June - Please SLOW DOWN!!!

As I continue to check off my to-do lists for June, including writing report cards, purchasing year-end gifts, writing a final paper, and so on... you would think I would be becoming less busy - Unfortunately, not so!

This weekend, while attending my staff party, I missed Megan's final baseball game.   Then on Saturday I missed Matthew's final 3-on-3 hockey game, as I was in class all day.   He was in goal and his team lost badly.   I was told that it was a team loss, but it was still a tough way to end the season.   I was disappointed I couldn't be there for Matt, but he took it well.  

Sunday, Matthew, Scott and his Dad went golfing while Megan and I attended a baby shower for my sister.   Then we enjoyed a lovely dinner with Scott's parents.   They surprised us and told us that they are taking us and Scott's sister and her family to Cancun, Mexico next Spring Break!   We are all very excited and look forward to what will be an amazing trip!   

Unfortunately I didn't get to spend time with my own Dad but we did talk on the phone and I plan to take him for breakfast when things slow down.   

Scott enjoyed the kids homemade gifts and had fun golfing.   He is a wonderful Dad!   He is so playful with the kids and not just with sports related activities.   Yesterday he cooked up some play dough for Megan and they made all sorts of neat sculptures.  He is also very affectionate and constantly tells them how much he loves them and attacks them with cuddles.  I feel so lucky to have married not only my perfect partner, but also an outstanding father.  

As time keeps ticking away, I am trying to enjoy every minute of it, while at the same time making sure I am getting everything done ~ a difficult task.   This week Matthew gets a permanent retainer, the kids have Sports Day, I have another shower to attend for my sister, 24 cupcakes to make for the shower, and another 6 pages to write of a paper, plus a ton of time needed to edit.   Added to that I have to continue to prepare for Megan's birthday party on Sunday, and the family dinner (for the kids birthdays) we are hosting Sunday evening.   And this is all not including things I need to do for school - ahh!   June, please SLOW DOWN... I need more time!!!

Megan fell asleep on the drive out to Port Kells.  I love
how when she sleeps she gets a little birdy mouth, just
like she did when she was a baby!

My mom designing Charlotte's diaper!

Megan's group won the best designed diaper at my sister's shower.

Matthew won "Principal for a Day".  It was the first time he chose to wear a collared shirt
on his own.  He also called for crazy hair day.   He loved the special star treatment!

A book that warms the heart...

As I squeezed in an hour and a bit to work on a final paper today, my children were strangely quiet within the house.  Matthew was playing with his new iPad and Megan was working on something at the kitchen table.   She made my day when she happily bounced into the dining room and brought me a book she had written, titled "WHY", which she spelled "Way".   I asked if she was inspired by something her teacher read her but she said "no, it was just some questions she had".  I love her illustrations... the way she places some of the faces of the people looking upward and downward.  This book is a keeper!   I am going to have to buy her the published book, called Why?

Matthew's Big Day!!!

Do you ever look at your kids and wonder how they got so big?   My little man turned nine today and it seems like just yesterday I was doing mommy and baby swimming lessons with him.

In the insanity of day to day life, I do remember to tell Matthew how much he is loved, but today I want to make sure our family takes the necessary time is celebrate the person he is.  Sunday we held his birthday party.   Eighteen boys including him, played a road hockey tournament organized by Matthew.   We had four teams, coloured t-shirts with the boys names and favourite numbers displayed, music, lunch, and a Gogo's cake.  Matthew exclaimed that "It was the BEST party ever!"

As I reflect on my little guy, some of the many things I love about Matthew are his:

~ enthusiasm and passion
~ friendliness and sociability
~ love of organizing events - hmm, I wonder where he got that ;)
~ boundless energy (although I look forward to the day when he will sleep past 5:45am)
~ innocence and sense of wonder
~ fierce determination (some might call stubbornness)
~ need for security

Recently I have noticed him trying to assert some independence.  Even this morning when I suggested that go to WhiteSpot for his birthday dinner, he replied "I don't like WhiteSpot anymore" which I don't really think is true, as our family always goes there for numerous celebrations and he likes the food.   Instead, I believe it was another example of him trying to establish independence and suggesting we do things 'his' way.  I must admit, I am finding this stage tough and unfortunately I have engaged in a few power struggles with him.  Parenting a strong willed child is not easy...  I must remember that this too shall pass.

As I tuck him in tonight I am going to read the book Only One You to him by Linda Kranz.  I was reminded of it yesterday and have read it to him before - but today I think it will mean a little more as he is older.  Plus, I don't think children can ever hear a good story/advice too many times.

The book has beautiful illustrations and shares a story about a little fish whose parents try to impart some wisdom on their child.

Always be on the lookout for a new friend.
Look for beauty wherever you are, and keep the memory of it with you.
Blend in when you need to.  Stand out when you have the chance.
Find your own way.  You don't have to follow the crowd.
Know when to speak; know when to listen.
No matter how you look at it, there is so much to discover.
If you make a wrong turn, circle back.
If something gets in your way, move around it.
Set aside some quiet time to relax and reflect every day.
Appreciate Art.  It's all around you!
Make wishes on the stars in the nighttime sky.
There is only one you in this great big world.
Make it a better place!

A random wonder...

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

New Parenting Struggles

Today I had one of those parenting moments that I knew was coming, but was unprepared for...

My wonderful, sensitive son burst into tears this afternoon when I said I had something I wanted to talk to him about.  Suprised and worried by his tears, I asked what was wrong.   He said "you know" (I actually didn't and am always shocked when Matthew says this to me, as he often does when he is upset!)   I had wanted to discuss spending money at the nearby golf shop - nothing anywhere near worthy of tears.   He went on to tell me that he was worried about something that happened at school.  Apparently Matthew and a little girl worked together today on a project and he expressed that he liked her - to which she responded with a gasp, giggles and said something about telling her mom.

Everything beyond this point is a bit muddled...  but what is certain is that word that Matthew had a "crush" (which he vehemently denies) on someone spread to several of his friends. He was crying because felt that he would be in trouble from the little girl's parents and because he wanted the teasing that ensued from this incident to stop.   (Gulp!)

So many lessons...  we talked and I hugged him.  I tried to reassure him and teach him that:

• it is ok to feel feelings for others, and it was kind that he complimented this little girl 
• crushes are ok too - but I understood that this was not the case... but I quietly added that if he was feeling new feelings similar to a crush - it was normal and could understand that this may feel strange
• sometimes people get embarrassed by attention and don't always react the way we would like or expect them to
• parents do NOT get upset if someone says they like their child (still not sure where this notion has come from)
• teasing is mean and that he needs to tell his friends that although they may find it funny, it upsets him... 

Matthew a few years ago...

Ahhhhh... my heart continues to ache for him. Scott took him out to play some street hockey to distract him and get his mind off things, which really helped.

I think what was most difficult about this situation for me was that I couldn't kiss him, give him a band-aid, or figure a way to quickly make him feel better.   This time the hurt was unlike others, and I knew it.   Regardless of what we talked about and how long I cuddled him, his heart is still bruised.  He was thinking about the incident as he fell asleep tonight and questioned whether or not he had to go to school tomorrow.  This is one of those parenting moments I have long known was coming, but am sad arrived so soon... my powers to make it all better are fading!

Delights Rediscovered in May

The sunshine has left our little part of the world for a few days - but while it was here, it was enjoyed!   So far the fence has been painted, flowers have been planted, and we have had two visits to the beach.  We've begun bike riding, bocce games, early evening play at the park, icecream/ Slurpee outings, and yesterday the kids set up the first lemonade stand of the season.

Fish and chips at Pajo's in Steveston with Karen and Frank.

Earlier this week Megan and I were treated to a WhiteSpot dinner by my niece Charlotte, who had won a gift certificate.   We were here "chosen guests" that she wanted to treat.   I could see the envious eyes of others seated around me, as I was able to enjoy these two lovely little ladies and their stories, giggles, chatter and smiles...  a great night!

On a bittersweet note Megan's and I said farewell to our friends at Sparks.   Being a leader these past two years has been so much fun!   Megan truly loved going to Sparks... it was the highlight of her week and to see the twinkle in her eyes when she called me "Topaz" (my Sparky name) melted my heart.   Next she plans to join Brownies, but I will not be joining her as a leader.

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend - I still cannot believe that we are in MAY!

Gratitude

In keeping with the theme a few posts ago... here is my Top Ten List of things I am grateful for today:

1. sunshine
2. long weekends with a few planned activities
3. my van is clean
4. great recipes
5. Karen - my teaching partner
6. a wonderful class
7. hummingbirds
8. morning coffee
9. cover-up
10. sunshine - yup, it makes the list twice!