12/02/2010

The Many Faces of Kate

I would have to say that my niece Kate is the most expressive and unique kid I've ever been lucky enough to know. These shots were all taking over the Thanksgiving break. Not only is she incredibly intelligent but she also has an immense imagination. Her family calls it Kate's world. Her older sister pointed out that Kate sometimes says something to you forgetting that you aren't involved in the conversation going on in her head.

I sometimes think my sister is in over her head with trying to raise Kate but she really does try to understand her and help her to develop as best she can. Because Kate is exploring music and taking piano lessons this year Angie has asked everyone in the family to make or buy a CD of music that best represents us or that we enjoy for Kate. I thought that this was a great idea and can't wait to share some of my favorites with her.I've been doing a lot of shopping on-line this week and I found a great Toy Store called Hearth Song. Their tagline is "toys you'll feel good about giving." I would totally agree with that statement. They have very creative and interesting toys many of them with a crafty emphasis. They have a well articulated environmental policy and a story that I can really support. They are currently running a $4.99 shipping deal and a $10 reward card if you spend $50 on their site.

I bought my niece Jess a Design your Own Lamp as she has been getting into decorating lately. I got my nephew a kid sized metal detector as he is very into geocaching with his Mom and loves to explore the outdoors. They had kid sized bamboo knitting needles on sale for 69 cents. I'm going to give them to all the girls and see if anything of them choose to take me up on my offer to teach them to knit.
I got Kate a Physics kit from Mike that they can play with together. The two of them have always had such a special bond. I think it's because she recognizes a kindred spirit and considers him her intellectual equal. I took 10 shots of her sitting on his lap and each one of them was totally different. The two of them were hamming it up like crazy in most of them but there was something about this one that I really liked.

I am of course still buying handmade for some gifts this year but I have found that you have to supplement the handmade with other gifts that will help them to explore their own creativity. Kate is also into drawing and cartooning right now so I have bought her a bunch of supplies and how to books on Amazon including a Beginners' Sketching/Drawing Artist Kit. I do so love shopping and shopping for my nieces is the most fun of all.

6 comments:

Ann said...

your niece sounds like a great kid and that picture of her and Mike is really nice.

Rose Clearfield said...

I loved Hearth Song when I was little! I got a handful of things from the catalog, mostly as gifts, over the years. I think it's great that you put so much thought into giving gifts that will really tap into your nieces' and nephews' creative spirits.

Anonymous said...

She sounds like such an interesting kid! Sometimes the ones that seem the most in their own worlds turn out to be the most inventive and creative of all! Good for you for promoting that with all of your nieces and nephews. Off to check out that toy store!

Lin said...

I used to order from Hearthsong when my kids were little. I like how creative the things are in that catalog.

I hope they catch the knitting bug--it is a skill they will be glad to have when they get older.

Climbing Frames online said...

Interesting... I was searching this info for my grandpa. He will be happy for such a great info. Thanks for sharing...
Johnny

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