HMN ROCHESTER Anniversary Picnic






We had a wonderful time at our picnic August 8. The weather was ideal, the location gorgeous and the company delightful.

What is going on this week...

Hi all-
We've got a busy week ahead with our Picnic and trip to Lollypop Farm and Egypt Park. Our picnic is slated for Wednesday BUT due to excessive heat indexes we may have to schedule for our raindate. Stay Tuned and we will make a final decision tomorrow so you can plan accordingly. Amy Jeary has set up a playdate for Thursday 10am at Lollypop Farm and Egypt Park. If you have any questions, email: aimeekwood@gmail.com

Stay cool!

Picture of labyrinth at Tinker


Here is a picture of the labyrinth at Tinker Nature Park in Henrietta.
It is made of stone and brick, located next to the Cobblestone House.

What we've done this week

This week has been busy and productive.

First, I'd like to mention that HMN's Mother to Mother program has been taking donations on behalf of a local woman-in-need who is about to give birth to a baby. A local shelter is getting her settled into a new apartment, but she will need many items. Please contact Lisa Rizzo at lcap1@yahoo.com.

Deborah invited the group over to her house for a pool party on Monday. We played, swam, had lunch and enjoyed great conversation! Thank you Deborah for a wonderful day in the sun.

Yesterday, many of us braved the Seneca Park Zoo. Children of all ages from HMN attended and fun was had by all. Our next outing is our usual playdate on Tuesday of next week. Check back here for more details later this weekend.

A Few Tinker Photos



Stopping for some rest under a kind old tree...

On the boardwalk in the marsh...

Tinker Nature Park was enjoyed today!

Hi all-
We enjoyed a great morning at Tinker Nature Park, the weather was gorgeous and the trails were fantastic. It was great to see:

Carol, Lily, and Kit
Deborah and Aden
Danae, Juny, and Grace
Janet, Sammy, and Margaret
Aimee, Evan, and Anna

I will post some pictures later once I get my camera charged.

Tinker nature park is just inside the Town of Henrietta outside of Pittsford. If you coming from Clover St. from Jefferson, take a right onto Calkins Rd. and it is just down a bit. It was really a neat place.

Aimee

Pictures from Monday's meeting

Enjoy these pictures from Monday's meeting

Below: Lisa and family with Lindsay and baby

Below: Lindsay and Francesca


To left: Carol, Kim, and Sarah
Below: Janet, Amanda and Baby Francesca









To left: Kim and Carol
Below: Christ Episcopal Church




To left: Anne and Laura
Below: Deborah, Aimee, and Carol

Some pictures from Tuesday's playdate

Pictures from Tuesday's playdate are in!
Click on the link below to view a slideshow of Tuesday's playdate at Brighton Library Playground on Elmwood. Enjoy, Aimee

Playdate Tuesday

Playdate was today and we had a GREAT turnout!

Susanne, Ella, and Liam
Carol, Lily, and Kit
Janet, Sam, and Margaret
Mary, Grace, and Maya (forgive me if I've spelled her name wrong)
Lisa and Olivia
Amy and Moses
Aimee, Evan, and Anna

Fun was had by all and my kids were practically asleep by the time I pulled into the driveway!

Aimee

Pictures to come by Friday, stay tuned and check back!

Thank you Heron for a most wonderful meeting!!!

As you know our topic tonight was Family Rituals with Linda Heron Wind, PhD. It was a fantastic meeting and I will attempt to put notes up here. If you see something I missed, please post a comment. Here goes:

It is so important for you to be in touch with your authentic self, that is what your saying, feeling, and doing all matching up. When this doesn't happen, kids know regardless how well you try to mask it. How do rituals tie in? The predictability and rhythm gives them a sense of relaxation and belonging. Rituals are important in helping with transition times as well.

Dreams: Sharing of dreams was touched upon. In talking about dreams you can get a sense about what is going on with your child, whether they are anxious etc. and how their energy is. You want to be sure to share your dreams, too. Modeling is so important to these new children, it creates a great sense of connection.

Meal times: Giving thanks and compliments to others, giving and receiving gratitude.

Family:
Talking Stick ritual. Only the person in possession of the talking stick may talk. It is a bonding tool used by parents and children and puts them on equal footing. You don't necessarily have to problem solve during this time, listening and hearing what the person w/ the stick is saying is all that matters.

gourd bowl or basket. If there is something you'd like to talk about writing or drawing what it is and placing it in the bowl. If there is something frustrating you or the children place that concern in the bowl and before bed pull out what is in the bowl and try to discuss it. This gives the problem the space that is sometimes needed. One can call it the talking basket or bowl.

Cards with faces and emotions. Create cards with different faces and emotions, ask children to show which one they are feeling and what makes them feel that way.

Turtling: Explain to children how the a turtle retreats into its shell when it is scared or angry. What does it do? It relaxes and tries to figure out what it will do next. What are some choices? A adult can say to a child, "I think it is time to turtle", this makes it easy to convey the message of, "I think you need to do x,y, and z", what a nice way to say I think you are frustrated and need help. A child can also mention turtling to an adult.

When you are angry with your child always turn away from him/her, that way the negative energy will not be directed towards him/her, you won't be extended that energy towards him/her.

Bonding: Family altar, use cloth on a table or floor and place something on the cloth that represents each member of the family, extended, ancestors etc. You may also use a prayer bowl on your altar to deal with worries/anxieties. Light candles, use water, plants, elements and changing what is on it.

Monday's Meeting: Linda Heron Wind and Family Rituals

Monday's meeting: July 10th at 6:30pm, 36 South Main St., Christ Episcopal Church, Pittsford, NY

Our meeting tonight should be very informative and enlightening. Linda Heron Wind will speak to us on Family Rituals and how they are important in keeping children grounded. Our meeting starts at 6:30pm with mingling and community building. At 6:45 we will do introductions and housekeeping. At approximately 7pm Heron will speak to us for roughly 45 minutes to an hour with questions and answers. Then, we can answer any questions you may have. With a projected end time of 8:30. Feel free to stay longer to mingle. There are a few who go out for coffee afterwards if you are interested in coming or can't make it until later. Children are welcome, although we have no formal babysitter for this time. We look forward to meeting you! Visit our blog tomorrow for pictures and updates on the meeting.

If you need to get in touch with a leader today, please call: Aimee at 260-7916 or email: aimeekwood@gmail.com

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog! This is our first post, so feel free to add comments. This week will be exciting, as we have our monthly meeting on Monday at 6:30pm on 36 S. Main St., Pittsford. Linda Heron Wind will be speaking about Family Rituals. On Tuesday, we have a playdate at the Brighton Library Park at 3:30pm. Hope to see you there!
Aimee
Co-leader