1. 
   

   Get organized and send an invitation.

Give everyone lots of time to get organized. I sent a sweet and proper invitation via email (see image – please feel free to use my little poem and customize to suit your event) over a month in advance so that everyone could save the date, plus have time to go through their closets and storage bins to pick out items that would be good for the swap. While this is not a serious affair, it pays to be organized in order to get a good number of participants together. That way, there will be a range of styles and sizes to choose from (more on that in a minute). Encourage your friends to invite other friends. I ended up with about twelve at this party and it seemed to be a perfect number.

2. Do NOT worry about sizes.

Some of my friends expressed concern that they were a smaller or bigger size than…and I stopped them right there. What we all know is that we often buy clothes that are too big or too small, for whatever reason. We loved the colour so much, or the price was irresistible. (Tell me you haven’t done it.) So right away, participants will be contributing items above and below their actual size.

We also know that sizes on the tag are not as they initially appear. A 6 is not a 6 is not a 6. Small can be large, and large can be small. Please trust me on this and gently encourage your friends by reassuring them that there will be something for everyone.

My friends ranged from slight, androngenous rockers, to a seriously tall and voluptuous, Yours will too. I also had an age range as it turns out, from 25 to almost 65. Everyone went home with something, including the one who went home with at least 6 pairs of shoes….which leads me to…

3. Accessorize!

Accessories are great items to bring to a clothing exchange. Look at this lovely iconic piece of Canadiana that I snatched up!

Remember the shoes you bought for your 9 to 5 job that you no longer need?  The slingbacks youconstantly slip out of? What about the purse that is too big for your day-to-day, or the tiny clutch you have used one too many times for formal events? Some of the most coveted items in the swap were scarves, purses, earrings, boots and shoes, belts and headbands. Also, fragrance items. They went quickly. These items are for everyone, and you will be so happy to see them in a new home.

I simply love anything with the iconic Hudson Bay stripes, and plucked this unused bag which I will put to use right away. I must also mention my friend Lara who hit the jackpot with shoes and “walked away” with a whole new shoe wardrobe.

4. Set it up

You are going to be doing a bit of running around when your friends arrive, so definitely have your drinks and food set-up ahead of time. (I was not quite ready in this department after a Sunday morning of the usual running around, so would be a bit more prepped next time.) Enlist a friend to come a bit early and help you with set-up – luckily my girlfriend Brienne helped me by running up and down the stairs as goodies arrived. A few items that will help you in ‘displaying’ swap items:

• baskets or bins for accessories
• extra hangers to hang items (use the backs of chairs, stair rails, window ledges, or ask around to see if anyone has a rolling rack)
• an empty table or ottoman for folded items and pants.

Don’t forget to bring out a few full length mirrors, and let your friends know where they can change privately if need be.

5. Time to shop till you drop!

A summer outfit I put together from the clothing swap - can't wait for warmer weather!

It didn’t take long for my friends to dive in, but a little encouragement was needed. Some of your guests may feel ‘guilty’ about rummaging through the piles, wondering how many pieces they could take, who should start…forget it!

Remind your guests that all of these items are looking for a new home and would otherwise be sitting in a closet being unused. As the host, you know your guests the best, so if you see an item that you think would be great on someone, let them know.

Everyone walked away with some ‘new’ clothes for spring; everyone! We will be donating the gently used remaining items to our local shelter.  The afternoon was deemed a success, and everyone begged for another swap this fall. Good luck with yours. Happy Swishing and Swapping!

Seeing my tears almost instantly brought him down. He made some final guttural growls and pounded the pillow onto the couch in front of him. “Up to your room!” I screeched. And then “Up to your ROOM!” a few times more. It was not nice. It was not patient. It was not the kind of parent I wanted to be. Who was this terrible shrew in my body? My tears burst forth fully.

With another punch of the pillow, my son stomped the dozen or so stairs to his room. His crying began in earnest now. Noisy, wet, sad-boy crying. I stayed at the bottom of the stairs for what felt like an eternity, but was more like a minute. My heart and mind raced, and my frenzied fight or flight response directed me to get to the bottom of this battle. I stormed up the stairs to his bedroom. His lips were swollen and red already, a small puddle on his pillow.

“Tell me what’s wrong! Tell me why you are being so rude! So loud!” I said rather…loudly. I demanded and cajoled him.

“Leave me alone, Mom!” he said between gulps. “Just leave me alone!”

He repeated it over and over. I didn’t relent.

I persisted in talking to him and asking questions to get to the bottom of his recent dark turn. He finally unfolded: problems at school had been making him feel bullied, and alone, and he didn’t know what to do about it. It made him feel sad and angry all the time, he said. I wiped his tears. I was so glad to know the reasons behind his sullenness and rude outbursts, to have the problem out in the open. We talked about how to handle things and I hugged his bony body tight. We looked at each other through salt-rimmed eyes. Then he closed his in exhaustion and leaned into me.

But later that night, I didn’t feel very good about my insistence. I had forced the situation. I had really pushed him into a corner. I realized that he is old enough now to want to be alone sometimes with his feelings. I thought back to the years of turmoil I had experienced growing up; there was almost always a private place to go to cry it out.

When we lived on a farm, I could run away as fast as I could to a loft, slip down between bales of hay, pulling a purry barn cat with me to breathe into and talk to between sobs. Or I could go into the woods. A Boy Scout camp across the road from our farm was good for times when I needed to pout and wander. The feeling of tall grasses and burrs against hands and legs was often enough to ground me back in reality. A stream or creek was also a possibility for escape, with bridges to hide under and rocks to pelt at the apparitional enemies in the rushing water.

It’s sad that there is nowhere for our children to cry and be alone. We don’t let them out of sight, certainly not out amid the perceived dangers of all that creeps beyond our walls.

Even on the farm – imagine the child who is allowed to sit at the edge of a coursing waterway, a pond, or wander through a forest. As a society, we’ve become so protective that there is no place or patience to let the little ones cry it out. We tend to think that leaving children alone is to abandon them, and forcing them to talk to us about their every need, want and sadness is considered loving and appropriate.

“Responsible Parenting 101” insists you must know every detail of every moment. We assess in detail these moods, feelings and reactions, and reflect on what it all means. We perfect our children’s histories through scrapbooks we can show our friends. No tears here! But how can we expect our children to make their own sense of the world around them if we constantly watch and interfere with their every step?

Since that incident with my son, there have been many more. They are to be expected from a seven-year-old who is negotiating his way through the social settings of the schoolyard, sports field and family matters. What has changed is that now I let him cry, and cry, until he is ready to talk. Eventually he always is. But that time alone for him is invaluable, and I remind myself that he needs it as much as he needs me. ≈

Bethany Lee is the online editor of kidsinthehills.ca, a sister site to inthehills.ca, where she also writes a regular blog.

***

Headwaters Nest Noteworthy Events

Special event sponsored by Kids In the Hills

Welcome Nanny Robina!

When we heard that Canada’s beloved Nanny Robina was travelling to communities across Ontario, we had to invite her to ours. Nanny Robina is well known for her work on “The Mom Show” and “CityLine.” She makes parenting fun and fearless, and she’s full of valuable lessons from her 30 years’ experience as a nanny and governess. Nanny Robina will share her no-nonsense, simple approach to her most requested topic – Sleep!

Join us April 23 for a warm and entertaining night in the lounge at the Best Western Plus in Orangeville from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. You’re sure to meet lots of other parents going through the same trials and tribulations. Bring a friend or family member (plus your questions for Robina) for a great night out. Refreshments and a draw for door prizes are included. Tickets $25, see order details at kidsinthehills.ca

Understanding Bullying

As school comes to a close, we reflect on how the year went and how we can do the best for our own children and community. The Dufferin Parent Support Network (DPSN) will host speaker Michael Reist on May 2 from 7 to 9 pm for a special presentation on “Bullying: Why It Happens, What Parents, Teachers, and Kids Can Do About It.” A teacher with over 30 years’ experience in the classroom, Michael is currently head of the English Department at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School in Caledon East. He is a frequent speaker to parent groups and education conferences across Canada, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic responses. See michaelreist.ca and dpsn.ca for more information, and call 519-940-8678 to register.

Thinking of Starting a Small Business?

Over the past few years, Kids in the Hills has discovered many parents who have started a small or home-based business, and are living, working and prospering here in the hills. For those of you new to business, or considering a startup, we recommend talking to the folks at the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) in Orangeville. They offer excellent resources at their location in the Town Hall and hold regular events on a variety of topics. SBEC will host “Starting a Small Business” on May 16 at the Alder Street Recreation Centre, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Cost is just $10. orangevillebusiness.ca

Kids In The Hills.ca

Over the past few months we have been revamping this website to serve our community better. The big feature we want to tell you about is our improved online calendar. It now integrates with In the Hills and Food In the Hills. Events are listed by interest, making it easy for you to find local happenings for you and your family. We can also now accept your event listings – free – through our online form. This work was made possible through a grant from Ontario Media Development Corporation.

To plan your activities or post an event, go to kidsinthehills.ca/events.

As always, thank you for supporting Kids In the Hills. As you read this, I am writing my next column, and preparing our annual online guide to local camps. Summer will soon be here! ~ Bethany

Academy of Performing Arts March Break Dance Camp

Still time to register for March Break Dance & Drama Camp! Camp runs Monday, March 12 to Friday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and is for children age four and up.

Bring your child to camp this year for a memorable experience… this is a good opportunity for your child to try many different disciplines: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Musical Theatre and Creative Collaboration.

Call to register: 519-941-4103.

www.academyofperformingarts.info

NOTE: ACTS March Break Sports Camp – UPDATE MARCH 8 – CANCELLED

Mind over Math – Math Learning Centre

Video Game Design Camp! Maximum 10 students per class; for students 9 years +. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon), Monday, March 12 through Friday, March 16. Introduction to computer programming – lots of fun for kids with a keen interest in math and computers. Try something cool and new this March Break! Located at 295 A Broadway Ave., in Orangeville. 519-307-0989

www.mindovermath.com

Town of Orangeville march break activities – here is a poster with all of the information in one place:

http://www.orangeville.ca/cms/documents/4468/March_Break_2012.pdf

Teen Ranch:

March Break Day Camp is back at Teen Ranch! Don’t miss out on this week of fun with ponies, games, skating and friends both old and new. You can even add the option to better your hockey skills with 3 hours of on-ice instruction per day from our full-time hockey staff.

Ages 6 – 12. Drop Off between 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Pick-Up at 5:00 p.m. Lunch Provided, 2 Snacks. Activities: Ice Skating, Pony Rides, Games, Crafts, Tubing (Weather Permitting), and more. Regular Day Camp:

Full Week – $250 +HST

Per Day – $60 +HST

Hockey Day Camp

Full Week – $350 +HST

Per Day – $75 +HST

http://www.teenranch.on.ca/camp/marchbreak

Caledon Parent-Child Centre (CPCC) … an Ontario Early Years Centre

CPCC is located in the Albion/Bolton Community Centre at 150 Queen Street South in Bolton. Here is a full listing of their march Break activities, call to register.

http://www.cp-cc.org/March%20Break%20Schedule.pdf

905-857-0090 or  earlyyears@cp-cc.org.

Credit Valley Conservation Pancake Breakfast

Join CVC for a hot pancake breakfast topped with delicious maple syrup from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Halton Hills.  Discover some signs of spring and take part in maple syrup demonstrations at neighbouring Jack Smythe Field Centre (additional  fees apply). No registration is necessary for this event.

http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/event/pancake-breakfast/

Members: $7/ adult, $4/ child (6-12) & seniors (60+); Non-members: $8/ adult, $5/children (6-12) & senior (60+)

Questions? Contact the CVC Stewardship hotline at 905-670-1615 x 221 education@creditvalleyca.ca.

2nd Annual March Break Maple Syrup Festival at DCMA

Starting at 10 a.m. participants will learn the art of tapping a tree, gathering sap, boiling sap into syrup, and finally tasting the wonderful flavour of real maple syrup. Our costumed staff and volunteers continue the program inside where you will learn about the history of maple syrup and the native peoples and hear local stories of ‘sugaring off’ in Dufferin county. For the event, the staff will mount an exhibition of antique maple syrup and sugar artifacts such as sugar molds, tapping equipment, pressed glass syrup pitchers and much more. This collection is one of the best in Ontario and it only comes out for one month a year.

Cost $5 per participant, pre booking not necessary. Open and appropriate for all ages, geared for those with a sweet tooth. Everyone guaranteed to go home smelling like wood smoke and sugar. For more info: Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Northeast corner of Highway 89 & Airport Road, or call 705-435-1881 or toll free 877-941-7787.

www.DufferinMuseum.com

Tanya and Ross Hughes enjoying a laugh with their little cutie Kyan. Photo by Sharka.

When we moved to Orangeville from Toronto, we fell in love with the downtown and the historic buildings. We were inspired to contribute to Broadway with our own store. We searched for the right location and when the store came up for sale we just knew it was meant to be. We loved the beauty of 185 Broadway. The architecture outside (Italianate windows and trim work) and the beautiful details inside of the store (11′ tin ceilings)

What were your first perceptions of the community, and what challenges did you face?

We love Orangeville and all of things it has to offer. We always supported the local stores and thought we could bring something different to the downtown. Orangeville is set in the middle of a beautiful countryside and the downtown is wonderful for walking the dogs.

We did not face any challenges upon opening the store. When you are on the right path things seem to fall into place. We have never looked back and every year we learn more and more about our business and ourselves.

Now that you are parents, how has your day-to-day work/life changed? Is it what you expected?

Life is definitely busier now, but in a good way! We were able to work together to care for Kyan through the summer which was an amazing experience that made our relationship and parenting even stronger. We take each day “day by day”;  we support each other through the busy times to ensure Kyan has one of us around as much as possible.

We all like to talk about finding a balance between work and life… Are you able to achieve that?

The balance part has not been as easy but we know that over time it will all come together. When you are doing the things you love you don’t feel you are missing out.

What tips about maintaining balance can you share with parents? Any special tips for business owners who are parents as well?

I would say don’t sweat the small stuff. Some days will go better than others. Just look at tomorrow as a new day. Get to bed early so that you feel rested and refreshed each day. The key so far for us has been to ensure that we take time off from our work to spend quality time with Kyan. We plan outings or activities to have fun together. Seeing your child explore and discover something new is the biggest reward and so much fun!

Pear Home on Broadway in Orangeville features gorgeous interior goods, housewares, furniture, jewellery, art, plus carefully selected items for growing families.

When you need inspiration for the store and your work, what do you look to or do to get ideas?

Inspiration comes from so many different places. The staff at the store are always bring and sharing new ideas. Customers inspire us with their reactions to our displays and products. When customers love what you have to offer it gives you the confidence to try something new.

(OK, we have to ask, what’s coming to Pear Home for Spring 2012?)

Lots and lots of new lines and products! We have a great new Canadian line called Kameleon Jewellery. It is all interchangeable and customizable sterling silver. Colourful scarves and tunic tops. Summery table linens and cloths for every size table. Large scale art pieces and clocks. Cute new baby things and great new stationary, cards, Russell and Hazel mini customizable binders.

Spring table adornments at Pear Home.

We know that Ross is a bit of a “techie”… how do you feel about kids and technology use at an early age?

Technology is all around us and its so important to be current as its easy to fall behind. kids seem so open minded to discover these incredible advancements. Kyan loves to “FaceTime” on the iPad with his Nana and Grandpa in Georgia. It’s amazing how these gadgets are becoming as important, if not more then the telephone was our generation. Technology will always be important… besides we will need Kyan will be able to teach us how to use stuff in the future

My dream day here in the hills would include:

Hiking at Mono Cliffs then stopping at the farmers market to collect our veggie share, then heading home to cook a healthy dinner.

Portrait photography by Sharka.

Family Day events at Alder Recreation Centre

http://www.orangeville.org/events_detail.php?id=1064&s=286

The Town of Orangeville invites you to come on out to the Alder Street Recreation Centre for activities, swimming and skating on February 20, 2012, Family Day. Free swimming from 12-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m., sponsored by Hallmark Toyota. Free skating from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., sponsored by RBC. in motion public skate from 1 to 3 p.m. Free activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walking Track will be free all day. The full line-up can be found here: http://www.orangeville.org/cms/documents/4423/Family_Day_poster_18x24.pdf)

Orangeville Library – Alder location

He’s Big! He’s Red! He’s Clifford the Big Red Dog!

The Orangeville Public Library, together with Parks and Recreation, is celebrating Family Day at the Alder Street Recreation Centre Library. The Library invites you to attend one of three story times featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog. Story times will take place in one of the Meeting Rooms on the second floor at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 1:15 p.m.  Bring your camera for a great photo opportunity. Admission is FREE, and everyone is welcome.

Snowfest Caledon – Caledon’s Winter Family event

The Caledon Agricultural Society is pleased to host the first ever SnowFest presented by James Dick Construction, this Family Day at the Caledon Fairgrounds in Caledon Village. Dedicated to healthy winter fun, exercise and competition for the entire family, SnowFest activities include: snowshoeing, dog sledding and skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, chainsaw wood carvings, ice sculptures and snow castle competitions, plus a special winter ‘Chilly’ cook-off sponsored by Broadway Farms’ Market. All proceeds raised during the events are dedicated to the refurbishment and maintenance of the Caledon Fairground. (P.S. – one of the media sponsors helping spread the word about this great new event is In the Hills magazine!)

http://snowfestcaledon.ca/

Teen Ranch activities

Looking for an incredible and inexpensive way to invest time bonding as a family this Family Day? Join Teen Ranch on Family Day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a host of activities for you to enjoy together at a reasonable cost. Activities include: Snow Tubing *, Indoor skating on our Olympic-size ice surface, outdoor skating on a beautiful pond *, Snow-sculptures *, Snow Games *, Hay Rides, Snacks, Pony Rides, Trail Rides, AND MUCH MORE!!! (* indicates Weather Permitting) Admission is $5 per person at the gate. Trail Rides Extra.

http://www.teenranch.on.ca/events

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Activities

Guess what? Our local conservation areas have some family fun planned as well. CVC will host Family Day events at both Terra Cotta Conservation Area and Island Lake Conservation Area.

At Terra Cotta, CVC will offer Watershed Learning Centre activities for parents and kids (crafts and a scavenger hunt). Families can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, and can roast their own hot dogs at the fire pit outside of the Visitors Welcome Centre for $2 a hot dog.

At Island Lake, CVC will have fishing demonstrations, a hockey shoot out (Tickets are $2 per shot or three shots for $5 with chances to win Toronto Maple Leaf apparel).

Cross country skiing and skating are available at both locations, weather permitting. More details such as park location maps and activities available across all Conservation Areas can be found here: http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/ Regular gate admission applies.

Family Day at Dufferin County Museum and Archives (DCMA)

Bring your family for an experience of Dufferin heritage, and celebrate Family Day at the Dufferin County Museum & Archives. Costumed interpreters will welcome you, take you on a guided tour of our log cabin and the intriguing underground area where we store our large artefacts. Play Victorian parlour games, try on pioneer clothing and be challenged by our scavenger hunt. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Adults $5; Seniors $4; Students $2; Family $12; Members & Kids. Dufferin County Museum & Archives is located at 936029 Airport Road, which is the corner of Highway 89 and Airport Road, in Rosemont.

http://www.dufferinmuseum.com/

705-435-1881

Brampton activities

Oh, there are many activities taking place in the City of Brampton this family day. We know that some of you in the south end of the hills head down to Brampton for your fun, so here is the city’s official line-up.

http://www.brampton.ca/en/residents/recreational-Activities/Pages/Family-Day.aspx

Town of Mono family ski day!

Town of Mono is offering FREE cross county skiing and free equipment rentals, which equals fun for the entire family. Lunch counter will be open. Event takes place at Monora Park  and runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. http://www.townofmono.com/documents/Monora_Park.pdf

Sponsored by the Town of Mono and the Mono Nordic Ski Club. For more information call 519-941-3599 x 27.

Family Fun Day at Kortright

Kortright Centre for Conservation is a located in Woodbridge, for those of you looking to get out of town a bit further. Get outdoors and take part in a winter nature hike, build a snowman or just take in the cold crisp air. Don’t forget to pop in at the Kortright Café for a warm hot chocolate or treat the whole family for a delicious pancake breakfast. Kortright Centre for Conservation is located at 9550 Pine Valley Drive Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A6 http://www.kortright.org

Coming next week…our March Break camp line-up for Kids in the Hills!

Sometimes you know it’s coming. The wind whips through the trees. The house creaks in a way that sparks an eerie premonition. Suddenly you know that somewhere, perhaps down the road, perhaps on the other side of the county, a branch will finally give in to gravity, the weight of it enough to knock out a hydro line. And that is when your little world powers down.

If you have lived in the hills for awhile, you get to know the signs that lead to power outages. There is a particular way the trees crack and groan, and a certain pattern to the way the wind drives and swirls the snow that herald what’s ahead.

If you are prepared, you will have candles in drawers in every room. You will have matches there too, so you can do your work quickly as you go from room to room. There will be flashlights parked near doorways or tucked into jacket pockets for just such occasions.

You’ll always have water in a pot on the stove and, if you are really sensitive to nature’s warning, you might even put on the kettle for a pot of tea and give the kids something to eat before the power goes out.

Your children will bemoan the loss of their favourite TV shows. Sigh. Sad faces all around.

But, wait! They still have their phones and hand-held games. Those will add a low glow to the room, but only for so long. Eventually batteries die. Sigh. Sad faces again.

Now, pushing the logs into the woodstove or fireplace becomes the focus. With no power to pump the well, perhaps your family will bring in snow to melt if the outage is prolonged or you have thirsty animals to care for. Everyone takes their turn. Blankets are shared and campfire conviviality fills the room. Winter campout is on – indoors!

Books are read. Snacks and warm drinks replace regular meals at the table. Everyone sleeps together in the warmest room in the house. Little ones, scared and tired, turn their frightened faces toward their parents for comfort. Even kids “too old” to be afraid sneak in a cuddle. Everyone listens for signs of the storm subsiding. Ears are attuned to the alternating harmonies of low whistling winds and staccato rattling panes, waiting for the barely audible finale of falling snow.

An empowering sense of survival takes over while you wait. “Remember the storm last year – it lasted for days,” your kids claim, proud of their contributions. “Remember how we made toast with the silly giant fork in the fireplace? Remember we missed school for a whole week?” Hyperbole and tall tales fill their memories.

And then it happens. Slicing through the serenity, the radio, TV and fridge come simultaneously to life. The clocks throughout the house beep to remind you there is a schedule to keep. The lights are on and it’s time get moving.

“Awww!” your kids will say. Sigh. Sad faces.

____________________

KIDS IN THE HILLS

Cherished families and friends – 2011 has just flown by, hasn’t it?
Pregnancies have been announced, babies born, growth charts marked and little ones have turned into big ones. Kids In The Hills is just over a year and a half old now. “Long days and short years,” as the saying goes. We’ve had some great contributions and wonderful support from local parents and businesses, and we’re always looking for more. Have a story idea? An event? Be sure to contact me atbethany@inthehills.ca. See you in 2012! —Bethany

More Information

Fun Family Events In The Hills

• Man in Motion Parents and grandparents will easily remember the Rick Hansen Man in Motion tour that took place 25 (short!) years ago. Paralyzed from the waist down, Rick was determined to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord injuries by wheeling through34 countries in 26 months. He completed his now-famous Man In Motion World Tour and raised $26 million. The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay, currently making its way across Canada, arrives in Orangeville Dec 6. The free celebration starts at 6pm beside the town hall. Feature performances by Sweet Adelines, Theatre Orangeville Youth Singers and Chanda’s School of Dance are followed by the official Rick Hansen Relay segment, which includes the arrival of the Rick Hansen Medal at 6:30pm. www.rickhansen.com
• Go Fish! Follow the blue dots on Island Lake and you will find a very popular winter activity, just steps away from the beaten path: ice fishing! When the temperatures drop below freezing, ice fishing becomes the most popular activity at Island Lake Conservation Area, just east of Orangeville. Generally, the season begins after January 1, when seven inches of ice has formed on the lake. Minnows are for sale, and tackle, augering and, yes, the iconic blue huts can be rented, so you don’t need to bring your own. Reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays. For more information, visitwww.creditvalleyca.ca
• I Love You! Celebrate Valentine’s with your sweeties at a Family Fun Night in Caledon on February 9. It features crafts, activities,dancing and bedtime stories, as well as face painting for small fee. Come dressed in seasonal red or pink. 5–7pm at the Caledon Parent-Child Centre in Bolton. (Lots of other fun events for families are listed on the CPCC website too.) www.cp-cc.org
• Let’s Get Busy! On March 14, Richard Scarry’s Busytown rolls into the Rose Theatre in Brampton. One of our faves, these stories have been enjoyed by families for over 50 years. Follow the adventures of Huckle Cat, Sally Cat, Goldbug, Lowly Worm and others, with songs and audience participation. For show times and tickets see rosetheatre.ca.

Bethany Lee is the online editor of kidsinthehills.ca, a sister site to inthehills.ca, where she also writes a regular blog.

I grew up on Forks of the Credit Road in Caledon and moved into Dufferin County about 15 years ago. I share my home with my husband, two youngest children, a dog, three tanks of fish and over 50 other various animals. Not to worry, I’m not a ‘crazy cat lady’, the animals are actually part of my business. Party Safari offers the opportunity to interact with some of the world’s coolest animals in an educational and fun way. Some people consider my critters creepy and scary, so it’s my goal to educate about how amazing they really are and to show that scaly isn’t scary. I have the best job in the world and being able to share it with my family makes me one lucky gal.

Having so many pets in the house can get a little crazy at times but with the help of my kids, Shaun and Seth, we manage to keep things somewhat under control. Things got a whole lot easier when my husband Dan built the ‘reptile room’. Not only is it big enough to fit the majority of the animals (just barely) but is also temperature controlled and has a SINK! It is one of the most popular rooms in the house and is always one of the first that visitors get a tour of when they stop by for the first time.

Other than the animals, running my business at home is probably just the same as any other small business. Trying to juggle household chores, office duties, kids’ activities and work is always a challenge, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

How did you start your business and what prompted you to do so…

When I was a little girl, I couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to be when I grew up. Three of my top choices were vet, teacher and zookeeper. The only thing I was absolutely sure about was that I was going to be a Mom.

Jennifer's daughter Shaun partying with the chinchilla.

A few years ago, when my youngest kids reached school age, my friend and I decided to give the ‘Reptile Party’ business a try. We both shared a love of animals and thought it would be a fascinating career choice. Although my business partner has since left, I am still just as excited about Party Safari as I was when we started five years ago. In a way, everything I wanted to be when I was younger has become a reality. I work from home which allows me to spend time with my children, I get to teach ‘kids’ of all ages about the amazing animals that share our planet and I have my own ‘zoo’.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Shaun (left) and Seth (right) are always willing to help out mom with the business.

Around here, there’s no such thing as typical. Sure, there’s always cleaning to do, critters to feed and running the roads with the kids, but in between, anything can happen. I could be doing anything from trimming a turtle’s nails, to helping a tarantula out of her molt, to bathing a hedgehog or even taking pictures of the cute things the snakes are doing. My day is pretty much dependent on what the animals need/want. Although I try very hard to stick to my daily ‘to do’ list, I’m quite often distracted by an activity that my friend likes to call ‘playing gecko’. Really, how can I resist taking the critters out for a play when they look at me with their big ‘ole eyes?

Are your children involved in the business?

Definitely! Shaun and Seth are a great help with the feeding, cleaning and socializing of the animals and are always willing to give their opinion on which animals we should add to the family… “Mom, can we get a… ? Please?” They also help out with the presentations and are quite knowledgeable when it comes to answering questions (Shaun did extremely well on her grade nine ecology test). They regularly hang out in the reptile room and are quite observant when it comes to the animals. I often hear them calling to me from the reptile room to “come and see…” The latest was the surprise birth of four baby scorpions.

There are some normal pets in the family, too...here Jennifer's elsest son Adam with Tamarac the dog.

There are a few things that help to inspire me… hanging out with my kids, laughing with friends and family, singing, photography and of course ‘playing gecko’!

Winter is coming to the hills… what is your favourite thing to do in winter?

That’s an easy one, I love to play in the snow!  Tobogganing, skating, snow ball fights, building snow forts, breaking the ice on puddles and cross country skiing are all fun things to do with the kids.  Then after we’re done playing, we head inside for a steamy mug of hot chocolate and warm our toes by the fire.

Something that would surprise people…

I have lived in Africa.

When I was seven years old, my father was offered a job in Nigeria (West Africa) and my parents jumped at the chance. They packed up the kids (four of us), a few favourite toys, clothes, 36 pairs of shoes & Mom’s sewing machine and off we went on a two-year adventure. Our daily schedule was similar to home; Dad worked during the week, Mom stayed home to care for us and we still had school. The fun part was, that since we were homeschooled through correspondence courses, we were usually done our lessons by lunch. That left the rest of the day for fun! We were very fortunate to have a pool just up the road and spent many hours a day staying cool in the water.

We did a fair bit of travelling in Nigeria and tried to see as much as we could during our short time there. When it was time to head back to Canada, we took the ‘long’ way home and visited places like Kenya, Seychelles, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines and Hawaii. It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to take my own children on such an adventure if I ever had the chance.

Best thing/ worst thing about living and working in a small town…

The best thing about living in a small town is the feeling of community. I like the fact that we are surrounded by people who would unconditionally give their help should we ever need to ask for it.

Although I love my little village, I could just as easily live in the woods I am definitely a country bumpkin!

All photos P. Horton – Reflections by Patty

The story of the journey is another story all together, but this one here is about what happened when we came home.

There was something that tweaked in my brain after living out of a suitcase for three weeks.  I came home, unpacked our suitcases, and everywhere I looked, there was stuff.  Stuff I was tripping over, stuff that came tumbling out of the closets when I tried to put things away, stuff that was covered in dust because I hadn’t used it in three weeks.  Or more likely, three months.

Stuff, stuff, stuff.

Living as we did for three weeks served to emphasize what, to be honest, I already knew.  We have too much stuff in this house!

Summer gives a chance to shed the layers...

For three weeks, we lived with only a week’s worth of clothes.  A few pairs of pants, lots of shirts for layering, two pairs of shoes each, and one jacket.  Why then, I asked myself when I got back, are my closets overflowing with clothes, most of which I never wear?  The kids had only a handful of toys and maybe 6 books between the two of them…why then am I tripping over toys wherever I go in my house if they’re satisfied to pay with only a dozen of them?  (Not to mention that the best toys were never “toys” – they were flashlights and tent pegs and pillows and empty cardboard boxes!)  We lived with one small box of camping dishes…and yet my decently sized kitchen is filled to the brim with mis-matched Tupperware, gizmos and gadgets that never get used, and 3 (yes, three!) pizza cutters!

I’m certain this feeling is something that most people have experienced after a week of camping, or a backwoods vacation.  And yet, how easily we slip back into out old ways when we come home.  Must buy that, need to get one of those, and so on.  It’s bad for our planet, its bad for our bank account, and it’s not doing my kitchen cupboards any favours!

...and take a look at what matters.

So, what to do?  Well, I started with a purge.  One of the things that stops me from purging is that I hate getting rid of “good” stuff…so I hang onto it until I think of someone who can use it.  What actually ends up happening more often than not is it collects dust in my basement until I trip over it one too many times and then out the door it goes!  But Mom to Mom sales, a friend with a new baby, and the Salvation Army have all made good homes for my things in the past few weeks.

But the paradigm shift is just to acquire less.  Buy what you need, not what you want, and even then, be sure you actually NEED it.  Find more meaningful ways to celebrate birthdays and holidays other than a pile of presents.  Buy used (but not if you don’t need it, which is a trap I often fall into…oh, it’s previously used, and cheap, so I should get it!)

And maybe most importantly, learn to find joy in stuff that isn’t stuff – like the beauty of nature, the company of family, the soothing sigh of simplicity.