Ruuusssshhh

Did you see that blur? That's my life, flying by.
From the moment the alarm goes off until I finally put my feet up and melt into my Lazy-Boy in the evening, I feel like I'm on my feet running.
I love working. I love being a Momma. I love looking after my house. However, I wish I could grab a little more balance.
I think part-time teaching has my name written all over it.
We'll see what the future holds.

P.S. - I realize that it's ironic that I put a pic of Simon and Fergus at rest on this post. It's just he most recent, non-naked photo I have of the Schmoo.

(Update on my entertaining grade 9 lad - he's happily writing his essay. I told him we're not holding a debate so, I don't need him telling other people why they're wrong. I'm sure his essay will be an interesting read.)

Ironic

Today, a young man in my Social 9 class became a tad upset because I was teaching him origin theories other then just Creation. (Remember - we did just read the Bible in class and learned about Creation as well).

"I'm a Christian, you know. I shouldn't have to learn these things I don't believe. I should get my parents to put me in an all Christian school so I don't have to know about anybody else's beliefs."

Sigh...
(Maybe his parents will call. I think that could be a very, very amusing chat.)

Critical Thinking

I'm excited to be teaching Social 9 and Psych 20 again. One of the reasons is because I am really, really passionate about making kids examine their own beliefs through a critical eye.
I am convinced that, if kids don't fully understand what they believe (about anything really) then, they are easily swayed into believing all sorts of things.
In Social, we are going to start examining what kids believe about the beginning of the world. This is one of the reasons I am thrilled to teach in the public system. I have the freedom to address all theories as theories. We look at the basic facts of a variety of cultural origin stories, the theory of the Big Bang/Evolution and the biblical creation theory.
Personally, as a Christian, I believe that God created the world and humankind. When I was in grade 9, my very agnostic teacher let me explain to him why. He told me he was proud of me because I understood my beliefs and could explain them and he gave me an A on the assignment. (Notice that I still remember this.) I want the same for my grade 9s.
I want them to be able to examine what they believe, why they believe and then, explain it. This is critical thinking. This goes beyond finding answers in a text. This should be memory making. At the age of 14, I think kids should be questioning things for themselves. They should be sorting and sifting through ideas and making their beliefs their own.
I wonder, how many of us get a chance to do this? How many of us have blindly followed something because it's what we've been told all our lives? How many of us have place faith in institutions, religion, science, technology, etc. without taking the time to examine WHY it is we believe in it.
I know it's a little lame and teacherish of me to write this post but, I get fired up about this kind of stuff. :)

2/10

Week #2 is done. Just 8 more to go and then, I'm a double Momma.

I love my job. I have a great staff. I met all my students and they are pretty awesome. I love teaching subjects I'm passionate about. Soon, my grade 9s will be figuring out just what they believe about the origin of the world and defending their ideas. In Psych 20, I taught about trepanning and phrenology... fabulous!

On the flip side, I miss my little man. He's a little trooper. He loves his baby-sitter and the two girls he hangs out with. It's nice to be at work and know that he's having a good time with his friends. That doesn't stop me from missing him all day long. It's hard not to just smother him with kisses and hugs as soon as I walk in the door.

Lastly, I'm exhausted. I miss my 2-3 hours of "nap time" every afternoon. I'm looking forward to napping this weekend. My big belly is starting to get unwieldy. I'm also noticing that I'm getting more and more tuckered out and uncomfortable. It's all part of the process but, I'm starting to look forward to this little Schmoo on the outside.

Dream Deferred

The house of our dreams in the cute artsy area sold.
I'm a little choked.
However, we prayed that if it was meant to be, that it would be.
I guess this is God's way of saying He's got something better in mind for us.
We're looking into a few more houses.
We'll see if we can imagine us there.

My Momma

Trevor's away for the weekend. I get lonesome sans his comforting presence. I miss him with every fiber of my being. Simon misses him too. I hear a lot of "Daddy?" and "Daddoh?" lately.
On Friday, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and soon to be sister-in-law came over for a girly night. It was fun and it was nice to have such good company!
Last night, I went out to the farm to visit my folks. Dad was pretty busy trying to get the crops off (a bit of a challenge with all the rain) so, I spent most of my time with my Momma! It was great! It was good to be "looked after" for a change. She's also pretty wonderful in the way that she never takes over with Simon. She's there and she helps and they play but, she never makes me feel like I have to scamper off somewhere so she can have him all to herself. It was nice to stay up late, drink tea and talk about important and not so important things with her.
Now that I'm a Mom, I appreciate her so much more. I love my little Schmoo with all my heart and would do anything for him. I know my Mom feels the same about my brother and I. It's a humbling and yet, an oh so wonderful feeling. I hope that I can have a relationship with my adult children the way I do with my Mom.
(I know that you're reading, Mom - thanks a pile. Simon and I had a good time and we love you muchly!)

Workin' Momma

I started back to work on Monday. I did a 1/2 day. It wasn't a paid half day. That's how teachers roll. I've since done 2 more full days. Man, were they FULL. Yesterday, I collapsed onto the Lazy-Boy and Trevor had to get a spatula to pry me off and send me to bed.
First - I LOVE my job. I love looking at my old lessons, ideas, activities, etc. and "re-vamping" them so that they are current, fun, interactive, etc. for my soon to be students. I love taking my pencil to my daybook and planning my schedule, writing the students names in the marking section and mapping my calendar. I love catching up with my colleagues and finding out all the news. (PS - Did I mention that I was able to switch Science 9 for Psych 20? I couldn't be more tickled to be teaching something I actually know!)
Second - I LOVE Simon's baby-sitter. She plans adventures for him. She loves him, snuggles him, cuddles him and is very, very attentive. I'm curious to see what will happen to her and Simon when they start hanging out part-time with the other family we are sharing her with. That starts tomorrow.
Third - I MISS SIMON. As much as I love his babysitter, I miss my snuggles, cuddles, stories, walks, adventures and little lessons. I feel very torn between a job that I love and my kid who has my heart in his little fist.
Fourth - Being sick when starting back to work SUCKS! Having a sick kiddo sucks even more. We both have some sort of cold/stomach bug happening. Simon's lost his appetite (which is pretty significant if you've ever seen this kid pack in the food) and he has been extra fussy. :( I feel like I've been hit by a truck.

All in all, things are at the good -> okay level of the scale. Trevor leaves for a mountain holiday with the boys tomorrow. I believe that it's good for him to get away. That still doesn't mean I'm not sad. I'm not looking forward to being a sick single parent of a sick kid. Sigh...

16 months + 30 weeks

Welcome to 16 months, Mr. Simon! (Notice my lovely lack of lap for story time.)





I'm at 30 weeks. That means just 10 weeks until Schmoo 2.0 (or more... or less, babies are funny that way). Hard to believe he or she will be here that quickly!

Mrs. Dash

I LOVE to cook... when I have time. When I don't have time, it's a huge weight that looms over my head all day. My brain constantly asks what will I make for supper that's easy and quick and nutritious and yummy and that Simon will like?
This fall, I plan to be quite busy. Full-time teaching + last 10 weeks of pregnancy + house showings + hopefully packing and moving = brain overload.
SOLUTION: Dashing Dishes
On Monday, I went to a community center (which happens to be in the area of town I really hope we'll be moving to), donned my apron and bandanna and, in just 1 1/2 hours, I prepared 16 yummy, nutritious, quick and easy meals for my family for the fall. These scrumptious meals include: spinach pasta bake, Asian bistro chicken, fiesta pulled chicken, Greek shrimp, Korean style ribs, melt in your mouth beef, 2 Mexican pizzas and marinated chicken.
I was tickled that I was able to use ingredients I would never buy (rice vinegar, Hoisin sauce, pickled ginger, frozen spinach, etc.) I'm salivating at the thought of this month's meals.
On top of all that, I also bought a super large pork tenderloin at Costco, cut it into slab and wrapped those slabs in bacon. I have 16 of those little morsels of goodness in my freezer too.
I think my freezer is ready for me to go to work. (It'll be a pain to move all that food to our new house though.)

Lunch Buddies

Fergus is not allowed on the table. However, he does like to sit on a chair when we eat.

Pity Party Erased

I just erased a very self-pitying blogpost about the tragedy of my upcoming return to work. I was reduced to tears this morning as my little man gave me a big bear hug and snuggle because I'm going to miss him so much. I'm heading off to Dashing Dishes tonight to prepare 16 frozen suppers to ease my supper stress for the next month. (I plan on doing this monthly until the baby arrives).
Instead of belly-aching, I'm going to focus on the blessings God has given me!
-I am blessed to be the Mama of one, almost 2 little ones. Simon is my pride and joy and I can only imagine how big my heart will grow when Schmoo 2.0 arrives.
-I have the most supportive husband in the world. He is willing to pitch in with housework and parenting tasks. He's also the best hugger on days when I have pity parties.
-I have a fabulous job that I love. The only snafu I have this semester is silly Science 9 but, if I could teach Remedial Math and Food Studies 30 at my inner city school, I should be able to manage one unit of Science 9 in a bedroom community school.
-I have great childcare lined up. Simon loves his baby-sitter (as do I) and we're sharing her with a family that I really like. This way, Simon will have 2 little playmates to explore his world with.
-I just made yummy cookies. I spent the morning with my sweet Mom. Fergus is my purring cuddle cat sitting on my lap.
Really, how can life get better then this?
Begone pity party... I don't need you!

Jam face and a sad countdown

I think I just mentioned Simon's passionate love of his Tigger. This morning, he refused to part with the wee stripped beastie and so, Tigger is now covered in jam. Blech! (Fortunately, we have multiple Tiggers so, when jam-face Tigger is taking a bath, Simon still has 2 other Tiggers to keep him busy.)

I'm getting kind of sad thinking about my upcoming return to work. I've really enjoyed my extended mat. leave and summer break. I feel reality looming on the horizon and this stirs up all sorts of anxiety and sadness. Most of the time, I push those feelings down, put on my rosy-coloured glasses and live in the present. With just 10 days of bliss left, that is getting harder and harder to do. Sigh...

How in the world do those American girls go back to work after just 6 weeks? (I could barely function after 6 weeks let alone work. My goodness, letting me loose in a grocery store was scary enough, I'd hate to imagine trying to educate children in my sleep deprived state.) Why can't I move to Sweden where Trevor and I would still have 8 months left of our parental leaves?

Ah well, 10 weeks of teaching and then, I'm off on maternity leave again... because I'll have another BABY! YIKES!

A Colourful Cast

Simon has an ever-increasing army of "best friends". It started with his Tigger. We bought it for him when we went to DisneyWorld when I was pregnant with him. Something about the soft orange fuzz and the extra chewable tail has endeared him to my sweet son. (Lucky for us, you can buy extra, exactly the same Tiggers at SuperStore for $3).
Another one of his "best friends" is Ernie from Sesame Street. We don't own any Ernies but, we do get our daily dose of Sesame Street after nap time and Simon dances and giggles with glee whenever Ernie shows up. We've been taking a lot of Sesame Street books out of the library. This leads to Simon kissing a lot of pictures of Ernie.
Simon's newest "best friend" is an Ernie influence. To be like his role model, Simon has started carrying around a rubber duck. Last night, he slept with a rubber duck and his Tigger. He was a pretty happy dude. (I included this video because it is AWESOME. It is AWESOME because it has both Ernie and the duck. All it needs is a cameo from Tigger. It's also the song that is forever stuck in my head... sigh.)

(We're thinking that the baby might "give" Simon an Ernie when he/she gets here. Did any of you give your first child a gift from the baby? Did this help ease the dethronement at all?)

Boy-Mania

We just got back from lunch with some friends. We all took our little boys to DQ. It dawned on me just how many baby boys around Simon's age that we know. It's like 2009 was the year of the boy. I think our 2-3 year old Sunday School teacher may retire when she sees the crew she has coming in the next year and a bit. Yikes! I wouldn't blame her one bit! It's a good thing that Simon will have a pile of little guy friends. I pity this group in Jr. High when there are maybe one or two girls to flirt with between the lot of them.

On the same subject but, a completely different note, I just finished reading A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. It took me over a week to read because it was such a hard story. I'm still upset when I think of these lonesome little orphan boys who wound up fighting in the "army" in Sierra Leone. They were pumped with drugs, given guns and forced to go and shoot the enemy. The brainwashing and abuse the author went through was atrocious. As a Mommy, I held my little son a lot closer this week and continued to thank God that we live in such a safe place. Unfortunately, Ismael was one of many, many children to whom war and atrocities happen to. I don't know what I can do to help other then to hear their stories and to pass them on.

Sort and Shuffle On Out

Every couple of days or so, I open up a cupboard, a closet or I pick a basement shelf. I systematically go through it. I sort between 3 piles: keep, throw out and recycle (thrift shop style). This has led to all sorts of odd things ending up in our dumpster. This has also led to a lot of junk going to Sally Anne (really, do people really want this stuff?) This has also led to a lot of personal satisfaction. This also means that we are getting rid of "stuff" and hanging on to that which we love, need or have to have. It feels good to purge.
Obviously, making our house neat and tidy is the first priority (come on people, please buy our house). Also, this will make it easier to move. Lastly, it feels good to purge.

If you're interested in some great re-org tips, check out 2 of my favorite new blogs:
http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/
http://orgjunkie.com/

Bestie

We met 26 years ago (yeesh). She was the nameless My Little Pony and I was the clumsy My Little Pony (odd how 5 year olds define themselves). We became best friends in grade 4 when our original best friends left us for each other. Turns out to be the greatest break-ups of our lives.
It's fabulous to have someone who knows me so well. We're very different and those differences compliment each other in ways that are good for us.
It was great to spend the week holidaying with her and her sweet man. One of the best things about our friendship is that it feels like we just saw each other yesterday. There's no "catching up" or awkward re-acquainting. Instead, it's just sitting down with my best friend.
I loved spending the week in Canmore with her. It was good to have her see a little more of Simon.
It's crazy to think that the next time I actually see her, Simon will be walking (cross fingers) and I will have another baby in my arms.

Just a Memory

We spent most of our holiday with Simon strapped to Trevor's back. We tried walking up and around mountains every day. We had a fabulous time with Shiya and Marshall. We relaxed by the condo's pool in the afternoon when Simon slept. Simon was a super traveler. We played him out and he slept hard. Here are some of our more favorite pictures of the week.

Mountain High

We've been in the Rockies since Sunday. Simon was a delightful little traveller. He even tolerated his Mommy's foray into IKEA. :) He's sleeping hard and napping well. This makes everyone happy.
We're staying at a condo with my best friend, Shiya and her husband, Marshall. They've been great adventure buddies and it's been great catching up.
Highlights of our week so far have included:
-shopping at IKEA
-supper (and dessert) at Cheescake Cafe
-rainy welcome hike to a simple little lake not far from where we "live"
-Shiya and Marshall
-swimming everyday in our pool
-free pancake breakfast and a hike around town
-Banff - we skipped all the downtown shopping and hung out at the waterfall for a bit then, we took Simon on his first gondola ride (he was in love with the gondolas... we had to spend quite a bit of time watching them come up and go down the mountain)
-being bitten by a squirrel - it was just my toe and it was more funny then anything
-walking the ridge with our squirming son to get to the actual peak of Sulfur Mountain
-hiking Grassi Lakes trail with Auntie Andrea and Uncle Kyle - this also involved some intense splashing in the lakes

We've only just begun. We're currently relaxing by the pool as Schmoo Bear catches up on some much needed sleep. He plays hard, eats like an adult and sleeps hard. Life can't get much better then this! I'm excited to see what other adventures our little family can get up to.

The Happiness Project

I'm reading Gretchen Rubin's book called The Happiness Project. I read a lot of random things and this had a very favorable review in Maclean's (which I read religiously) so I thought I'd check it out of the library.

I'm pretty impressed with it.

First, she started her project, basically how to make her life more happy, not because she was unhappy but rather because she just wanted to milk as much happiness from life as possible. I really like this idea. I'm a pretty happy person but, it's good to think of ways to be happier rather then just to coast through life.
She chose a different part of her life to focus on every month for a year. My favorite chapters so far have been about her marriage and about being a Mom. Currently, I'm reading her chapter on leisure. It's about how we "play". One of the things Gretchen had to realize about herself is that things that may give other people pleasure don't always work for her. One of her golden rules is to always stay true to
"being Gretchen". This is a good realization for me.

I'm coming to accept that I'm a little quirky and what works for some, doesn't work for me. For instance, group sports tend to cause me performance anxiety. I'd much rather walk the park with Trevor and Simon. I HATE going out with groups. There's too much conversation and I never know where to focus my attention. I much prefer quieter outings with one or two friends. I love creating things, making the mundane into an adventure, being silly, baking and ice cream. I LOVE stories... a good book, a good TV show, a good movie, a sermon with a story to illustrate a point, a good radio broadcast, a good... well, you get the point.

So why, except when absolutely obligated, do I put myself in situations I don't enjoy? I guess I do it because these situations are supposed to be "fun". I think that this book has been a good reminder for me to just be me.

Anyways, if you're in the mood for a really good read that will make you contemplate life a little, check out Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. The library has a few copies kickin' around. I think you'll be glad you did. :)

LOST

I'm home alone and wishing Trevor was here. He's playing Ultimate. It's not that I begrudge him some family free time, I just really, really want to watch the next episode of LOST.

We're on Episode 9 of Season 2. I'm completely hooked.

I tried watching this series back when it first came on when I was living the life in Lanigan but, I kept "getting lost" because I would miss episodes. Watching it nightly has helped immensely.

I need to know who "the others" really are. I need to know why there are random "Dharma" bunkers on the island. I need to know what happened to Walt. I'm worried about Charlie and Sayid. I'm wondering if Locke is really crazy. Who are these other survivors and can they be trusted?

Goodness, I'm an addict.

My World

Fleeting

I wish I could hold tight to these fleeting summer days. It's dawned on me that the end of July is fast approaching. After that, it's August. I love August (because it's a summer month) but, I dread it's end. Back to school, back to new routine, leaving my boy full-time.
I want to package up these warm days where we walk to the park every day and have adventures with sticks and bugs and pretty flowers. I want to freeze time and enjoy endless nights of sleeping with the windows open. I want to bottle up the smells of suntan lotion, freshly cut grass, flowers in bloom and rain. I want to record the sounds of Simon's babbling and giggling.
I am going to embrace all these free days as gifts. We'll never have another summer quite like this one. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it that I can.

Those Unanswered Questions

A call came and woke me from my weekly nap. A realtor and some prospective buyers wanted to view our house at 5. Could we be ready by then?
After a jaunt to Burger Baron with the Schmoo and Grandpa (yummy, yummy yam fries), we returned home.
We know that the realtor and prospective buyers were here. We see the card the realtor left. Now, we have a ton of questions such as:
-How did the house smell to you? (I boiled water and vanilla just like many "how to sell quickly" sites suggested).
-Was Fergus nice to you?
-Did you notice that I cleaned the window sills with a toothbrush the other day... just to impress people like you? Were you impressed?
-Did you feel welcomed when you saw our newly purchased welcome mat?
-Do you want to buy our house... please, please, please?

Sigh. There's a ton more questions where those came from.

It'd be nice if someone just fell in love with our house the way we did.

I knew you when...

In the past 2 days, I have run into 3 former students. Each time, I was very tempted to ask a million questions and give them each a bear hug. It's strange that I feel this way but, after teaching for 8 years, there are so many students that I have absolutely adored and miss having in my life.
I think that's what I love most about my job. It sure isn't the mountains of marking or the insane amount of prep (although, that does allow me to be quite creative). It isn't the staff (not that I don't love them too) or the professional committees I belong to. It isn't even the passing on of information. It's really all about the kids and the relationships that I'm able to form.
Now, when I see FB updates or run into one of my favorites (of which there are many, many, many), it's interesting to see the changes that have occurred. Shy, meek kids have blossomed into moms and dads and have careers of all types. Wild and raucous kids have mellowed and matured but still carry that spark of rebellion with them.
I'm so proud of how so many of them have turned out. I'm so proud that I was able to spend a little bit of time with them during such a critical part of their development.

It must be summer holidays. Only then do I miss teenagers. :)

The Buy-Sell Dilemma

We're putting our house up for sale on Monday.
Yeesh... did you see that coming? I don't think I did.
And yet I did.
We've been looking for something newer and bigger since our sleep deprived fall days.
Now, I think it'd be nice to be in something newer and bigger before Schmoo #2 makes an appearance.
We found the perfect house. It's newer and bigger and just 3 km away in an artsy area of town.
We made a conditional offer. (Conditional as in: we can buy your house if we can sell our house).
We waited nervously.
The current owner doesn't "do" conditions and would like us just to buy his house.
Only, our major asset is our house.
Now, we're going to take a risk, sell our house (fingers crossed) and make another, non-conditional offer.
As long as his house doesn't sell beforehand.
Then... we'll be hooped.
Sigh!
Ah well... I'm going to be positive and believe that if it is meant to be, it will all work out.
Currently, our little bungalow is a whirlwind of decluttering and last minute fixes.

If you know of anyone who's interested in a cute little bungalow near a beautiful park in the south end, let me know and I can email you more details.

4

"Grow old with me, the best is yet to be." - Robert Browning

Thanks for the 4 best years of my charmed life! Here's to many, many, many more!

Sweet Feet

Every Tuesday of last summer, Simon and I spent the afternoon waiting (and waiting and more waiting) in the casting clinic for his casts to be put on. This summer, Simon spends his Tuesday afternoons in blissful nap land. I am soooo thankful for his little feet. Someday, he'll be an independent walker and who knows what kinds of sports he'll play.
Today, we went to his foot doctor who declared his feet "just fine". I know that they are just fine but, I always have a bit of an anxiety build-up right before his appts. It was good to walk out of that appt. with a smile on my face.
As a "reward", we hit up the library and a super fun park on the way home. This guy sure LOVES to play.

My Aching Back

They're ganging up on me already. Between the interior one growing and the exterior one walking, walking, walking I am slowly becoming an old lady in need of my Lazy-Boy.
One of the characteristics of an infant with clubfeet is skipping the crawling stage and delayed independent walking. That doesn't stop my little guy. All he wants to do is GO GO GO! However, going requires tightly clutching my hands. This works for the most part except, I do not always want to GO GO GO! Poor Simon is stuck with an ever-expanding Momma.
I think that this product may solve these problems. Is it wishful thinking or do you think it could actually work? Let me know.

15 minutes

Motherhood has been good for me. It's made me a less-selfish person. It's also helped me let go of a few bad habits. I no longer linger and dawdle as I get ready in the morning. I'm proud to say that, I can get myself ready in 15 minutes of less (minus breakfast and making the bed). This works well for Simon. He can destroy the bathroom in less then 15 minutes too. :)
Being in the bathroom alone has become a luxury that I will never take for granted again. I'm guessing that I will have a bathroom buddy for the next 5 years of my life (hopefully, it'll be younger children and not still Simon). Even Fergus hates being left out of the party.
The bathroom has an allure for my kid. Maybe it's the toilet lid that goes up and down or maybe it's the flusher but, he's a happy guy in the bathroom. Hopefully, this will aid in our potty training journey in the new year.

Canada Day

Balmy day at the park with our Schmoo. He loved his little paper flag (would not let it go... so much better then a stick). He watched the trick dogs, he watched the crowds, he pointed at babies, kids, airplanes, doggies and other people's food. He loved sharing my ice-cream. He was nice and tuckered out at the end of the day. He was easy to put to sleep.
I picked up our baby-sitter and we headed to the park with Trevor's sister and brother-in-law. We sat by the lake. We enjoyed the dragonflies, the lightning in the distance and the fireworks.
Summer's here!

Inside and Outside

Yesterday, had our 21 week ultrasound. From the looks of things, this should be our last ultrasound unless the wee one is breech. After 10 ultrasounds for Simon, I am thrilled that we may only have 2 for this little one. This means that THE DOCTORS HAVE NO CONCERNS!!!! I love that! Straight little feet, 10 fingers and 10 toes. :)
Here's a shot of our 12 week ultrasound, our 21 week ultrasound (all we have are the 3D pictures... they're a bit schmushy... this is the best) and a belly shot.
It's crazy to think that in just 19 weeks (or 20 or 21), we'll have two little Schmoos to look after. Let's just hope that Big Brother Simon has figured out how to walk by then.

Class of 2010

Today we celebrated the culmination of 13 (some 14) years of education. Parents, students, teachers and guests donned their finery and feted the accomplishments of 172 students.
It was well done. There was a very good speech honouring the student who had just passed away and the young man who died a year and a half ago. There were more then a few teary eyes but, we managed to avoid hysteria.
Unfortunately, there was another accident yesterday involving one of our grads. He's currently fighting for his life in the hospital. He won at least 3 scholarships. He has plans to be an Arts Ed. teacher. He's a very talented photographer. He should be taking a family trip to South Africa next week to attend the World Cup Bronze Medal Game. He's a great kid. I loved teaching him. Please pray for him and for recovery.

Not the way to end...

It's like a bad script except, it's reality.
One of my grade 12 students was in a very serious car accident the day before school ended which also happened to be the day before his 18th B-day. While staff and students wrote and marked Final Exams, friends and family kept vigil at the hospital hoping he would wake up. Last night, he died.
Tomorrow is grad.
I taught him Psych last year. He was in the same class as his good buddy who died in a car accident that semester. It doesn't seem fair that he's gone. He was just on the cusp of adulthood.

Grad is one of my favorite celebrations. It's the icing on the cake for teachers. I love watching my students transform into these radiant, happy and excited young adults about to take their first brave steps into a big, new world. Tomorrow's grad won't be like that. We will want it to be exciting and celebratory. We will want to ooohh and aaahh over tuxes, dresses, hair styles, limos and awards. Then, we will look at the beautiful brunette who will be there without her date. We will look at the empty chair on the stage. We will see the rivulets of mascara running down cheeks. It will probably feel more like a funeral.

Please pray for this young man's family, my students and my staff.

Happy Hour

Simon's sleeping. I LOVE his afternoon nap. I love how happy he is when he wakes up for it. The sun is out. Here's a list of things that make me smile.

1. Schmoo Daddy - The guy works all day, comes home to wrestle with an overly enthusiastic toddler, endures my endless nattering, then goes for a family walk, gives Simon his bath, puts him to bed and watches LOST with me (we just started Season One - we're a little behind but, I hear it's pretty good.)
2. Jogger - I quit running just before I got pregnant with Simon. That didn't stop me from buying a used Jogging stroller. It's my best friend this summer.
3. Revamping the Old - My fall class list is sweet. I'm teaching mostly all grade 9 Social which is one of my most favorite classes. I'm actually excited to dig into my pile of binders and revamp some cool assignments for the fall. (Not so cool is the one other class I've been assigned... Science 9? What the heck? Oh well... a girl can't have everything.)
4. Humidity - I love a good thunderstorm. I love basking in the heat.
5. Good Taste - I can drink coffee again without nausea. I can eat bananas again without nausea. It's summer and there's tons of summer fruit for Simon and I to chow down on. It's also BBQ season... yum!

(I love this picture because I love Simon's hat. I think it's the cutest thing in the world on his tousled head.)

20 Weeks

(Every time I hear the above song by the Weepies, I think of parenthood. I thought I'd share.)
Updated belly shot (post nasty cold sore) and less pondering to come later.

Half way there!
Don't get me wrong,
we're excited.
Only this time,
it's like being strapped into a roller coaster.
We know that it'll be crazy ride
full of ups and downs
and stomach lurching moments when
the whole world is
up-side-down.
All we can do
grin at each other in that
nervous kind of way
and hold on
tight to one another's hand.
This ride's only just
begun.

First Aider

I spent my sunny Saturday inside. I wore a jacket and jeans to stave off the chill of air-conditioning.
I had to do my First Aid Recert.
It was okay. The instructor let us go early. I almost finished reading "The Hours" on my breaks and over lunch.
My First Aid has been refreshed. I found the AED instruction pretty interesting (well, as interesting as a sunny day trapped inside learning can allow) and I reviewed how to help a choking or non-breathing infant.
I hope I never, never, never have to put any of this knowledge into practice.

When it's not raining...

Don't you want to put on your sneakers and come for a walk with us.

Progress and a Curse

After talking to a new mommy of twins yesterday, I was reminded that newborns sure do take their time eating. Simon was no exception. We used to watch episodes of the Wire while he ate before bed. Last year, at this time, I was a Dairy Queen lounging and nursing my little man.
Today, he polishes off 2 pieces of raisin toast and a half a banana at breakfast. This kid eats more then me.

On a whole other nasty note, I've decided that I'm cursed. The other day, I woke up to a familiar tingly feeling on my lower lip... and just under my nose. Two cold sores had erupted while I slept. Blech!
During my second year of teaching in Lanigan, a well-meaning young lady came to our school to talk to the kids about abstinence. Part of her presentation was to talk about STIs. She mentioned that colds sores were a sexually transmitted disease. I think she was getting her Herpes viruses mixed up. My face turned red as the cold sore on my lip became a beacon for all my grade 9s to stare at. I also noticed a very shy and quiet grade 9 girl slouch down in her seat to hide the cold sore eruption on her nose. Needless to say, I corrected her and we moved on but, really... how uncool was that.

rain

It's been a busy week. I can't complain. All is well in my little world.

Simon is insatiable. He eats and eats and eats. He outgrew 2 pairs of adorable slippers while I had my back turned. He points at everything and says "euh". He's in this stage where he can't communicate and can't move anywhere on his own. His frustration level has led to more then a few meltdowns. He'll have his break through eventually... until then, it's "euh"...

I have one more day of subbing booked. It actually was a lot of fun to go back to my school and reacquaint myself with the kids without having all the prep, extra-curr and marking pressure. Our baby-sitter is pretty amazing. I'll be sad to see her go.

It's been birthday week around here. I turned 31, Trevor turned 30 and my adorable niece is now 1. I'd like to say that I feel wiser and more mature now that I'm "getting on in age" but, I think I won't notice that I transitioned to my 30s until I'm transitioning to my 40s and missing them.

All it does in this province is rain. It's crazy how much water has fallen in the past month. I'm hoping for some sunshine for next week. I'm starting to feel like I've got a bit of cabin fever.

Schmoo 2.0 is on the move. My placenta is facing out so, I don't feel as many little kicks and flutters as I'd like but, I know that he or she is squirming around. I also have a bump. I'm getting to be at the cute stage of pregnancy where, I can just barely start wearing maternity clothes or squeeze into my jeans. I'm also still pretty agile and able to carry Simon wherever his little heart desires. Finally, the nausea's gone. Every now and then, it creeps back but, at least it's not all day, every day anymore.

Better ask Jesus

While riding back to the school with the ILP (Special Needs) students after a grueling :) session of Laughter Yoga, my seat partner had a few questions about my life.

B - Miss, Miss, who looks after your baby son when you're at school with me.
Me - He has a great baby-sitter who looks after him.
B - Oh, that's good. Are you going to have another baby someday.
Me - Actually, I have a baby in my tummy right now.
B - Really?
Me - Yep. This baby's coming in November.
B - So you have a baby at home and a baby in your tummy? Two babies?
Me - Yep.
B - HOW MANY BABIES DO YOU NEED, LADY?
Me - Um...
B = That's a lot of babies. Babies are a lot of work!!!
Me - We might have 3 someday.
B - Oh dear. You better ask Jesus about that. That's a lot of babies.


It's true, Mr. B. That's a lot of babies. Thanks for the reminder!

(Mr. B. also told me that it hurts lots and lots when the hospital cuts the baby out of my tummy. I could have explained the whole childbirth process to him but... I didn't. Today, he was worried because I ate a chocolate bar at lunch. Babies are too little for chocolate so, I shouldn't have any. Sigh...)

Snuggles

We finally have Simon into this wonderful routine where, we read stories and cuddle a little, put him in his crib and he puts himself to sleep. He's really good at it and, we're glad.
However, somedays, like today, I just have to sneak in some extra cuddles and I rock him to sleep. I'm pretty sure that I'm doing it more for me then him. I just love the feeling of him all soft and limp in my arms with his satiny baby hair up against my cheek. I love his contented sighs and sweet baby breath. My little baby won't be my baby for much longer. Soon, I'll be glad to stick him in his crib as I tend to his more demanding sibling.
I'll miss this time with him.

Holding my Breath

I know that, as a teacher, I'm "not allowed" favorite students. However, I'm terrible at that. Some students just worm their way into my heart. I can't help it, I've taught some absolutely fabulous kids.
One of those kids is on my heart today. He steps onto a plane heading for Afghanistan. I'm still not sure how I feel about our country's role in Afghanistan. I'm usually a pacifist and wish that we can all just work things out. However, I also realize that sometimes, might makes right and it's hard to work with people who have that mentality.
Ask any teacher who taught this young man, he's one of their favorites. He's polite, has a great sense of humour and is head over heels in love with his adorable girlfriend. He's also a very patriotic soldier.
All I can do for this young man is pray. I think that I will be holding my breath until he comes home.

Lessons

Every subbing day is an adventure. This week alone, I get to be the "heavy" in our In-School-Support (read Detention Hall) room, work with our Integrated Learning students, hang out in AP English, corral Foods 30 students and play games with my former French kids. These are some of the lessons I've been taught:

1. If you want people to do something for you, write it down. Assumed expectations get you nowhere.

2. If you are "bad" and get sent to isolation, you lose privileges. People just aren't as nice to you when you're being punished.

3. Singing the Hokey Poky with some special needs kids brightens everyone's mood.

4. You really shouldn't cross contaminate your raw pork spoon with your cooked veggies dish. Also, Frank's Hot Sauce is not the best condiment to add to Sweet and Sour Pork.

5. Every class has at least one annoying soul. My job is to hope that he or she is ill the day I'm in. Sigh...

6. You can't smoke in class. (I know this is pretty obvious to everyone except one young man who just didn't get it today.)

7. Bring a book everywhere you go; you never know when you'll get a little gift of time to read.

8. It's pretty hard not to stare outside the window all the time when people are painting the school or, if it's sunny out and the work's boring.

9. Taco salad is cheap and good.

10. You can't just make up the answer to grade 9 Math questions about polynomials... I just couldn't guess any of them right.

You make me sick

Dear Schmoo 2.0,
You're 16 weeks today. I can feel you most nights when I sit in the Lazy-Boy and relax. I first felt you while eating Sweet and Sour Pork in grade 12 Food Studies. I'm sure that you are growing. I'm starting to have a little pooch belly and my back is unhappy. I bought some pretty nice maternity clothes so that I'll be cute during the summer.
Your brother has no idea you're coming. I think you may startle him a bit. Today, I was able to hold some adorable little girls and he was a green, jealous monster. I guess we have some work to do with him.
I threw up again this morning. What's up with that, Little One? Why do you make your Momma sick? I was hoping that this would be done by now.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't complain. I know you're worth it.
Looking forward to seeing you (ultrasound) in 4 weeks,
Love Momma

Beach Bums

It doesn't happen all that often but, we left the city (to go somewhere other then the farm) for an evening of fish 'n' chips and being bums. The rest of my family was there. It was fun to play with the kidlets.

Weaned

Last year, Simon and I had a rocky start with breastfeeding. The feeding tube and some high pressure doctors didn't help. Finally, with the help of a nipple shield, I managed to convince Simon that eating was a good thing.

5 weeks later, we weaned him from the nipple shield. Simon and I could not be separated for more then 3 hours. He refused any bottle so, I was it. I loved the snuggles and the baby stares and milky smiles. We had a good thing going. He also packed on the pounds like a trooper. He managed to more then triple his birth weight by his 1st B-day.

Gradually, as I introduced more solid food into his life, he cut down on his nursing. When I found out I was pregnant, we were down to 3 feedings. Two nights ago, I cut his last feeding. He's fine. I doubt he misses it. As much as I love of his snuggles, I'm not missing it either.

I feel free. I plan on enjoying these next 6 months (eek... make that almost 5 months) of freedom.

Balance

Today, I had perfect balance in my life.
At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the chaotic, fly by the seat of my pants, subbing world. I've started really liking it. I like that I can transform even the most boring lesson plans into something doable and fun. I also like getting a glimpse into other people's classrooms. I've missed interacting with students. I love adolescents. I love the lippy ones (as long as they don't mind being teased back), I love the sweet ones and I love, love the great conversations I can have with them. (However, there are those who receive a fair share of my dirty looks, worries and dislike). It's nice to be back at my home school with my teacher friends and adult conversation.
I miss Simon like crazy. We have a super sweet (super expensive) baby-sitter. However, I miss playing with him. I miss his snuggles and his baby chatter. The hardest part of my day is leaving him in the morning.
I only worked a 1/2 day today. I spent all morning cajoling work out of kids, discussing the meaning of life and trying to make some goofy boys add veggies to their sweet and sour pork. It was fun. Then, I was able to drive home and snuggle my boy when he woke up. We went on the most perfect walk around the park and played outside all afternoon.
Wouldn't it be nice if life could always be so well balanced?

(On a total side note, my Habs are winning right now. They've been my team since grade 7 and, I'm excited that they're doing so well! On y va, les gars!)

Making Me Work for It

We found out about Schmoo 2.0's arrival at the end of March. We were absolutely thrilled!
However, it did throw a wrench into my work plans. I had applied (and received) a personal leave to end off the school year. I had also asked for (and received) permission to reduce my teaching contract to just 60%. All of a sudden, this didn't add up to the 600 hours I need for a second mat. leave.
I spent a few days SCRAMBLING! (I felt a little sheepish changing all my plans.)
Fortunately, I have a fabulous school board and HR Consultant. We worked it out that, instead of coming back to work full time this spring, I would only have to come back full-time in the fall. In order to make up for the hours I was short, I agreed to sub for 17 days.
Today was my 6th day subbing. (It was grand... I need to blog about subbing someday because it's a pretty wild and wacky world!)

Schmoo 2.0 is also a demanding little beast. With Simon, I was uber tired my first trimester but, never sick. With this kidlet, I'm a nauseous and tired mess. I don't throw up so, there's no real relief there... just this unending sense that my stomach hates me.
I crave bizarre, unhealthy, greasy food. I've been to MacDonald's twice in one weekend. (The last time I was at MacDonald's was in Europe... so I could have the McBeer and that was 10 years ago.)
I'm hoping that now I'm in my 2nd trimester, things should ease up a bit. It's yet to have happened.

(The picture of Simon is a little random but, pretty darned cute if you ask me.)

A Brand New Adventure

Estimated Time of Arrival: November 8th

Party Man

Saturday started off with a Free Comic Day adventure for my boys. Then, it was play and prepare for Simon's big bash. Luckily for me, my friend Marnie let me copy her fabulour Erik Carle Hungry caterpillar cake when there was no Tigger cake pan to be found.
We feasted on a potluck of delicious appetizers, watched the Schmoo scarf down a face full of sugary goodness and opened his huge amount of new loot. After a bath with his cousin, my little party boy was so tuckered out, he fell asleep in record time.

One

This has been the fastest year of my life. Last year, at this time, I was in the hospital waiting for my baby (who made his appearance at 11:21 am). Today, we're having a relaxing breakfast where Simon feeds himself toast and banana.

Simon,
Mommy and Daddy LOVE you sooo much! We're so proud of you. You had some tough things to do at the beginning of your life and, you were pretty amazing. We always prayed that you would be a charmer and a happy little boy. You're already both. It's hard to believe that you're already one! We're so excited to see what this year has in store for you.
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Whirlwind Winnipeg Adventure

On Friday, we packed up the car and the Schmoo and headed off to Winnipeg for a smorgasbord of functions with Trevor's extended family. Simon slept, played and sang his way there. After a great stop (read yummy blizzards) in Brandon, we made our way east in record time.

We were busy with 2 family breakfasts, Opa's 90th B-day, a family supper, a wedding, and after wedding party and a very brief side trip to lululemon. Simon was a trooper. Although he had a hard time napping, he slept soundly all three nights we were there. He also allowed his plethora of Great-Aunties to have their way with him. He was cuddled and kissed and cooed over and overfed and spoiled all weekend long.

The way home was equally dreamy with a few stops along the way for diaper changes and lunch. For the first time, Simon played in a McDonald's PlayPlace. He was ecstatic.

It's hard to imagine that this is the same baby who screamed hysterically last spring/summer if he had to go even three blocks in the car in his car seat. Trevor and I marveled at how much he has changed and grown in the last year.

Now, we're back to routine and a pile of laundry.

Simon's first road trip was a success!

Worth a Read

I love a good laugh. I've spent the last five minutes scrolling through this site and giggling uncontrollably. I thought I'd share. Enjoy!
http://sexyexecs.blogspot.com/

Felix: "Hey Mrs. W. How's it goin'? Can Fergus come out to play? I promise we won't
climb trees or leave the yard..."