Life Is A Journey... This Is Mine

Nine Months!

2012-01-26T23:32:00.002-06:00

Griffin has now lived out of my belly basically as long as he lived inside of it! Crazy! In so many ways it seems so much longer, and yet in other ways it was only yesterday that he entered our lives.He is growing and changing daily, just like he should be, and has a bunch of skills that make him seems like a little kid instead of a baby.

He is crawling. He started belly/army crawling at 7 months, and knee crawling at 8, he is everywhere now! Baby gates and shut doors keep him contained but the house is his playground.
He pulls himself up to standing with the help of something he thinks is solid. This includes couches, chairs, tables, and our pants/legs. He has just started to walk along furniture... he is slow and tentative, but I know that won't last long!
He is a great eater, although lately he is asserting his independence and wanting to feed himself. He can't use a spoon yet but can certainly use his fingers; beans, cream cheese, soft/cooked fruit and veggies, puffs, mum-mums, etc. If he has something on his tray he will happily eat whatever I have on the spoon. As far as what he will eat the answer is EVERYTHING! He likes pretty much everything we have offered him, from the traditional sweet potatoes and apples to mango, navy beans, and lentils he will gobble up it all.

"I can't really use this spoon, but I can try!"

"This is the first time I pulled myself up, don't I look proud1"

He is still a shy baby; he prefers mommy or daddy over others; although lately he has been willing to visit and play with other moms at Out and About, and when well rested and fed happy to visit others if mom or dad is within eye sight. When hungry, tired, or needy mommy,and sometimes daddy are WAY better options.


"Just when mom thinks I am a big boy I fall asleep on her lap and she puts me on the floor like this, I never let her do it again!"

It has been a wonderful 9 months, I can't wait for the next nine and all the changes that will happen, but for now I will head to bed, where Griffin is already sleeping and ready to be cuddled, gotta love my job!

2011 Year in Review

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

One of the most fantastic years has come to a close, and I love getting all reminiscent of days gone by. It has been a busy, and life-changing year, one I wish I could live over and over again; but I am sure the next year will have many great memory making times too... so onward and upward... after I look back on 2011!

Jan.-Feb.-March:
These months had me eating a ton of pineapple, and frozen blueberries by the pound. I was finally feeling pretty good. We enjoyed a few weekends with friends from Australia, and their cute little boys; My sister threw a wonderful baby shower for Little Boaz, and work was keeping me busy. But really these three months were filled with anticipation and excitement. My belly got bigger and bigger as the baby grew and grew. Our nursery was ready and our hearts we already loving our little man (although we didn't know he was a boy just yet)!

APRIL!

Still in the hospital but out of the NICU

In an anticipated fashion April 10th came and went without a hint of baby being born. By this time I had been off work for two weeks and was READY to meet our little one. Instead I waited, and waited and waited... I now know that that waiting was a blessing from above. Finally on the 23rd we started the eviction, and after our bumpy ride (literally and figuratively) our little guy (Griffin Allan, born Sunday, April 24th) joined the world, our lives changed forever and our hearts were filled with more love than we ever thought possible. It was a long first day of trips from my room to the NICU, but eventually we were all together in my HOT, CRAMPED hospital room. Oh, how wonderful it was to finally come home, and after the first night it was wonderful to have my mom come up to help me those first few days!

May
The first month of Griffin's life brought adjustment, and change, and love, oh, so much love. Every minute of every day he was my world, from feeding to changing, to pumping, to feeding, to pumping, to sleeping... everything I did was to meet his needs and it was (and still is) wonderful. Oh those quiet days of rocking and singing and reading, of little grunts, and cuddle-filled naps (both of us), love filled days. Those days flew by so quickly...
Jay started his new job at Sport Manitoba. He took a term position that has had him home more often in the evenings, and doing what he loves. It was great timing and has been a really great stepping stone to whatever the future may hold for him job-wise.

June
Finally after a LONG battle our routine changed as the pumping turned to nursing and I rejoiced in the lost step. Griffin was growing and changing like crazy. His personality started to develop, he started playing more and sleeping less, and routine and order started setting in. Our family settled into the new routine (or as routine as we are going to get) of a family of three.

July, August, September

Our first family camping trip

Griffin and his two cousins in July

As a family we enjoyed summer activities together: camping, watching sailboat races, and time enjoying the sun (and HEAT). On one night we had to sleep in the basement because it was so hot! Little Boy started eating solids at the end of September and has been a fantastic eater ever since!

October, November, & December

Out in the snow in his sled

I waded into the baby food making business so Griffin could have yummy food, after a long weekend in the kitchen I made 24 types of food, and for the record he loves everything from brussel sprouts, lentils, and kidney beans, to more conventional sweet potatoes and apples. We celebrated Thanksgiving at home with my side of the family. I even cooked my first turkey (sort of, dad helped via phone and took over when he got here). In mid-October Griffin and I got to surprise Jay with what I thought was an awesome birthday present, it was so much fun! Of course this was Griffin's first Christmas, although he will never remember it it was fun to make some memories of this event with him.

Griffin with his sensory balls!

Oh how this year has flown by, time seems to go so much more quickly as we get older! We have new things to look forward to in the next 12 months, like Griffin walking, saying mama for the first time, and other Griffin milestones. I turn the big 3-0 this year, YIKES! We also know that we have many decisions to make in the next year; Jay's term at work is up and we don't know what changes that will bring, but we know that 2011 has been a year full of blessings and whether this next year is easy or difficult God will bring us through it in His way, if we let him!

Christmas

2011-12-27T09:47:00.000-06:00

We have made our way home after a busy four days of travel and family. I am not sure who was happier to be home Jay and I or Griffin. He did pretty well on our travels but he giggled and smiled and talked up a storm when we got home. He is a pretty shy little guy and he struggled with big crowds at our gatherings, he needs his down time and time alone with mommy and/or daddy. Plus lots of car time (Riverton to MacGregor, MacGregor to Winnipeg, Winnipeg to Lorette to Winnipeg, and finally Winnipeg back home) over the four days was a little much for all of us! I think next year things will need to change around here!

That being said we enjoyed our time with family and friends. We had small gatherings with both immediate families, and larger ones with aunts, uncles, cousins and Griffin's great-grandparents. We ate three turkey dinners, and enjoyed our traditional Christmas breakfast of eggs benedict. The cousins played, at least as much as a 6, 8 and 21 month old can play together :), and we all got very thoughtful and lovely presents. It was a busy way to celebrate the birth of our King.

But sleeping in our own bed last night was wonderful!

Christmas At Our House!

2011-12-18T15:10:00.000-06:00

After some back and forth discussions we decided that rather than hauling all our stuff around with us next weekend we would have Christmas early at our house. Griffin doesn't know the difference, and it will make packing the car so much simpler next week. So after nap time we opened presents. Here are a few pictures:

Griffin's presents and stocking.

Our family stockings ready to be opened!

"Stacking cups/barrels, just what I wanted!!"


Every little boy needs a ring stacker! Thanks mom. I will eat it now!"

We tried not to go to crazy for Griffin's first Christmas, but clearly he did get some toys (stacking cups, ring stacker, sensory balls, puzzle, and a piano/xylophone), he got a book, toothbrush and paste, sippy cups, and a fork and spoon. Somethings he would have needed whether it was Christmas or not. He so far has been very interested in the sensory balls and the ring stacker, but I know he will enjoy it all in time!

Forgotten Photo Friday Number 2

2011-12-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

Last week as I looked through pictures I realized how many great memories I had from my childhood. While the activities may be different for Griffin I hope we can create great memories in his childhood too. For now a look back on my great memories:

Anyone can be in the Field Parade!

I spent every summer from 9-15 showing my sheep.

I love skiing and started at a young age at Lake Louise, we took a few multi-day trips to Mt. Washington when we lived on Vancouver Island.

By the sea. I grew up in the mountains (Field), by the sea (Sydney, Cowichan Bay), and on a hobby farm (Cowichan Bay, Rocky Mountain House). I love how many experiences I had because of it.

Forgotten Photo Friday

2011-12-09T10:13:00.001-06:00

I was going through old photos looking for Christmas Pictures, while I struck out on that front I did find baby pics of both Jay and I. Made me realize that maybe my little boy looks more like me than I thought!

Me!

Griffin

Jay

STOCKINGS!

2011-12-03T16:09:00.001-06:00

After many days of working on our family stockings they are finished! No they aren't perfect but I think they will work. I have actually complete a number of projects in the last few weeks, but I will save them for another post (I need to take pictures).

Yes, I made four. One day we hope to add a sibling for Griffin, he or she will need a matching stocking! No, I am not pregnant!

Three up for now!

What A Week!

2011-12-01T14:51:00.001-06:00

We have had a very busy week around here, we have learned a bunch of new things and we have gained new skills. Well at least Griffin has, we are trying to keep up!

For months now we have had a roller on our hands, over and over he went, he did pretty well at getting around the living room. Last week our roller became an army crawler and is now tracking down whatever toy he wants wherever it is. Just the other day he learned how to get onto his knees; he was only rocking back and forth on them, but now he can push himself back to sitting. Today he also has discovered that while on his hands and knees he can go backwards... I can't imagine that it will be long before he is realizing that forward motion is possible!

All this while TEETHING! Yesterday while giving him is vitamin D I felt a sharp little tooth, you can barely see it but it is certainly there and coming up!

He hasn't ventured too far out of the living room so for now I am not chasing him everywhere, but I imagine it is coming! When did my little man go from a little new born to a seven month old busy little boy!!

How Does He Sleep?

2011-11-16T10:10:00.001-06:00

I have discovered that new parents get some pretty standard questions: Are you breastfeeding? (yes, now I am), Is he a good baby? (Yup, I have no other baby to compare him to, but he is great to me), Does he sleep well? (ummm...).
My little guy is a great eater, he loves to play, read books, and laugh (especially at his mommy). He doesn't like to sleep, especially alone. From day one he was a cuddle bug, he loved to be held and rocked. My lactation consultant told me to hold him skin to skin as much as possible in those first weeks in order to help him nurse. I held and held and held, it worked... and created a baby who loves to sleep next to a parent. Of course many people ask how he sleeps, and the answer is that he sleeps pretty good, as long as he is in our bed! He naps in there alone (after being nursed to sleep) ; we often put him to bed in his crib at night but he wakes up anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours after we put him down... and then comes to bed with us. Sometimes we just skip the crib step and we all just go to bed together. Truth be told I love waking up to my happy, playing little boy. I also love that I get enough sleep, and my baby gets enough food, and parent cuddles. He doesn't usually fall asleep until some time between 10:30pm and midnight, which I find difficult because I am not a night owl, but he sleeps until some time between 8am and 9am and has at least 2 one-two hour naps during the day (often with a 30-45min nap in the early evening which we are trying to get rid of). He explores his world, giggles, laughs, listens to stories, plays games, eats like a horse, and jumps likes crazy during his awake hours. We bat around the idea of changing things... and always come to the same conclusion: he (and we) are not ready to let him cry it out. We know that lots of people do it, and it works, and the baby is just fine afterwards; and I am sure Griffin would be fine too. The truth is I can't stomach the idea of having to listen to him cry and doing nothing to help him, plus I don't enjoy the idea of getting up to nurse him once or twice a night, now it is so easy! So for now our little boy is a co-sleeping, happy baby; and we are co-sleeping happy parents. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! We know that eventually he will have to move to his own bed, but for now we will enjoy this time we have with him... they grow up so fast!

Ideas, Materials... Now I Just Need To Create!

2011-11-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

So Pintresting has been addicting over the last little while. There are so many ideas that I am really looking forward to making some things. Griffin is taking hour plus naps BY HIMSELF (although in our bed; one battle at a time) so I even have the time! I have purchased a number of materials for a bunch of different projects.

First I bought fabric and notions for our family stockings, so excited to make them! I bought most of what I need but now I am thinking I want to line them so I need to get fabric for that before I start. Although I have different plans this is my inspiration:

Source: etsy.com via Sarah on Pinterest

They will be burlap with red button and ribbon accents.

Secondly I have bought a picture frame for a memo/calendar board for our house. A way to keep track of who is where, when; right now it isn't as big of a deal but come April when I go back to work it will sure be helpful.

Source: fey-next2heaven.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I bought this exact frame but my papers will be different.

Today I went and bought a frame for a Christmas card display I want to make. I need to pick up some ribbon and paint still, but thanks to the Thrift Shop I have only spent 50 cents so far.

Source: redthreaddiy.com via Sarah on Pinterest

So Now I have a bunch of projects I need to work on... next week, because this week is already full!!

Six Months... ALREADY!!

2011-10-24T00:35:00.000-05:00

Early in the morning of April 24th, 2011 my life changed forever; it was 12:35am when my little boy was born. His birth wasn't "perfect", and we were a little scared, but looking back it feels like so long ago that we were in the NICU wondering what was going to happen next.


Hours after Griffin was born. CPAP, Oxygen, and IV fluids and antibiotics attached.

These last six months have flown by, it is so hard to believe he is already half way through his first year of his life. He has learned so much; how to eat, roll over, sit, smile, laugh, babble, kiss... oh the list goes on. Although those first days were scary, he has grown into a beautiful baby boy, who is healthy, and happy. For that I am grateful!

Curling shoes and all, he is beautiful to me!

While he has been learning and growing so have I. He has taught me patience, flexibility, and taught me how to love more deeply. Of course he has also taught me how to live with less sleep than I would like, and that diapers get yucky when a baby starts eating solid foods! Although I don't love the these things they are a small price to pay for the giggles, smiles and kisses that I am paid in. Really he has taught me that I love being a mommy, it is the best job in the world!


The three of us!

I have loved these last six months, and I am looking forward to tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. I am just so in love with my little boy, how can I not enjoy each and every day with him!

Happy First Half Birthday my little man! Love you forever and ever!

Happy Birthday!

2011-10-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

To My Wonderful Husband!!

My husband gets a little closer to me in age today (yes, he is younger than me). I have been keeping a secret from him for months and I got to surprise him last night with his gift; an ASUS EEE Pad. He has been talking for months about wanting a tablet computer, so with the help of a friend I figured out what to get him. I had my parents buy it so to hide the credit card purchase (I bought it online) and paid them cash I snuck out of the bank account. It has been hidden under the spare room bed for a month, and FINALLY I gave it to him! Griffin and I have been talking about it a lot, I was worried his first words might be "eee pad", but he helped me keep it a secret. He had asked for a specific dvd for his birthday so he knew that something was up when I came out with a bigger and heavier box, but when he finally realized what it was he squealed and giggled like a school girl! It was so much fun to surprise him with something he wanted. Apparently he had no idea, which means my accomplices and those I talked to did a great job and helped me keep it a secret (Thanks Pasith, Mom, Dad, Ashley, etc.). Sometimes giving some one a surprise is even more fun than getting one!

Thankful Picture Post

2011-10-06T09:57:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving is this weekend! Here are some of the things I am most thankful for:

My Little Boy

Every morning when I wake up next to this little one I am so thankful for him. I really do know how blessed we are to have this little one in our lives. He makes each day brighter and more joyful. Can't help but love him to pieces!

My Husband

My husband rocks! He is so invested in our family and I am so grateful for that.

My Family

I am so thankful to have such awesome parents, they really are the best parents in the world! My brother and sister (in-law) are pretty great too! I am so thankful that Ashley is on maternity leave right now too, she is a wealth of information for me, and I love our days in the city together. Remember when there was only 6 of us, we are so much better now!!

The Babies

I am so thankful that Griffin will grow up with cousins. Mika and Maddie are the beautiful girls in my life, and I can't wait to see these three in about two years when they are running around and causing all sorts of trouble!

Of course there are oh so many more things to be thankful for: my warm house, the food on my table, the material blessings,my health and the health of those close to me and of course the love of my Lord! My life is blessed!

Not Creative, But Productive

2011-10-05T10:41:00.004-05:00

** I wrote this post On Saturday, I meant to take a picture of all the food cubes, but haven't so I am posting anyway**

For the last three days I have been shopping, chopping, boiling, and puree-ing a ton of food for one little baby boy! Now that he is eating cereal (although it seems rice cereal is the all out fav.) I figured I needed to start thinking about the other food he would be eating. After researching (internet, but more importantly Ashley) I made a list of food for him. We went to Gimli and after a lunch date with Jay I went SHOPPING (G stayed with his daddy at work). I was pleasantly surprised on what I spent, I obviously bought food for Jay and I too, and didn't spend a ton over the normal amount! AWESOME!!

I started on Thursday night with some stuff I had in my cupboards like lentils and split peas. Last night I did a couple more, and today have sent the ENTIRE day making food. The last three are currently cooking :). Here is my list of that I made:

Lentil
Split Pea
Carrot
Sweet Potato
Pears
Plums
Blueberry
Peach
Parsnips
Green Beans
Butternut Squash
Peas
Chicken
Beef
Pork
Broccoli
Black Bean
Kidney Bean
Navy Bean
Cauliflower

Some I can start to use soon-ish, others will have to wait, but for now I am done. I know that there might be favourites that I need to make more of, but at least he will get a taste of a bunch of stuff. I will also give him mashed banana and avocado but I don't need to cook, blend those two. Since I wrote this my case of apples came so I will make apple puree sometime soon too!

For the record I tasted most of them, and I would have loved a smoothie made from the pear, peach, and blueberry cubes!

Be Creative!

2011-09-22T21:25:00.001-05:00

Don't just "pin" it; actually make/do it! So I have been pinning lately on pinterest, and now I actually need to do something creative! I have made a list (on the side bar) of things I want to do before I go back to work (the ones with * I want to do before Christmas). Griffin and I are getting into a rhythm, so I could probably get some projects done.

I want to make stockings for us. Jay has his childhood stocking, and I have mine; it is time to have matching stockings! I might pick up fabric this weekend so that I can start on this project soon. The other thing I want to do before Christmas is make a card display; maybe like this one:

The other things on my list can be done whenever, but need to be done BEFORE I go back to work. The first is a couple of eye spy bottles (for work, not G yet). They are bottles filled with birdseed and a bunch of little items. Kids can use the list to find the items. This would be great for fast finishers, etc. Finally I want to make a quiet book for G. He will be too young for it right away but i have more time now to make it. I know my sister-in-law has talked to my mom about making some too... maybe we will have to have a quiet book assembly line one of these days! I have a feeling this project will be a lot of work, but oh so worth it once it is done.

I hope to post pictures as I complete my projects. As I continue to "pin" I may just add to my list!

YUMMY!!

2011-09-21T12:04:00.001-05:00

So after a few rough nights of many, many (like 4-5) night feedings we decided today was THE DAY! Griffin had "solid" food for the first time. He is sitting by himself (for a few seconds at least), interested in food, and HUNGRY! Let's face it my Little Bear is not so little! I sort of feel like it is too early (he will be five months on Saturday), but man did he eat and eat, so maybe he is ready! To make things even better I am sitting here on the computer, my baby is in his crib SLEEPING!! Not sure if it is because his belly is fuller or because he is getting older and less clingy.

He was so cute that we couldn't resist taking pictures and a little video (http://www.youtube.com/user/Boazapalooza#p/a/u/0/ItjeWF7yoiU) too!

So next step is baby food making! I really want to feed him the best food possible (hence the breastfeeding battle) so I am planning on making my own food over the next couple of days. I have a list of purees I want to make; apple, pears, peach, pea, carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, green beans (I will give him avocado and bananas too). I plan to introduce one at a time and wait four days before adding a new food. Should I make meat purees now too? What other yummy foods should I make? I am kinda looking forward to this new stage! :)

Pictures

2011-09-16T15:58:00.001-05:00

Here are some of my scrapbook pages. I am by no means good at it, but I enjoy making them!
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And one picture of my Little bear. Latest stats: 16lbs, 26.25 inches, with a head circumfrence in the 15th percentile (his other stats are 50th or higher)!
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Yes I am One Of Those...

2011-09-11T15:37:00.003-05:00

Jay and I laughed the other day, we realize we are those annoying parents who constantly post pictures, movies, and blogs about our sweet little boy. Oh, how we love him! Sorry, we just can't help it!

So I am going to try to write a post about other things in our lives (although let's be honest Griffin will creep back in). Jay is LOVING his new job! In so many ways it is his dream job, we don't know what will happen at the end of his term, but for now it is working out great! Although he does have to work some evenings and weekends it doesn't seem to really matter because Griffin and I are home whenever he takes time off anyways.

This fall has been a weird one for me, I usually spend a good chunk of August prepping for the school year, and I have enjoyed that in the past. I am missing it a little. Yet, without a doubt, I LOVE being at home with my Little Bear (sorry, I warned you he would creep back in). In many ways this time is like a sabbatical for me, and I am beginning to realize that I needed one. I think I needed a break from teaching and so this is a great time of refreshment for my teaching self. I have committed to teaching Sunday School. Jay and Griffin hang out at home for the hour and a half that I teach. It is good for them to hang out without the overbearing momma that I can be, and it is good for me to find myself outside of Jay and Griffin.

Since Griffin has been born I have also taken up a new hobby. After our unique birth and beginning I felt a great desire to document it. Maybe as a way to process it, maybe as a way of keeping record so Griffin can look back and see how much he was loved. So I have started scrap booking. I am by no means good at it, but it has become a bit of a creative outlet for me (maybe filling the void that not teaching has left). I tried to post pics, but it isn't working, so maybe I will later on this week.

Pray With Me

2011-09-05T18:47:00.002-05:00

We spent a wonderful weekend away with my family (another post for another day), but arrived home to heart breaking news. My friend Melissa's daughter is ill and at the Children's Hospital in Calgary. The doctors have found a brain tumor and operated on it today. Baby K is only 2 years old and has a four month old little brother, oh how I ache for this family. I have spent all day checking the facebook group for updates, as I pray for them. Melissa walked with me when my dad was sick, she was my shoulder to cry on, I so wish I could do more than pray for her. If you think of this family please pray for them, they are trusting in Him and could use all the prayer they can get!

L-O-V-E

2011-08-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

Love consumes me these days, I just love my Little Bear! A couple of days a week I end up napping with Griffin, he gets an AWESOME sleep cuddled next to me, and I usually get in a good nap too (yes, this is partly to blame for why he won’t sleep alone during the day ). When he stirs he ends up nursing and falling back asleep, so today he had a four hour nap! Today I was tired but couldn’t sleep, so I enjoyed reading my book and staring and the cutest baby in the world (yes, I am biased!). As we were lying there I was thinking about how much I love him, and how easy it was/is to fall in love with him. He really is my world these days! The real truth is that no matter how rough the day (and sometimes they are rough), how little sleep I get, or how many diapers I change each and every day begins and ends in love (and has a whole lot of love sprinkled in between)!!

What A Difference A Year Makes!!

2011-08-08T10:53:00.004-05:00

A year ago today we found out we were pregnant. We were so excited!!

A year later I have a rolling, laughing, smiling, "talking", and amazing baby boy! He is now joining us at the supper table in his high chair. He is growing so fast!

Griffin

2011-07-16T10:16:00.005-05:00

Griffin at two and a half months has started to develop a personality, likes, and dislikes. Here are some things he is liking/doing/learning/being:

• BEARS!! Griffin loves his bears. They hang above his swing, he stares and stares and stares. Sometimes they rotate out of view, he lets us know!

• SONGS!! Getting Griffin to smile is as easy as singing a song, and if they involve actions/tickling/touch all the better. Right now “If I were a butterfly” is a hit.
• BOUNCY CHAIR!! If he isn’t being held chances are he is batting at toys in his bouncy chair

• SLEEP!! I am blessed with a sleeper. Lately he has been sleeping 8-ish hours straight at night, and then from the 5/6-ish feeding until 8. He doesn’t nap without being held during the day though. I am well rested but don’t get much done during the day!
• THUMB!! He is a thumb sucker (so were his parents).
• EATING!! After all our struggles in the beginning I am so happy to have a nursing baby. He weighed 13lbs 1.5 oz. the other day (clothed) so he is gaining weight and hasn’t had a bottle since week six. He is wearing 6 month clothes!

Adventure

2011-07-12T09:59:00.000-05:00

So Saturday was a test day... could we camp with Griffin? Jay and I have enjoyed many trips together and we want to do the same now that we have Little Bear. We went with friends, Mark and Jobina, and their three kids. We hit Hecla (40 min. from home) for one night, just to see how it went.

The trickiest part may have been packing the car! Tent, food, stroller, clothes, diapers, stove, cooking/eating gear, sleeping bags, bouncy chair (to sleep and play in).... all in our family size car (next vehicle we buy will be a van)! Seriously I should have taken a picture of my husband’s awesome tetris skills! Griffin rides in the back seat so we don’t want a ton of stuff back there with him, the trunk was crammed perfectly! Setting up and packing up were a little tricky because both times Griffin decided it was meal time, which means I was no help at all, but if we went by ourselves we would just have to wait until I was done feeding to set-up/take down.

Griffin was pretty good for the most part. He had a bit of a rough time in the evening, which is usually the worst part of his day. He hates the nursing cover so that only made things worse. Jay spent some time in the tent with him and when I went in he ate a bit (more) and conked out for the night. He seemed very fine sleeping in the tent, and woke up smiling and ready for the day around 7:30am. On Sunday he enjoyed a nap on the beach in his stroller, and playing in his bouncy chair under the bug/uv cover. He came home without bug bites or a sunburn! I think we will do another trip later this summer with him!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T10:29:00.001-05:00

I should have wrote this yesterday, but I had a super long nap instead!
I was blessed with a terrific father. Joel and I were lucky that we were the first priority of both our parents. As an adult I have come to realize how much my parents gave and gave up so that we could follow our dreams. Their love, support, and encouragement still plays a huge role in my life. Having great parents will hopefully help me be the best parent I can be!

This year I am grateful for the new dad in my life. As we have become parents I have realized how amazing Jay is. As we welcomed Griffin into the world in not ideal circumstances Jay was my rock. I am sure he was scared and worried too, but he kept me as calm as possible. He did everything he could for Griffin, and made sure he was well looked after when he was born. He supported me in my desire to breastfeed, but while bottles were in the picture he did many middle of the night feedings (I miss that). Jay clearly loves Griffin and does everything he can for him. He dreams of coaching soccer and curling, but in the meantime spends time cuddling and loving on Little Bear. He has been busy these last two months, starting a new job, and still doing a big part of his old job, but he has made sure to spend as much time as possible with us. In his new job he has three weeks of additional time to take this year and has taken some of it already in order to give me a break and spend time with Griffin. He sure has become a lot more confident with newborns! I look forward to watching him as a dad for years to come!

Can't you see the love!

Extra Time in My Day

2011-06-10T09:47:00.004-05:00

This week I have been celebrating success! With this specific success comes extra time in my day, and freedom!

Griffin has not liked to nurse since day one. There seems to be five factors in a baby refusing to nurse, and he was subjected to 4 of them, the lactation consultant wasn't surprised by his refusal. He would scream and scream when I tried to nurse him. We left the hospital with a plan to finger feed and keep trying to nurse. Finger feeding lasted three weeks, until he hit a growth spurt and we just couldn't do it. I kept pumping so that he could get the good stuff, but we did have to supplement with formula. The bottles came out and I kept trying to nurse. They told me it might take 6 to 8 weeks for him to latch on.

This week I laid the gauntlet down, this was going to happen! On Monday he screamed and screamed each time I tried, but each time he figured out food was avialable and nursed. I figured I could deal with the screaming, I wasn't sure what Jay would think, but he wasn't home :). Tuesday less screaming and no bottles at all! By Wednesday he had this thing figured out. Seriously the switched turned on and I now have a nursing baby! He knows exactly what to do and does it happily!

I have felt like throwing myself a party because of this development! I feel like I have won this battle, at least for now. He is happy and content, and I am thrilled that I am not attached to my pump six times a day. I can go out and if he is hungry, I can feed him. Freedom and time, great rewards!

Six Weeks!

2011-06-07T09:34:00.002-05:00

Time has flown by but I can’t imagine my life without my Little Bear. He has me wrapped around his little finger, and has barely left my sight in 6 weeks. He sure has grown and changed in these 6 weeks, literally! I weighed him last weeks, and although he was dressed, he weighed 11 lbs 13 oz., that is three pounds more than last month!! Of course he is growing in other ways too, he is much more alert and interactive. We can get smiles from him, and he loves to “kick and flail”, he coo’s, he is getting into a routine that is somewhat predictable, and his neck muscles are getting much stronger. His biggest goal lately is to get is thumb in his mouth. The other day we were sleeping together in the rocking chair, when I woke up he was sucking away on his thumb, ever since he has kept trying, without luck. He just can’t figure out he needs to extend his thumb, his whole fist ends up in his mouth instead.

Our biggest struggle since coming home has been his eating, clearly he is getting enough, but not the way I want him too. Nursing is not his favourite activity. We finger fed for three weeks, but he was hungry and couldn’t get enough fast enough, so we gave in and began to use a bottle. I haven’t given up, in fact just yesterday he only nursed, no bottle, and today so far it has been the same. Of course now I wonder if he is getting enough... I like to know he is doing well, I felt the same when he came off the monitors in the NICU. What I have realized is how much extra time I have if I don’t have to pump, I guess I lose a step, and wow, right now he is sleeping and I am not pumping, but have eaten breakfast! I won’t be nursing in any place other than my living room for a while yert. If you didn’t know me you would think I am murdering my baby as I work to get him to latch, there is a lot of screaming, in a minute or two he realizes that food is available and eats and eats... silly boy!

We spent a weekend at my parents two weeks ago. He did pretty good away from home, but boy was he tired when we got back on Sunday afternoon. He did meet his Great Grandparents (Jay’s grandpa, and my grandma), and had his first cousin sleepover (Mika slept at my parents one night). He is now battling his first cold, his stuffy nose makes me sad, but he is not really complaining too much, he is sleeping more and like to get extra cuddles. He is enjoying being the youngest in the family but we are all waiting for the arrival of my neice or nehew. Ashley is due any time now, and Joel gets home tonight. I am looking forward to one more family memeber!

I have really loved this stage of mommyhood more than I thought I would. I already dread going back to work, I can’t imagine not spending all day with him!

Griffin and his Great-Grandma

Pictures

2011-05-14T22:32:00.005-05:00

Today my friend Shelia came over to take pictures of our little family. We had yet to get a picture of the three of us, so it was about time, plus we wanted pictures of our Little Man before he changes too much. I love so many of the pics, but seeing as I am one dial-up I will only post a couple of them.

Life With My Little Man

2011-05-11T23:43:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe I have had over two weeks with my Little Man! In some ways it has flown by, but it also seems like eons ago that we were in the NICU. We are settling into a nice little routine; it goes like this: sleep, poop, change diaper, eat, watch mommy pump, sleep. I keep telling Griffin that we could speed up the process if he would just eat from the source, but other than a few short attempts yesterday latching is not happening! So we finger feed, it takes time, but I am told that most babies will latch on in 6-8 weeks if we stick to the plan. I am super determined to get him to latch, but for now he is getting mostly breast milk, in the evening he never stops eating and I can’t keep up to him so he gets some formula then.

Other than his eating issue Griffin is a great baby! He rarely cries, and when he does it is because mommy or daddy just aren’t quick enough getting his next meal. He is a night owl (total opposite of his mommy), he starts eating around 5pm and usually doesn’t stop until midnight (or later). Then he sleeps for 5 or 6 hours and wakes up around 6:30, yup my two week old gives us 5 or 6 hours of solid sleep! Now that I have written this I am sure it will come to an end! During the day he eats every three hours or so. He is most happy when he is in someone’s arms, and I love loving him to sleep. As the days have gone on he has gotten much more active with his arms and legs, and stares at faces for hours.

I am loving my new job as mommy. I love spending hours with Griffin in my arms, I love feeding him, changing his diaper, and basically loving him. My c-section recovery has been super easy, and pain free. In fact I am convinced that it has been easier than it would have been if I got the birth I wanted. I am super thankful that this is the case, it has given me the chance to enjoy every moment with Griffin!

For I Know the Plans I have For You...

2011-05-02T10:08:00.002-05:00

Declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Griffin Allan entered the world at 12:35am on Sunday, April 24th (Easter Sunday), not according to our plans, but according to His! We like to think of him as our Easter Miracle

On Saturday we went in for a non-stress test to make sure all was well. It was great, and Griffin looked really happy in the womb (even though he had spent an extra two weeks in there). The doctor figured we might as well start the induction a day early seeing as we were already there. They started with cervidil and things got under way. Jay and I walked and walked around the Selkirk hospital parking lot, and finally when I went to have a nap around 2:30pm the contractions started. This was a good sign right?! I ate dinner and then got hooked up to the monitors. My contractions were super close together, without much time in between them, I am sure full blown labour is worse, but these ones hurt, and neither Griffin nor I had time to rest between them. The doctor pulled the cervidil around 6:30pm, she figured the contractions needed to find a normal pattern and that this would help. It didn’t they continued to come one on top of the other, and I was uncomfortable and Griffin’s heart, although okay was not recovering fast enough. At about 10:00pm Griffin’s heart rate took a nose dive (into the 60’s) and the doctor advised us to make the trip to St. Boniface Hospital.

By 11pm I was being loaded onto the ambulance and Jay was heading for his car to make the trip to the city. The nurse that I had all day in Selkirk joined me and I was so grateful for the company and conversation to keep my mind off what was happening. Little did I know how difficult this trip was for Jay, who was by himself and running over all the possible outcomes of this. When we arrived at the hospital I was whisked into a delivery room and checked over by nurses and a doctor. By now my contractions had slowed down, so I figured that we might wait until the next day to figure this out, but then Griffin’s heart rate dropped again, and it was time to get him out! The last doctor decided to break my water to get things moving, with hook in hand he examined me and found the umbilical cord below Griffin’s head. Clearly breaking my water was not an option. Before Jay even arrived at the hospital it was made clear that a C-section was absolutely necessary! Jay got tied up in admitting and I didn’t want to sign or start anything without him, when he finally got to me I filled him in, we signed the forms, and we were taken down the hall where he put on scrubs, and I went to the operating room. Within an hour of arriving at St. B. Griffin was born, a little blue, and with a lot of fluid in his lungs. I did see him very briefly, his eyes were open, I fell in love! He was then whisked away to NICU, with Jay following close behind him.

I was wheeled into recovery, and after throwing up once felt pretty good (at least physically). It was certainly scary to not know what was happening with Griffin. Jay came up to update me and let me know that Griffin was getting admitted to the NICU, and again when he got kicked out so they could attach him to machines. It certainly was not easy to be stuck in bed as all this was going on, but I was thankful for the nurses and doctors and all the work they were doing. Besides the breathing issues, Griffin appeared to have some sort of infection, his blood counts were pretty low. So while Jay was with me they put Griffin on a CPAP machine and oxygen for his breathing, and hooked him up to an IV for fluids and antibiotics. After half an hour Jay was able to go back to be with him, and finally my legs were moving and the effects of the epidural was wearing off the nurses wheeled my bed into the NICU so I could see him. It was so hard to see him but not be able to hold him, I touched his foot. I was wheeled up to the maternity floor to “settle” in for the night, and told Jay to go to my parents to sleep, we couldn’t do anything in the hospital and we were looking rough around the edges.

I must say that night was terrible, I was in the room with two other women, and their babies. One was a teenager who was less than thrilled to have to feed her baby. I did get an hour or two of broken sleep, but at 6:30 the nurse found be bawling in bed. I so badly wanted to know Griffin was okay, or at least would be okay, I wanted him in my arms. She did go get an update for me, but the only change was that the x-ray showed something (fluid, infection???) in his lungs, we already knew that was the case. He had remained stable through the night.

At 8:30am my parents walked through the door. I had talked to mom as I went in for my c-section but Jay told them the whole story when he got home. It was good to have them there. Jay arrived not long after, by 11am we were allowed to go to the NICU. I finally held Griffin, almost 12 hours after his birth. He was still hooked up to all his machines but his stats looked great. After my turn Jay had his, and as he held him the doctors took him off the CPAP. His stats remained high, and he was able to breathe on his own. His infection was still a concern, but things were improving.
During that day we spent as much time as possible with Griffin in the NICU, between Jay, and his parents and I he got lots of cuddles. We worked on feeding issues but he was given bottles in order to meet his nutrition needs. My parents got to meet him, but not hold him that evening. At the 8pm feeding we talked with the doctor and were told it was possible that he might be moved upstairs that night! We were thrilled with the idea, but scared to have him not on monitors and such. By about 11pm he was in a bassinet at the end of my bed (okay his bassinet was there, he was in our arms). It was so good to have him with us. Of course this was day two and Jay and I had two hours of sleep each in the 36 hours. We were both exhausted! Jay spent the night, even catching an hour or two of sleep on the floor.

I find it a touch ironic that my last post was about plans, seeing as by the end of this we referred to the word plan as a four letter word. Nothing went to plan, at least not my plan! If I had gone into labour at home (plan a) we certainly would have lost Griffin, there was no way I could have reached the hospital in time and the cord would have prolapsed. If plan b would have worked out it is likely that the outcome would have been the same as plan a. Selkirk doesn’t have the resources to deal with a situation like that. Clearly Plan C was God’s Plan A! Looking back and at the “what-ifs” is much scarier than anything that actually happened. In fact I think I was pretty calm as the plans were being blown apart. God clearly worked through each situation as it arose, and each decision that needed to be made was made correctly. Even though our plan didn’t work out, the outcome was more that we could have hoped for!

In the end there was no infection, and after 48 hours Griffin was wireless and normal looking (other than the bruise on his hand and foot). We spent three nights in the hospital and came home on Wednesday. In all reality Griffin is a amazingly content baby, he likes to be held, and cuddled, and loved on, and I don’t mind at all. He cries only when hungry, but we often have to wake him in order to feed him every three hours. He feeds for hours on end in the evening and the last two nights has let mommy and daddy sleep for 4-5 hours at a time. We continue to deal with feeding issues, another thing not going to plan, but he is gaining weight and thriving, mommy just has to work hard. We are loving this new stage in our lives!

Pictures to follow!

Still Waiting...

2011-04-21T13:44:00.002-05:00

So I am not really a patient person, I like plans, and I like when they go accordingly... Maybe God is trying to teach me patience before this little one comes! Although my due date was changed to the 14th a couple of months ago I have focused on the 10th for this whole pregnancy, which means I am now almost two weeks overdue... two weeks of waiting to meet this little one... waiting, waiting, waiting. This is just reinforcing my guess of boy, he probably won't leave the nest until he is 30!

Now we have another plan (and we have since Monday)... one that I dreaded this entire pregnancy, but at this point I am okay with it. As much as I don't want to be induced it is time for this little one to make an apperance, although the doctor keeps wondering if he/she is not so little! So unless Baby Boaz decides to join us in the outside world before Sunday an eviction will take place! We have a non-stress test on Saturday to make sure everything is good, and then we will head back to the hospital on Sunday for the start of the eviction, if we are lucky Sunday will be enough and we won't need more interventions on Monday. Either way this baby has a deadline to enter this world.

So we continue to wait, but are able to plan... maybe this baby is working with his/her mommy, I do like plans!

Playing the Waiting Game

2011-04-11T21:18:00.003-05:00

Remember when you were 6 and it was Christmas Eve, there were big boxes under the tree with YOUR name on them, you couldn't sleep you were just so excited? I remember those evenings/nights as special, and fun... but I knew that the next morning was Christmas and that I would be unwrapping the presents as soon as breakfast was finished. Nice memory!

Now picture this I am 29, and I am as huge as huge can be. I am in the 40th week of pregnancy and really want to meet our son or daughter. I would love to sleep but am uber uncomfortable in any position and spend my evenings tossing and turning. Unlike those presents under the tree I have not peeked (or unwrapped) the present yet and am dying to find out if I am right and we are having a boy or if I have been calling our little girl 'he' for the last 20 or so weeks. Of course the worst of it is that I have no idea when I will get to open this present and I am pretty sure it won't be as easy as pulling off the wrapping paper!

I so want to just meet this little one! Pregnancy has been fun, but it is time for it to be over!

I guess I am getting closer, only because I can't be getting any further away!!

Post 129

2011-03-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe we are at the 36 week mark, even harder to believe that we are 4 (yup only FOUR) weeks to our due date. I keep saying that in 4 to 6 weeks I will be a mom! It is so hard to imagine what my life will be like, how it will change, and how I will function with less sleep! Yet the excitement is ever increasing and I am very much looking forward to meeting Little Baby Boaz. When people ask me if I am excited about my life change, I often comment on how I am a little nervous, really I know that there will be struggles and such, and I am not naive enough to think that I know what to expect. Of course I am oh so happy to be becoming a mom, I have wanted this for longer than I would like to admit!

Last weekend my sister threw me a baby shower. Ashley is Ashley so let’s just say there was a ton of effort put into games, food, decorations, and pretty much everything! I was so blessed with gifts that we will definitely put to good use. Having things like clothes, bath tubs, and toys for the baby makes it all seem so much more “real”! Don’t get me wrong the kicking, and punching let me know this baby is real, but “real” as in will be coming home with me in not too long of a time! It was good to see family and friends.

I think everything will feel more real when I am done teaching. Right now I am so focused on all things school that my focus is not on baby quite yet. I have another week of teaching and a ton of stuff to do over Spring Break (report cards, cleaning and packing up my classroom etc.), when that is done I am sure my focus will change. Currently I am praying that there is a teacher for my 22 kids come April 1st, but either way I can’t stop the baby from coming so I won’t be here!
Of course my life revolves around baby and work, but other fun things have happened lately too. We have had friends that live in Australia up to our place for a couple of nights over the past few weeks. Paul and Jay have been friends for years. Paul and Ashley moved to Australia a couple of years ago, and since then have had two boys. They are in Canada visiting family and friends. It was great to have them come visit and hang out (twice!!). We don’t get lots of visitors so it was nice to have people come see us!

So, bets on when this baby is coming and whether it is a girl or boy??

Will post 130 be the announcement?

Life as I Know It!

2011-03-09T16:02:00.002-06:00

Is a little on the CRAZY side, but I am loving most moments of it!
I am in the anxious stage of my pregnancy. As a student said the other day I was more excited at the beginning. It isn't that I am not excited about it now, it is just that worry is creeping in. I am going with "this is normal" and thinking it is okay to want to make sure things are good for baby, but in the process my worry-wart personality can take over. I spend my evenings at home telling myself not to dwell on things.In the end things will be fine, and what I have control over I will take care of, everything else will work itself out!

We started our pre-natal classes last night. I left with a question... why do the pregnant women sit on mats on the floor, with nothing to rest our backs on to practice breathing? I made the decision yesterday that I will NOT be in labour on the floor! Seriously I am eight months pregnant, I don't sit on floors very comfortably and instead of focusing on my breathing I was thinking about how my back hurt and my legs were getting cramped. At times I wanted to burst out in laughter...

Jay and I both experienced a wonderful case of the stomach flu last week. I commented that it was the first time we had two solid days at home together with no commitments in months... of course we spent it sleeping and puking so the qaulity was laking! I was so thankful that every time i woke up baby kicked me. I dranks as much water as I could and things seemed to be fine (no I didn't go to the doctor).

As for school it is hard to believe I have only two weeks and two days left with "my kids". I will have stuff to wrap up during Spring Break but these last two weeks with my students will fly by. We are working a ton of stuff right now so I don't leave stuff hanging when I leave.

Right now that is life: work, sleep, eat (and that I do a lot these days), think about baby, press repeat. Just the way it shoudl be right now! Change is just aroudn the corner!!

Tagged!

2011-02-10T17:32:00.002-06:00

Lindsey tagged me in this game, Jay is working late and so here I am, at work "working" and answering all these questions! It seems better than going home to my empty, and messy house! Plus I really am getting work done!

Rule #1: the tagged person must write their answers on their blog and replace any question they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

Rule #2: tag 4 people to do this quiz; they cannot refuse (ok, so nothing bad will happen if you don’t participate but I would love to see your answers). The tag-ee must state who tagged them.

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals or are they members of your family?
We don't have any pets, but my childhood was full of them. While they were important and definitely a part of who I was they were animals, although I wouldn't move without them!

2. If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?
In many ways I am living my dreams right now, but I dream of owning a house (a goal after Mat. leave), and finding balance between my family and the rest of my life (work, commitments, etc.).

3. What would you do with a billion dollars?
That is a lot of money... and it could and would do a a lot. I would share with family and friends, pay off debt, buy a house, travel a bit, give to some great causes that are close to my heart, buy a smart board for my classroom, and still have too much left over to know what to do with, I would let Jay help me spend it, which means he would choose some sport related things to build/give to.

4. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Sleep (no word of a lie things always look better in the morning), uplifting music, praying (mostly for my attitude to change), and talking to my mom who puts things in perspective.

5. What is your bedtime routine, with your kids?
No kids, yet, but for now it involves putting my heat bag in the microwave, washing my face, brushing my teeth, putting on PJ's, taking the heat bag out of the microwave, taking my vitamin, positioning my three or four pillows and heat bag carefully in strategic positions, reading, and finding a comfortable position.

6. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other?
Technically we met at camp (but we were not courting, there is no courting at BCBC!! :), but it wasn't until we were set-up that we even thought about each other in a romantic way. Our first date was with my family, apparently they didn't scare him away...

7. What kind of books do you read?
All kinds, I love books, in fact I own way too many! Right now I am into easy reads, fiction that I don't have to think about a ton, and can put down when my eyes get tired. On my night stand right now I have The Giver, What To Expect when your expecting, and Baby: the all-important first year.

8. How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will be 39 then... baby will be almost 10, and in fourth grade! YIKES!! I hope to have more than one child, be working at the job I love, and spending time with family and friends. Really I want to be open to whatever great opportunity gets put in front of me, and follow His guiding, the future will unfold as it does. For the first time in my life I am okay with how things are, and so i am not anxious about what the future holds. A nice place to be!

9. What’s your fear?
Other than heights!? Failure, not doing something well enough...

10. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to see outer space?
Before I started teaching about Space I would have said no without a second thought, but as I have learned about space in makes me curious and so maybe i would be willing to give up junk food to see that part of creation.

11. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Turn off my alarm clock and hope to wake up on my own in 10-15 minutes; most of the time it works, on the days it doesn't i end up in a little bit of a rush :)

12. If you could change one thing about your significant other, what would it be?
That he would talk to me when I am mad at him.

13. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
I like my name, even though there are a ton of Sarah's.

14. If you had to choose between six months of sun or six months of rain, what would you choose?
Sun, rain gets annoying!

15. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
Hmmm... pineapple! I eat 1-2 pineapples a week, I love it!

16. What is the thing you enjoy about blogging the most?
Not sure, in fact if i could think of a new question I would replace this one!

17. Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?
Depends on the day... usually salty.

18. What items are in your purse right now?
Wallet, lip balm, hand lotion, random pieces of paper, junk that I should throw away... I wish my cell phone was!

19. If you had to choose between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains where would you go?
Can't I have a little bit of both! I love the mountains for skiing and sense of wonder, but lying on the beach sounds relaxing right about now!

20. What do you watch on television that you know you should’t?
Absolutely! Too much, really it isn't what I watch necessarily, but rather that I watch too much! It is my biggest, most problematic addiction!

One Day Closer to You

2011-02-02T16:15:00.002-06:00

Every night as I fall asleep I think we are one day closer to meeting Baby Boaz, and that makes me happy (even if my day sucked). We are now in the 30th week, which means (unofficially) that we have 10 weeks left. In my world ten weeks flies by! Of course baby makes me aware of his or her presence on a regular basis, mostly in the evening and through the night. He/she is getting stronger because he is now able to wake me up (I have to think of it as training for the future). Every evening as I watch TV I enjoy watching my alien stomach as it rumbles and rolls. Of course I miss sleeping a solid 9 hours every night, but I think that might be a thing of the past for the next year or so. Sometimes I marvel at how in love I can be with someone I have never met, how he/she dictates my life and how I wonderfully excited I am to meet this little one!

My birthday was last week, and it was made very special by people in my life. My husband (who listens well and knows that I cheap-out on myself) bought me a pretty pink I pod nano. It even has my name engraved on it. I really wanted an mp3 player (but probably would have bought myself a cheap one) so that when I am at home I can listen to music when the baby is sleeping, or when we go for a walk. Of course shopping for music is fun too!! My students planned a surprise party (of course the balloons and streamers that they put up the day before gave me a clue something was up). They made yummy cupcakes (with whip cream icing in white and pink, yup they know me well), and together created a lovely gift basket full of stuff I really like. It was a very nice day. I kept thinking to myself “this year will be the most life changing one yet”.

My second quarter report cards are done, after a long weekend of work and a very early Monday morning to finish them up. I might have one more set to do before the baby is here... but that worry is for another day. This month is full of events at school. My class (sans me) is going curling twice, I am hanging out with the grade 7 and 8’s while their teacher takes my class. Jay will do the instruction at the rink. It is I love to read month and I have challenged my students to read at least 30000 pages as a group. The reward gets bigger at 45000 and 60000. This morning as they each came into class they grabbed their books, it was the quietest morning ever! Hopefully the goal will keep them all focused!

My parents have flown off on their February trip. They spend most of the month at the condo down south (my brother, sister and neice will join them for a week as well**), and I am a little jealous! Today at lunch I tried to put my snow pants on before going outside with my kids... yeah I think that I am done with that, I am just a little too round these days. So instead my legs froze in the -30 wind chill! Luckily my jacket still fits me!

**Joel, Ash, and Meeks, if I don't get a call that I need to be in Mesa ASAP for something that would be wonderful, I am not sure I can even fly! No Weddings, births, etc. please!

125 Posts and 79 Days!

2011-01-21T16:06:00.002-06:00

Apparently I have posted 125 times on this blog. Interestingly my life was emensly different 125 post ago. A good form of self-reflection could be had if I went back to post one and read them all through... but that would take time and other priorities are ahead of this one.

Life has been busy. Last weekend we drove to Fort Frances where my littlest brother (in-law) plays hockey. Jay went out there once last year but this was my first chance to see him play since he moved out there. It was great to spend time with Blake and Jim and June! Plus I had the best cheesecake for dessert on Saturday night! YUM!! It was a great weekend but I came home tired and have never really "caught up".

I think this weekend I will crash, hard, and not do a ton. Report cards are right around the corner so I guess marking and starting is my project... but I also realize that I am only 9 weeks away from being done work, and starting my new "job"! In fact the 79 days in my title refers to the number of days until my due date... seriously 79 days! That is crazy soon, I started this count-down at 200 and something, 79 seems so few! My latest focus is on what we need for this baby... I ask everyone I know! So seriously what do I NEED for this baby? Moms out there, what could you not live without, what was a waste of money? I know each baby is different and each mom is too, but I could use some advice!

A New Year... A New Adventure

2011-01-12T19:53:00.003-06:00

A new year has begun, and with it the countdown until the biggest change in our lives! Yes, we are counting down; currently we are at 13 more Satudays! Yes, we do know baby could come earlier or later, but for now we are focused on April 10th. We know how fast Saturday's come and go, so 13 seems like very few! After spending last weekend with babies (we had friends with 7 week old twins over, and we were surrounded with little ones at church) I so want to meet our little one! We want him/her to grow a little more before we meet but oh how I can't wait to be a mom! Now that the nursery is done-ish and I see the crib everyday it is becoming more and more real to me! At times I am excited, but at times I am a little scared... I have so much to learn!

I have noticed many blog posts abotu New Years resolutions, and truth be told I don't make them, at least not in January. Usually my resolutions come at the beginning of my "year", September, but this year I failed to make any then either. I was just hoping that the puking would stop so I could think about something, anything else... so no resolutions this year at all... I am sure it will be a life changing year without them!

Christmas Has Come and Gone!

2010-12-30T12:31:00.003-06:00

Jay and I enjoyed a quiet Christmas morning, complete with eggs benedict! We made the decision to wake up at our own house on Christmas morning and we relished in the last Christmas morning sleep-in. We then headed to Jay's aunt's house for his family gathering. We enjoyed a great meal and exchanged gifts, and ended the evening with a game of Apples to Apples.

After tha it was off to my parents, where we opened more gifts including some great things for baby. My parents got us a toy box that they had painted in bright bold circles and dots. We enjoyed a family gathering on the 26th with my extended family. It was a nice two days of celebration. Mika is starting to walk and talk, and it makes Christmas so much fun to have a little on around, but next Christmas there will be three little ones, and I am so excited!

Then the work began! Jay and dad headed home early on the 27th, mom and I followed behind not much later. Our goal was to get the nursery completed! My parents offered to help and seeing as they go away for the month of Feb. we knew this was the best time to get the room painted, lay down new carpet and get the furniture assembled. Mom and Jay did the painting, dad and Jay layed new underlay and carpet and replaced the baseboards. In two days it was all done! No, I didn't do a lot, but I am growing the occupant!!

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The toy box and crib. Jay wanted the stripes, I thought it would be a pain, it didn't seem to be too difficult for the painting crew to do, and looks so good!

The storage unit (complete with Spiderman).

I can't thank my parents enough for coming up and helping us! Jay and I are not handy people so having my dad and mom help us allowed us to actually get it done! I love it! In about 100 days we could have a baby to put in it (although he/she will sleep in out room at first).

Only three more days of my Christmas break, and then it will only be three more months of work! I can't believe how fast this is going...

Twas the Night Before...

2010-12-16T18:52:00.003-06:00

Where did these last two weeks go! Time is flying by and tomorrow is our Christmas Program (ALREADY!!?!). I am in the process of printing off hundreds of programs and have some time to kill as I wait for the photocopier to beep at me. I am sitting at school, it is quite, except for my music and the furnace, peaceful even. The snow is falling outside, is seems like Christmas at it's finest! LOVE IT!

Christmas is by far my favourite time of the year, and this year, even among it's busyness and such, is no different. The tree is up (although that did feel like a chore last week), and every evening I enjoy sitting in the living room with candles and the tree glowing. Something about it brings great memories of my childhood, memories I hope to begin creating next Christmas with my own child (and maybe later children). But with it comes a huge question for me, one that causes me much worry. You see as a young child I believed in Santa Clause, and every year he came to my house, drank milk, ate cookies, and fed his reindeer carrots. He left presents under the tree for all of us... I loved Christmas morning, opening stockings from Santa and seeing the gifts he left are treasured memories. I however, live in a community, and teach in a community, were Santa is not present. I get the Jesus is the real reason for the season, and will read about and celebrate His birth with my children, but will we have Santa? Jay keeps telling me we have a couple of years to figure that out yet, and I get that, but hey I am already thinking about it. I imagine Walnut's cousins will have Santa, and with a small family we celebrate together often, I want him to share that experience with Mika and Bug (especially because they will all be so close in age). Those memories were so special to me that I want to create them for my kids... but how do I balance that with the reality of his life and peers too? Ahhh I know I will have much more to worry about in the future... but right now, in this season, at this time this is my parent worry...
The copier beeped, I guess it is done... time to go home...

Mourning to Celebrating!!

2010-12-13T11:01:00.004-06:00

Last week began with mourning as we said goodbye to my maternal Grandfather. He passed away on December 3rd, peacefully at the nursing home. In some ways it brought relief as he was unhappy about how his life was ending, but of course with his passing came a sense of loss to those left behind. We celebrated his life last Tuesday, with much of the family able to make it from out of province. I was glad I made the effort to visit Grandpa on Remembrance Day last month, my last memories of him are good ones.

I felt like I lived out of my car for a week as I was back and forth from the city to home,and back again. By the time I made it home for good last Wednesday I was exhausted, and happy to sleep in my own bed.

By the end of the week I was in celebration mode as my friend Sheri married Tim on Saturday! It was a beautiful winter wedding! She was gorgeous and looked so happy and in love.

So now that that week is over it is on to Christmas concert preparation. Although my students are a big part of the play I am at school while some of my students are practicing, others are at school working on their list of things to do. In some ways it makes life easy, but those with big parts are well behind of those who have smaller roles... by the end of this week chaos will ensue! I look forward to Friday, when it all comes together! Friday is our last day of classes, and I am in the mood for two weeks off, in fact I am feeling like I desperately need two weeks off!

As for Walnut he (I really think it is a boy, in fact I will be completely shocked if it is a girl) is happy and moving about like crazy. I am finally feeling him with my hand, Dayna did too yesterday, but Jay has yet to get to feel him. Every time I call Jay over Walnut stops kicking, it kinda makes me laugh! I had a Dr. appt. last week (I went all by myself for the first time :)), it was all great! I love good dr. appts. We also got my ultrasound results last week, again everything looks good, normal and healthy. I know we are blessed to have a fairly uneventful pregnancy thus far, I pray that it continues to be that way!

I am growing and getting bigger by the day, I love looking pregnant! In fact I much prefer looking over feeling pregnant! I had a scary realization last night as I thought about how far along we are. I only have three months and one week of work left, I am one month away from my third trimester... the nursery isn't started yet! We haven't bought the baby many clothes (do I buy pink or blue), and I feel like we are just not ready to be parents... It scares me to think we will be responsible for all this baby wants and needs... and yet in the same moment I am longing for this baby to be here, to know if we should buy pink or blue, to see ten fingers and ten toes, to see this little person that I am already completely in love with.

Half Way There!

2010-11-27T13:17:00.002-06:00

We hit the half-way mark this week! With it we saw our baby for the first time. I know the baby is in there, he kicks and squirms, and let's me know he is there. But seeing him or her for the first time made it all that much more real. We saw the spine, the heart, the head and the feet, but avoided finding out if we have a little girl or little boy on the way. Jay was able to join me for the entire thing, he had a much better view of baby through the entire thing. We are hoping that this will be our only scan... the next time we see him or her might be on it's birthday!!

Time Flies When The To-Do List is Long!

2010-11-14T14:09:00.004-06:00

For some reason you can count on me updating my blog around report card time. I seem to write as a distraction from the pile of work that I really should be doing. Although, at this point I have a couple more comments to write, and a few things to do tomorrow at school, so I am pretty much done. Of course I should also plan for tomorrow and maybe take a nap, I guess all in good time!

I spent a great couple of days in the city this week. I hadn't seen mom and dad in a while so it was nice to spend time with them. We went to visit my Grandpa, who recently was moved into a nursing home. It being Remembrance Day it was nice to visit with him, he was in the Navy in WW II and has some pretty remarkable stories. We moved around his room so he could watch TV and laughed at his sarcastic and witty comments.

After the visit I hit my shopping list. I needed new shirts as I am slowly outgrowing all of my pre-pregnancy shirts. I also needed a ton of stuff for the house, gifts for bridal showers, and some books for school. It was a long day in stores and at the mall but it was nice to scratch so much off the list.

As for Walnut he/she (my feeling is boy) has begun to kick, or punch, or elbow me on occasion. Pretty much every day I feel him move. What a weird and wonderful feeling. It happens the most when I am sitting or lying down, and less when I am up and about. I am very much enjoying pregnancy now. Up until week 16 it was characterized by puking and nausea, now I am enjoying not feeling sick, a popping stomach, and baby movements. If the whole thing was like this you could convince me to have eight kids! I feel great, and have a lot of energy, am sleeping pretty well, and am loving it! Time is flying by and by next week I will be half-way through this pregnancy, time flies! We are looking forward to seeing baby a week from this coming Thursday on the ultra sound.

I guess I should get back to those report cards!

17 Weeks!!

2010-11-01T16:04:00.003-05:00

As the 17th week of this journey begins I realize how wonderful week 16 was! It started with hearing the heart beat and ended with four puke free days (in a row!!). I actually was even able to do dishes last night without the running to the bathroom bit!! I also "popped" and am definatley looking pregnant now! I also think Walnut said hello on Saturday by tickling me a couple of time. Not sure if it was the baby or something else but I am leaning towards the baby.

Because I have had a rough afternoon, complete with a stubborn student, and a splitting headache I am taking a couple minutes to think baby and go to my happy place!

Pregnancy Week 17
About the mommy:
Name: Sarah
Age: 28
Is this the first child?: yuppers!

About the daddy:
Name: Jay
Age: 27
Is this the first child?: See my answer above :)

Finding out:
What day did you find out you were pregnant?: August 8th, 2010, I know I said the 4th in an earlier post but the 8th is right!

How did you feel when you found out?: A little bit of shock, "really I am pregnant?", a whole lot of excitment "YAHOO", and a little bit of trepidation "you mean I will be responsible for raising a Godly, respectful, etc. human".

Who was with you?: Jay

How did the daddy react?: He wasn't really surprised, but excited for sure!

Telling the grandparents:
We told both sets together, we gave them picture frames with a wedding picture that Jay doctored to say "watch this space" over my stomach. The frames said something about Grandkids completing the circle of life.

How did you parents react?: Pretty excited!

How did his parents react?: yup excited too! June whipped out a shawl that Jay's grandmother had made years ago for Jay's baby and Jay's old baby blanket. I think both parents had an idea that this announcment was going to come sooner rather than later!

How often do they call to check on you?: i talk to my mom pretty often, and facebook messages out to everyone after doctor's appointments. Jima nd June talk to Jay often enough to know what is happening, I am sure as we get closer we will hear from everyone more and more.

About the pregnancy:
When is your due date?: April 10, 2011
How far along are you right now?: 17 weeks
Have you had an ultra sound?: Nope, not yet, but will on Nov. 25th
Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes, last week, more to come!
Sex of the baby: Unknown
What do you want. Boy or Girl?: A healthy, happy, baby would be our prefrence, girl or boy doesn't matter! We won't find out until on or around April 10th.

About the birth:
Who is going to be with you?: Probably just my Jay, the nurse and hopefully (unlike my sister-in-law) the doctor!
Are you going to video tape it?:No, I can't imagine the birth being a very flattering time!
Natural or medicated?: I would like to go natural, but I am not going to be too hard on myself if drugs make it into the picture.
Do you think you will have a c-section?: hope not, but if needed then it might happen.

Do you think you will cry when you first hold your baby?: Hmmmm, maybe, I have no idea how I will react, seems too far away to even picture at this point!

Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it?: Haven't thought about it yet, give me some time!
Are you scared about the labor?: Not really, I mean every mother before me has done it, I figure I can get through it too! Pretty sure it will hurt, but I am also pretty sure it is so worth it!

Names:
Do you have a name picked out?: Yup, if you know us you know the planners that we are, I think we had it narrowed down before we even knew for sure that we were pregnant!
Is your baby going to be named after anyone?: First names no, both middle names yes.
Did the daddy help pick the name?: That is like asking if he helped make the baby, of course he helped pick the names!

Other random questions:

Have you felt the baby move?: Not sure, but i think it said hello on Saturday, at least I am sticking to that story until proven otherwise!

What was your first symptom?: Nausea, seriously I was sick before I even found out I was pregnant!

What is the baby's room theme?: Orange, yellow, blue, and green dots, bright colors, black furniture... we have to move the comic books downstairs before we can put it all together but most of the pieces are already here!

Are you ready to be a mommy?: Yikes, big question! I am so looking forward to it, in fact have been for years! I also realize that being a mommy is something that you can do only so much to prepare for. I am not sure you can ever be "ready" for such an intense, all-consuming job.

What do you think the baby will be a "daddys girl/boy" or a "mommys girl/boy"?: Pretty sure it will end up being both. Daddy will be a pretty amazing daddy so I am sure that Walnut and him will have a pretty terrific relationship!

Life in the Boaz's World

2010-10-25T15:02:00.003-05:00

It is clear that the Fall schedule is up and running. Meetings fill several nights a week, marking, and planning take up time, and we fill the rest of our time with "stuff". Eating dinner together is a gift, but it happens only a couple of times a week. Facebook can be our best (as in most reliable, and most easily accessed) form of communication for a day or two as we pass each other in our sleep. Yup, life in our world is the same as always! It really is a good thing we both enjoy our jobs, otherwise we woudl be unhappy people!!

Of course our lives are also focused on Baby Boaz, affectionaly refered to as Walnut by my students, and I find myself using the name too. We spent last weekend in the States shopping for furniture and materninty clothes (Jay got some dvd's too), and we finalized our bedding choice. This baby has begun to rule our lives, and it is only the beginning, it will be there for the rest of our lives!

Today was the day I had been waiting for for a few weeks now. I went to the Doctor for a check-up. I was so happy to hear Walnut's heartbeat for the first time. It is comepletly unreal how God creates little people! It was pretty easy to find, and to hear, and was right in the normal range! So exciting to reach milestones like this on. We are currently at 16 weeks, only 24 more to go :) We are now looking ahead to our next "big thing" the ultra sound next month. Until then I will enjoy growing a belly and look forward to the first movements that I know are movements!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage....

2010-10-01T15:59:00.000-05:00

Then comes the baby in the baby carriage!

While I haven’t posted in three months it isn’t for lack of excitement around here. Rather, the need to keep secrets can be blamed for my lack of blogging. You see these three months have been full of new developments. Apparently I have grown a second heart, a second pair of lungs, and another liver. Of course that has taken a little bit of work, but I figure the end result is worth the work!

On Aug. 4th Jay and I discovered that we were beginning a new journey, a journey toward parenthood. A journey I have been longing to start for years! We know that this journey will change our lives completely (in fact in many ways it already has). This baby is so terribly wanted and loved already, I can’t imagine what feelings I will experience on or around April 10th!

We are dreaming, planning and anticipating the arrival of our little one, yet realize we have a six month journey still ahead of us. Until then we will to enjoy the journey!

Two Years Ago

2010-07-19T00:01:00.006-05:00

"In the presence of God and before our family and friends I Sarah choose you, Jay, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to share with you in times of joy and in times of trouble; to talk and to listen; to honor and appreciate you; to provide for an support you in trust and in love. You are my best friend and I will love and respect you always"

These were our vows that we said to each other two year ago. I am pretty good at the talking part, maybe not so good at the listening!

It has been a full, and busy two years, with plenty of ups and downs, but never once do I regret marrying Jay. He really is a pretty great guy !!

We spent our anniversary weekend enjoying some time together camping at Otter Falls in the Whiteshell. Quality time together is always a nice reminder of why we got married in the first place! I love weekends away!

School's Out For Summer

2010-07-02T10:02:00.005-05:00

Summer has begun! My report card got completed, my classroom got cleaned, and I have put all teacher thoughts away for the next couple of weeks. I have spent the last week catching up on sleep (when did I get this exhausted?), picking up new habits and beginning my other job in earnest. Summer has begun.
Lindsey and I have began jogging in the mornings, we meet at the end of the road and are working towards being able to run for 20 minutes, right now we are running intervals. Last week we ran 1 minute and walked two, this week we ran 1 and walked 1, should get interesting as we run more and walk less! If only this would cause weight loss... but alas it isn't happening!
My "other" job has started, I am working at a store/cafe at Spruce Sands campground. Basically I scoop a lot of ice cream! I decided that sitting around being unproductive and lazy is not the best way to spend my summer. This week I am working a lot but most weeks I will only work 20-30 hours. In the end I am hoping working a little bit will keep me motivated to use my time off to do something, anything other than sitting at home waiting for Jay to come home.
Of course I want to also make sure I have some fun and go back to school rested and ready for another year. So I have plans with mom, Ashley, Mika, and Jo next week. It feels like forever since I have seen my family so I look forward to visiting with them. I am pretty sure my niece will have changed a ton since I last saw her in May! Jay and I also hope to go away for a couple of days for our anniversary. Going away means no phones, no work, no demands, and that makes me happy!
Maybe my summer will be balanced, some fun, some work, some relaxation, some time with friends, some time with family, some time with my husband... sounds good to me!

In the Mood for Change!

2010-06-14T14:12:00.003-05:00

Yup, sometimes I like change, I could even go so far as to say I love it. Seeing as some changes are much easier than others I thought I would make an easy one (my blog look). I need to shake things up a little and not sure what or how to go about doing that at this point in my life... Don't get me wrong I actually really like my life, I have a great husband, who is really pretty amazing, a good job, my family is pretty terrific, I like living where I live... really things are pretty good, but I am still in the mood for change. My parents moved enough in my life for me to like moving (not the packing part but the new part), being settled seems sort of stagnant, and I don't really like that feeling. I just need to figure out a way to shake things up within the confines of my life... maybe I should change around the livingroom furniture!

Two Whole Days!

2010-05-25T15:56:00.002-05:00

May Long weekend usually comes with many plans, but as far as I was concerned I was going to start me second job (a whole other post), clean my house, and catch up on some marking. Jay was going to join the guys for Friday night of the guys camping trip and then come home.
On Saturday morning Jay called and said that there were a ton of empty sites at Hecla and wondered if I wanted to go camping. Of course I had to pack up myself but it sounded like a great plan. When we got married we got given a great tent, we love it, but more importantly than keeping us dry (which it did during a windy and rainy storm on Saturday night) it gives us some quality time together. There are no distractions (TV, computers, house cleaning...), and although I did bring a little work reading to do I ignored the rest of it!
It rained a little when I arrived but it ended and we cooked and ate supper without getting wet. After we went to sleep the wind and rain picked up, Thunder and lightning began and God showed his power for some time. Except for an open window that allowed a few drops of water into our tent we remained dry and warm. Sunday was amazing and sunny and warm, we walked by the lake, I napped (napping is good) and ate a ton of campfire cooked food. So worth a messy house and extra marking this week!
By Monday afternoon we were home and unpacking, and of course trying to get rid of that campfire smell. So now back to the grind of working two jobs, Jay reffing, me marking... Thankfully two whole days gave us a chance to re-fuel, more camping trips are needed!!

Time!

2010-05-11T17:24:00.003-05:00

I was told about a site called wordle that use word size to analyze any written thing. The larger the word the more often it appears in a piece of writing. I used it on my blog.

I wasn't all that shocked to see the word 'TIME' as the biggest word. I understand completely that time is an overarching issue in my life. Busy is how I often describe my life, but even more so Jay's life; and together we are CRAZY busy! Do we do this to ourselves, absolutely! I know it, but I am not sure how to change it! We both clearly have time demanding jobs that interrupt our lives constantly, leaving work doesn't mean we are not working. We have discovered that leaving home, the country, or the area means we have quality time together, those times are oh so important but can't happen all the time.

Really the best word to describe the issue is BALANCE, finding that balance between demanding jobs, family, God, and our marriage (not in that order) is a struggle. We always say that it will change one day, but that is only true if we make it true! I have yet to come to the understanding of how to make that happen.

Spring Break... AHHHHH!!

2010-04-01T15:46:00.003-05:00

I am currently in the middle of Spring Break. As school wound down last week I began to realize how much I really NEEDED the break. While I get great joy from my job it was time for a break and a time of refreshment. This is it, and I have decided to make the most of every minute (or at least try!).
Over the weekend Jay, my dad, Tyanna and I curled in the Riverton mixed bonspeil. We were far from good, but we ended up winning prizes, and had a pretty good time. Knowing that work wasn't looming the next day probably helped.
On Monday a lazy day was had. Jay ended up taking the day off and I woke up to breakfast in bed. Two Christmas's ago Jay bought me a breakfast in bed tray, and I final got to enjoy it!
On Tuesday I headed into the city, and to Joel and Ashley's place for some Mika and Ashley time. I haven't see Mika since the weekend she was born so it was time to cuddle that little one for a while. She has grown (it is certainly easier for me to see when I haven't been around) and is super sweet. She is pretty calm and relaxed.
Dad had hand surgery on Wednesday, nothing serious, but he needed someone to drive him to and from the clinic, so I dropped him off and hit the nearest Starbucks, marking in tow. By the time he called me to come pick him up I had marked 15 of 17 research essays, and had drunk a caramel machiatto (YUMMY)! After driving him home it was time for more baby time! Mika's dr. appt. went well, and she continues to grow, (8lbs 9 oz. now).
Today was a shopping day, i needed new jeans so i headed to Old Navy, as I walked through the door I was pleasantly surprised that everything was 25% off. Needless to say not only were jeans purchased but so to were two tee-shirts and a cardigan. Another trip to Starbucks had me completing my marking and overhearing a REALLY loud conversation from the two women at the next table.
The bonus of all this is i actually have until next Thursday off, although I will probably go into work on Wednesday to make sure I am ready for kids the next day. We will have a family dinner tomorrow here at my parents house, and then my plans are up in the air. So nice to not have to be somewhere at a given time!

Name Confirmed!

2010-03-06T12:54:00.003-06:00

Mikaela Caty Hayward

This morning we went to visit... so amazingly adorable and cute. The picture was taken just as they were waking her up so she could eat.
When the nurse measured her she was surprised at how short she was, she will fit right in!! :)
All are happy and content and are spending one more night at the hospital and should (if all goes perfectly) will be home tomorrow.

Introducing!

2010-03-05T22:01:00.008-06:00

MY NEICE!

Michaela (or Mikaela) Katie (or Kady) Hayward! Born at 6:36pm. 6lbs 9oz. 18 3/4 inches long. A head full of beautiful hair!

You wouldn't even know Ashley had just given birth! Awesome mommy!

Joel, in love with his daughter already!

We have fallen in love!!

Mommy, daddy, and baby are all doing great and settling in for the first night at the hospital!

2010-03-03T11:46:00.000-06:00

Well the Olympics are over, and here is our completed wall. Canada won too many gold medals so we had to add some squares! I was happy to see my students get into the games, every morning they were bursting with information about who was winning and in what sports.

I Am an Olympic Junkie!

2010-02-13T14:43:00.002-06:00

Yup, for me the Winter Olympic Games are a pretty big deal. I love the Games for many reasons, most importantly the patriotic sprit that envelopes the entire country. These games, being on home soil, make them even more special!

I clearly remember the Lillehammer Olympics, in 1994, I was 12. We were living on Vancouver Island that year, and most of our lambs that spring were named after Canadian Athletes. It was the first Games that I was really interested in. Thus began my love-affair with the Olympics.

We actually got a satellite so that I could watch the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008. Really the winter Olympics are much superior in my mind, but I still didn’t want to miss them.

Being a teacher allows me to bring some of my excitement about world events into my job. You can bet that there will be Olympic talk daily in my classroom. In fact we have an Olympic wall already created. We made torches, with tissue paper flames, banners, Olympic rings, and have talked about some of the athletes participating in these Games. Every morning we will be graphing the medal counts. I am very much looking forward to the day we can graph Canada’s first GOLD medal on home soil. Yesterday, instead of wearing red and pink, I wore my Olympic sweater and toque, and yes my red mittens.

Over the next two weeks I will be watching as Canadian athletes take center stage, and celebrating the victories as they come!

GO CANADA GO!

2010-01-27T17:50:00.002-06:00

Wow! Over a month since I last posted! YIKES!
Our trip to Arizona was wonderful, it was nice to get away and leave all things behind (except of course Jay). We came back to snow, and cold, but with lots of new clothes and more energy than I have had in a long time!
The New Year started off with a bang and we have been running ever since. I really do love my job, and each morning I enjoy going to work, although the early mornings could be better . Report cards go out next week so thoughts and actions on that front are taking some time. Of course that is part of the job I could do without, but I guess that wouldn’t really work!
Last week was a busy one! Peanut (Joel and Ashley’s little one to come) is almost here (6ish weeks) and so on Sunday we showered Ashley with gifts and love at her baby shower. With 55 or so people my parents condo was a busy place. On Saturday we made sandwiches and such to feed everyone. It was a good but crazy weekend.
Last week I had to madly finish the quilt I had started in the summer. After forgetting it in the city I had my mom ship it to me and then finished most of it last week. I actually made Ashley drive me to the fabric store of the last piece on Saturday afternoon. This is the only picture I have or it (opps).

Of course it was also birthday weekend, Ashley, Joel and I have our birthdays within 10 days of each other so during the busy weekend we squished in a wonderful dinner with my mom and dad and Ashley’s parents. I even got a lovely bouquet of roses (from Mike and Jo).
Jay had snuck my present home from the states I was very surprised by it! He bought me a string of black freshwater pearls that I love (I am wearing them in the picture above)!
I received a wonderful gift on my actual birthday, a snow day, complete with my husband at home! It was even a nicer present because I didn’t think I would even see Jay that day, he had a late meeting scheduled, but that was cancelled because of the snow. What a relaxing, and somewhat productive day!

Well and update is complete!

100th Post!

2009-12-24T15:26:00.003-06:00

Not a snowflake in sight!

My 100th post on this blog and I am sitting in the clubhouse in Mesa and am enjoying a quiet day. Dad and Jay have gone golfing so I am hanging out and enjoying some rest and relaxation. A couple of people have come into the clubhouse and mentioned that it is too quiet around here. I keep thinking this is just the way I like it!

Our flight was uneventful, left on time, and we made our connection in Denver, just in time I hear as flights are delayed everywhere as a storm hits across the country (but not here!). We arrived in Phoenix without Jay's golf clubs, and after a little bit of trouble they were delivered yesterday.

We shopped yesterday, which included clothes for both Jay and I and a new wedding ring for Jay, seeing as he lost his this summer. Tomorrow will also be a quiet day, seeing as shopping is not an option :) We have dinner plans with people Jay and I have never met (or at least don't remember) but other than that the day will be another relaxing one. We have a hotel room booked for Canadian Boxing Day (thanks to a gift certificated from Joel and Ashley). Then more shopping, I am guessing more golfing, and then it will almost be time to head back to Canada. I hear the snow is falling back home, which means that when I get home the skis can get put on and I can enjoy another day or two of my vacation doing the things that make me the most happy!

Wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS! See you in the New Year!

When Time Races!

2009-12-14T16:55:00.002-06:00

WOW!! As Jay reminded me this weekend, it has been over a month since my last update. A busy month!
I have taken up curling and for the last four weeks have been curling twice a week. Once in the ladies league, and once in lessons. Both with Jay. On Mondays and Wednesdays I haven't been home before nine, Jay and I usually go out for dinner or bring dinner and eat at the curling rink, going home just doesn't work. Although I am absolutely not good at curling, for the most part I am enjoying it.
We have made some trips to Winnipeg recently to get the Christmas shopping done. In fact, we celebrated Christmas with my immediate family just last weekend as we will be split up this year. Mom made turkey for dinner, we opened presents and played two LOUD games of Cranium (each gender winning one). Of course I always wonder if we disturb the neighbours, we Hayward's aren't known for our quietness!
With the last week of school upon us the practicing seems as though it has overtaken my life as my students prepare for the Christmas concert on Friday night. I always get a little nervous about how my students will do, and so my stress level is a little high, and patience a little low, this time of year is probably not my best.
Of course I keep looking forward to the Christmas concert being over, because that brings us to Christmas break! This year that means a night in MacGregor with Jay's family and then a night in the city before we fly south for 10 days! :) A real, warm, no pressure vacation! Every ounce of my being is craving warmth and time with my husband that is not scheduled and mapped out on a calendar! For ten blissful days we will shop, golf, read,hike, sleep, and relax with no schedule, no meetings, no 10+ hour work days, and no real demands on our time. Maybe that is selfish but my mind, body, soul and relationships need this time! I am very much looking forward to it! Dad will pick us up at the airport on Tuesday afternoon and I hope not to need a winter jacket until mom picks us up on New Years Eve! BRING ON THE WARMTH!!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2009-11-03T17:34:00.002-06:00

Teaching takes up so much of my time that by the time I get home my computer stays in its' case and I refuse to even look at it. Today I am still at work, and am procrastinating. It is almost report card time and that is taking some mental energy, next week it will actually take some physical time and energy too, but for now I will just think about them!

Last weekend we spent time in the city. On a busy Saturday I went shopping with Sheri, to my Grandma and Grandpa's for a quick visit, to the fabric store with mom, and out for dinner with the family to celebrate my mom's birthday. Sunday was a quiet day for me but on both Saturday and Sunday Jay went to the comic convention.

As we sat around the table reminiscing we realized that it had been two years since Ashley's first official family gathering as the girlfriend. Wow, time flies! Their baby continues to grow and the excitement continues to grow right along with it. Today we all saw him/her for the first time on the ultrasound pictures. Of course I am already buying baby gifts for him/her! I can't wait to be an auntie!

I am almost longing for snow now, dreaming of getting on my skis and enjoying the cold and snow. For now I dread the in-between weather and the cold recesses. Of course the count down to Christmas and our trip is on, can't wait to be warm and in the sun!!

New Blog!

2009-10-28T16:17:00.001-05:00

Jay is back in the blogging world, you can find his thoughts at: jboknows.blogspot.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2009-10-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

From this....

to this!

Today is Jay's 26th birthday!
I really am lucky to be married to such a great guy.

Ironically our first date was three years ago yesterday (yes I think it has been that long already!!) So happy birthday, and first date anniversary! Love you tons!

Into the Groove, and Loving It!

2009-09-30T17:16:00.003-05:00

Routine is getting set, and life is getting into a normal rhythm. In fact with two whole weekends at home it feels like Jay and I actually live in Mennville!
I am loving my job for the most part. I am really enjoying getting to know my kids and they really are great! I have 19 eager beavers! Don't get me wrong, I had great kids these last four years, I am just enjoying the getting to know you part of school. Setting up routine and expectations, learning the students' strengths and likes and dislikes, it really is the good stuff of teaching. Being able to focus strictly on teaching and my students has made this first month at Morweena even more enjoyable, no government paperwork makes teaching much more focused. Of course I am also enjoying dusting off some of my old favourites and re-teaching them. Electricity has reemerged and it looks like my students are enjoying building circuits, lighting up light bulbs and playing with batteries, of course they are learning something too! Poetry has grabbed many of them. Shel Silverstien never gets old, and we have enjoyed many a chuckle as we read his poems. Kids are writing poems like crazy, the boys get to be funny, the girls re-write songs and express their thoughts on everything from hairbrushes to friends. With the lack of planning these old units take it leaves more time for marking and the such. There are still many late nights at work, and work to do in the evenings and on weekends but that is just the life of a teacher. I feel like we have had a really good start to the school year, and I love it!!
In other news Jay has been busy with work, he is coaching highschool soccer, has evening meetings, and such. We joke, but it is true, if we end up having dinner together twice a week we are doing good. Thankfully we have carved out some weekend time together the last couple of weeks. Although the October calendar is filling up so we will see if that continues.

Seeking Routine!

2009-09-20T16:46:00.003-05:00

I meant to update sooner but life has been a little crazy! Starting a new job at a new school has taken some late nights and early mornings, by the time I get home from work plugging in my computer is low on my list of things I want to do. Usually fall routine comes quicker to me but Friday was the first day I left work before 5, which wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't only the second time I have left before 6. One night I managed to stay until 7:15. Add the half hour drive and my days have been rather long. Other than the adjusting to a new routine the start of the school year has been very enjoyable. I have 19 grade 5 and 6 students, 5 boys and 14 girls. They are really good kids and I have enjoyed the last two weeks of getting to know them. I really like being part of a bigger staff. All things considered it has been a great beginning. My goal for this week is to get into routine, spend less hours at work in the evening and start feeling like I have a life outside of my classroom.

This weekend was an enjoyable one. Joel and Ashley came up for a movie marathon. We ate and watched movies all day yesterday, and by watched movies that means the boys watched and the girls slept! Ashley had a rough week and needed rest, I have no excuse, but I look forward to starting the week well rested! Joel slept in the tent with the dogs while Ashley took the bed in the guestroom. It was nice to be at home this weekend as we haven't had a weekend at home in weeks.

Jay's schedule is picking up steam. between the two of us we are hardly ever home. It seems that that is pretty normal this time of year though. He has just started coaching the highschool's soccer teams so that will keep him busy.

On to completing work things!

A Quick Update!

2009-08-28T10:33:00.004-05:00

This is my last Friday with no obligations for 10 long months. I had planned to go into work I today but have decided that I won't and instead will work from home and relax a little before the craziness ensues! As far as school goes things have changed in the last week or so. Originally I was teaching 30 kids in grades 4-6, but that was CRAZY!! So instead I am teaching 17 kids in grades 5 and 6, which seems much more manageable. I love those grades so the whole thing has me very excited. I have spent many hours in my new classroom this week and am feeling close to organized. I will work many more hours next week and feel good about having kids in front of me by the end of the week.

Jay is at work today, the first Friday he has worked since I finished school in June. We have enjoyed many Fridays together this summer and I have been thankful for the extra time we have been able to spend together. This will all end abruptly next week when I go back to work full time, and his fall schedule starts back up. We will keep focused on Christmas time, and the nine days of warmth and shopping we have planned!

Content and Loving It!

2009-08-17T19:58:00.003-05:00

Yup, I am feeling content this week, and I love it. It seems that all fog has passed and I am felling normal. Some may know that this winter was unpleasant for me, apparently a hormonal imbalance isn't good for you. Since going off the dreaded pill I am happier, cry less, and have the energy and motivation to actually get things done. Amazing!

This weekend Jay booked our plane tickets for our trip. After visiting Arizona for 44 hours last February we have decided to make another trip. The original plan was for us to go to Mexico for Joel and Ashley's wedding so the money is saved and they are already married, thus the decision to go somewhere else.We are going for 9 days over my Christmas break. The condo is in a 55+ complex so my dad is joining us for at least some of the trip, mom will stay home and celebrate Christmas with Joel and Ash. Mom and Dad will go again in February but that just doesn't work for Jay and I. I am grateful that my parents are willing to accommodate us! We are so looking forward to this trip as a chance to spend some time together without thoughts about work or demands on our time. Being warm will be wonderful, and shopping is a must!

I am back to thinking and getting excited about work! The planning has begun. There are some definite pluses to the whole situation. I am teaching at a new school and therefore don't have to plan everything from scratch. My favourite read aloud novel study (The Tale of Despereaux) has been dusted off, unit plans from past years are reviewed, but not planned from scratch. I also look forward to meeting new kids and setting up new routines with them. Of course the fact that I could have up to 30 kids is a little intimidating! I can't wait to get into my classroom and organize it (plus that means getting some of this stuff out of my office and basement!!).

Ashley and I hit the mall this weekend. Bonus number 101 of having a sister I have someone to shop with! My cousin is getting married in a couple of weeks and the invitation says "black tie optional" so we shopped for outfits and accessories for that occasion. Ashley is defiantly showing and didn't have anything to wear. We found some dressy tops she could wear with her black maternity pants. I found earrings, a necklace, and a purse to complete the dress I bought when I was in Mesa.

Dad is doing pretty good. He is feeling restless at home and has made a couple of trip on the bus to keep himself occupied. His pneumonia has cleared up and his antibiotics have ended. Another week and he should be able to go back to work, and drive, and do more; a doctors appointment hopefully will confirm this.

Life is good!

Someone is Having a Baby!!

2009-08-11T18:34:00.005-05:00

No Not me!

My little brother and his lovley wife are adding a new member into our tight-knit family. Which means I get to be an auntie! I keep saying I want to be an auntie before I am a mommy and it looks like that will be happening. They are due in March and anticipation and excitment is already growing!

No Place Like Home!

2009-08-08T22:11:00.002-05:00

I finally arrived home yesterday. I love spending time with my family and I am happy to help out when needed but I understand why dad is going crazy being at home! After some outings, trips to his job site, shopping errands, and doctors appointments there wasn't much else to do. As he continues to feel better and less tired he will get more and more restless, I am sure he will be doing things he shouldn't be doing next week!
Mom and dad's new condo is great and it will really suit them and their lifestyle. Thanks to many helpers it was set up and organized before dad got home from the hospital. seeing as he can't lift things over 5 or 10 pounds he wouldn't have been much help in moving furniture etc.
I am now home and happy to get settled after two weeks of craziness. I am excited to go into work on Monday. The rainy weather we have been having makes me feel like I should be heading back to work and I am excited to go and get inspired! i want to find out what curriculums I am teaching, etc. So I can start planning and dreaming about the next ten months.

Life As I Know It!

2009-08-04T22:23:00.002-05:00

Dad is now out of the hospital and recovering at home! His diet is changing and he has been given strict orders (from MOM) that things will change! He is already bored and has asked me to take him to the job site tomorrow (so I will). I am spending the next couple of days in the city driving him around. I have a list of errands that I need to accomplish while I am in the city.

I am longing to start back at work. I love the planning time, and even more so the time spent setting up a new classroom. I am hoping that next week I can have some of that time! Until then it is hanging out with my family while Jay is at home alone!

Heart Attacks, Hospitals and Family

2009-07-29T17:31:00.000-05:00

Not long after I posted the last post my mom called. In her calm and collected voice she informed me that the ambulance was at their house because dad was having a heart attack. How she stays so calm I will never know, because my reaction was at the other end of the spectrum. Jay rushed upstairs thinking I had cut my hand off. We jumped in the car and headed for St. Boniface hospital... not knowing what we would find when we arrived there. We actually got gas but didn’t pay for it until the next day, small towns are great!

When we arrived at the hospital mom met us outside. Dad was still in pain, and was getting pumped full of medications. I guess things got a little scary when the ambulance people couldn’t get an IV in. My dad has really bad veins from all his chemo so they couldn’t give him the medication that they wanted. It took a couple of people and tries before the IV’s were in. The bruises will probably last weeks.
We went into the emergency room dad was in and talked with him. The nurses were watching him really closely and the pain was being managed with lots of drugs. They were hoping the clot busting drug would stop the pain but it didn’t work. As a family we talked, poked fun and each other and talked some more. Being around a hospital bed isn’t that foreign to us. At midnight we sent Jay and Joel home (Ashley had gone home earlier). Mom and I prepared for a long night of waiting.

Around 1am they took dad for an angiogram to see where the blockage was and if they could get it out. Mom and I slept (at least we tried to sleep) in the waiting room and waited, and waited and waited some more. They told us that these things don’t take that long, 30 minutes or so.... but we waited for over two hours with no updates or signs of human life (the hospital seemed empty). The doctors and nurses had to be called in from home, I am sure those 1am phone calls don’t make them that happy.

Just after 3am they called us into the room to see dad. The nurse said the doctor had performed two miracles getting the two shunts in to keep the artery open. He was doped up on whatever drugs they gave him but was feeling a little better. The nurse got him settled in the cardiac care unit and we said good bye. By the time we caught a taxi (mom came in the ambulance, me with Jay) we got home at 4:30am. After cleaning up the medical supplies that the ambulance left we fell into bed and slept soundly until 7ish when dad’s cell started ringing with guys wondering why he wasn’t at work.

By 10:30 we were up again, and phone calls were the main objective for the first little while. To the hospital, to family that didn’t know yet, to update Joel, Jay, and Ashley. In my panic the night before I didn’t bring anything with me so a trip to Zellers saved the day and I picked up necessities. Mom and I headed up to the hospital to check in on dad. He was still receiving drugs, on a heart monitor, and such but was feeling better. He was very happy to learn lunch had been delivered, he couldn’t sit up so mom fed him lying down. His normal heart rhythm had returned and his stats looked good.

When we left we headed to the new condo (mom and dad had started moving, hence the over exertion and therefore the heart attack) and checked it out, and ran some errands and headed home. June (my mother-in-law) popped in to see how we were doing. We headed to Joel and Ashley’s to eat (thanks again Ash). Thankfully between Joel and Ash and Ashley’s parents I was able to borrow a car to get home (family is a wonderful thing). I made one last visit with dad before driving back home last night. Dad was up walking, and frustrated he couldn’t walk further. He was off everything but the heart monitor, he even made phone calls to work last night.

Today things sound like the improvement has continued. I am back in Riverton as Jay and I are running Space camp, exhausted today, and looking forward to getting a full night’s sleep. We are heading back to the city on Friday morning after space camp is over. We will help mom get the old house cleaned and ready for the new owners.
We don’t know when dad is coming home yet, but we hope to have the condo all set up and ready to go so he has nothing to do when he gets there. Mom has hired movers to finish up the move on Thursday morning.

I am sure the recovery will be a little slower than dad would want it to be. I hope to spend next week with mom and dad in city, to help where I can.

Thank you for your prayers, phone calls, emails, offers of help and concern, they have meant a lot to us all.

A Weekend Away

2009-07-27T18:35:00.005-05:00

This weekend we embarked on our first camping trip. After running some errands and such in Winnipeg on Thursday morning/afternoon Jay and I headed to St. Malo Provincial Park. We set up camp in the rain/drizzle and I was thankful we had set the tent up in our basement so we had a clue what to do. I was pleasantly surprised with this campground. We had a very wooded and private site in Bay 9. Other than the campsite across the bay we couldn’t see or hear our neighbours. On the map it looked like we were a ways away from the nearest bathroom and the showers but with the many paths through the woods it wasn’t so far away.

The two of us enjoyed a quiet night and all day on Friday by ourselves. We enjoyed a walk to the beach and great cookie dough ice cream from the stand near the big beach. Our tent (thanks Mark and Jobina) has a big vestibule at the front. I was very thankful that during the showers we had we could sit in there and read, play cards, or eat.

Friday evening Joel and Ashley (and puppies) came to join us. They set up their camp and then we cooked dinner over the fire. The next morning breakfast was cooked and served at our site (we realized that Jay and I had too much stuff to haul back and forth so they came to us). We enjoyed another walk to the beach, more ice cream, and a sunny walk back to camp. Oh, and MANY discussions! In fact Joel and Jay mocked the chatter between Ashley and I (a sister is a great thing!!).
We brought so much food that after cooking it all up on Saturday night we realized we had more than we could eat! Of course we left room for wild berry pie irons for dessert!

Sunday morning the rain came and Joel and Ashley packed up quickly (the only benefit of a small tent is the quick set-up and take-down). Jay and I hung out and waited for the rain to stop before we packed up and headed home.
Jay and I have spent a lot of time with Joel and Ash this summer. I look back at our teenage years and laugh at the time we now spend together. I really enjoy that we now have a much closer relationship than we have ever had. I think it might have something to do with his wife, but none the less it is nice to be closer.

I really enjoyed the weekend away. I would recommend St. Malo campground to everyone, it was a great place to spend the weekend!

A Year Ago Today...

2009-07-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

I married a great man!

I re-read my blog posts about the wedding the other day it is hard to believe it was a year ago. A day really can change the rest of your life! I loved that day, I loved wearing the dress, I loved seeing family and friends... but over the last year I have loved that that day allowed me to be married to a great guy.

He does so many little things to try to make my life easier. I have come home on many occasions to a cooked dinner, a clean house, a planned date... I was so worried that I would be responsible for so much around the house, I am grateful that he helps out and contributes.

As with anything in life this year has brought some great things and some not so great things. I am blessed to be married to a man who will stand by me in those not so great times! One of the most important things I have realized through the not so great times is that I can count on Jay to be there for me. I guess when it comes down to it that is one of the most important part of any marriage.

The last year has been a year of growth and adjusting but I am so happy that I have been able to grow and adjust with Jay. I am blessed to be married to Jay and can’t wait to spend many more years loving him.

Another Summer Weekend Over!

2009-07-13T17:16:00.004-05:00

This summer we (as in Jay and I) are enjoying three day weekends, thanks to his built up over time he is taking Friday's off. Of course my schedule is very flexible at this point so I get to enjoy his company for three consecutive days every week!
On Friday Joel and Ashley joined us for a Blue Bomber Game. Now that Joel is married I seem to see much more of him! Ashley is a good influence on him! I really do enjoy hanging out with them!
Saturday was mow the lawn, clean the house day, although we did take a trip to Gimli to grocery shop and go for dinner. On our way we bought pic-a-pops, it has been a long time since I have had on of those tasty treats. I love them because they aren't very carbonated, I hate the fizz in normal pop! Pop out of glass bottles makes me happy, and brings me back to my trip to Dominica, where after a long hike handing out fliers we came across a little shack selling pop in glass bottles, it was a answer to our thirsty prayers!
On Sunday Mark an Jobina (and Riker and Trinity of course) came for dinner (Mark spoke at church so they were in Mennville for the day). It seems when we have company over Jay loves to cook (he likes it when we don't have company too, but it is more fun when he can serve his creation to more than just me). I get out of the cooking part, but get stuck with the dishes, not sure that is a good trade!
Not only did he cook diner but he also made a big pasta salad for lunch today and homemade chocolate chip cookies, YUMMY!!

New Look!

2009-07-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

Winter is over and I decided a new look for my blog was in order. Of course it had to be pink, nothing else would do! If I missed you on my blog list please let me know!
This past weekend was a busy one as Jay and I helped to organize and run childcare at the EMC confrence. It actually went really smoothly, but by Sunday night it was nice to rest and relax.
We are finding a schedule as summer begins. Jay is working many evening and goes into work later in the day. If we really thought about it and planned we could enjoy breakfast together, as we won't do dinner very often. Alas, we haven't done that yet, maybe next week!
This week has been a quiet one, lazy mornings, some random chores in the afternoons, and some packing time at the school. Today I don't want to leave the house as a storm is brewing outside. Thunder can be heard and the wind looks a little wicked. A large cup of coffee and a yummy breakfast sounds like a good way to start a blustery day! I guess the rain means I won't be cutting grass today, as much as I would have liked to :)

Back in the Saddle

2009-06-23T18:02:00.003-05:00

Yup, a blog after all this time! More importantly I am motivated enough to write a blog. After months of not feeling like doing anything (work, dishes, house cleaning, talking, facebook, walking... you get the picture), except of course sleeping, I am feeling like myself again and so happy about it! A little change can make a big difference!

This past weekend we had my whole family come to spend the weekend with us. My family are the most important people in my life, we see them often because we go into the city, it was nice to have them out here! I was a little apprehensive about it because my brother and sister-in-law have two big dogs. The dogs were amazing, they enjoyed our yard and were tuckered out after a couple of tosses of the ball, the slept in the shade. Joel and Ashley tented it on our front lawn because the dogs can't come in the house (Jay has wicked bad allergies). Mom and dad brought up their patio set (one of the many great items we get because of the move), so we enjoyed the sunshine out in the yard for most of the weekend. Bocce ball and games of "dice" were our main forms of entertainment. A great way to spend Father's Day weekend!

School/work is almost over and it is coming with a bitter-sweet ending. Of course students are happy summer is here (okay, so are teachers), but the knowledge that there won't be a next year makes this ending not so sweet. Sweet or not there is lots to be done in the next week (our last day is June 30). Report cards, finish up work, final tests, and, of course, picnic are all on my to-do list. It goes without saying that this blog is one way to procrastinate!

July will be here before I know it! With it comes our EMC Confrence, where Jay and I are helping to organize Childcare. After that it will be back to work for me. As teachers we have a lot of packing and such to do before the end of July. Jay and I plan to go camping, Jay hopes to take some Friday's off so we can spend more time relaxing. Joel and Ashley may join us for a trip as well. Jay has asked me to help with Space camp later in July, and I have committed to helping with DVBS out in Grindstone the first week of August. After that it will be time to prep for next year. I am excited to be teaching grade 4-6 at Morweena. I love those grades!

It will be a full summer! I look forward for being home for most of it as last summer was so unsettled (in winnipeg, at camp, on honeymoon, etc.). this summer holds much promise for relaxation and fun!

With that it is back to those pesky report cards!

The Secret is Out! and Link-up Day!

2009-04-21T17:13:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I got a phone call from the Manitoba Coordinator for the Marsville Program. He informed me that one of my students had won the national writing contest to have a small planet named after them. All the Marsville participants had the opportunity to participate in the contest. I had all my students write a 300 or less word entry but they had the choice to enter or not, most of my students did. Of course I had to keep this information as secret as possible (although a few people needed to be told in order for the mom of this student to be there, plus I had a hard time containing my excitement!). I must say that I was a pretty proud teacher!

The announcement took place today, at Link-Up Day! Not only was it announced in the gym we were in but it was announced across the country in all the Marsville sites. I was so excited to see the reaction of this student. Surprises are so fun!

The student was pretty surprised! The media was there and there were interviews and conversations. It was pretty crazy for a bit! Congrats Sarah!

Of course Link—Up day was not just for the winning student but all my students, who worked hard on their Marsville projects. We set up huge bubbles and presented our projects. It was a crazy, busy day! At times a little unorganized but the end result was that we complete the Marsville Program. Time always becomes a factor when dealing with so many kids, and we didn’t have enough time for everything we wanted to get done. The morning was more productive than the afternoon. Time just flew by! The kids haven’t received their feedback for the galactic visitors but I have seen it and it was pretty positive. They get to read it tomorrow. I was really proud of how all of my students created their bubbles, presented their projects, and their behaviour. I was happy with the day!

We brought a bubble home with us and will be setting it up on Thursday evening at the school for parents and the community to see. Students will also be presenting their projects. This will give us all a chance to celebrate the great learning that has taken place.

About Time For An Update

2009-04-11T10:39:00.003-05:00

No excuses but i haven't blogged in awhile! So here is an update (finally!)
Last week I enjoyed a wonderful Spring Break, it was busy, but not too busy! I enjoyed a day in the city with Jay (complete with the purchase of pink rubber boots and pink and black soccer cleats), I went cross-sountry skiing at Hecla by myself on Tuesday. I skied over 15km and afterwards my legs felt a little like jello! At about 10km I would have loved to stop, but it was either 10km back or 5 km ahead, I kept going forward! My dad came out for a couple of days to play in a curling bonspiel with Jay, and then Blake (my youngest brother-in-law) came out for a couple of days. Other than loosing (badly) at a game of Risk it was a good week!
Now back at work my students and I are grearing up for our Link-Up day and preparing for our "trip to Mars". After a week of panic we are on track and I am very much looking forward to seeing my students in a new setting!
Soccer season is gearing up so Jay will become super busy with painting lines, coaching and referee clincs, and organizing coaches and schedules. Next week he has a meeting every day of the week except Sunday! A little crazy if you ask me, but this too shall pass! :)
Of course Jay just bought me a new toy so next week, while he is at meetings I can move files from my old computer to my new laptop! I have wanted on for years now and my computer is dieing so it was time for a new one! LOVE IT!
That is life in a nutshell!

ANOTHER DAY OFF!

2009-03-25T10:30:00.002-05:00

This is getting a little bit silly, I mean it is the end of March and we have another school day closed because of weather! Spring break is three days away and I am thinking it won't be springy, instead it will be snowy! I am sure my students don't mind another day off, but right now I do!

A Phone Call Brings A Sister!

2009-02-22T17:50:00.005-06:00

On Wednesday morning around 11am my father called me at school. I returned his call and discovered that my little brother was going to get married in Mesa, Arizona, this weekend! Ashley and Joel were planning a wedding for a year from now, but things were getting out-of-control and they were not planning the wedding they really wanted to have. So a quick change in plans resulted in a fairytale!

The biggest problem in all of this was the lack of passports for Jay and I. My parents, her parents, and the bride and groom were already in Mesa for their vacation. Jay and I just needed to get there. With a lot of help from great friends (Sheri, Lorna, Stephanie, and Mark) we got our passports in just over 24 hours! I didn't even know it was possible! Dad booked our flights, and we arrived here at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon! Of course it was a little crazy on Wednesday because I couldn't get in touch with Jay (who had a surprise meeting). Dad booked our tickets without Jay even knowing about it! It all worked out, and we made it!

I quickly got ready for the wedding (I found a little brown dress in Sears on Wednesday night) and we were off to the wedding location. I could not believe the location of this event! WOW! It was a castle! AMAZINGLY beautiful. Pictures won't do it justice but here are some anyways:

The Reception

The cemony

They planned the entire thing in three days! The dress, the flowers, the rings, the entire thing! They wouldn't have had a more perfect wedding if they planned it in 3 years!

Here they are getting married! I was upgraded to Maid-of-Honor becasue Mel couldn't be here, my dad was the best man. There were 12 guests there to honor this wonderful marriage Ashley's parents, my parents, Jay and I, Ashely's sister and three kids, and my aunt and uncle)!

The food was AMAZING! I don't think have ever had a meal as good as this dinner!

Stonebridge Manor did an amazing job of pulling it all together. They even had a cake for the reception!

I have always wanted a sister! I never imagined I would get such a great one! Isn't she beautiful!

So after the tears (I didn't think I could be there at first), the excitment, and the whirlwind, it was a great wedding! I was so glad to be there and be a part of my brothers wonderful day!

The people at the condo complex that my parents live in put on a reception at the pool when we got back.

We are still in Mesa. Today we are enjoying wearing shorts and doing some shopping! It is nice to finally see the condo my parents bought last year. When they talk about it I now know why they like it here so much! My aunt and uncle have a condo in the same complex and have let us sleep in their spare room (Joel and Ash are in my parents spare room tonight). We head home tomorrow; I like being warm so I wish we were staying a little longer!

My Life Has Been Overtaken By Aliens!

2009-02-09T15:57:00.002-06:00

Okay not really, but close! My students and I have started a new unit on Space. I figured I could teach it the old boring, read this, answer these questions, way, or I could do something neat! I chose to have some fun and we are now embarking on a trip to Mars. Okay, not really, but close!

We are part of the Marsville project. A project sponsored and put on (for free, teachers like that word) by the National Research Council. Throughout the next three months we will be learning about Space, Mars specifically, doing crazy, but interesting experiments, learning about Space Travel, talking about nutrition and fitness (astronauts need to be physically fit), and building life-support systems. Students even blog and make their own mission patches. In the end we will spend a day “on Mars” with the rest of the Manitoba participants. We build massive bubbles (I built one on Friday and it was big, trust me!) and present our projects inside of them (“on Mars”). Already it has been lots of fun, and we have only just begun.

Of course a project like this means a little more prep for me to do, but the smiles and excitement of students is worth the late evenings! In fact I am becoming very interested in Space too. It was really never my thing until now, but wow are there some interesting finds out there in our big, wide universe. God created Earth, which was awe-inspiring. But WOW!, He also created so much else, all of which are also awe-inspiring! So while Aliens have not really overtaken my life the study of Space (which does not include aliens) has me hooked!

New Hobby and COLD Days!

2009-01-14T14:19:00.001-06:00

Over Christmas I invested my Christmas gift money in a pair of Cross Country Skis. Mom had gotten some for her birthday in November, and after a ski with her (I rented skis) I was hooked! I went out and bought a nice set and have used them a couple of times already. I have made a loop around the school yard; it was tough to plow it out the first time (and then it snowed a ton the next day), I have since made my track again. I have also been to Windsor Park a couple of times with mom. It has been fun, and a great way to get active! I do have a rule though; I won’t go out if the wind chill is below -30!

I guess that brings me to the cold day topic! I am currently on day 2 of no students. The wind chill has just been too much to have kids driving to school. When it hits -45 they get to stay home. From the phone calls I made today I gather they don’t really mind. Yesterday was extremely productive. I am participating in a very cool space program (Marsville) with my students starting this month, and I managed to get it all planned yesterday! What a great gift to have a whole day to work on it. If only I could start already (I am a tad excited about it!)!! Today I set my sights on the pile o’marking! I managed to get some of it done, plus a few random things that have been on my to-do list. These days are really blessings (except of course for the walk to and from school, which is a little cold!). Tomorrow I want students in desks here at school though. In order to start Marsville we need to finish our current unit in Science, plus three days at work without students will be very boring!! We have work to do!

When the cold comes I think about next February! I am already dreaming about warm beaches!!

Those of you going to Mesa, don’t rub it in! You will be warm, the rest of us won’t be, I already know that!

The Reason to Collect Coins!

2009-01-05T23:02:00.000-06:00

I have bags, envelopes, and stashes of coin all over my house (I am clearly my grandfather’s grandchild). Every year my students have done a Christmas project, which has involved bringing in money for either World Vision or Gospel for Asia (this year Room 4 students raised enough to buy 2 pigs, 4 chickens, a water filter, a blanket and gospel tracks!). Kids, being kids, bring every form of money they can, they do bring in the occasional bill, but with it always comes many pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies. Neither of these two charities want to be shipped a bag full of pennies so I always pay for the gifts and take the coins, etc. Students also pay for book orders with random change. I have taken all these coins, and many others that I have found at the bottom of my purse (and often I leave some in old purses that find their way into the closet), in pockets, in the washing machine, the list is endless. The bags have grown, and when I moved, they all found their way into a drawer of my desk.

Last night Jay and I decided that this money would become the start of our Mexico trip fund. It was all just sitting there, and we have a trip to go on! At first we guessed that maybe there was $200 dollars. We sorted the coins, and then the counting began… We counted, and counted, and counted (okay it didn’t really take that long but it was a process). We passed $200 quite easily and kept on counting. In the end we had counted almost $600!! Maybe I shouldn’t have had all that money sitting in my desk!

In the end the Mexico fund has started (we even added more to it with a gift we received over Christmas!). Now I just need next February to come, bring on the warmth!

I now love coins! My new coin collection will start tomorrow!

Welcome 2009, Goodbye To One of The Best Years Of My LIfe!

2009-01-01T11:55:00.001-06:00

With 2009 now begun it might be fun to think about the year that has just past, what a year it was! My friends Dayna and Alyssa did month by month recaps on their blogs, I very much enjoyed reading them; however many of the months in 2008 would include wedding planning, wedding planning and more wedding planning (with very little other news)! While it was exciting then I just can’t write a whole month-by-month post about it! So here is my year recap, with a little different format:

It was certainly a big year in my life! The highlight, of course, was the wedding! After months of planning the day went by so quickly! All of a sudden it was over and we were married! I don’t know if you can get much more life changing than that!

Of course there were other events and milestones this year, it was a whole 12 months after all! Jay moved into what would be “our” house, and I spent less time at my apartment, and more time across the road. Of course one of my sacriest moments happened in the house when I was there alone. I will never forget the bird visiting! I slowly moved my stuff over (things I didn’t need/want at home), the big move didn’t come until the end of June, when I threw all of my stuff into the kitchen and left for my parent’s house. Of course I enjoyed setting up my house after we were married, what fun!

I spent the second week of our marriage at BCBC. It was under sad circumstances that I went, but I love camp and love what camp is about, at least it was something I could do. It was a ton of fun with some great kids!

This summer the cottage sold, so we had no weekends out there. As much as I didn’t want it to go I had so little time for it this year that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. My parents bought the condo in Mesa, one of these years we might even get to go down there.

In November my little brother asked Ashley to be his wife. My parents might have thought the wedding planning (and spending) was over, but not for long. We get to look forward to their wedding in 2010!
Now Christmas has come and gone and I look forward to another (maybe a little less life-changing year). At this time last year I knew some of the things that would happen in my life in 2008, 2009 is a big blur. The blur make life a little exciting, God has a big open door to do great things!

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-23T10:11:00.002-06:00

Christmas mornings are some of my favorite childhood memories. When we were little Joel and I would be so excited about Chritmas morning, we certianly woke our parents up and crazy hours to open presents and to see if Santa ate the cookies we left him. My parents would join us at the tree as early as we could make them get up, in all reality they would get up fairly early, we were good at pestering. It was usually just the four of us because the rest of our extend family lived provinces away. We would open our stocking and then dad would make eggs benedict, then we could open the rest of our presents. All day we would play and enjoy some family time. The turkey had to cook all day and the smells would waft through the house.

I loved those traditions and in many ways they continue even today. Okay thing are a little different these days. It is now dad who is the first up. In fact, as I slept on the couch last year I was woken up really early as dad made coffee (this year I get the luxury of a bed, being married has it's perks). The four of us have now become 6, which is even better than 4! Dad still makes breakfast, and we still enjoy some morning family time. At the same times things have changed, we are closer to extend family, and now I have added more family to the need to see list.

All this being said I am currently struggling with how Jay and I start and keep our own family traditions. You see I loved those traditions so much that I want them for our children (when we have them, many years from now). Actullaly, I kind of want them for myself even now. This Christmas is seems we are on "go mode". We are already in the city, we came in Sunday night to take our parents (both sets) out to Celebrations. Tomorrow is the Putnam gathering, then on Christmas day we go to Jay's family gathering, and then on Boxing day the Hayward gathering. After that we will head to McGregor and spend some time with the Boaz's before heading back home. I like to see all the family and enjoy some good visits, but will this crazyness make good memories? I want to wake up on Christmas day in our own bed and spend some time together as a family (even if that means just Jay and I).

Maybe this is a common stuggle for the newly married!

Happy 10th Birthday Dad!

2008-12-09T10:57:00.005-06:00

My dad turns 10 today! It was 10 years ago today that dad sat in his hospital bed and recieved his stems cells. Sometimes it feels like it wasn't nearly that long ago, other times it feels like it was a very long time ago. 10 years ago we didn't know what the stem cell transplant would mean; would it give him a year, or less, or more? The doctors were only somewhat hopeful that this would really work. From what I remember it wasn't much fun for dad, the chemo was pretty harsh, and he even hallucinated for a couple of days. It might have sucked but I was so glad he did it! The angles he collected and hung from his IV pole still adorn our Christmas tree. The prayers that were said that year did not go unanswered.

Happy 10th Birthday dad! May there be many more!

Here is the family (Dad on the end), on one of the most important days for a father and daughter!

Good For a Few Laughs!

2008-12-02T17:47:00.002-06:00

AHHHH!! My day has been interesting, and looking back good for a few laughs. I wanted to drive to work today (I was going into town right after work to get stuff for a class party), so I got in my car, and promptly got stuck (the heavy wind last night blew all the snow across the driveway)! I abandoned ship and walked to work, I figured I would deal with it later. I warned my students that a party might not happen becasue there was a chance I wouldn't be able to get to town. This was not good for them, so the shoveled my car out (reminds me that my kids are really great people)! Party saved!

I got to town and did my shopping. As I was in teh checkout line at Co-op I picked up the bottle of dish soap I was buying. the lid fell off, and soap dumped all over the til. Oppps! I still smell like soap! When I got back to school (I have a meeting tonight) I realized I forgot the chocolate milk I was buying for the party (I even had a list) . GRRRR!! I am hoping that hot chocolate will make up for the lack of milk becasue I am NOT driving back to town!

All I can do is laugh, and be so thankful I have people around me to dig my car out of the snow, and maybe even forgive my forgetfullness!

A Very Good Day!

2008-11-30T18:04:00.002-06:00

I enjoyed a good, even wonderful day today! After Church this afternoon Jay and I decorated our Christmas tree. He usually doesn't let me put it up until December 1st, but he is gone for most of the week and I am gone next weekend so he agreed to do it today! We listened to Christmas music and ate chocolate fondue and put up the tree! It is officially Christmas time!

After decorating and eating was done I enjoyed a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap. Really I think God created Sunday's for just such a thing. I love napping, but I love it even more on Sunday's, maybe because I have no guilt about relaxing on the day of rest!

Not long after I woke up my sister (in-law, to be) called me. She asked me to be her bridesmaid! So much fun to FINALLY have a sister, and I am blessed to be part of her and Joel's wedding. Bonus: there will be no seafoam green, puffed sleeved bridesmaid dresses!

So it has been a good day! Actually a great weekend! On Saturday I enjoyed lunch with Sheri, I went to see a student play hockey (and was glad to see his team win, and he scored 1 goal and got an assist!), baked sugar cookies... it was a full but good Saturday!

Now onto a week of busyness with no Jay around. This week will end with a girls weekend, of course involving shopping! YEAH!

Christmas is Coming the Goose is Getting Fat!!

2008-11-25T16:24:00.001-06:00

Okay, maybe it is still a little early for some, but I want CHRISTMAS!! I love this season, the decorations, the music, the atmosphere, the friends, the family... it is by far my favorite time of year (I have even got two Christmas cards already!)! It helps that we celebrate the most wonderful event in all of history!

The very first year I bought a tree and decorated it Jay and I had just started dating, he came up and helped me put it up, and I want that to continue as a tradition (although I think he doesn't really care). Jay would like to set the tree up as late as possible (Maybe even Dec. 24), I want it up now! We compromise and set it up sometime after the first of December.

This year we actually had to set a date (which sounds bad becasue we now live together) becasue life is a little crazy right now. Jay was in the city last night and curls tonight, I am in the city Thursday night. Next week is so much worse! Jay is gone Monday and Tuesday nights, and I think has a meeting another night and I am gone Friday and Saturday for a girls shopping trip :) ! I guess we will set the tree up on the third (I hope!). Christmas music, candles, and baking (which is the best part in Jay's mind), here we come!

So when do you set up your tree? I have a poll on the side bar, answer away!!

Life As I Know it is ITCHY!

2008-11-20T16:45:00.002-06:00

Yup! I am still covered in hives. From the top of my feet to the tip of my head, I am itchy! I am taking Reactine every morning so that I can concentrate on other things while I am at work (it takes the itchy-ness down but it never is gone). By the time I am in bed it is all I can do to stop scratching and fall asleep (I can only take one reactine ever 24 hours). As I researched it can take up to a week for this allergic reaction to go away. It is getting a little better (there are now individual hives and not one massive one). I wonder if allergy tests are in my future?! :(

Rough Week!

2008-11-18T10:40:00.002-06:00

It has not been a fun week! It all started last Monday at my parents house, I came down with an awful flu! It was pretty bad. I even missed the meeting with our financial planner (Jay went on his own), we cancelled plans with friends... it was not a good day! It was taking awhile to feel better, on Friday I came home early (it was an admin. day) and slept from 3pm until 4am on the couch! My stomach was still upset, I didn't feel like eating... Of couse it was report card week so I spent as much time as I could working on them (but sitting wasn't fun).
On Saturday things only got worse! I still wasn't feeling well and then broke out in a hot, red rash! It started on my face but by 10pm it was starting to spread, so off to the hospital we went. The nice nurse gave me benadryl and an IV shot of steroids to calm the rash down. By 2pm we were home (I slept all the way, benadryl does that!). They think it is an allergc reaction, I have no idea to what but the rash is still here. This morning it is looking better though! I only hope it goes away soon! As for the flu it has dissappeared! Hopefully in 2 or 3 more days all is well!
So here's hoping life gets back to normal!
~S

Who's Next?!

2008-11-09T22:33:00.000-06:00

My little brother!
To do what you might ask!? To get MARRIED!
On Saturday my brother asked Ashley to marry him! I am so excited for them; I love Ashley and she is so good for Joel. Okay, I might be a little happy becasue I get a sister out of the deal too!
Although they haven't set a date, I hear I might get to be warm in the middle of winter, but not this winter!

This picture was take and Our wedding in July!

Sunday Evening Radio!

2008-11-05T17:35:00.003-06:00

When Jay and I first started dating he lived in Winnipeg, and I was in Mennville. This lead to many drives back and forth for both of us. I drove into the city many weekends and stayed with my parents. Every Sunday evening I would make the drive back to Mennville, and I would try to listen to the radio. Although I have a CD player in my car I tend to listen to the radio to get the variety, and a little bit of news at the same time. I must say that Sunday evening radio is terrible (Jay eventually gave me a CD of songs that reminded him of us, so I usually listened to that on the way home)!
I was reminded of this sad and frustrating issue again last Sunday. I was in the city by myself for the weekend. It was my mom's birthday and Jay was at volleyball all weekend so I went in to celebrate with my family. On Sunday night I drove home alone. I listen to country most of the time, but 104 had "retro country" on, so I switched to the Christian station, only to find a talk show about the gift of singleness, I went to Clear and found "Hollywood Confidential" on... all three were not helping me stay awake on my boring drive home! In the end I listened to CJOB (all my CD's are in my house)!! Why is there nothing good on the radio on Sunday evening!?

For this reason, and many, many others I am so glad not to have a long distance relationship anymore!

Life As a Teacher!

2008-10-22T16:58:00.002-05:00

How many times have I heard that as a teacher I have it so easy, I only work 9-3:30, I have Christmas, Spring, and Summer break off, and never have to work weekends?? I have heard it lots, and then I laugh! For example, it is now 5pm and I am sitting at the computer (still at work) and working on planning a novel study unit. Behind me is a pile of science planning I need to do, I have a file of marking thicker then the novel I am reading sitting on my desk in my classroom, I will take that home and work on it tonight. I am not complaining, I enjoy planning (and sometimes even marking), I am just pointing out that I am not at home and it is well after 3:30.

Sure I get those wonderful vacations, I do like having some time off (as most people do). However, last Spring break I spent days writing report cards, over Christmas Break I spend time planning, and marking, even some of Summer break is spent thinking about and planning for the upcoming year. Yes, I do take time to relax on those breaks too, but most people have at least some vacation time in their jobs. Oh, and for the record those Fridays off for kids are not Fridays off for teachers. We are at school working, or at a confrence learning how to be better teachers. On the flip side of the argument that teachers get so much time off is the fact that we can't take time off during any other part of the year. My family (parents, brother, Ashely, and Ashely's parents) are going to Arizona in Feb. Clearly we will not be joing them, I will be working.

As for weekends, yeah right I don't work! Last weekend I was sick with the flu and still marked most of my students biographies. Work has a way of following me home, and that just comes with the territory. Marking, planning, and thinking are weekend projects. Plus I am always thinking about my students, "how can I help so and so with this problem?", "What could I do to help this concept make more sense?", So and so is having trouble with his/her peers, what can I do?"... Work will never end when the students go home, or even when we go home.

In many ways I love my job, I love seeing kids succeed, I love watching their faces light up as they learn something new, I love watching students mature, and become role-modles (that is a bonus of a multi-age class), I love interacting with students... The list of what I enjoy is longer than the list of struggles and trials! What drives me CRAZY is the opinion that teachers have slack jobs, and how our holidays tend to be the envy of all other professions.

I am not complaing about my job, it is great! I knew what I was signing off on when I chose this job, but before you make a comment about how great we have it think about what it might take to have 17 (or more) kids infront of you all day. It takes some thought, planning and preparing... that all takes time.

Okay, rant done! Procrastination over! Back to work :)

Thanksgiving

2008-10-10T16:36:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving weekend always makes me smile! Okay, partly because it is a long weekend, but also because it is a great time to spend with family, and friends. Plus it reminds me of how lucky and blessed I am!
Today I was at a PD event in the city, which was actually pretty good. It is nice when they inspire you, sometimes it is hit or miss! :)
I came to the city last night with a co-worker/friend. Mom and I then went... SHOPPING!! I actually walked in the door and my dad made a comment about how mom and I always go shopping when I come in! It is a girl thing! I bought teal, brown and beige fabric for a rag quilt. I need to make a new one to go with our living room decor! Then I clothes shopped, and enjoyed evey minute and penny of it!
This weekend will be a busy one, holidays often are! Tonight Jay will come into the city, and I will try to get some errands done. Tomorrow will be more errands, they never really end! Then we get to see my littlest brother (in-law) play hockey. My parents are coming (or at least me mom) and then the Boazs' will come to my parents for dinner. We will head out to MacGregor after that, and spend some time with my in-laws (we don't see them very often). On Monday we will head back home. Lindsey has invited us over, and I look forward to spending time with friends on Monday afternoon/evening. Should be a good, busy weekend!
As I mentioned earlier Thanksgiving gives me a chance to reflect on blessings in my life, here is a short and incomplete list of the great things in my life:

I have a husband who loves me, helpes around the house, and cares about how I am doing/feeling
I have a great family, who I get to see often.
I have been blessed with great in-laws
I have a job, a roof over my head, and good food on my table (when I put effort into making it)
I live in a country where I can speak freely, and have the freedom to worship when I want, where I want, and whom I want (I am also blessed to be able to live that out in my job).

That last blessing reminds me: VOTE on Tuesday! I have been talking/reading so much on this election in class, and now I can't wait to vote!

I changed my template, any thoughts/feedback?

An Update!

2008-10-02T16:02:00.004-05:00

It's October, and September flew by! The beginning of a new school year tends to do that. There's seems to be so much to get done, and there is never enough time to do it! September brought with it routine and order to my life, and I really enjoy that. It seems I can be much more productive in routine than out of it. My mom often comments that I function in a "feast or famine" way. I am either really busy, with many commitments, and many hours at work (September-June) or I am very lazy (July and August). Even though I do planning and such over the summer I can structure my time in any way and often I am less productive around the house. So when September some I am ready for all the "stuff" that needs my attention.

This year things are a little differnt because life has changed (marriage apparently does that). I have realized that spending time with Jay only happens when both schedules work out. With our jobs we don't work 9-5, it will just never happen. I will have meetings, planning, or marking (LOTS OF MARKING), he coaches highschool volleyball, and has LOTS of meeting. It is not often that we are both home at dinner time! In fact his birthday is coming up and he has volleyball that day, we might be celebrating on a different day! Dinner together is rare, but longed for! We are both doing what we love, so we are learning to make our schedules work.

I haven't posted about school at all! It was a joy to have new students added to my room this year, and sad to see others move on. I guess I should get used to it, but for two years we were the same group. I still have 17 students in Grades 5-8 but the Grade 5's are new! Although I am tried after some days in all reality I have a great bunch of kids, with good hearts and great personalities. The joy of a small school is that I see siblings in action, cousins as best friends, and students who live life, not just school, with one another. It really is a different perspective.

Okay, I really should get to that marking!!

Date Night

2008-09-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

This weekend I was planning on writing a post about settling into routine, getting back to work, etc. Instead I get to write about date night!!

Yesterday at 3:30 Jay walked into the school (it was an admin. day and no students were there) with a bouquet of flowers (even pink gerberas!). He then told me that we had dinner reservations at Hecla for 6.

We have never “dated” much at all in our relationship. We had some interesting dates at the beginning, which involved Jay taking me to a restaurant and me not eating! Apparently he made me sick :); really he just made me so nervous that I couldn’t eat!

So last night we got dressed up and headed to Hecla to eat in their “fine dining” restaurant. While the food and such was nothing to write home about it was nice to have an evening out with my wonderful husband! Plus I didn’t have to cook and he didn’t have to do dishes! My mom would have LOVED my dessert: chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate (oh, I loved it too)! Only by coincidence we have been married exactly two months as of yesterday!

Thanks for the date dear!

In other news I chopped my hair! I call it my “post-wedding hair” and I am loving it! Seeing as my mom hasn’t even seen it yet I thought I would post a picture:
I thought it would be hard to deal with every morning but it really isn’t, which is great! There sure was a lot of hair on the floor!

2008-08-29T10:43:00.001-05:00

I love being married! Although we have only had one “normal” weekend since we have been married it has been a fairly easy adjustment. I guess the real test will come when I am really back to work. The only problem with being married is having to share a bed. Jay and I sleep better when I am at camp! I hog covers, toss and turn, and apparently kick! Ahhh one day we will figure it out! Until then we will just be tired!

Fall is upon us, and with that comes me back at work. I always feel like September is my "New Year". I have been in my classroom all week and have gotten myself almost organized. I look forward to next week when I have students in the desks. Even more exciting will be having new students. Last year I didn’t get a new grade so it was mostly the same students, which was great, but I am happy to have some new faces this year. Change is good.

With September comes herbal tea in the evenings, crisp leaves under my feet on my walk to school, bearable temperatures, and routine. BRING IT ON!! I usually say spring is my favorite season, but really it is autumn, I LOVE IT!

Well back to work…

Real Pictures!

2008-08-17T11:40:00.004-05:00

We got our professional pictures this weekend so I thought I would share some better, bigger pictures!

The Best Day (Part 5)

2008-08-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

After the reception we went to the Boaz side after party. We hadn’t met some of Jay’s relatives so we spent some time up there visiting.

Some of the Boaz side at the after party!

We then headed for Jay’s grandparents house. They were not able to be at the wedding so we headed there and made sure we had a picture with them (thanks to Brett and Blake).

Then it was off to my parents place for their after party. I had some time to visit with my family as Jay packed the car up so we could leave (sort of). We took more pictures here, had a bite to eat and then were on the road again. This time to my grandparents, although they were at the wedding we didn’t get a picture with them, it was important to me so we drove to them.

By this time we realized that we would definitely be late getting to out honeymoon destination…. But we had a couple more stops to make. We stopped at Mark and Jobina’s so that Jay could give them his tux to return (but left his tie in the car, opps). Then we stopped by the cemetery were Grandpa was buried (he died exactly a year ago) and put flowers from the wedding at their (Grandma was buried there a long time ago) grave.

We finally left the city at about 7:30pm and head for West Hawk Lake. We weren't that late, and were happy we spent time with loved ones after all the scheduled events were over.

Really it was a great day, but it went by way too fast. I am sure things went wrong, but I didn't hear about them, and don't want to now. The day was perfect because I married my best friend, not because all the details were perfect.

The Best Day (Part 4)

2008-08-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

We went straight to the Radisson after the ceremony. We didn’t want the reception to start late so we left quickly so that everyone else would do the same. The reception was a blurr... weddings just go by so fast! I know we didn’t get to talk with everyone, although we tried! If we missed you we are so sorry.

I didn't even eat at the reception, I just wasn't hungry.

Head Table and punch fountian

Table centerpieces

During the speeches I got teased, but only in good taste. My mother even brought props… who knew she really meant it when she said she would save the ripped up, shredded sweatshirt from 5th grade! Dayna sent a video from Germany, which started the tears, it was so good to see her and hear her voice! Our friends Paul and Ashely who now live in Austrialia sent a speech via Blake and Glenn. It was nice to feel like all three of these far away people shared our day, even just a little bit. I sure didn’t make it through speeches without crying, but they were happy tears! By the end of speeches even the dads had tears in their eyes!

Jay and I at our table

We had people hula-hoop to get us to kiss!

The Best Day (Part 3)

2008-08-07T12:51:00.000-05:00

We arrived at the church at 9:45. People were still milling about but we went right to the basement. Jobina, Riker, and Trinity met us there so we could get some pictures with them. Then up the stairs we went!

Right at 10 o’clock Blake and Brett (my bronther-in-laws) started the processional. Everything went smoothly, Jim and June got to their seats, Joel and Mom to theirs. The music changed, which was supposed to be the cue for Jay, Mark and Terry to come out… apparently they didn’t listen well enough the night before because it took Eloa running to get them before they came up to the stage. I was starting to wonder if Jay was getting cold feet :), okay not really but it took them awhile!

I loved having my dad walk me down the aisle. He managed not to step on my dress and everything! I managed not to cry, although I thought I might. Jay stumbled down the steps to meet us, providing a chuckle.

The ceremony went so quickly that I can barley remember it. I do know it was short, exactly the plan! Apparently Mark almost fainted, but I wasn’t paying any attention to him so I missed that.
Us getting married!!

Our first kiss as husband and wife!

Walking back up the aisle. MARRIED!!

Sorry about the tiny pictures, I am on dial-up so they need to be small or this will never work!