I learned Something New

My one goal in life is to never stop learning, I guess that is why I went back to school, and now I work in the school.  Everyday I try to learn a new thing, be it a new word, something my children teach me, or something I can do with my hands. 

Over the past 6 months I have learned that a cocoon belongs to a moth while a chrysalis belongs to a butterfly, I have looked up the word precocious and now actually know its meaning, and just this past week I learned a new craft idea that I shared with my kids.

During a visit to the dollarama, looking for something specific that I can't remember right now, I came across a string bracelet craft.  Some people would call it cording, but there is another name for it.  It involves a split wheel and 8 pieces of string.

I had always wanted to learn how to do this method, as I know so many other friendship bracelet methods that my repertoire seemed incomplete.  So I picked up the kit and attempted to understand the instructions, which were just pictures no words, and then youtubed  it.  So much easier when someone tells you left up, right down, then quarter turn and do it again. 

So I finished my little example and then Mylee wanted to learn.  She picked it up easy and then Kiya came over and wanted to learn.  And she has now done a couple. 

Sometimes in life a simple little gesture can brighten someone's day.  A friendship bracelet can be kept forever and many people still cherish it.  On my last day of school I gave a couple of my little friends a 2 friendship pins, the ones with the seed beads on them, and told them that one is to keep and one is to give away to another friend.  It is the little things that matter and that are remembered.

This is one of Kiya's finished bracelets. 

Swimming

Some people in our circle think I am hard on my kids, that my methods are tough and I have heard myself referred to as "The Nazi Mom".  I can accept this and probably agree with it.  I do tend to be harder on my kids because I know their limits and I know their capabilities.  If I have to be a little harder on them so they can over come their fear of something then that is what I need to do. 

One example of this started this week, and it had to do with Grandma's swimming pool.  I haven't had a chance to go in this year because I didn't have time but Kiya and Mylee have been swimming a couple of times.  The water is up to Kiya's chest and Mylee wears a life jacket to be safe and strangle holds her sister's neck to keep afloat. 

Well that is up until I got in the pool with them on Sunday.  I didn't think it necessary for Mylee to strangle her sister and showed her that with the life jacket she wouldn't sink or drown and that someone was in there with her all the time.  So I let her go.  I was within arms reach and through screaming and crying, and probably some horrible looks from neighbours, Mylee freaked out.  That is when I sat her on the ladder and told her that if she was going to freak out she had to get out of the pool because her freaking out will tell people she is in trouble.  She didn't want to get out.  So instead she gave it a shot.  I told her if she wanted me to pick her up she had to catch me.  Still within arms reach and still with the life jacket on I made her swim.  She was forced to kick her feet and with her arms do a breast stroke type movement and eventually she caught me.  I picked her up once and she wanted me to let go.  By the time I was ready to get out, Mylee had crossed the pool 6 or7 times solo and was playing tag with Gwen, who is also in a life jacket. 

Some people might consider some of the things I do heartless, but until my children understand that only through many attempts will they reach their potential, I have to continue pushing them and cheering them on.  I have never babied my kids, maybe that is why they understand where mommy is coming from, so I can't start now. 

So if you disagree with my methods, I can totally understand, but each day my kids learn something new and know to push themselves to the limit succeeding in their own way.  I am not one to push when it comes to grades, but when it comes to life lessons and things they need to carry with them their entire lives I am going to push until they understand for themselves why mommy does that.

Pacific Mall

Another day out with Auntie Selena!

This time we went for Vietnamese noodles, again I overate, and shopping at Pacific Mall.  The weather was so hot it was great to be inside for a day, and Shelley was able to join us.  Auntie Selena bought us all a little purse holder, one of the coolest things I have seen in a while.  It sits on the table and holds your purse so that it doesn't have to be on the floor or behind your chair.  Quite an interesting little invention, and they are pretty as well. 

Then I bought the girls new dresses, there is something in the Mandarin style clothing that I truly love on my girls.  These dresses are very feminine but very girly at the same time.  Kiya picked out the colour she liked and Mylee didn't get a choice, the one I picked for her is just elegant.  I can't wait for them to wear them. 

Then as we went along we were starting to get thirsty and I had a pineapple drink that was made from pineapple pieces and green tea.  It was quite refreshing and Kiya enjoyed the pineapple pieces when all the juice was gone. 

I also found a Christmas/Birthday present to order for the girls and have to go back without them so I can order them in time.  And then we went over to Market Village.  Now I have only been in Market Village at night for Karoke so this was a new adventure for me.  I ended up getting the girls their lunch bag stuff for next year, as both will be in school for lunch (insert teary eyes here) and some fun kitchen stuff for me to play with.  Then a trip to the Chinese grocery store for some greens and such for me. 

I need to go back there though, they have a store in there that has nail stickers galore and I want to go have a look without a tired Mylee whining she wants to go home. 

It was another great adventure and hopefully we can do it again.  Getting out in the summer is difficult enough but with good friends and interesting adventures we seem to have a lot of fun!
Thanks again Selena, can't wait for the next one!

Cousins

It is that time of year again, where school is out and summer school starts just a little later than it should.  So we had visitors for a couple of days.  Maggie and Molly came over to play for a couple hours each day last week.  And one of the days I decided to have some fun, this is what happens when the house is clean and I don't want them to make a mess in it as all children do.

So out popped the nail polish and make up.  My girls already had their nails done so I did Maggie and Molly's nails and then I went down the line for make up.  When all these girls hit about 15-16 we are in big trouble. 



Bunch of pretty girls without the make up, but some times it is just fun to play dress up. And it was entertaining for me for an hour.

A day out with Auntie Selena

Our day started with brunch at Cora's and boy was it yummy.  Kiya was first one finished with her plate of eggs and bacon and then she picked at my homefries.  Mylee dawdled as always and ate 1/4 of her food but she had also eaten before we left so I couldn't expect much.

Then we ended up at Menchies, we had never been but this will not be our last visit.  What an interesting place, and if you haven't been then walk into one you will be pleasantly surprised.

And yes of course when taking a picture my children have to be weird.  Mylee decided on the smurf frozen yogurt and fruit to accompany her treat.  I don't think we could fit any more sour keys and candies into Kiya's bowl of yogurt but she sure did try.  I was way too full from brunch to consider eating any yogurt so I enjoyed watching the girls enjoy theirs. 

Kiya decided to add our name to the blackboard that day to commemorate our first visit.  I would highly recommend a visit to Menchies, but bring an appetite your frozen yogurt can get quite filling.

Then it was off to the nail salon.  Our appointment was for 2pm and we got there just in time.  While Kiya poured over the books of designs for her nails, Mylee sat in the chair proudly getting her nails done.  She can be such a little diva when she wants to be, enjoying the pampering and being a "big lady".  It is nice to see her enjoy some of this stuff as there are times throughout the day when I wonder if she is a girlie girl or not.

Kiya decided on a really pretty design for her nails that was all sparkle based.  It was similar to a French tip but the sparkles also trailed down her finger tips.  It was really pretty.  The girls took good care of my kids and I was thoroughly impressed.  Not many places will indulge children but thanks to Auntie Selena we have found somewhere wonderful. 

And then for the first time I let someone else paint my nails.  Holy cow did the anxiety ever creep up.  For those of you who don't know, my feet are incredibly sensitive and if you go to touch them, my automatic reaction is to kick.  I have to be really careful with my kids because they think they are funny when they pretend to touch mommy's feet. 

We had an amazing day and are sure to do it again.  I am greatful my kids can behave and enjoy this kind of thing and that I get a chance to experience this with them.  Thanks Selena for a wonderful day!!!

Fireworks

Every year for Canada Day we venture out to see the fireworks.  There is something magical about these blasts of colour through the sky, and whether you are at Ashbridges Bay or Disney's Magical Kingdom, the fireworks will always lead back to your childhood and how awe inspired you were. 

The girls and I always watch for the prettiest or biggest or brightest ones and you will often hear us say "oh that one is my favourite", each firework display takes on its own dimensions.  I remember as an older kid when Benson & Hedges put on their Symphony of Lights, and to this day as the fireworks go off I can hear the music behind it in my head.  It is truly another art form to keep the public engaged in each display.

This year we went up to Milliken Park and as always we were not disappointed.  The fireworks seemed to last forever, when in truth they were about 20 minutes.  But they were beautiful, and we were impressed again!

Canada Day!!!

Happy Canada Day



 

Confidence

What is a wedding without kids taking over?  Our family has quite a few performers in it and they are pretty good at what they do.  After many of the guests went home, the kids took over the microphone and started singing some songs. 

It was here that I noticed a distinct change in Kiya.  Something has happened this year that has caused Kiya to become more confident in who she is.  And quite frankly it shocked me, I think it shocked my niece too lol.  The kids were standing at the front of the buffet table, all eyes on them and they started singing a song, something about "in my castle glowing" ( I don't know who it is) and my niece didn't remember the words to one part in the song, the part that shocked me was that Kiya pulled the mic out of her hand and started singing that part of the song.  The rest was a blur because I couldn't pull my mouth off the floor fast enough.  This is different behaviour for Kiya, normally she is the shy one but it seems someone is coming out of her shell.

Then I come back from the lou and Mylee is talking to the DJ, I thought she was requesting a song but next thing you know I am being asked if Mylee can read.  Well she can, but she is only 5 and sounding out the big words still gives her some trouble.  Well within the next minute she was up on a chair, microphone in hand singing Call Me Maybe, and she did so well.  There was one part where brutal honesty came through "I don't know this part" had everyone in either smiles or small giggles.  What surprised me was she asked for it all by herself.  She took the intiative to go and ask, then with a small bit of coaching from her cousin got through the entire song. 

 

My girls always impress me, but watching them Saturday night had me glowing with pride. I love when my kids do things for themselves in a positive way, it makes the world seem like a brighter place.

Dave's Wedding

What a beautiful day for a wedding.  Our friend David and Jogie got married on Saturday and we partied all night long. 

 

 

And remember those oodles of flowers....

 

 



The Argo's Game

Well the day finally arrived!!!

Back in May I purchased Argo tickets for my Mother's day present.  A set of 4 so that it could be a family event.  And finally the day arrived.

The girls were so excited, and I was too.  Darryl is not a CFL fan, never has been but was gracious enough to come along to make me happy. 

 

And I got spoiled, Darryl bought me an Argo's jersey to commemorate the day.  Now I just have to pick up the girl's t-shirts that we were supposed to pick up from our ticket sales. 

More goodbyes

Thursday was a very emotional day for me, and Mylee.

Not only did we have to say goodbye for another school year, but some of our teachers are leaving to pursue better opportunities next year. 

Our Vice Principal is leaving.  This was wonderful news and cause to celebrate.  She is leaving to spend time with her family, something she has been working on for 4 years.  It is bittersweet for me as she was the one who helped me along in the beginning, giving me both a reference and a push in the direction I seem to be going in right now.  She will be missed, but never forgotten.

Our Librarian is leaving to open a new library in a brand new school.  This woman extended herself so much for our family taking time to track down a list of books for Kiya to read over the summer that she thought she would enjoy.  Anytime I had a question about a certain book she was right there to answer it.  My heart breaks that she is leaving us, but I am so happy for her as this opportunity is something she has never experienced before.  And of course we wish her the best forever!

One of the teachers that I wished Kiya could have had.  This gentleman said hello to me every morning and was so kind every time you talked to him. He is going to a great school but will be missed.  Any child you ask, this teacher is one of the best.  We wish him well always.

And then there are the grads.  I knew way too many this year, and saying goodbye and best wishes was extremely difficult.  A lot of the grads this year were helpers in Kiya's kindergarten class and even to this day say hello to her when they cross paths.  Many of these kids will be horribly missed because they have such big hearts.

Teacher's gifts

Every year I give something special to the teachers that teach my children.  At their school they don't only have one teacher but several.  There are teachers who help with gym, library, esl, French, just about everything.  And there are some teachers that have looked out for my girls throughout the year and checked in with them to make sure they were adjusting well. 

I am very blessed to have these people in mine and my child's lives.  I can go over to the school and ask for help in homework or anything in general and they will do their best to help out.  And it isn't only one.  I walk in with a math problem and Kiya's teacher has left for the day, I have 4 teachers who will help me out.

That is why instead of one teacher gift, I make something for each teacher in the school.  Though it is just a little trinket of appreciation it is very welcomed.  So this year I got the idea from Pinterest.

It reads "We need s'more teachers like you".

I also put a card on the table that expresses our thanks for another wonderful year.  And this year has been wonderful.  I never knew how much fun being in the classroom, on field trips and accompanying children to sporting events could actually be.  I hope next year I am just as fortunate!!!

The Horrible Wednesday

Well it arrived, the day I was dreading all month.

For the last 4 months I have been working in a school not far from home doing lunch supervision.  I knew almost all the kid's names assigned to me, and some of them would get very upset if I wasn't there on my assigned days. 

Last Wednesday I had to say goodbye to these children and it broke my heart.  I would miss my little friends and some of them will even miss me.  The lunch supervisors there were very sad to see me go, but wished me all the best. 

And then it was time to say goodbye to the administration.  It came as a shock to the receptionist who I always made smile, and I was asked to keep in contact with the VP and Principal because they would love to work with me again.  I even said goodbye to the custodian because he always made me feel at home.

So after some blubbering and some hugs I was out the door saying goodbye to my new friends and moving forward towards another.  I wish these people the best in life because they treated me like gold.  They accommodated me in so many ways and I will be forever greatful.  I truly hope our paths cross again.

Tuesday

A morning of rain cancelled Kiya's class trip to Milliken park but her teacher decided to let them have fun and games instead, she whispered she suspected there would be a class mutiny if she assigned work, and well, knowing the group she has ....she was absolutely right.

So instead of volunteering to go to the park that day, I decided to go home and work on the house a bit trying to get it tidied and organized for the next couple of days chaos. 

I made up Kiya's fruit potluck dish, we were trying for healthy snacks and with the heat baking just wasn't in the cards.  And that afternoon I took over her class gift.

 

 

My Auntie Nikki gave me the idea when she did one for one of my cousin's class birthdays.  And I can report that the kids loved it.  I mean who doesn't love something on a stick.  The good news, another teacher was able to accompany her teacher and they got to Milliken in the afternoon anyway.  

Oodles of Flowers

Last Saturday I spent most of the day at my mom's house making flowers for a wedding cake.  When the boys decided they were going out I headed down to my aunt's and made some there too while the girls played with their cousins. 

There we were, Sue and I, cutting, veining and stemming gumpaste flowers until about 2am.  We got quite a few done and I was so proud of Sue that she was able to keep up with me. 

Then all 4 girls got involved and started playing with the gumpaste.  Between a platypus, a snake, an almost chuwawa and a bunch of other fun, the girls then started to wear the gumpaste.  We had goatees and mustaches and beards and all.  It was quite a fun adventure, and poor Sue was trying to keep up with all the "take my picture and look at mes". 

Mylee was out at about 11pm, but Kiya was still up when Daddy walked through the door.  So after packing up the craziness, we headed home.  It was a great night.

The Tall Ships

On June 23rd, our family decided to go down to Harbourfront to look at the tall ships.  We had such an amazing adventure and I am so proud of Kiya and Mylee.  Not only did they use their manners, but they walked the full 6km walk and got on the bus ready for home.  This may not seem important to some, but we are a spoiled family, we don't even walk to the store anymore.

So while we were down there, we saw the water dogs, and then participated in some fun historical stuff that was laid out by Parks Canada.  Kiya answered a grade 9 history question and Mylee sang along with some of the  working songs on the ships.  We picked up the coins from the Royal Canadian Mint and learned some special things about the war of 1812. 

Though we didn't get to go on the tall ships we did drive by them on another boat and got to see them up close.  It was a great day, and of course I got some sun but was a good girl and wore my hat all day. 

On the way home we stopped at McDonald's for dinner and then walked home from Woodside, it was then that we got caught in the thunderstorm.  The best part was, we were singing and dancing in the rain and were full of giggles.  Then after a nice warm shower we snuggled in for a movie and popcorn.