Homeschooled

As a reaction to the devastating treatment of my child by a district principal I convinced my son's father to homeschool our youngest son with me over the past year. I feel it's one of the best things I've done for any of my kids, in running with how hard I fought for my daughter's testing when she was bored in Kindergarten (reading chapter books when others were learning ABCs), the first time a principal tried to label one of my kids as ADD.


We found K-12 Online, a program that gave us all the equipment, supplies, paperwork, even a teacher, with which we could work at our separate homes with our son. He matured under our nurturing lessons and we dealt with (are still dealing with) his sensitivity issues and above grade level abilities. We will try integrating him back into the school district this Fall under a different principal who personally understands any remaining issues. No doubt we as parents learned a lot, too, over this past year, and we will continue to support both kids still in school.

I would highly recommend homeschooling but ours was just one way to do so and just one of many reasons that parents make for themselves. Please read on!

Home School by Celeste Ezell

I've been homeschooling my 5 year old for a year now and attending a Classical Conversations class with her in SF one day a week. We love it so much we're starting a new CC group in San Anselmo this Fall. It's for students age 4 through 6th grade. I'm hosting an info meeting if you're interested in learning more.

Informational Meeting

Classical Conversations of Marin

Classical Conversations provides a balance of structured guidance and independent learning in homeschooling. Come learn about the classical model of education and consider joining our new Marin community this fall!

Learn about the Foundations Program of Classical Conversations: https://www.classicalconversations.com/academic-programs/foundations-program-k4-6th

Monday, July 9

7:00-9:00 PM

Golden Gate Tutoring Center

249 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. (downtown behind Marin Coffee Roasters) San Anselmo, CA 94960

415-383-2283

celeste@goldengatetutoring.com

goldengatetutoring.com

Thankful Thursday

We are so thankful that This Little Piggy is here every Thursday! Drop in times are 11a-3p for Shawna to provide you with a beautiful professional ceramic print of your baby, child, kids, adults, even sayings! "LIKE" the Facebook page (link on site) and you can get a free....

Today I am personally thankful for all those who keep me grounded. Sometimes the world of retail is not fun, no it's more than that. Sometimes a person can stir up a whole lot of nothing and fan it until it feels like something. I can make it go away if I chose to loose focus on the storm and instead pay attention to the calm and compassionate. Everything must be a lesson or we won't grow. Anything can be overcome or we won't get anywhere. But still, we have store rules and our FAQ page has been updated.

May everyone have reasons for thanks!!

Closed for the weekend

Small businesses work hard. Small businesses work long hours. Small businesses make exceptions, negotiate, assist, go above and beyond. Small businesses understand.

Sometimes small businesses need a return favor -

Please accept our gratitude for your understanding during this unavoidable closure (just two little days that mean the world to Stephanie!!!)

We will see you again on Wednesday, 6/27, 

and give you 50% off.

Best wishes for a great weekend everyone!

Classic and Safe

I was a 70s kid: records, wooden blocks, Lego, free toys from gas stations, Big Wheel, etc. Fun was a cement slide and metal climbing structure or just running around the neighborhood.

Here is an interesting article from a blog which found us (we do not officially endorse the site but you are welcome to view it):
http://www.findananny.net/blog/10-toys-popular-in-1970-and-still-popular-today/

Classic stuff! What do you buy for your kids today? What were your favorite toys or things to do when you were younger?

I find myself attracted to "retro" items for memory's sake (I remember that!). Items from the 80s are not to my liking, after all I was in middle and high school and too old for things such as Cabbage Patch Dolls. My first son was born in the 90s and he was all about dinosaurs - surely, I thought, my son will grow up to be a paleontologist! He just graduated from high school and play electric bass, but I bet I could still get him to identify obscure dinosaurs.

Best sellers at our store are often in simple form: puzzles, cars, dolls, wooden toys, Lego/Duplo, Fisher Price Little People, bicycles. Thomas brand is a hit and thankfully many knock-offs (and resale stores) help with the cost of these sought after items. Rocking horses still rock. Lego is still liked. Bikes are the best.

When buying something for your child try not to be a deer in the headlights seeing NEW and IMPROVED. Think back to basics and buy classic.

P.S. We were recently visited by undercover CPSC agent and we had a 100% pass on items on the floor (nothing recalled), plus I identified safety sites and procedures in a manner that, dare I say, impressed the inspector. I love what I do! - Stephanie

What's New Wednesday

My youngest got his outfit here: Star Wars shirt and Mini Boden shorts (2nd time we've sold them) and he's holding a fun electronic dino grabber/chomper. We sell shoes similar to what he's wearing (Crocs and knock-offs).

Now he's playing with a dog that zips into its own house and snores when you "ring the doorbell". He's read a chapter book since we've been open today. What can I say, it's fun to come to work!!

We have an open top infant swing, Hobby metal balance bike, Marin MBX50 2 wheeler, Graco Snap-N-Go, Alma Papa folding mini crib, IKEA white corner computer desk with hutch, Heeley's, Hula Hoop, kids golf clubs and we have 1 pair golf shoes, Imaginarium train table, wooden toys, swimwear, jackets (since the Bay Area has mini-climates), diaper bags, crib music soothers, shoes from infant 3 to LARGE 8, sleep to jeans in sizes Preemie to LARGE 18. Call during business hours (10-5 Wed-Sun) to check stock or bring your brood in.

Come by for fun!

Happy Father's Day

This is my Dad...really! Isn't he colorful?

He's living in Canada now but will be coming down this year for a visit (yay)! Born and raised in San Francisco, he has wonderful life stories to tell. Kind of heart, always thinking, likes to press people's buttons, an actor, a tinkerer, and caring citizen, he has been a great shoulder to me over the years.

He'll say to me "but you were just born last month" whenever I have a birthday or major life event (like motherhood). I used to scoff amusingly. Today my first son, who is 18, is graduating from high school. I am now repeating my Dad - I get it!!

Whether you are a single parent, have your Dad around or not, this is a time like Mother's Day to reflect on parenthood. Sometimes there are two moms or two dads, sometimes grandparents or other family members or foster parents are the "parents". Sometimes a friend is like a Dad.

We applaud Dads and all caretakers of children and so we will be closed on Sun 6/17 to celebrate.

Run (at the Fair!)

Local Girl Scout troop 32053 is sponsoring a wonderful active event at the Marin County Fair!!

Play Fair 1K Fun Run

Monday, 7/2/12 1pm

- Begins at the giant Ferris Wheel and ends on the Special Events Lawn.
- Features a run/walk around the lagoon designed for family member including parents, babies in strollers and all children 12 and under. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of racing, healthy food option, awards and goodies!
- Cost: a smile (no fee for this event!)
- Registration: http://www.marinfair.org/funrun .Limited to the first 300 participants so register early!

Schedule:
11:00 Marin County Fair gates open
11:30 - 12:30 Check in and pick up your Race Bib (in order to be timed you must have a bib)
12:45 Warm Ups and Announcements
1:00 Play Fair 1K Run

For additional information or to volunteer:
Gary Najarian, gnajarian@marincounty.org

SPONSOR:

The event is sponsored by Cadette Girl Scout Troop 32053 as their Silver Award Project

What's New?

School's ending for another year and summer has hit us. I'm so proud of my graduating senior, my from 6th to 7ther, and my 3rd to 4ther. Look out world!

What's new in the store?

- Imaginarium train table, light "wood" with 2 part top

- Boppy pink bouncer seat with hanging toys, Maclaren rocker seat

- Formal dresses in many sizes, blazers and button downs and slacks

-  Ski helmet, clothing, snow boots

- Swimwear, hats, sandals, flip-flops

- Play tunnels, doll houses, baby dolls, Beyblades, Instruments, Hobby Balance Bike, doorway jumper, Exersaucer, Golf clubs, cleats, Tonka tractor, wooden rocking animals, Pop up tent fire engine, Heelys

- Changing tables: 1 white, 1 dark, 1 white and dark modern, nursing bras and covers

- Bassinet, Cradle, Portable Crib, Moses Baskets, crib soothers, wall decor, picture frames

- Slings, Bjorns, Ergo carriers, backpack carriers, strollers

- Pack-n-plays, High chairs, bibs, nutrition and recipe books, pregnancy and child-rearing books

...and more goodness!

Window Wednesday and This Little Piggy

Clothing for beach or bash, play or party, swim or snow. Shoes for non-walkers to teenage stompers. Books for all, toys, strollers, potties, games, learning, puzzles, costumes....and much more. We have some clothing with "Daddy" saying for upcoming Father's Day (June 17 - we will be closed this day).


Tomorrow....EXCITING NEWS! Our first day with This Little Piggy in our back studio!!! MKC is celebrating by giving you 50% off most items in our store tomorrow (6/7 through 6/10!). No appointment necessary for Thursday Piggy Days!

Wonderful items, see for yourself....

Graco Silhouette with bassinet & changing station

Most popular swing, Fisher Price Papasan in Nature's Touch design

Phil & Ted's Explorer infant bed

Diaper Bags and Backpacks

Chicco and Evenflo high chairs

soft seat rocking Snail

Baby dolls and doll carriers

small profile wooden "restaurant style" high chairs, one cover, one Bumbo tray