March Match of the Month

Miss M and I were deemed the "March Match of the Month"

Here is a bio they did about us in the newsletter:

"Carrie and Miss M have been matched through Neighborhood Youth Services for almost a year. Together they have tried many activities; they don't ever seem to have a hard time finding things to do. Sometimes, just hanging out together at Carrie's house, eating dinner, playing games, doing art projects or reading creates the perfect evening.

Carrie and Miss M like to take part in a lot of the Mentor Duluth and community activities that are offered, like seeing plays, going to the hockey game and have a blast at the summer Mentor Duluth BBQ. They also enjoy many other activities such as visiting parks, going to movies, or blowing bubbles. Last fall they had a chance to ride on the pumpkin train, but their all time favorite thing is trying different art projects together. They've done collages, card making and have recently starting knitting together. This summer they hope to try some camping or canoeing.

These two are a great fit for each other. Carrie says they just enjoy being silly together or she likes to say, be "goofballs." Carrie said, "Miss M is such a sweet girl. She's incredibly talented and creative. I have really enjoyed being with her." Miss M shared that she likes being matched with Carrie because they always have fun together and she always looks forward to seeing her!

Congratulations to the match of the month, Carrie and Miss M!"

March Match of the Month

Miss M and I were deemed the "March Match of the Month"

Here is a bio they did about us in the newsletter:

"Carrie and Miss M have been matched through Neighborhood Youth Services for almost a year. Together they have tried many activities; they don't ever seem to have a hard time finding things to do. Sometimes, just hanging out together at Carrie's house, eating dinner, playing games, doing art projects or reading creates the perfect evening.

Carrie and Miss M like to take part in a lot of the Mentor Duluth and community activities that are offered, like seeing plays, going to the hockey game and have a blast at the summer Mentor Duluth BBQ. They also enjoy many other activities such as visiting parks, going to movies, or blowing bubbles. Last fall they had a chance to ride on the pumpkin train, but their all time favorite thing is trying different art projects together. They've done collages, card making and have recently starting knitting together. This summer they hope to try some camping or canoeing.

These two are a great fit for each other. Carrie says they just enjoy being silly together or she likes to say, be "goofballs." Carrie said, "Miss M is such a sweet girl. She's incredibly talented and creative. I have really enjoyed being with her." Miss M shared that she likes being matched with Carrie because they always have fun together and she always looks forward to seeing her!

Congratulations to the match of the month, Carrie and Miss M!"

Eating Out and Plays

Last week I decided that maybe Miss M and I should do something other than hanging out at my house. Sure she loves a home cooked meal and I love doing craft projects with her and of course her love of my home cooked meals, but why not a change?

I had a gift card for a local restaurant so that's where we ended up. Steve met us for dinner which was nice. Before dinner, however, we browsed Barnes & Noble for a while. I have never been in the children's section before and it's hard to say who had more fun - me or her!

We looked at all sorts of books, games, stuffed toys and crafty book/kits. I also convinced her that she really should read me a couple stories. She is convinced she "hates reading" because it's hard for her and I keep gushing over how great reading is, how fun it is and how I do it every day and she's not bad at reading at all - she's great! And she's not bad!! I really have no idea what a 3rd grade reading level is but we work it out and she can read things and we keep moving forward. I love the look that she gives me when she's trying to figure out a word - a questioning sort of "huh? is that it?"

After the bookstore we headed to the restaurant where she was delighted by crayons and a placemat to decorated. She ended up doing some sort of scribbly Jackson Pollock copy but hey, the kid was happy so so be it. I am sure the mello-yellow jacked her system up but I figure once in a while it can't hurt, right? Right? That being said I didn't have to try to get her to bed that night so...heh...maybe it's not the best idea. She gobbled up her spaghetti and TWO meatballs and got to take leftovers home.

We did some more "shopping" after that and had a good time. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit.

Last weekend I took her to a production of HOLES at the local Children's Theater. She had seen & enjoyed the movie (I hadn't seen it or read the book). It was fun, it was well done and again - nice to be out and doing something different. I think she would be incredible on stage and am trying to figure out how to nurture that. She has expressed interest in auditioning for plays (this week's auditions were for Pinnochio) and also for the drama classes taught by the Playhouse Conservatory (where I used to teach). Sadly though - I am not THAT involved in her life where I can be there to take her to all the rehearsals, all the classes, let alone pay the tuition for classes, etc. Her Mom likes to get the kids (ages 8, 10 & 13) all in the same activities for ease of transporation, etc....and obviously as they get older their interests change and will divert...but right now it's just not happening. Little Miss M has a great voice and a spunky personality and is so dramatic so for now I will just continue to try to nurture those creative & expressive outbursts and we'll take it from there.