New perspectives

A view from my window...

What an outstanding week I had at the beginning of May in Victoria!  The weather was been beyond beautiful, coupled with the fact that I took a float plane for the first time, and worked with some visionary mathematics educators to draft  new curriculum.  Although I missed Scott, the kids, and Buddy our dog, I didn't mind having a whole bed to myself for several nights without hearing or feeling any little children's feet pitter-pattering their way into my bed and wrapping about my legs.  I was glad for the good night's sleep as I needed to be well rested for the thinking required of me during the day.

Stunning islands...

I pulled on my word of the year 'strength' many times during this week.  First, I had to be brave on the float plane.  I like flying but get nervous when I feel turbulence and when we met a few bumps on the way over, I frantically looked for a handle to hold on to... which there wasn't!  Minus the minor movements over the gulf, the flight was breath taking!  

Second (and this occurred more many times during the week) as I sat in the presence of the team of math educators working with me on the Math Curriculum, I questioned my position among these vastly experienced teachers in the area of mathematics.  I have always been passionate about mathematics but have never been required to think deeply about the big ideas in mathematics, which are important and how they could be articulated in words.  As I sat, listened, learned and contributed to conversations,  I honestly marvelled at my team members' brillance and felt honoured to spend the week with these amazing educators.  It was an experience I will never forget.  It brought me to a deeper level of understanding of mathematical pedagogy and for this I will forever be grateful.

Later today I leave for the ConnectEd Canada Conference in Calgary and I look forward to coming together with other math educators who are interested in the powerful learning and understanding that can occur when teachers combine inquiry-based approaches with technology in mathematics.  I anticipate an intense but fun weekend of learning and seeing new perspectives!  And I am excited for a Saturday evening with my cousin and her kids!

The bridge to Westham Island!

Minoru park and downtown Richmond.

Confessions of a student

If someone were to have observed me from afar this week, it would have become quite evident that changes were occurring in my behaviour patterns.  Funny things started to happen including me cleaning areas in my house that had not been touched in awhile (or ever!) and items on my "to-do list" began to disappear rapidly.  One might call this productive, while others who know better could tell you that this was actually my unique way of procrastinating.   This week I began my final two Master's classes.

Below is a link to one of the Photobooks I finished this week of our fun Springbreak trip with Scott's family to Cancun, Mexico!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly allows you to customize your photo book just the way you want.

Thoughts today...

A random wonder...

Wondering if I will ever see the dark wood of my dining room table again? Maybe in 2 years?

Happiness

Life is so full these days... kiddies schedules combined with work schedules, combined with my school schedule and necessities of life such as grocery shopping, cleaning and of course sleeping.   As much as I try to keep balance, there are always moments of chaos, stress, frustration, and occasional tears.   But for the most part - when I reflect on my day to day life, I am a happy person.

Saturday I attended a conference at UBC and one of the sessions I went to discussed the importance of happiness with respect to individual and group learning.   The researchers Dr. Karen Armstrong and Hiren Mistry are investigating is there is any relationship between happiness as a state of mind and the ability to learn.   This caused me to wonder if I, as a learner was affected by my own state of happiness.

I pondered this on my long, beautiful drive out to Camp Elkgrove in Abbotsford where I met Megan at Sparks camp.   We had a wonderful time!  Lots of HAPPINESS!!!   For 24 hours I was fully present with Megan, celebrating and assisting in her love of crafts, play, singing, cuddles and hanging with friends.   Sweet little thing had tears last night as she realized that there will be no more Mother-Daughter Sparks camps for her, as next year she becomes a Brownie.  

Sunday after arriving home, I showered, dressed and was out the door to a baby shower for a friend.   I really should have been at home working on two Masters assignments, but the shower was for a close friend and I wanted to be there with her, to join in the celebration of her little baby to be.

As I returned home close to dinner, I was overcome with the stress. I have a lot of work left to do on my assignments and only have two days off this week.  Added to this, I struggled with the decision as to whether or not to continue with a second class this term.   This second course is online and would have begun tomorrow.   The specific kindergarten content of the class would have benefited me in my new position at UBC next year should I advise Teacher Candidates in the Kindergarten and Primary Cohort.   The flip side is that should I be moved to a K-7 cohort (which is a possibility) it might not be as relevant.   The assignments required for this course are very heavy.   I had been warned by my advisor and other teachers who had taken this class, that I should be prepared to work extremely hard.

Reflecting on my thoughts about happiness, I retreated to my bedroom early in the night to be alone with my thoughts.   Feeling the stress tonight, as I did, I could not focus on my assignments and had to put them aside until I was in a better frame of mind.  My mind was spinning and my mood was blue.   As difficult as it was, I made the decision to withdraw from the second course.   Balance and happiness are important.   Taking two courses this term would have been far too challenging and would have left me very unhappy.   I doubt that I would have been able to be successful in both course which would have upset me.   Dropping the class means I now need to take a one-week intensive course this summer but I am at peace with that.

I look forward to reading the researchers final article.   I can't wait to see their results.   If I am any example, my own state of happiness would be a strong predictor of my ability as a learner.   How does your state of happiness affect you?

Megan LOVED the cabin!

The bell!

Playing games...

Singing and stories all snuggled up in camp blankets!

Avoidance

After

Before

I think by the end of my Master's Degree I may just have one of the most organized houses around.   Avoidance of studies this past year has taken the form of cleaning, tidying, and organizing.   Today I took to the "junk" drawer... because everyone needs their pens organized, right?!   I know I am neurotic in this area!  I wish my avoidance could lead to working out, running, or something of more personal benefit.

This was last month's obsession - organizing
the closet... purses, scarves and hats!

And last week I tackled my jewelry... and categorized
my bracelets, earring, and necklaces!

Spring...

All week long I have toted that Friday was going to be "Operation Spring Clean" in my house.   I reminded my family members not to make plans because I had chores for them.  These past few months  I have been busier than usual, and unfortunately this amount to never having enough time to keep up with all the housely chores.  Scott does more than his fair share... I must admit I don't do laundry, as this is something Scott loves to do.   He is a pro at doing laundry, and folds better than many sales clerks.   I am very lucky in that respect.   Our place is generally tidy, but if you look closely in corners and crevices, you will see dust bunnies, evidence of children brushing their teeth on the mirrors, stains on the stovetop where things have bubbled over, and the bathrooms - well I have a little boy - enough said!

Friday morning began with Megan enthusiastically wanting to help clean the bathrooms.  She is actually an exceptional cleaner and never complains.  Matthew on the other hand, wasn't sure what he wanted to do and when presented with a few options, took his sweet time (a stalling tactic, I'm sure) to decide what to do.   Finally he reluctantly replied that he would vacuum.

It was all going well, until we heard the sound of pounding water on one of our upstairs windows.   We all rushed to see what was going on.   What we saw was Scott using his new "toy" he had purchased to clean the outside windows.   Living in a new area where there is still constant building, we get a ton of dirt build-up on our windows.   For the past two years, I have begged Scott to find  to hire someone to clean the windows.   After being quoted $150 he was thrilled to pick up a window cleaning tool for $50 at Canadian Tire.  Happy that this task was finally being dealt with, I and the kids jumped with joy.

Problem is... the kids abandoned me and took off outside to "help" Daddy!  With no help and the cooking/baking I needed to get done for dinner (we were having friends over), I managed to get just the downstairs cleaning done.

This sunshine has given me renewed energy!   The kids are also loving the extended daytime hours, playing outside into the early evening.   Yesterday Megan and our little neighbours had fun having a picnic outside and collecting ladybugs.

Today I woke up, quickly cleaned upstairs and then we all headed down to Stanley Park to ride our bikes.
I have wanted to this for so long... I can't even remember!  We had to wait until Megan was proficient enough on her two-wheel bike to ride in a busy area.   Although the park was packed, we had a great afternoon.   We stopped for ice-cream and looked at the totem poles.   The kids enjoyed the scenery on the drive home and Scott and I had many quiet giggles answering a ton of "why" questions... most were related to the Easter Bunny.

After much discussion, it was decided that Easter Bunny must enter through the front door so the kids have made us promise not to lock the door tonight!

Taking Comfort...

In life when we are stressed, scared, or worried we tend to seek comfort.   For my children, they find comfort in a hug from Scott or I, supportive words, or through crawling into bed with us in the middle of the night.   Some parents discourage this but personally I am happy to provide the needed security for them... and know that all too soon there will come a day when this will stop.  I love feeling Megan's little feet push through the numerous pillows that I love to surround myself with -  until she finds my body and then quickly wraps her legs around mine.   I can't imagine anything more complimentary than being the security for a child.

Yesterday while I was at home alone and felt stressed and worried, I sought comfort in baking.   Each Easter I bake egg shaped sugar cookies and the kids enjoy decorating them and delivering them to our neighbours.  They often like to pretend they are the Easter Bunny.   They place the cookies at the door, ring the door bell and run and hide.   This week I wasn't sure I was going to have the time or energy to make the cookies, given everything going on.   I am so glad I did make the time.   Baking is something I love to do and hadn't done in awhile. I forgot how much joy and comfort it brings me.

When Megan and her friend arrived home from the school, they were ecstatic to decorate.  Matthew was excited too... and since he was busy after school golfing and then off to hockey, him and I plan to decorate later today.   I can't wait to watch the kids do the deliveries!

Surprises

I, similar to many other parents in BC struggled with what I was going to do with my kids today.  I had pre-scheduled (at least in my mind) that Mon - Wed this week I would tackle my large and final assignment for one of the two Masters classes I am taking this term.

Unfortunately there are always "surprises" and with the strike that is occurring this week, my children are now at home with me during the days that I had planned to get school work done.  Argh!

Knowing this, my kids were completely understanding when I explained that they would be spending the day with one of my friends who has kids the same age.  ~ I am so lucky to have friends who graciously swoop in and offer to help out when needed!

Anyway, I as I quickly hopped into the shower this morning my last words to the kids were "get your bathing suits on, pack your bags with your towel and underwear, and make your beds!"

To my "surprise" when I walked out of the bathroom ready to pounce on any child who hadn't completed  my instructions, I was shocked and touched that they had decided to make my bed for me, knowing that I was sooo busy!

My kids make me crazy!   I often have to tell them over and over and over again to do this or that.   But today they "surprised" me and it was wonderful!  I love my kids...

Being Present

Tonight Scott reminded me that my balance scale has been tipped lately too much towards my studies and general learning interests.  He reminded me that I need to try to stay present with him and the kids.


Two key examples occurred tonight.   First when Megan asked me to scribe a story for her (she injured one of her fingers badly while bowling yesterday and can't write properly).  While I was busy at the computer, she asked me three times to help her write and each time my response was "in just a minute".   Well, the feisty, determined little girl that she is, got tired of that response and when into the garage to ask her Daddy (Scott) who was playing hockey with Matthew, to help her.   Scott told her to come in and relay the message to Mommy to "get off the computer".  


Second example was later in the evening, when I had to ask Scott a couple of times what I just missed in the episode of Grey's Anatomy that we were watching together... or shall I say he was watching and I was masterminding my "To Do" list for tomorrow.  


Lately I have been "obsessed" with Technology 2.0 and find it hard to pull myself away from the screen.   I love learning and have been trying out new programs such as Evernote, Google Presentations, Google Reader, and so on.  I have never been a person who goes at things half way, be it projects, baking or learning...   that is just not the way I roll.  Instead I chase after things at full speed and sometimes (a lot of the times) become consumed along the way.   Generally this is 'good thing' as it has helped me to accomplish many goals and dreams, but tonight I was happy to have my best friend and husband remind me of what is really important in my life.  


As I did one last little check-in with my computer on my way up to bed I stumbled upon this "To Do List" Vimeo and it was like the universe was reaching out and talking to me!   It was serendipitous... 

Exciting News

Today I am wondering about the impending changes in my life.  I am pleased to announce that next September I will be working at UBC as an Adjunct Faculty Professor.  This has been a dream of mine for many years and I am so excited to be able to pursue this amazing opportunity.

Fifteen years ago, when I began my B.Ed at UBC I met my own faculty advisor, Cheryl Douglas who showed me a new way of teaching.   She and other outstanding educators since, have inspired me in so many ways and have positively shaped my practice and helped me to grow professionally.   I will forever be indebted to colleagues/educators such as, Cheryl, Janice, Jean, Rosamar, Rika, Joanne, Kathyrn, Marianne, Karen, Steve, Jen, both Michelles, Adrienne, Susan, Lisa, Melanie, Andrew, Mike, Braunwyn, Hieu, Caroline, Megan, Lana and many others (my list could go on and on).   Now that I have been teaching for several years, and am broadening my knowledge of education through my Graduate studies, I feel ready to try my hand at mentoring teacher candidates and hopefully inspire a few along the way.

As I prepare our family for my busier schedule (I will be going from working 50% to 80% - 4 days total - 3 days at UBC and 1 day at Errington Elementary) I hope that they will be able to adjust without too much trouble. Scott is very proud and supportive and together I know we can navigate the waters.   Tomorrow we meet with a prospective young lady interested in doing before and after school care for us.  She is a college student who seems enthusiastic, caring and experienced with kids so I hope that she will meet our needs and assist in making the transition from having mommy home to someone else, less stressful for M & M.  We plan to have whomever we hire start one day/week until June so that the kids can begin to form a relationship with her.  This way the changes in September might be eased.  


With all change, I have mixed feelings of excitement, nervousness, worries, and many wonders!

Need to see a movie...

Tonight as I am the last one awake in my house, I think I need to see the movie with Sarah Jessica Parker "I Don't Know How Does She Does It?" Because I can tell you, in this household, it is coming at the expense of sleep.

Lately I have tried to be cognisant of the fact that when I am home with my kids and not doing the necessities like making dinner, cleaning, and so on... that I want to be present with them playing, talking, cuddling, reading or just being there and not staring at the computer screen.  I also want to make sure that Scott and I get some time to talk at night too.   Due to the kids activities which have us constantly on the go, we really need and enjoy that daily time to connect, check in and review for the next day.

*On another note, we have decided that next year we will be limiting the kids activities (well at least, Megan).   Megan wanted to do everything this year... two dances, sparks, and figures skating which is twice a week for 2 hours each time.   We obliged, thinking we were doing the right thing.   But now as skating has become more of a chore for her and less fun, we realise that we must set limits.   Next year 2 things only!*

Anyway, what this all means for me, is that the other aspects of my life,  like my studies, school work (yes, teaching is NOT 9 - 3), blogging, and reading educational information via platforms like Twitter/blogs and my baking all have to wait until after 9:30 pm or happen during the days I am off, which isn't always enough time.    This week happened to be an especially busy week with one presentation, an assignment due, a difficult discussion with a friend, and continued prep for Megan's Valentine's Party (14 more little pillows to go).   Generally I feel that I balance things fairly well, but this week things have been a bit off.  I can tell when I am really busy because the PVR is backing up with all my programs... well, actually mostly just Y & R, which is really just a sickness of mine.  

Anyway, I know that somehow it will all get done... dinner with girlfriends tomorrow night, UBC all day Saturday, birthday dinner for my Mom Saturday night, 14 more pillows to make, cookies, krispie squares, marshmallow pops, and jello jigglers to make.  Thank goodness the party isn't until 2pm.   I was touched tonight when a friend offered to help out but really I don't know any other way than busy!

Patience

Today, as think about unanswered questions in my life and my brother-in-laws I am reminded of this...

Gearing up for a busy week...

Another busy week has come to an end.   Dinner at Scott's cousins house on Friday night was lovely but it was the third weekend in a row that we had a babysitter and the novelty had worn off...  it definitely taught me that Friday nights we should try as much as possible to reserve for staying at home.   I work the latter half of the week and I think the kids miss seeing me and Scott and are tired from a long week of activities and school. 

Saturday was typical... I was at UBC all day.  Matt had goalie skills practice first thing, followed by soccer and then his regular hockey team practice.   Both he and Scott are having frustrations learning how to put the goalie gear on properly.  I sure hope they figure this out soon - currently it is no fun for either of them and I am getting tired of the complaining.   Thank goodness for girlfriends.   One of my good friends took Megan for the day and that made things a lot easier for Scott and Megan was in heaven hanging with her pals and getting to go to a crafting party at Michaels.  We had my entire family, and my cousin and her boyfriend, who were in from Calgary, over for dinner.   It was so nice to catch up... I love how with family you can not see each other for such long periods of time and then we you do finally connect, it seems like you were never apart.


Oddly, we had NO SPORTING events on today's agenda!   We decided to take advantage of this and take a quick trip down to the States.   With the amount of trips and money spent by us, I'd have thought we would have kick started the US economy by now.   My children, husband and I,  are ALL lovers/fans of the shopping in the USA.   Our favourites are Target, Michaels, Costco, and Walmart.   The selection alone is worth the trip, not to mention that pretty much any item you purchase at Michaels in the States is bound to be half the price of the cost at home.   I've never really understood that.

On the way back we stopped in and had dinner at Scott's parents and celebrated my sister-in-laws 40th birthday and her daughter's 4th birthday.   Dinner was delicious but Megan was very tired and had a hard time playing nicely with the kids... we eventually left early due to her whining!  My patience was tested to its' limits and I am recovering with tea.

Right now the kids are helping Scott to search for the remote (it goes missing almost daily - I am thinking I may need to put some velcro on it and place another velcro strip on the coffee table, as tacky as that may be but I can't handle the wasted time spent searching).   I hope to get them to bed early so that I can gather my thoughts and create my lists to survive this week.   I have a heavy week with many required readings to get done, a pressing assignment, class Tuesday night, and preparation for an important meeting later this week.   With only two days off this week, it is going to be a tight squeeze.

A girlfriend is hosting coffee with other friends tomorrow morning and I am torn as to whether or not I should go.  Last week, I promised I would attend.  I hate to be "that" type of person who commits and then backs out.   It is a quality I don't like in others but if I go, I know I will regret it when I am working into the wee hours of Monday night trying to get it all done.  I 'wonder' what I should do???

Happy Sunday!

Sweet Saturday

  

My Saturdays this term are mostly  taken up with my class at UBC.   This Saturday I had off and what a sweet day it was.   Friday night we enjoyed the Giants game with so many of our friends who play for South Delta Minor Hockey.   It was fun to watch Matthew, a true fan, and pure joy that he exuded each time they scored!

The kids ended up getting to bed quite late!  I was so proud of Matthew in the morning we he didn't complain when he was awoken for his Goalie Skills practices that he has every Saturday morning at 7 am - UGH!  I am NOT a morning person so I happily sit these practices out.   His love of the game is remarkable!

6:30 AM

 Later Matthew had a new friend over for a play.   It was so nice that soccer was cancelled due to the wet fields and that he didn't have a second hockey practice later in the day because his regular hockey practice was at the same time as his goalie class, so his missed it.   It felt liberating to only have one activity for the day and to have it completed by 8:30am.

Megan was excited to show the boys the experiment she did at Sparks earlier this week.   We've done the vinegar and baking soda experiment many times before, but it never gets old with these guys!

The boys soon headed to the garage to play more hockey and Megan wanted more play dough.  I was "done" and this point, as Megan and I had been playing, talking, and cuddling since 6:30am and I was wanting some of my own time.   Scott, a sucker for her smiles made her up some more play dough and played restaurant with her.  She made some excellent ice cream concoctions.  Her kindergarten teacher last year told us that she was the "Queen of Play dough creations".   I think she is missing her time at the play dough centre now that she is in Grade One.

The afternoon was perfect.   I was able to stay home and enjoy some time to relax and work on things on my never ending "to-do" lists.   One of them included grouping all the like colours in my closet and inverting the hangers.   I read an article about how to weed your wardrobe by doing this.   Each time you wear something, you turn the hanger back and then in 6 months you can see what you haven't worn!   I am not a packrat and am excited to see what I notice in six months.

The evening we enjoyed a lovely dinner at a friend's place (no kids!).   Our friends put on an impressive spread of deliciously cooked Thai food.  The company and conversations were the perfect ending to a sweet Saturday!