Like being back in my comfy jeans

Have you ever had a pair of old, comfy jeans that somehow, for some reason, you haven't worn in a while? I love that feeling of putting them on again.

Today was kind of like that for me. I went back to high school today. Back to the place I was transferred (by surprise) from after my mat leave with Claire.

I didn't have to set up any bulletin boards (just my posters, like normal) and all of the jargon made sense. I was able to connect with good colleagues who know me and accept me as I am.

As difficult as it will be to leave my sweet kids to work full-time for the next 5 months, I think being back in a place I love is worth it. Part-time for semester 2 and hopefully some continuity for next year.

PS - Today affirmed again for me how much I LOVE teaching!!! This is exactly where God wants me to be.

Teeny Tiny Blue Ball

Most kids have some item they are attached to. We've been loving Tigger almost as long as we've been loving Simon. He's the "go-to" comfort for our little man. Claire hasn't really formed any attachment to any item. I tried introducing a lot of sweet stuffies to her and she'd like them for a bit and then ditch them for the next best thing. No blankies, suckies would soothe her at all.

Then, we met "blue ball". This is a tiny Zooble baby that I'm pretty sure she stole from the kids we share a baby-sitter with. She's carried this little ball in her hand all spring and summer. That means I have spent endless hours searching for "blue ball" when it's gone missing.

We have rules. "Blue ball" stays in a safe place (Momma's jewelery dish in our en-suite) when we go out. We don't cry when "blue ball" goes missing because it always turns up (and miraculously, it does).

Not sure what the attachment is but, she's napping with it clutched in her chubby little baby hand. It makes her happy so, it makes me happy.

Second Annual Park Report

The dog days of summer are here. I feel like my world is being governed by a large timer counting down all my free time before the ball and chain of a full-time contract wreaks havoc on my plans.

That means it's time for my second annual park report.

Back Alley Park
When we lived in our little bungalow, the city sent my community a survey asking what we'd like to see in the little green space behind my back alley. I filled it out and, sure enough, that spring, I got the little play place of my dreams. We walked there all the time when we lived there. Best little neighbourhood park ever. 5 out of 5

East end (Truesdale Park)
It was an easy walk from my in-laws but, my kids never liked the actual structure. Instead, they loved to roll around on the grass nearby. It gets a 2 out of 5.

Spiderman Park

This super cool park has the most amazing ropes course, climbing structure. It'll be great in a few years when I don't have fearless, clumsy toddlers. The slide is too steep (it gives me butterflies). Currently, it's a 3 out of 5 but, it has the potential to change a lot as the kids get older.

Kinsmen Splash Park
Still my favorite. I think we better head there tomorrow! 5 out of 5!

Venture Park
A close walk but, really needs to be up dated. 3 out of 5

Westhill Park
A longer walk but, there's baby swings and nobody needs help going up the structure. 4 out of 5

Good Spirit Park
Best baby swing ever!!! Hopefully going back next year. 5 out of 5

Rick Hanson Splash Park
Seriously, why does the splashing involve kids holding hoses? It just leads to big guys spraying little guys. Once again, our visit was cut short by a very sad Simon. Try again next year. 3 out of 5

Elizabeth and Levi's Park
Tim and Karri have an awesome play structure in their farm yard. My kids LOVE it. Because it involves some of my favorite people, it gets a 5 out of 5.

Good Spirit

We spent the long weekend camping. We went with all of Trevor's family. We tented with the kids. There were a lot of firsts (tenting, campfire-cooking, kayaking, hiking, fireworks) as well as late nights and gentle sleep-ins.
I love being outside. Even more, I love being outside having good fellowship with my amazing family.

Sign me up for next year, please!