Testing, Testing

I'm giving a test in Social this week. This is the first test I'm giving to my e. students so, I've been really careful to give them ample warning, a detailed study guide (also emailed to their parents) and an interactive Jeopardy Review.

I really don't like tests. Don't get me wrong, they're not hard for me. I can easily prep a test and easily mark a test. I'm just not sure if a test is an accurate snapshot of the learning going on in my classroom.

For instance, we did a series of interactive activities that taught us about how culture has influenced us as individuals. We also did an in-depth simulation where we played a trading game. In both those lessons, I feel as though students were thinking critically and creatively. They were also memorable learning moments.

A test is simply a regurgitation of information. I have a really good memory so I'm good at tests. Not all kids are. Is this regurgitation of information a skill that is necessary in a world where information is just a google search away? What if our Canadian schools went to an American model where some states attach funding to test scores? Where would my time for meaningful, memorable learning activities go?

I love projects where kids really have dig into the material, process it and make it their own. I love building concepts from definitions to creative application. I think this is where the meat and potatoes of education is.

Should I stop giving tests altogether? Then, what happens to my minions when they meet up with a teacher who believes rote learning and test-writing is the be-all and end-all to education?

What happens if we slowly slide to the American model and I have to start teaching to a test so that the government has results to validate spending?

You've probably had at least a little education; what do you think?

Snippets of Joy

I took them back to our favorite summer park 2 days in a row. It was so good to be back in our old stomping grounds. It was pretty neat to explore the park now that it was covered in snow. Simon climbed up the play structure and slid down all the slides like it was old hat. Claire, now a wee walker, was delighted to start exploring on her own. Some older kids had built a snow fort. This was the best thing ever. Claire discovered that she LOVES the teetor-totter and cried when she had to leave it.
This is why I work part time. I don't want to miss moments like these with my babies who are growing up so fast.

Clutter

It's that time of year again. The time of year when I feel the urge to de-clutter my home. Also, as our "Someday House" inches closer to completion, the reality of moving our entire household becomes more certain.

Today, I went through half of my teaching stuff. For you teachers out there, you know the importance and the hours of your life that has gone into the close to 100 binders filled full of developed classes. Today, I purged. I threw out my daybooks from my first years of teaching (eeekk) and I pitched ALL my university notes and memorable projects. I threw out documents related to a variety of extra-curr activities, staff meetings, provincial iniatives, etc. and I readied old university texts for Salvation Army.

I still have a collection of binders. With an uncertain future, who knows what I'll be teaching next? I'd rather not have to redo all my work if I can just store it. (Movers - beware of the crazy binder pile; it is precious!)

As I look around my house, I see it with different eyes. I think the next month or two will be a frenzy of pitching and purging. The recycling guys are going to wonder about our paper piles for the next little while.

Siblings

My kids started fighting when Claire was just 7 months. At first, we thought it was Simon bugging her but, soon we realized that it takes two to tango and that our little princess was pretty aggressive. (Once, when I took Simon shopping by himself, he told me that he was excited to have a cart to himself so that "Claire is not attacking Simon." - Yeesh!) We won't worry whether she can hold her own or not.

Our sweet pea is 14 1/2 months. She just started walking and she babbles up a storm. We're starting to have to discipline her when she throws her food on the floor or when she repeatedly attempts unsafe things (standing in the bath, making beelines towards stairs, etc). We're currently "fighting" about going to sleep without Momma holding her and I need to come up with a plan to wean her. Simon was pretty good about being weaned but, Claire's a little more feisty. She still nurses three times a day and I'd like to cut it back to just her morning nurse soon.

Simon tends to be a pretty compliant little man. He does however, get stubborn about the strangest things (no comments please, Mom). Claire tests and tests and tests to see where the boundaries are. I think she'll give us a bit more of a run for our money.

Stranded on the Side of a Road

Yesterday, on the way home from work (in -41 weather), one of my tire's went flat. I called a tow truck. He changed my tire. I drove on a dummy tire to get the kids. I realized that my back tire was also flat. We took the car to the shop. We now have 2 new tires. Blech! It sucked to stranded on the side of the road. It sucked to pay the bill. I was a little stressed out and it really didn't add to my already crappy week. However, that is done. Tomorrow is Friday and then, I get to kiss this week goodbye.

Today, I need to focus more on the good. Although we all have colds, none of us is really sick. We have two wonderful little people to snuggle. We have a wonderful, warm little house filled with all of our favorite things. We have a "Someday House" that is about to be painted and have flooring put in. We have a cuddly, cabin-fevered cat. We have an amazing babysitter who plays so well with our babies. We have great families who support us through everything. We have good jobs that we both like going to everyday. We have amazing friends. We have each other (and my husband gives the best hugs).

Sometimes, life gets me down. I think this is normal for all of us. I think the most important thing is that we only get one trip around the sun so, wallowing in what gets us down doesn't get us anywhere. Therefore, I apologize for my whining. Life is not all "happy, happy" all the time however, my problems are pretty small in the grand scheme of things.

Wishing you all a fabulous Friday - I'm sure glad to see a weekend around the corner!

(Fun news - Claire used the potty; she's loves that thing! If she keeps it up, she'll be potty trained before her brother. Claire also spent all evening walking around unassisted and without going back and forth between furniture... just walking. More things to be grateful for!)

Surly

I just feel like a big ball of surliness today. Maybe it's the lack of sleep last night (thanks to Claire who is either teething really poorly or has an ear infection... tba Dr's appt tomorrow). Maybe it's the deep freeze that my prairies has found itself in. Maybe it's grief over an accident that is leaving my high school community stunned and sad. Maybe it's that I'm tired of making meals for kids who don't eat them and then cleaning up gunk. Maybe it was the scary accident I saw on my commute to work that left me scared and in tears. Maybe solving Middle Years problems daily is getting to me. Maybe it's been the series of interminable inside recesses that don't really give me a break from my students. Maybe it's the Boiled Water alert that my school had today that just added to the "drama" of grade 6/7. Maybe it's my baby girl who won't sleep alone for more then a 1/2 hour in the afternoons giving me time to do not much housework or schoolwork.
Blech.
Maybe I just need a good night's sleep and some time counting my many, many blessings.

Thanks for letting me vent.

(Update - we took her to a mediclinic; no ear infection. Just a sad, teething girl with a bad cold... blech!)

A Matter of Space

We have the kind of basement that would cause nightmares for small children. There are spider webs, a noisy furnace, and light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. As an adult, I think it's pretty handy. It's a clean, somewhat organized storage area. That's close to 1100 square feet of storage. My Dad made these nifty storage shelves that are awesome and hold a lot of totes. I've been storing A LOT of stuff. There's the stuff that we got for our wedding that I'm still not so sure about but, couldn't regift and couldn't figure out where to return it. There's the regular stuff that a person stores. There's a collection of childhood stuff that both Trevor and I have. There's our seasonal clothes and my fancy dresses. There are at least 11 totes of kids' clothes/shoes/jackets/Halloween costumes. I don't even want to talk about the entire section of our basement dedicated to the plethora of paper, books and precious binders that is my teaching stuff. Lastly, there is this pile of baby gear.
With our upcoming move, I've decided we need to downsize. I don't need to invest time or money hauling unused stuff from one basement to another.
I'm selling the baby gear.
Gulp.
No more babies?
Maybe two is just right for us.
I'm also throwing out the boxes marked "internship". I haven't opened them since my first year of teaching and that was 10 years ago.
I'm also taking some large trips to our local Salvation Army.
I refuse to move some of this stuff. I need to see it go. I have 5 replies already to my ads on the local used stuff website.
It's a matter of space.

Wretched

Last night, I spent most of my sleep time battling nausea and some pretty uncomfortable moments of being much too hot and then much too cold. Today, I could barely get out of bed I felt so yucky.
Today, I am thankful for a patient hubby who so lovingly looked after our minions. I am thankful for my in-laws who are having my sweet kids over for play time and lunch. I am thankful that this is probably only a 24 hour thing and that I should be back to normal (whatever that is) soon.
This is our 3rd bout of the stomach flu this year. We've been more sick in the past three months then the past three years. Maybe, our world needs to get colder to keep those pesky germs at bay.

On a funny note, Simon's been obsessed with his "microbes" collection. It started when his Aunt and Uncle bought him a stuffed brain cell. We returned from our Noon Year's at the Science Centre with The Common Cold stuffed toy for Simon and The Measles stuffed toy for Claire. Simon has pictures of all of them and plays microbes all the time. Thus, it was easy to explain to him that Momma has The Stomach Flu microbe (that creepy green guy to the left). Maybe microbiology will be his thing?

Part Time Momma

Let's face it folks, 100% Mommying isn't quite my bag of tea. At first, I was a little disappointed in myself... shouldn't I want to be with my kids all the time, planning playdates, playing outside, going on little adventures, teaching them things big and small? I LOVE doing all those things. What I don't love is day after day after day of yucky food, cleaning only to re-clean, crying, clinging, fighting and these 4 walls closing in around me. I have realized that I need to leave the house and do something productive that I'm passionate about. I love my job. However, 100% teaching isn't for me right now either. As much as I love the students, building relationships, gossiping with staff and facilitating memorable learning experiences, I can't handle prepping for 10 periods (with little prep built in), extra curr and all that marking. I don't want to be playing with my kids while wielding a red pen.
Therefore, I'm a giving 100% to my half-time life. There's less pay cheque (and yet more then mat leave) but, it is more rewarding. I get to have a little of everything except maybe a sit down lunch.
Kudos to you stay at home Mommas - I think you're brave, brave ladies. Kudos to you full-time working Mommas - don't burn yourselves out. For those of you who have found this part time, sweet spot - enjoy!

Reality Looming

Tomorrow is my final day of holidays. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. My students are pretty awesome, I love being up in front teaching or walking from desk to desk encouraging my sillies and I love building into kids lives. What I don't like is the tedious marking. Even less... the endless, endless prep. (I'm ruing the transfer that left me in a spot where I spend a lot of time just figuring out the curriculum). I chose not to give my kids homework as long as they read at least 15 minutes a day (because homework is cruel over the holidays). However, I have a pile of homework that I have to do. Blech! I want my magic prep/marking fairy to show up soon. Wish me luck as I continue to procrastinate.
Happy back to school to all you parents!

2012 - Goals

After some reflection on last year's goals, I have decided that it was a worthy activity for me. No lofty resolutions. No pressure to totally change. Just a few simple things to work towards.

1. Pack, purge, re-organize. The "Big Move" will help with this. It's maintenance I'm looking for!

2. Continue cloth diapering the babies and potty train the Schmoo. It's Battle of the Wills time. (If I'm really lucky, Claire will just follow suit!)

3. Crock pot cook more. It's so sweet to come home to a yummy supper!

4. Be more social. Sigh - I'm such a homebody. I need to go out with my staff at least once before June. I need to see my girlfriends without any of our kids. I need to choose to leave the comfort of my couch in the evening.

5. Get out with just Trevor more. I'm hoping that with slightly older kids, we may feel more comfortable leaving them with teenage baby-sitters. Aiming for some cool concerts!

6. Find as many free (or nearly free) local "adventures" to do with the kids.

7. Continue sewing little projects. I have an advent project in mind for next Christmas. It's my goal to get it done.

8. Resist the urge to buy more and more and more. (One thing I worry about with our new home is that we'll want to buy new everything when, we really don't need to. I'd like to wait a little while before we add to our new space.)

9. Pre-school for Simon. The area we're moving to has a fabulous pre-school that I'm super excited about. I also want to supplement that with some of my own teaching.

10. Be purposeful in inviting people to my home. I often panic about a messy house, not the right snacks or unruly kids. I need to stop being Martha and be more of a Mary!

I'm curious to see how 2012 will shape our lives.
What are your goals?

2011 - Goals Reflection

I set a pile of goals for myself in January of 2011. Now, I need to assess what I've done.

These were my 2011 goals:

1. Lose baby weight sensibly.
-Well, I'm not as heavy as I was last January. I have been able to go down a few pants sizes. However, there's more work to be done. Hopefully, when Claire is weaned, I will be back to my happy medium

2. Eat more vegetables.
-I think we did this. I tried hard to say "yes" to the side salad and "no" to the fries... didn't always work out.

3. Vacuum more.
-It helped that we bought a snazzy new vacuum last Boxing Day so, this was easy!

4. Cloth diapers both kiddies and potty-train the Schmoo.
-Both kids are in cloth diapers most days. They get disposables at the sitter's. Simon wears underwear 40% of his life. He'd be potty-trained if we operated on my will-power alone. Unfortunately, I have a head-strong toddler who'll figure it out eventually. (I have a feeling Claire will be trained soon after Simon so, this may be my last year of diapers... fingers crossed.)

5. Nap every so often - because I can.
-And I do! Yesterday, I had a good solid afternoon nap. This should be everyone's goal! :)

6. Find another cool concert to go to with my honey.
-Can't say we did this unless the free concert in the park on Canada Day counts. I need to try again on this one!

7. Recycle more... buy less.
-Still working on this. It's hard to back out of consumerism in a consumerist society but, we are trying.

8. Create practical items and gifts to reuse.
-Did this! My gift bags rocked! I loved making capes for the kids. The owls for Claire's B-day favours were a hit. I have a few plans for 2012... as long as I get some time to sew!

9. Have more family dance parties.
-This was pretty easy. Both kids have some pretty stellar baby moves. I don't want to talk about their parents.

10. Take the family on more travel adventures.
-Ottawa was awesome. It was a big risk and it paid off! Our Clear Lake/Winnipeg trip was pretty awesome too. I can't see us getting too far in 2012 but, we'll venture somewhere this coming summer.

On the go

... and she's on the move. She's a little tentative but determined. Look out world; Claire is on the loose!

Boxing Day

After an extravaganza of delicious food, thoughtful gifts, snuggles, fancy dresses and family time, it's so nice just to have a quiet, at home day. Our only venture out was to go and visit our "Someday House" and a short walk when the kids wake up. Forget about braving the crazy Boxing Day sales, I have all I need right here! (Besides, we bought our Boxing Day washer/dryer combo online.)
Hope all was merry and bright for you and yours!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Our 3 day Christmas fiesta begins tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait!
Enjoy your friends, families, food and fun!

Teacher Gifts

Since 2002, I have been happily teaching kids. I can count a dozen high schoolers who bought me a Christmas gift. Each time, the gift was thoughtful and it meant something for that student to go out of his or her way to give me something.
This year, I am a e. school teacher. Today, I received my first "teacher gifts". Some parents were very thoughtful and generous. For others, I wish I could tell them "you shouldn't have" because really, they shouldn't have. Although, I am now the owner of snowmen salt and pepper shakers.
Seriously, if you have to give something tangible, coffee, chocolates, homemade baking is nice. I got a Chapters gift card that I am super excited about. However, I'd rather that you go to a site like this and use your money to give someone something meaningful. I'm sure that after a few years of teaching, e. school teachers have a rather large collection of mugs and would prefer your money going elsewhere. I know that I sure would!

Recovering

Today, we're on the mend.
In the past few weeks, we've experienced the stomach flu and then Round #2 of the stomach flu. Basically, this meant comforting barfy babies in the middle of the night multiple times, changing their sheets multiple times and then disinfecting myself multiple times. This also affected childcare... blech! I don't wish any of that on any of you.
I think we're better. (Fingers crossed). We're all a little extra sleepy and whiny and clingy and lacking appetite but, I haven't had to deal with any adverse bodily fluids since Friday.
On the same note, I finished Christmas baking (at my Mom's - away from my petri dish of a home). Last week, we baked all Saturday with the ladies from Trev's family. This past Saturday, we baked all Saturday with the ladies from my family. Needless to say, my freezer is FULL!
I finished stuffing gifts into the Christmas cloth bags that I made and I've decided that I'm a genius. Wrapping was uber slick! I really recommend this neat trick to all of you who feel crafty (straight-line sewing; if I can manage, so can you).
Next up on my countdown to Christmas list: elementary school Christmas concert. Eeeek! Good thing I really have nothing to do with it sauf showing up and doing crowd control. Simon's Sunday School concert is this weekend and I'm pretty pumped.
After that, I have cards to get in the mail, my contribution to 2 Christmas dinners to make, stockings to wrap and stuff and I think I'm done.
What do you have left to do on your Christmas list?

Welcome Christmas

I love December. I love advent and the focus on Christ's arrival into the world. I love baking with my favorite ladies (and, do we bake!). I love setting up the tree, drinking "Snowman milk", eating all the above-mentioned baking, planning for and shopping for surprises to put under the tree. I love all the get togethers with special people and late night cheer. It's been a blast introducing my kiddos to the Christmas spirit.
New to my Christmas traditions will be my first elementary school Christmas concert since 1993 (good thing the Arts Ed. teacher is in charge and not me). Also, this year will be Simon's first Sunday School concert. We're all practiced up but, I do anticipate a frozen little boy who won't know what to do at all... along with the rest of his class. I love that!
I've also concluded that we do SchoolLite in December in elementary schools. I'm not experiencing the project/paper marking marathon by Christmas tree lights that I'm used to. I do, however, have to carefully tread the landmines of grade 6 girls as I prepare Secret Santa for our class. (I am also choosing not to do any holiday themed bulletin boards because, really, do we have to?)

'round here

The flu bug bit bad.
Work, kids, clean, cook, nurse, homework, bed... rinse, lather, repeat.
Sad, neglected Fergus.
Houseplans and playdates on weekends.
Lots of Christmas stuff in the works.
Tis the season for too busy and yet... little hands make me stop and soak in happy humming, exploring and playtime.


PS - Thanks for the pics, Auntie Andrea. Once again, you are amazing!!!

Growing Pains

As I carefully stapled the paper to the bulletin board for the first time in my career, my colleague popped her head in my class and told me that I was "cute" because I obviously was a bulletin board amateur. I laughed because that's the reaction that I have when nervous but, the high school teacher inside me felt like crying. Seriously? Making fun of a colleague during her first week? Granted, she also lent me all her borders.
After one week in an elementary school, these are the differences I've noticed:
a)Bulletin Boards - Are we competing? Seriously, why do e. teachers put so much time into those suckers? I think that my high school classrooms were lovely and very visually satisfying and I never had to staple stupid paper to the walls!
b) Recess - Complain all you want about having to supervise every now and then but, I LOVE recess. I even don't mind the fluorescent vest I wear so that I can be seen on the playground. I like the actual break in the mornings, I like getting outside (and this week's been brutal) and I like being able to call my babysitter, go potty or make a photocopy.
c) Helpers - The girls in my class all want to help me do everything. If I really want to accomplish something with all these helpers then, I need to plan for it. Blech...
d) Lack of freedom - "Am I allowed to use a pen?" "Can I write my name on the corner?" "Do we underline the title?" "Can we store our papers in binders instead of duotangs?"
-Honestly kids, do what you want. As long as you hand your work in, keep your notes in some order to help you study and everything is legible, I DON'T CARE.
e)Interviews - Yep, after a week, I have interviews. I've prepared like a fiend because, unlike high school where I see about 16 out of 110 students' families, I get to meet every one of my students' parents.
e)Kids are short and weird - In the hallways and on the playground and in my class I keep seeing little, little people doing weird things like lay on the ground, tantrumming, picking their noses while walking, etc. This does, however, beat walking down high school halls and seeing too much cleavage, canoodling and sneaking smokes.

Week #1 is done and that, in my mind that is the hardest hurdle. I've learned a lot this week. I miss high school but, I'm preparing to hunker down, don my florescent vest and call this school for little people home for a while.

Happy Birthday, Claire Berry

Happy Birthday, Claire Berry. It's hard to imagine that just last year, we were waiting for the go ahead to take you home from the hospital. I was so unsure about what life would be like with two babies and I had know idea who you were yet.

I'm still getting to know you and I'm thrilled to watch you learn and grow. You're a sweetheart. You like kisses and cuddles and you love to sit in my lap to play. You're independent. I can leave the room and find you playing all by yourself. You can be a little fiend - you bite, pull and pinch and you drive me nutty sometimes. You have a good sense of humour and it's easy to get a laugh or a grin out of you. You adore your brother and you spend as much time as possible trying to do what he's doing... much to his chagrin. You're a hungry little monkey and you want to try everything. You're adventurous - it doesn't take you long to warm up in a new place and scoot all about.

You are everything I have ever wanted in a daughter. I love you, Little Berry!

Reworking that Routine

Routine has become the new theme to my life. I need to establish a getting the Schmoos up, dressed, nursed (Claire) and out the door before 7:15 am. My baby-sitter is establishing new routines with her 6 little munchkins. Claire needs to catch on to a napping at the baby-sitter's routine as she's one sad Princess when I pick her up. I need to figure out how to keep house and keep on top of all my prep (this is what happens when you HAVE NO EXPERIENCE TEACHING GRADES 6/7 - you have no idea what you should be doing the next day... blech)!
This is our new life... we just need a bit of time for re-adjustment.

Positives:
-My students are super nice.
-Simon napped yesterday and has potential to nap today.
-Our babysitter is AWESOME!
-My staff is nice.
-I love texting the babysitter with my lovely iPhone.
-I only work part-time - how the heck do full-time Mommies manage?

a hootenanny

20 people in our little house all celebrating the fact that Claire will be one this coming week. It was an 'owling good time. I'm glad my kids are born in totally different seasons so I don't have to have parties back to back.

Bruised

I'm still feeling pretty bruised and vulnerable. I cried at SuperStore today while picking up some sippy cups. There will be a ton of memories that will be triggered by little things for the rest of my life. In time, I'll learn to manage them. For right now, I'm resigned to cry in public places for random reasons.

We're starting to get better health wise too. This cold really knocked Trevor and I on our feet. Some days, I wish that there was a way for Mommas to take sick days too. I would have LOVED to sit on my couch, drinking hot apple cider and reading my days away like I used to when I took sick days. That was another world.

This is my last week of maternity leave. Claire will be one soon. Shocking, isn't it? I'm savouring all the little "stay-at-home" Momma things that we so love. I let Claire linger longer while nursing in bed in the mornings because that won't happen come Monday. I played hard with Simon in the snow during Claire's nap time. We indulged in our favorite grocery day lunch: sushi. We went for a walk to see the flags and loved the new sparkling snow. I'm hoping to clean my house top to bottom one last time while I don't have homework calling my name. Other then Wednesday (when I need to go to work to prep), we're going to celebrate our last full week together until Christmas holidays. I'm excited to do our favorite things all week long.

My Bossy Big Sister

All this summer, my friend Laurie struggled with cancer and chemo and the effects of the chemo on her body. Last night, she went to be with the Lord.
Since I was 19, Laurie has filled the role of "bossy big sister" in my life. We took ballroom dancing lessons and "cruised Albert" as single girls. I remember soaking in my parents' pool with her before my first "date" with Trevor. I remember giggling on the phone with her shortly after her first date with her husband. We LOVED that our boys were also friends before we found them. There were lots of Kaiser nights where we stayed up far too late. Laurie and her husband helped Trevor with his engagement prep and were lurking in the parking lot to congratulate us. Both of them stood up for us at our wedding. She was the one who connected us with our first house and now, our new house is a hop skip and a jump away from her house. We'd talked of endless summers on the deck watching our kids grow up. She was one of my regular phone calls when I was lonesome on mat leave and I knew I could always walk over to her place with Simon when he was a demanding infant.
I'm going to miss my friend so, so, so much.

Happy Halloween, folks

Simon caught on to the trick or treat game and thought it was the best thing ever. Claire carried a small box of Smarties from house to house and was content just shaking it.
The kids are asleep. The trick or treaters are done (I'm guessing close to 35 this year).
Trevor and I are nursing head colds.
Oh yeah - I raked up bags 21-26 of our leaves today. I think I may have 8 bags to go and then our yard will be done.

Little Nugget

Today, Trevor brought me this little nugget home.
I'm still stunned and I'm still squealing my excitement.
With work around the corner, I want easy access to my kiddos. My baby-sitter is very into texting so, I'll be able to check on them at recess and before I go home so that I know how they're doing. This will ease my anxiety quite a bit. Also, it'll be great to have a phone in case of any commuting emergencies.

I've never had a cell phone with a plan before. We have my Mom's old phone and we do "pay as you go" for trips and I used to have a sweet Nokia (bought at the turn of this century) that I also did "pay as you go" until I was told my phone was obsolete. This is my first "real", grown up cell phone. (I'm 32.) I have no idea what to do with it. I'll be a grandma texter for a while.

I'm excited to be a part of technology of the 21st century.
My husband ROCKS!!!

Teeth + Tantrums = Tylanol + Time Outs

Yep - I have two little people in my house. Claire is a teething fiend. Normally, she's a ray of sunshine but lately, she's a clingy little mess. Simon is testing boundaries and pushing limits like a normal 2 year old. This has lead to consequences and the introduction of the time-out mat.
Yesterday was Simon's day to not shine. Today is Claire's. Can I call dibs on tomorrow, kids? I just want to be held, read to and have my favorite food prepared.

With going back to work just around the corner, I'm going to spoil them a little more and snuggle them a lot closer.

My Austrian Connection

I went to Bible School in Austria when I was 19 and when I was 23. I was young, naive and in love with adventuring. My first time there was for Fall School... a semester of Bible teaching during the fall semester. I learned what love isn't (I had a disastrous long-distance relationship with... eek... a wrestler and I had a crush on the tall Albertan boy that sat next to me in the Lecture Hall), I redefined what my home and Canada meant to me, I deepened my relationship with Christ, I drank alcohol for the first time and my world opened up to new ideas, people and possibilities. Every fall, I think back to that time of blissful innocence when the I was standing on the cusp of adulthood.

I went back later, with Tim, for the Summer adventure program and I hiked my heart out. Once again, I learned what love is not (the cute Southerner on my team), how to rely on Christ in the midst of chaos and that I could really push myself above and beyond my what I thought. It was a perfect place to prepare me for my first year of teaching.

Every year, I order myself a pair of Austrian slippers, or "cottage shoes". Yesterday, I got them in the mail and slipped them on my feet. I remembered my adventures, the Alps and the friends I made and I smiled. (My feet also sighed with pleasure - Austrian slippers are AMAZING!)

(I bought Simon a pair when I was pregnant with him - because of his casts and then his feet, he never could wear them. Claire, however, wears them well. The above picture is of my ratty last year's slippers and her adorable baby ones.)

(If you ever want to wear the most amazing slippers ever, check out the Austrian Online Shop. Order me a Milka too!)

A important link

I'm not sure how to write about the heartbreak my family is experiencing right now. We're preparing to lose a beautiful and amazing friend. I can barely process that this is really happening.

I keep reading and rereading a post she wrote in 2008. Here's the link. I'm taking some comfort from her words.

Caped

I finally got around to making Simon's Halloween cape. He's going to be Captain Canada (this was almost as easy as letting him be Tigger last year). I also made Tigger a cape and a little play cape for Claire. (If you want an easy sewing project - check out this free cape tutorial.)

The kids and I got the flu shot on Thursday and we haven't been the same since. Simon must have caught something from his sweet cousin and I think the flu shot triggered it. Now, we all have it. Blech! I spent the day feeling yucky as well as feeling like I was being held hostage by my very emotional toddler who cries at the drop of a hat. Fortunately, Claire's reaction is to cuddle... that's so much more bearable then yelling.
Simon's on the mend and I think Claire and I will be fine as of tomorrow. I'm thankful to be feeling this way on a weekend when Trevor's around to pick up the pieces!

Bagged

One of my 2011 goals was to do a create practical gifts to reuse. I succeeded. I made 100 cloth bags for my sister-in-laws and me. That's a pile of sewing, a pile of cloth and now, a pile of bags. I happily gave them away during our Thanksgiving feasts. I'm delighted with the thought of not having to wrap much of anything FOR THE REST OF MY CHRISTMASES!!!! (except for stockings). I'm also excited that I was able to do something for three lovely ladies whom I love a lot.
(Special thanks to my mother-in-law who helped me cut and serge those bags and to my Momma who helped me with fabric selection.)

Now, I need to hunker down and sew Simon's Halloween costume and a pile of taggie blankies to get me through another year of babies.

What kinds of projects are you up to? (And, how much has Pinterest made you feel like there is soooo much more you should/could be doing?)

Where's my Maid?

"My housekeeping tasks fall on the same day for every job I take: on Monday, I oil up the furniture. Tuesday, I wash and iron the sheets... Wednesday is for scrubbing the bathtub real good even though I wipe it down really good every morning. Thursday is for polishing floors and sucking rugs.... Friday is heavy cooking for the weekend and what-have-you. And every day is mopping, washing clothes and ironing shirts... and generally keeping things clean. Silver and windows, they're as needed." (p. 47 The Help by Kathryn Stockett)

I read those lines last night and I wiped my brow because I was tuckered out just thinking of all that housework. Yeesh - I'm happy if I get the floors cleaned twice a week, the bathroom cleaned once a week and the laundry done every 3 days. Of course, we do a general tidy every night but, that's just so we can walk through our house without kid debris.

Today, I finally washed the windows (inside). Trevor's going to do the outside sometime this weekend. Those maids of the 60s would be so ashamed of me...

(PS - Just started The Help and it's as fabulous as everyone says. I may even watch the movie if the reviews are good.)

Fall

I'm luxuriating in my free days of playing, sushi eating and park going. Claire's hit a sweet spot where she naps (sans me) for a while in the afternoon. I can leave Simon to his own devices (sans paper books) in Quiet Time and I can do little projects and clean the house (hahahahaha!).
When I turned the page of the calendar the other day, my anxiety about going back to work ramped up a bit more. Eeek... just 1 1/2 months left of sweet Momma bliss.

Quiet Time Trouble

Simon stopped daily naps when Claire was born. Slowly, he's weaned his naps down to 1-2 times a week. This week, he hasn't napped at all. That hasn't stopped us from giving him Quiet Time. Usually, he sings, reads his books, plays with his animals and does weird 2-year-old things.
Yesterday, he ripped 2 library books to shreds. Eeeek! Major Momma disappointment!
"Simon ripping books, Momma!" was how he gleefully explained it when I entered his room.

After a chat about how that was bad and my removal of all his paper books from his room and a talk about how I had to pay for those books, I had a sorrowful Simon.
Today, I gave him a sticker activity book and a MagnaDoodle to keep him entertained. I'm about to walk into his room to see how that went over. I heard lots of chattering and singing so - I'm hoping for the best.

What do/did your 2-year olds do during their Quiet Times? I'm looking for some ideas to help keep the destruction at bay.

Stranded

Claire and I come late to church to accommodate her napping needs. Trevor and Simon go early for Sunday school. This week I remembered Simon's library books (only a month late). I stuck my keys in the book bag (I also wore a dress - haven't done this is a long, long time).
When we went to leave church, I realized that my keys were still in the book bag that was on it's way home with Trevor. We called to let him know. Since he was playing in the yard with Simon (waiting for us), he didn't get my messages right away so, Claire and I were stranded at church for a little bit. We ate baby cookies, played in the shade and ripped petunias to shreds. We were rescued in time for lunch and naps.
This may be a reason for the both of us to finally cave and get cell phones... and yet - they are such a pain to charge, pay for and remember to bring.

the Momma bubble

I used to be quite knowledgeable about current events. I used to have great work stories (at least I thought they were great) and I used to have a pile of other adults to share information with.
Lately, I'm realizing my life is kind of a bubble... a Thomas the Train, FB, laundry all the time kind of bubble. Unless you want to hear all the details of my kids' lives, I've really got nothing to say. Sigh...
There's really nothing wrong with this because a) it's a season in my life and b) it's temporary. However, it's weird to feel boring.

10 (and all those stats I'm going to want to remember one day)

I see this little imp of a girl emerging. I see it in her mischievous grin, the way she coyly looks at others to lure them in and then lunges back to Momma and I can hear it in her newly found "talking" as she tells us what for on a regular basis. She's beautiful, she's determined and she's mine and I'm soooo proud of her.
Claire - age 10 months
weight - Momma guesstimates 20-22 lbs
clothing size - 12 to 18 months
vocabulary - Mommommommom, Dat, Cat, Nuuuah, Imo (Simon)
mobility - still bumming around, can stand for 3-8 seconds, learning to pull up on people and objects
sleep status - morning and afteroon naps (~1 1/2 hours each) - requires some cuddling for the last half of her afternoon nap (of course); nights are pretty good; morning typically comes between 6 am and 7:30 am
favorite foods - chocolate, ice cream, cheese (good thing she has Wiens metabolism), any kind of berries, yogurt and bananas (she out eats Simon at most meals)
cute things she does - LOVES kisses; snugs up way too close to Simon in the bath; LOVES Bob and walks; loves pictures of herself; enjoys flap books and pull-tab books; likes Baby Einstein; gets super excited when Trevor comes home; Fergus is her boyfriend

Oh my goodness... she's going to a one year old soon... really soon.... ahhhh!!!!!

Summer of 2011

Older people, especially ladies, tell me to savour these moments with my kids. This summer has been pretty perfect. This is how I want to remember it:
-Splash Park or other parks almost daily
-coffee for me and cookie for Simon and a nap for Claire
-reading stories to Simon on the Canada chair while drinking chocolate milk
-Simon's sneaky places and peek-a-boo tree
-teething on crab apples
-lots and lots of BBQ
-grocery shopping in the dark (the power went out but, everyone kept shopping - weird)
-picking endless amounts of dandelions for Simon to play with (and Claire to eat) on our "Bob" walks
-Fergus runs free
-loads of family time
-sushi lunches (my kids' favorite)
-maple leaf treats from 711
-Simon's "Big Boy Bed" success

I wish I could bottle up this summer and take it out in 10 years in February to savour all over again. I guess I'll just have to lap it up now!

9/11

A decade ago, I drove to school wondering about the plane that crashed into the Twin Towers. I listened to the radio and couldn't make heads or tails of what had happened.
My co-op (I was interning) and I tried to disseminate the news as it came in and share it with our students.
For P3 - we took our kids to the library so that we could watch CNN coverage on the TV.
I remember a lot of shock and silence from those grade 11s as we sat there.
One of our modified History boys predicted that the US would use the terrorist attacks as an excuse to go after Saddam Hussein. I still marvel that what he predicted came true.
This was only the first week of my teaching career and yet, it was such a formative day.

Today, I remember.

Crafty

Claire's starting to sleep the night (cross fingers). She's also starting to let me put her in her crib for her afternoon naps. With Simon in Quiet Time, this leaves me with a little bit of free time in the afternoons. Do I clean the house? Bake? Sit with my feet up and drink chocolate milk? Plan for my teaching job? Prep supper? Do laundry?
Well... I do a little of that.
I also get my craft on. A little sewing and a little digital scrapbooking and I'm a happy lady.
It just feels good to set a little goal, do some menial labour and voila... something I've created.
I'm not all that great. I'm kind of a slap-dash kind of girl but, I'm having fun and making stuff.
Yah for me!
(Thanks Claire!)

Adventures in his Big Boy Bed

Saturday, we switched Claire over to Simon's crib and Simon into a Big Boy bed. Claire was in a hand-me-down crib that I was comfortable with her in until she started to move (which is now)... I wanted her to be in Simon's crib by then. Simon inherited Trevor's Super Single bed (from back in his super single days). We haven't put up the frame, just the mattress on the floor.
Since nap times have really become "quiet times", nothing much has changed. Oh... except Simon can wander his entire room wreaking destruction wherever he goes. Mostly, he just reads books and sings on his bed.
Last night, after being up way too long with Claire (we made her cry it out - we're mean like that), I heard a huge thud. I checked the monitor and didn't see Simon's sleeping body on his bed anymore. Somehow, he'd fallen off. However, since I also didn't hear any crying, I figured I'd better let sleeping toddlers lie. In the morning, I checked the monitor again and, he was back on the mattress. It looked like he had just crawled up from the floor and fallen back asleep. Good for him.
(I guess, Claire, that's why we're teaching you to cry it out now - so you can solve sleep problems on your own in the future.)

Confessions of a Sunday Heretic

I've always been a faithful Sunday church goer. Part of it is that church is a good way to re-connect to Christ weekly and in a communal way. Part of it is social. Either which way, I love going. I love my church and the people there.
However, this is the 3rd week in a row that I have "skipped" church. Today, I miss it.
Claire naps at 10 am. I like her happy and not cranky so, I like to ensure good naps for her. Church is on summer hours until next week and it starts at 10 am. That means, I have to choose between church and a nap. Normally, this would just mean choosing a cranky baby, sticking her in the nursery where she's happily distracted and letting her pass out in the car on the way home. Except, because it's summer, there are no nursery workers. That means that if I go to church, basically, I am going to the nursery to play with my cranky baby.
What's the point?
I did it for a few Sundays and I was just frustrated. All I was doing was hanging out in the nursery (usually looking after a few other people's kids as well as mine) and the price: a very cranky baby and then, a very cranky Momma. There was not the benefit of enjoying church to counter-balance.
I'm a little peeved that only 4 couples signed up for nursery duty from mid-June until mid-September. Sure, it's one thing if they're not around however, if their bringing their kids to the nursery week after week, why didn't they sign up and share the load a little?
So, today, I'm sitting at home with my napping baby. I did laundry. I cleaned up morning dishes. I did a little landscaping. I'm feeling a little heretical but, this too will pass.

Baby Blues

Levi and Claire - almost 7 months and 9 1/2 months.

Washing Desks in a Sunny Room on a Thursday Made me Smile

Today, I entered my 10th classroom (I've had admin who likes to play "Musical Classrooms"). I put up some bulletin boards (wow - elementary school teachers are a bit weird about these - I'm more of a poster girl), did some basic set up and cleaned my desks. I was excited to have some time alone in my class because that meant I was able to pray for each of the 22 students that will walk through the door on Tuesday.
My replacement teacher and I met for a bit and then, I went back home to my sweet kiddos who were getting to know and becoming re-acquainted with our amazing baby-sitter.
It feels weird to not be starting up the school year. It feels even weirder to only have 22 students for a full year (I'm used to around 100 a semester). It's also pretty strange to be in an elementary school with short people.
Ah - times they are a changin'...

Library Rant

After an indoor picnic lunch date with Trevor, I took the kids to the downtown library because we were downtown already and it was raining (not conducive to the park). There was so much I wanted to say to the other mom who was there with her 3 girls. Thus, the rant.
Dear Lazy Lady at the Library,
Taking your kids to the library on a rainy day is a great idea. I love that the library is free, has thousands of cool stories and a plethora of toys to share. However, there is a sign that asks that all children under 10 years old be supervised by an adult. Supervision, my dear, means paying attention to the antics of your children instead of watching YouTube videos on your portable media player. That way, when your oldest daughter forbids a 2-year-old from entering the LEGO castle because he's a boy, you'd be aware of how awkward it is for his Momma. And then, when his Momma tries to reason with your little lady, she is sassed. (Really - who sasses a stranger holding a baby?) Also, when your 3 snooty little girls start taking toys away from the cute little 9 month old sitting so nicely, you should discipline them and not smirk at her Momma as she cries. Lazy lady at the library - you suck!

End of rant - now I feel better!

City Parks Review - 2011

One of the best parts about teaching is that I will always have my summers. One of the best things my kids and I have found to do in the summer is to hit up parks. Here's my review of our more frequented (or less frequented due to a poor review).
Candy Cane Park
A lot has changed here since I was a kid. Gone is the grungy wading pool and unsafe candy canes to climb (who's idea was that?). There is a snazzy new goose but, the slides are a little too steep for my kiddos. Simon LOVES the bus and the slide area. Claire LOVES the baby swings. Both kids can be highly entertained for hours here. This park often requires the use of Claire's Bjorn so that I can chase after Simon. This is by far one of our most favorite park. We're giving it 5 out of 5 stars.

Kinsmen Park
We spend a lot of time at this park because it's a good walk. We also get to go by Auntie Andrea's and visit with her if possible. Simon LOVES the spray pad. We wish it had softer turf (like Rick Hanson) because the asphalt hurts when you fall. Claire likes it when we let her meander through the puddles but, she's not a big fan of the actual splashes. The equipment is great. Both kids have things to do. Simon loves crawling up and sliding. He's also a big fan of the little house and teeter-totter. Claire is our little swinger and she also feels pretty important when we let her stand in the little house. It'll be interesting to see how often we get to this park once we move. It's a definite 5 out of 5 stars.

Kiwanis Park
We went here once to check it out. The equipment was much to challenging for my toddler and I was nervous carrying Claire up the play structure. The slide was too steep so, we didn't stay for long. We did, however, enjoy the Mac's across the street and the waterfall nearby. Right now, it's a 2 out of 5 but, it has potential for when my kids are older.

School Parks
Since kids have been out of school, most school parks are pretty empty. We've taken advantage of their slides. Most school parks we've been to are pretty good but, they lack baby swings. They are a good option when we need a change. Most school parks rate a 3 out of 5 for us.

Rick Hanson Park
We did venture north this summer and we checked out the RH Splash Park. Simon really like holding on to the hose but, he was frequently pushed out of the way by bigger kids. It was really busy and, the play structure was fun to climb up but, Simon didn't LOVE it. It was such a large play structure that I had a hard time keeping track of where Simon was while carrying/entertaining Claire. Once again, I think this is a great park but, I don't think I'd like to go back until the kids are older. It's a 4 out of 5.

Marina Park
The park at the Marian has a super location. The kids both loved hanging out by the fence and watching the geese. The play structure was pretty good and I really liked the rock formations. We'll probably go back as the kids get older. I'll give this a 3 out of 5.

We've been to other parks but, these are the ones that really stand out to us. I'm sure things will change up a lot by next year when I have 2 adventurous movers.
What's your favorite park and why?

Peeky eyes in Toronto

I felt excitement radiating from my children. Their eyes reflected the beam of the flashlight as we stood in Simon's closet, which he was referring to as Toronto. As we searched for "peeky eyes" in Toronto (the closet), I realized we were entering the wonderful world of imaginative play.
Simon spent most of the evening "flying" to Toronto (where the Rider game was). He asked me to come along and then pulled me into his closet. He was kept babbling about "peeky eyes"in Toronto and needing a flashlight to see them. We laughed so hard together that my sides hurt. Claire was thrilled (because she was included).
Finally, we're starting to leave behind the world of chewing, and emptying containers and getting to the good stuff: the world of imagination. As a drama teacher, a former improv participant and avid daydreamer, I have been longing for this since Simon was in utero. Bring on the search for peeky eyes, the random trips to other places, make-believe and anything else Simon (and eventually Claire) can imagine. I am pumped for this kind of play.
I remembered my improv rules and, rather then say no to or re-direct Simon's ideas, I prompted him to build and explore. This led to even sillier ideas and even more laughter.
Who knows where we'll go tomorrow...
(By the way, the Toronto idea was inspired by the Rider game. I'm sure that Simon, Claire and I were the only happy prairie people talking about Toronto tonight.)

9

Claire,
You're 9 months old today. You're an incredible little lady. You eat solid foods with wild abandon (resulting in raspberries and banana always in your hair). You want to go, go, go even if that involves dragging your poor Momma around by her hands. You want to be a part of everything and feel hurt if you think you're being left out. You can sit and play by yourself for chunks of time (which comes in handy while I run Simon to the potty or administer time outs). You show your tongue when we ask you to, you give me hugs and kisses when I ask you to and you do this great hand dance when you hear music.
You think you can walk with your walker (I hold your shirt from behind) and your goal is to either chase Fergus or Simon. You love walks in the Bob. You're starting to pester your brother by touching him to get a reaction (and boy, do you get one - I can see the entertainment factor). You're a stinker when it comes to naps because you LOVE to be held but, your night sleep is pretty stellar.
I love to dress you up in dresses and girly clothes. I love putting your hair in piggies and sticking in pretty little clips. (Our biggest fights tend to come from me doing your hair or you trying to eat your clips. I think hair fights are common for Mommas and daughters.) I love your giggle and your ready smile.
You're a lot of fun, little lady!
Love, Momma