. That way, when you’re able to make it out, your tiny person’s passport is ready and waiting.

Once you register, you’ll get the full packet of walk information including maps, a short list of what to bring and other goodies.

The best news, it’s all FREE.

We’ll announce the weekly walk location and details the Thursday before each walk, with a reminder at the top of the right sidebar. So, don’t worry about remembering all of this. It’s a lot to take in.

But, do join us (we’ll walk rain or shine, unless it is pouring), whip out the wellies or the backpack (a walk in the woods is a great way for younger kiddos to nap) and get to know some other intrepid parents while getting your family explorer vibe going.

Partners in keeping families on the move.

 

Food & Your Family with Christa Herrling - Apple “Cupcakes”

There is a wide range of foods my son won’t explore. Among them are dried apricots.

“No thank you, momma- I don’t like apricots- they’re yucky,” the refrain goes.

Or it did go, until one day I wised up to what advertising executives have known for years: I needed to market food to my son.

“Here,” I implored him one day, “Try these new gummy circles”.

Voila.

The kid, he won’t eat dried apricots, but gummy circles are the greatest thing since, well, toast with peanut butter in this circumstance.

I had to pat myself on the back.

Soon he was eating ‘cheesy worms’ (shredded cheddar), and any number of foods that could possibly be prepared in such a way that it resembled ‘dip’ and be eaten with carrot sticks or crackers.

It’s not always easy to slip under his radar. Red pepper slices as ‘red rocket sticks’- no dice. The old broccoli as ‘trees’ trick- nice try, Mom.

But, now, I have him wrapped around my nutritionally-minded finger.

These Apple “Cupcakes” may be the cutest spruced up produce since the classic Ants on a Log so many of us remember from childhood, and are dead simple to prepare.

Get your kids helping in the kitchen- even the littlest of helpers can get in on some apple decorating, and these ‘frostings’ won’t have them whirring around the house on sugar highs.

Apple ‘Cupcakes’, adapted from Salt & Chocolate

Serves 6 (multiply amounts as needed to feed a crowd)

3 sweet red apples
¼ cup spreadable light cream cheese (Soft goat cheese works for those who don’t do cow products)
1 tsp honey
¼ cup smooth peanut butter (almond butter or tahini are also a really wholesome alternative)
a few tablespoons of toppings of your choice (we used chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, coconut, and bunny graham crackers)
6 large baking cups

1) Cut apples in half horizontally, and core.

2) Mix together cream cheese and honey until smooth.

3) Frost cut sides of apples with desired ‘frosting’- amounts listed will make about 3 cream cheese & 3 peanut butter ‘cupcakes’.

4) Sprinkle with toppings. Place each apple half in a baking cup to serve.

Kids love to eat. Get all of our family-friendly recipes HERE