One Word 2018 - Cultivate

And with the blink of an eye, another year has passed! The recent winter holiday was wonderful. We had two weeks off after Christmas which allowed time for much reflection on the year, a renewal of energy and spirit, and time to think about my 2018 One Word. Choosing a single word to guide my year has been a tradition I have been doing since 2012. I've written previous blogposts here and here. I've never been a big fan of New Year's Resolutions as they felt a bit like a pass/fail test; whereas, choosing a profound word to inspire and create intention in your life sounds far more inviting!

It seems this tradition is catching on with others. Originally, I heard about One Little Word from a friend who followed Ali Edwards, a blogger who leads workshops on One Little Word. In the fall, another friend introduced me to Jon Gordon, one of the authors of One Word That Will Change Your Life.

2017 was the year of Hygee! Reflecting upon the year that I had, I can tell you with all honestly that my "One Word" made a difference. Placing emphasis on "hygee" helped me to move beyond a year of sadness (the loss of mom) and into a place where I could take comfort in the sanctuary of life. Simply being home with my family or alone or through togetherness with others, I felt love, joy and general sense of well-being. Small things like nightly walks with the dog and Scott, a cozy pair of socks, lit candles, new jammies, and hearing "I love you" from either M & M, all brought be gratitude, serenity and inner peace. This was much needed.

In September, I started a new position in my school district. I went from multiple roles to a district role where I support teachers and students in Numeracy in a broader way. With any change, there is a ton of learning and challenges. There are also many positives, like developing relationships with 'new to me' colleagues. My learning curve has been steep and my pace has been insane; a result of not knowing what I don't know, wanting to do well, and the high expectations I place on myself. A pace like this doesn't leave important time for reflection and causes the work-life balance to tilt. My colleagues shared their wisdom with me, but as we know, learning needs to be experienced. And I needed to learn from my own experience.

Having four months in the new role, and understanding the power of a word to make a positive impact, this year my 2018 word is CULTIVATE. I truly believe that we create the life we want. Joel Osteen, speaks of the power of "I AM" in his book, The Power of I Am. He says "whatever words follow the words 'I am' will determine what your experience will be. You can either speak defeat or power into your life".

Generally speaking, I consider myself a fairly optimistic, positive person, but these past few months professionally, self-doubt has crept in. Similar to a first year teacher, I have felt overwhelmed, compared myself to others, and felt an overall a lack of confidence. Herein lies how my One Word 2018 originated.  Brene Brown, talks about WholeHearted Living in her book Daring Greatly which I read this past summer. She refers to ten guideposts.

Professionally, her ten guideposts struck a chord with me, when I picked up her book again on the holidays. I saw myself and a need to cultivate. If I want to create a life where the words that follow "I am" include "enough and happy." That cannot happen if I continue to speak defeat into my life. Things need to change; I need to cultivate.

Moving forward professionally, I will:

• accept that I do not know everything I want or need to know, while remembering that I am a learner. I am going to keep learning and will make time for learning; 
• build in time to read and write as I value this; 
• build in time to pause and reflect as I know that growth comes from this;
• stop comparing myself to others;
• make time to connect with those in similar roles who inspire me and understand the value of using their leadership and experience to encourage, mentor, and develop others;  
• slow my pace so that I can be more thoughtful and intentional in my daily work;
• be willing to be vulnerable and bring my voice to the table to share opinions and questions. This means being okay with making mistakes, being wrong, and being willing to present my most authentic self. 

I am looking forward to the process of letting my 2018 word guide me! I know there are things I need to cultivate personally but one thing at a time!

What word will guide you this year? #oneword2018

Hygee this Summer!

It's hard to believe but tomorrow the kids and I are officially back to school! We've had a memorable summer ~ the perfect balance of fun activities and time to relax!

As I reflected on the memories we made, I was reminded of my word of the year - "hygee". It has many definitions but the one I connect with is "creating sanctuary in life".  I wondered where this summer did hygee present itself?

Looking back, it appeared so many places and at many different times, including:

• in the glow of family/friends faces gathering around fires
• the smell of a freshy-cut bouquet of sweat-peas on the kitchen table
• the blanket like feeling you get on warm days when the heat of sun sinks into your skin
• the feeling of serenity on mornings when you have no plans for the day and the possibilities are endless
• the comfort of staying in jammies til midday 
• late night cuddles with my kids on the couch binge watching a Netflix show
• the feeling of blissful joy experienced by just being surrounded by friends and family

We feel truly blessed for the wonderful memories! 

2017 Word of the Year - Hygge

Happy New Year to all of you!

I am still in a bit of disbelief that 2016 has left us and 2017 has begun. For those of you that read my blog, you know that rather than have "New Year's resolutions", instead I prefer to chose a word to focus on throughout the year. More explanations about this can be found on my first blog post, back in 2012. My "Word of the Year" last year was supposed to be happiness.

It started out well and good, until mid-February when life as I knew it, shattered. Happiness was a distant feeling for many months and even when it did arrive, it wasn't the same as I had known it. Instead, it was tainted with the bitterness of not having my mom around to share in the joy. But to say that I had no moments of happiness in 2016 would be incorrect. There were many times, such as Matthew's Grade Seven graduation, 10 days in the summer with my Aunt Debbie and cousin Colleen, watching Megan dance, etc. where I felt joyful, but mixed in with the smiles and happiness, there remains a deep, embedded wound of missing of my mom. This February will mark the one year anniversary of her unexpected passing and I am hopeful that having surmounted all the "firsts" of this year, true happiness (without the after-bite of missing my mom) will become more abundant. I hope to come to some form of acceptance that although she isn't here with me in the form that I wish she was, that she is still here with us and able to see and feel all the wonderful things we experience here on Earth.

Picking my word of the year was more challenging than years past, when words typically came to me in the fall. I couldn't find any word that fit. It wasn't until enduring some quiet, heartfelt days over the holidays and reflecting on the past year that I realized this year, more than ever before I need to focus on "hygge".

Hygge, pronounced "HUY-gah" is a Danish word. There really is no English translation for the word. The closest words would be comfort, well-being, togetherness, or coziness. Hygee is hard to translate because although it can be related to physical surroundings, and how people relate to one and other, in its complete essence, it is a mental state. One definition I read stated "it is a practical way of creating sanctuary in the very middle of real life". Hygee can be found in lit candles, a warm fire, a walk with a friend, listening to music, a soft pair of socks, a favourite old t-shirt, the smell of sweet peas or another favourite flower, and so on. It also comes from spending time with loved ones in uneventful ways. It doesn't call for fancy or excitement, just togetherness.

Perhaps, the best definition of hygge, one which spoke to my heart was by Louisa Thomsen Brits, who has written a book on the subject. She believes that hygge is "a state of mindfulness: how to make mundane tasks dignified, joyful, and beautiful, how to live life connected with loved ones". I truly can't think of anything better.

So on this last night of holidays, I am about to seek hygee in my kitchen as I make some pumpkin muffins for tomorrow morning, pour a cup of tea, and cozy up on the couch with a book. And tomorrow I will return to work with my inner city students whom I hope I provide some hygee through our daily interactions. Goodness knows they provide me with it!

Starting School: Matt goes to High School

Tomorrow marks the first day of school for kids in the province of BC. It is always such an exciting time. This year Matthew enters Grade Eight, his first year of high school and Megan begins Grade Six. As I have commented before in blogposts, these big moments since my mom passed come with mixed emotions. I am missing my mom who would be calling tonight to wish the kids a great first day - and she would be eager to join us tomorrow evening at WhiteSpot for our annual "Back to School" dinner out tradition. It won't be the same without her. I am also sad because as they enter a new grade each year, I realize just how fast time is passing. It seems like just yesterday I walked Matthew to his first day in Kindergarten. Similar to that day, I am filled with wishes, hopes and dreams for him in his high school years.

A snapshot from one of our many nightly walks this summer.
The kids were on the hunt for Pokemon!

Thus far I have been very impressed with Delta Secondary School. They have been wonderful at communicating with the Grade Eight parents and students. The steps they have taken to create a safe environment for the Grade Eights by staggering their entry, holding information meetings, providing the students with their schedules a week early, and connecting them with an older buddy on their first day is outstanding. I feel like they truly care about my child. Although I know that each teacher will have close to 200 students I hope they will take the time to get to know each of their students; they won't regret it. Positive relationships have so many benefits (e.g., increased willingness to learn, ability to teach from students' interests, knowledge of students' strengths and needs and how to meet these, etc.) I have heard from some parents of teenagers that sometimes during the high school years, students can lose their love of learning as the workload increases and the content becomes more challenging; this scares me. I hope that Matt's teachers discover his interests, passions, what he does well, and are able to engage him in learning that excites him. The next five years are going to have a lasting impression on Matt and I dream that he leaves high school as he has entered it - as a confident, happy, life-long learner, who has many friends, is eager to follow his passions, and
loves contributing to the world in positive ways. I know these are lofty goals but I believe they can be achieved.

To all the teachers and kids I know starting school tomorrow... I hope you have an amazing day and an awesome year of learning and growing.

June: A Month of Bittersweet Happiness

Typically the month of June is full of happiness for my family. It is filled with many celebrations including both kids birthdays, father's day, year-end dance shows, sport's day, final sports tournaments, excitement for summer and so on. I think those of you that know me know that I take great joy and happiness from these moments. I love being a mom and look forward to finding ways to celebrate M & M. This June is extra special because it marks a milestone for Matthew; he completes Grade Seven and will be moving on to high school. I am so proud of the young man he has become and can't believe he is now a teenager.

... and my baby boy is now 13!

This June though, my emotions have been mixed. Along with all the happiness that typically fills my heart, I have had intense feelings of sadness and grief. I am missing my mom. Although I am slowly adjusting to life without her, I wish she were here to celebrate with me. I long to see her smiling, proud face and hear her voice and her laughter. I would give anything to be wrapped in one of her loving hugs and feel her presence. I think I have cried more this month than I did when she passed in February. People say all the "firsts" are tough and they are right. I do know in my heart that my mom is in a better place and although she is not physically here, she is somewhere looking down and happy... but selfishly I ache for more.

Megan did so well this year in dance!

Next week Matthew has his Grade Seven dinner on Monday night and Tuesday is the final farewell assembly. I am so excited for Matt but also know that in these wonderful moments I will be challenged to adjust to a different kind of happiness - bittersweet...

That is Matthew at Sport's Day sitting on my lap!

Matt's team is heading to the Provincials!

Not taking moments for granted

A couple weeks ago I was reviewing old photos on our computer. I stumbled across the one to the right and I wished I could place the moment in my mind. Based on the surroundings, it looks like we may have been at Costco. Looking at the photo brought back a flood of many fond memories pushing the buggy with my two kids in it.  I remember how they would share food and chat with each other.  I remember the giggles and I remember loving how they would hold hands and how often they would fall asleep on one and other in the jogging stroller.

Looking back at those special moments in time, I don't think I thought much of them at the time. I was just going about my daily activities, pushing my two kids...  Now in hindsight, I realize just how special those moments were.

I wish that I had of known the last time I would push both my kids in the buggy at the grocery store or the last time the two kids would be together in the jogging stroller. I know I would have pushed a little longer, snapped more photos, and just cherished the time with them.  But unfortunately we never know when those last moments will be.  We continue to go about our daily events without much thought to last moments.

On this past family day weekend, the kids decided they wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese.  Matthew is 12 and half and Megan is 10 and half so on the drive to Langley, I began to wonder if this trip might be a "last moment".  Both kids are getting older and are likely to eventually succumb to the pressure of what is and what isn't cool (although I hope they don't). I wonder if there might come a day when it won't be cool to go to Chuck E Cheese because it will be seen as a kiddies place.  So on Saturday, I just revelled in the moment of fun my kids, Scott and I were having. I played the games with them and we discussed which games might give us more tickets and why.  We laughed while we watched Scott play basketball grinning from ear to ear. And I just soaked up the moment, more aware of how special these times are.

Top Ten List ~ Happiness

Thinking about my word of the year, I wondered what might surface it I had to list the top ten things that make me happy.  Here goes:

1. Spending time with Scott and kids and Buddy, our dog.  Whether relaxing at home, watching a movie, enjoying a dinner out, watching the kids doing sports, driving in the car with these guys, trying something new together as a family, getting together with our extended family, or just being together doing nothing... being with my family brings me much happiness. 
2. My morning cup of coffee.  Scott makes it for me and it is perfect... lukewarm, just the right amount of sugar and skim milk.  I am not a fan of Starbucks or other fancy coffee places.  I look forward to this cup each morning and its own small way it makes my day a little more happy. 
3. Spending time with friends - whether with my mommy group, friends from Neilson Grove school, old friends from high school, teacher friends, my special friend who I see mostly via text, etc..  I appreciate their honesty about the struggles of parenting and the support we provide for each other. I also love the wonderful traditions my Mommy group have created for our children (e.g., Canada Day Party, Camping, etc.)  Friends bring me happiness!
4. Baking - I am a big sweet fan and the taste of something yummy makes me smile! All in all though, I think it is the actual creative aspect of baking that I love the most. 
5. Phone calls and time with my mom - Whenever something good happens, or a funny moment, or when I am upset, the first person after Scott that I want to call is always my Mom.  Yes, she phones a lot but I wouldn't trade this for anything. I love going shopping with her or out to dinner or even just driving in the car. 
6. Teaching - My students, whether big or little and my amazing colleagues bring me happiness. Professional reading and learning, planning, reflecting on my students' accomplishments, sharing alongside students' ah-ha moments, and pretty much anything to do with teaching and learning makes me happy. 
7. Going out for dinner either to a friend's or restaurant.  I really don't like to cook and hate the dreaded question "What is for dinner?" so when we get invited out, I appreciate not only the lovely company, but also the food.  For some reason it tastes so much better when someone else has done all the work.  
8. Buying seasonal items.  I love to decorate for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween.  Scott thinks I am a little obsessed. It may be the teacher in me, but I just love to celebrate these fun days.  I get excited when I see cute items in Home Sense and Pier One and I get even more thrilled when I find good deals after the holiday.  Thank goodness our new house has lots of storage so I can keep adding to my collections.   
9. A great story makes me happy! Losing myself in a good book or movie (even if I come into it half way) or connecting to a blogpost that teaches me something, these are all moments of happiness.
10. Quiet time in my office with a cup of tea. I love looking through the window watching folks walking down Central and imagining what they are thinking. I love the calm and peace that I feel while in that room and the warmth that a good cup of tea brings. It is my special place!

What bring you happiness?  I wonder what your top-ten list might include? 

Looking back ~ Looking forward ~ One Little Word

As 2015 has drawn to a close, I have been reflecting upon the year with fondness. Although I never formally announced my "One Little Word", I did have one.

2015 was the year of change.  

For those of you who have not followed my blog and/or are unaware of the "one little word" tradition, you can read more about it in the link above. I was inspired by two friends of mine who had begun the tradition of approaching each new year with a word, instead of new year's resolutions. A single word can be very powerful. Honestly, these little words have improved my life in so many ways. They have been the nudge I needed: to push myself to be better as a parent, spouse, family member, friend, and teacher; to slow down and reflect upon experiences and emotions from the perspective of my word and to learn and grow from these; to assist me in prioritizing what is important; to lean on in times of worry and distress; and to ultimately assist me in becoming a more loving, understanding, gracious, present, strong and inspired individual.

My previous words include:

This was a thoughtful gift I received from
my Mommy Group in December 2014 for my 40th birthday!

2012 ~ WONDER

2013 ~ STRENGTH

2014 ~ JOY

2015 ~ CHANGE

Looking back on 2015 there were many big and little changes in my life.  The year began with my mom in the hospital recovering from pancreatitis. I was reminded of the unpredictability of life. It was an upsetting time and in the back of my mind I kept wondering if the doctors had misdiagnosed her.  Was her cancer back?  Were we going to lose her?  Thankfully the doctors were correct, it was not cancer but indeed pancreatitis and indeed my mom did recover.  It took many months and it definitely took its toll on her.  She lost a lot of weight and took many months to get back to her old self.  She walked slower, became tired more easily, and wasn't able to do her typical activities of shopping, cooking, and visiting with others. My mom's situation, combined with my Aunt Audrey's passing in January was a wake up call that things can and do change in a moment. And although we cannot prepare for these moments, they are reminders to embrace each day with appreciation and love and not take anyone or anything for granted.

Another big change this year was our move to our new house. With the exception of the week we spent in Oregon this summer, every day I visited the house and ran errands for supplies. Looking back on it all now, it was exhausting but in the end it was a labour of love.  There is something special about the place we call our home and I didn't quite realize how much I had been yearning for this until a couple of months after we moved in.  There is a feeling of being settled that everyone in our family seems to be enjoying.  I see it in the joy the kids take in decorating and rearranging their rooms, and in the nesting Scott and I have been doing.  We both love to putter and organize and even re-organize different areas the house.  I have taken such happiness out of decorating for the seasons, hosting friends and family, baking, and in particular during this holiday, spending numerous hours relaxing at home.

As if moving wasn't enough, this year I decided to make some big professional changes. Although I have a fond and deep appreciation for the Richmond School District and my colleagues there, this year I took a position with the Surrey School District as an Early Numeracy Teacher.  In this role I get to work in an inner city school in Surrey with students in Kindergarten and Grade One co-teaching with their dedicated teachers in the area of Mathematics.  My learning curve has been steep, as the different context has required significant changes in my pedagogical approach.  The first month was rough and humbling.  I felt like a new teacher.  Thankfully I have the most amazing mentor and friend whom I could turn to, who listens and supports, and someone whom I am learning so much from.  The move to Surrey was just what I needed. I feel a renewed and inspired passion for teaching! I drive to work excited each day to see students take joy out of mathematics. I lay awake at night thinking about ideas I want to try and wonder how to reach certain students.  There is nothing quite like seeing a student get a concept that they had been struggling with.

The other part of role in Surrey is supporting teachers in their own professional inquiries in the area of Mathematics as the Changing Results for Young Mathematicians advocate.  Similarly, this role brings me great joy supporting such dedicated teachers who truly want to make a difference in the lives of the students they teach.

This is also my fourth and final year at UBC as the CITE Cohort Coordinator, instructor, and Faculty Advisor.  Last year I had the most wonderful group of students that I truly feared the change that September would bring with a new class.  I have had great students in the past but as a whole group, I had never had one like the cohort of 2014/15.  I cried several times that last week I taught them in August.  I wondered if I could ever feel for another cohort of students the way I felt for them.  It turns out I must have lucky stars watching over me; I ended up with an equally lovely and talented group of students whom I feel honoured to teach.

As you can see from photos, my kids are growing and changing a lot too!  Some days I wish I could just bottle them up and keep them this age forever.  Scott and I are still amongst their favourite people to hang out with.  Yes, they both have many friends but they still take great pleasure out of doing things with us.  Their favourite thing is to have a "sleepover" in our bedroom.  A "sleepover" is where we bring their mattresses into our room and we all watch a movie together and they sleep in our room for the night.  This holiday I spent some time reading posts from past years and it frightens me how quickly time flies.  I look at photos of Megan and Matt a mere four years ago and they look so much more like little kids, than the tweens whom I now live with.  Looking back through the blog was a wonderful reminder of why I would like to blog more often. I really don't want to ever forget the memories and feelings I experience each day and want my kids to be able to read the blog in years to come and take joy in the memories made.

Looking ahead to 2016 I am inspired to continue to the tradition of my "One Little Word". These past few months I have been feeling such a sense of gratitude for everything in my life and a genuine feeling of happiness.  I love this feeling and want to experience more of it.  Therefore, my 2016 word of the year is

I hope to explore and reflect upon what brings me happiness, as well as what brings others in my life happiness!

Megan's turns TEN!

So those of you who know Megan, know that her birthday was actually late in June. This might lead you to thinking I am losing my mind - lol - but I am not; I am still sane, at least I think I am! It's just that I have finally found some time to reflect and write on my adorable Megan, which is important because Megan continually reminds me that I never wrote a "TOP TEN" list for her, like I did for her brother Matthew when he turned ten and that is "not fair".

So in honour of my AMAZING MEGAN, here is her TOP TEN list!

1. Megan is a FUNNY kid!  She knows how to have a good time and makes others laugh without trying.  She makes faces, does crazy things with her body, and sometimes snorts when she laughs. She is a lot of FUN to be around. 
2. Megan is a highly CREATIVE person. She can make the most amazing origami, rainbow loom designs, pottery, paintings, cupcake and cookie designs, movies on her iPad, and illustrations.  She regularly can be found watching YouTube "how-to" videos and teaches herself all sorts of neat things. She also writes moving little stories and chapter books. 
3. Megan is CARING.  She will think of others and how their day was, and is wonderful with our dog Buddy, talking him for walks, brushing his hair, and making time to play with him.   
4. Megan is FIESTY. She speaks her mind and will argue her points. She takes on her older brother Matthew without fear. She is not scared of anything - except maybe spiders. 
5. She is an ATHLETE. Megan is good at anything she tries. She is a great dancer and soccer player! 
6. Megan seeks FAIRNESS in all areas of her life.  I wonder how this will play out in her later years.  Will she seek a career in something connected to social justice?  A lawyer? 
7. Megan is INDEPENDENT. She does things for herself and by herself.  Don't get me wrong, she works well with others, but on her own she is very capable. 
8. She is SAVVY!  Megan is clever, a critical thinker and witty. 
9. Megan is a good FRIEND. She enjoys spending time with her friends and is very loyal. 
10. She is LOVING. Megan loves to hug and asks for cuddles all the the time.

Megan is not perfect - no child is.  On occasions she can be persistent (a.k.a. annoying) and can screech and yell and act like a two-year old but we all have our moments. Overall though, Megan is a delight to be with. 

Similar to my comments on Matthew's tenth birthday, I am blown away by how fast ten years has gone by. I look at her and I just want to stop time and keep her as she is. I am so grateful and honoured to be her mom and love the time we spend together. 

Tonight I can't wait to cuddle up beside her and show her this post and read her the book I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  My hopes, dreams, and love for her is limitless.

Spring Break STAY-CATION!

Loving our Spring Break STAY-cation!

Monday       - Playdome - hours and hours of fun for only $24 a kid - Highly
                      recommend.  Thx Lisa Schwartz​ for this idea
Tuesday      - Indoor rock climbing with cousins
Wednesday - Spaghetti Factory lunch and off to Michaels for crafts - Perler
                      beads are all the rage in our house right now
Thursday     - Cinderella movie with Grandma and Dairy Queen for dessert  
                      with a cousin sleepover.
Friday          - McDonalds lunch with Chuck E Cheese in the afternoon
                      (great coupons online for tokens) and then Mario's Kitchen
                     dinner with another family!
Saturday     - bike riding with friends to 7-11!
Sunday       - chillin at home and then walking the dog at the off-leash park!

Looking forward to our second week!  The kids are at such great ages.  Who needs Mexico? LOL

Please share any great ideas you have for having fun with kids!

Matthew turns 11

I can barely believe it but just a few short weeks ago, Matthew had his 11th birthday!  I did some "research" this year, as I wanted to make his day as special as it could be.  I found a great some great "pins" that shared some unique ways to make a child's birthday even more special.  I decided to have a little fun with his lunch and had Scott sneak out a buy Matt his favourite sandwich from Subway and I wrapped it up.  When Matthew came home, he said that "It was the best birthday ever!"  I was so pleased that we had succeeded at making him feel special.

Matthew had some friends over to play soccer and then have pizza, cake, treats and a movie.  Honestly, I was very impressed with how well behaved the boys were and their manners were amazing.

As for my guy, I just love him so much and was glad to be able to make his day so special.  Matthew is one of the most loving, passionate, enthusiastic, happy, and outgoing people I know. He is an absolute JOY to be around.  I am proud to be his Mom and want him to know just how much he is loved!

Welcome SUMMER!

Since Summer has arrived early here on the West Coast, my kids and I decided it was time to create our yearly Summer "To-Do" list.  Now don't get me wrong, I do not plan to entertain my children every day, taking them here there and everywhere at their demands!  My kids will have many hours at home this summer.  And I will hear the dreaded "I'm bored!"  In these times, I will not be quick to jump in with an idea but instead will encourage them to be creative.  In fact, today we spend most of the day at home prior to Matthew's final 3-on-3 hockey and both kids made awesome StopMotion Animation videos, which I will try to post later.

But on those days when Scott is off or we are ALL looking for something to do, that is when we will turn to our handy list for ideas.  I feel very lucky to have my summers off and as someone who likes to be active, I take great enjoyment out of doing things with my kids.  Occasionally someone will have a cranky moment, but for the most part I find my kids are almost always better behaved when we go out for at least part of the day and are quick to share their appreciation and say thank you.  In doing these activities, I love that I get to re-visit many of the fun things I did as a kid.  Also, as the kids get older each year, I know that time is fleeting and I need to cherish these special years where they love hanging out with Scott and I, as much as being with friends.

SUMMER TO-DO LIST:

Enjoying Ice Cream At La Casa

• La Casa Gelato Ice Cream (They have 218 flavours at all times!)
• Ride doubles bikes around Stanley Park 
• Include the kids in creating many photo books on Shutterfly
• Walks to the look out by our house
• Have the kids assist me in completing some "Random Acts of Kindness" I committed to earlier in the year. 
• Go to Queen Elizabeth Park and roll down the hills
• See a Vancouver Canadians Game
• Pick strawberries at Emma Lea farm and have a Strawberry Sundae
• Have a picnic at Pajo's at Garry Point
• Have numerous picnics at Centennial Beach
• Splashdown Waterpark
• Cultas Lake Waterpark
• Make Sprite and Gummy Bear popsicles
• Zone Bowling
• Chuck E Cheese on a rainy day
• Mini-golf at West Richmond Community Centre
• Swim at South Arm Pool 
• Take the Big Bus around Vancouver 
• Stanley Park Horse Ride (in the Entertainment book)
• Playland
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• The Vancouver Zoo or the Seattle Zoo if we go to Seattle
• Ride the Ducks of Seattle
• Have lunch with Daddy at work (Scott)
• Take the Skytrain and Seabus to Lonsdale Quay
• Granville Island - kids market, water park and lunch 
• Keep up a walk/run schedule so that the whole family can run the 5km "Colour Me Rad" Run in August

  

  Chuck E Cheese

• See the Million Dollar Arm with Matthew
• See Blended with Megan
• Stay up late on the trampoline and watch for falling stars and place glow sticks in water to make a path
• Get up really early and see a sunrise
• Go to the Symphony of Fireworks
• Paint rocks that we collect
• Let Matthew drive a Go-Kart with me (Jen) as his passenger
• Swim at Kitsilano Pool

ANNUAL EVENTS:

• Camping with the Mommy Group 
• Canada Day at the McNeil's
• July 4th at the Satos cabin
• Osoyoos with the Nakagawas
• Whitecaps Afternoon Soccer Camp

Megan and Whitecaps player, Darren Mattocks at a FREE Soccer event in Ladner

Celebrating Family

What a wonderful long Family Day weekend my family had!

Friday night began with Scott and I taking the kids to the Lego movie.  This is a fantastic show with a terrific lesson.  I enjoyed watching the story unfold and had some quiet giggles to myself as I connected with the bad guy "Mr. Business".  I don't want to stay too much in case you plan to see the movie, but Mr. Business wants to use glue to keep certain lego pieces together... and it wasn't that long ago that I took some crazy glue to a few of Matthew's StarWars Lego ships.  Needless to say I felt like the movie was speaking to me directly!

Saturday Scott took the kids for a bike ride while I did homework.  Yes, I am enrolled in another course but this time for fun!  I am taking a Math course and really enjoying learning about the history and theory behind the subject for which I have grown so fond.  In the afternoon/evening we visited with one of Scott's friends, his spouse, and two twin girls.  We had lots of fun playing many games with the kids.  I have a new found favourite - Spot It! and plan to pick this up for a Valentine's Day present for M & M.  We have an adapted version of this game with NHL team logos but I like the original version better.

Sunday we had hoped to go skiing but the weather was a bit too cold.  Instead we went to the mall and searched for new ski gloves and snow pants for Matthew and learned that you should never wait until February to buy winter clothes as they have moved on to Spring!  Matt played a hockey game in the early evening and Scott and I watching The Help for the first time later in the night.  Although it was good, I felt the book was much better.

But the best part of the weekend was today when my entire family came together to celebrate my Mom's 70th birthday, which is tomorrow.  This year I have witnessed a few of my friends go through the loss of a parent.  Understanding that life is fragile, I wanted to convey to mom just how special she is to all of us, her family.  So together with my siblings, our spouses, and our kids we created a list of the 70 things that make my Mom so special.  My sister printed this list on nice paper and we framed it.  She loved this homemade gift, as well as the plate and bowl my kids made her.  As I watched her blow out the candles, surrounded my whole family, I could not have envisioned a more perfect end to Family Day.

To understand and know JOY

Every January it seems many of us reflect on our own lives and seek to improve ourselves by committing to an act.  For some it is going to the gym, losing weight, attending church on a regular basis, and so on.  Personally I have never found myself to be very good at maintaining the resolutions I impose on myself.  For the past few years, inspired by a couple of friend’s I have instead chose to focus on a word of the year.  They began this tradition inspired by Ali Edwards, who facilitates the One Little Word Workshop.  Edwards writes

Having a single word to focus on each year has made a difference in my life. In 2006 I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January – a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. My words have included play, peace, vitality, nurture, story, light, up and open. These words have each become a part of my life in one way or another. They’ve been imbedded into who I am, and into who I’m becoming. They’ve been what I’ve needed (and didn’t know I needed). They’ve helped me to breathe deeper, to see clearer, and to grow.

What do you do with this one little word?  You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.  http://aliedwards.com/shop/one-little-word-2014

This year my word came to me early.  Having recently finished my Masters, during the fall I found myself a bit lost. I had spent the majority of the previous two years outside of teaching and keeping my family fed and happy, immersed in reading and writing, and online discussions.  When faced with an abundance of time, I had almost forgotten who I used to be and what used to bring me pleasure.  It was then that I knew my word for 2014 must be JOY!  I had to rediscover that which brought me happiness.

The recent holiday season brought many joyous moments... watching the kids open presents Christmas morning, baking with them, parties, time with friends, getting together with family, movies, spending a night at a hotel for New Year's Eve with the kids (thanks to Lisa for that great idea!), and so on!  It truly was a wonderful holiday.

We spent the last few days of the holiday watching Matthew play hockey in the South Delta "Party in Da House" tournament.  This is such a fun event for everyone involved.  Unlike regular season games, there is music, raffle tickets, and far more spectators. Additionally, this is the one time in the season that the Delta teams get to play each other rather than teams from other cities.  Matthew, like most of the other players, really looks forward to playing many of his friends' teams.  His team played terrible the first game.  It was evident that they had not practiced for over three weeks.  But during the second game and those that followed, the team played really well!  As Matthew's team continued to advance, we were all caught a bit by surprise, having never gone this far in this tournament before.  

Sunday morning I stayed home with Megan as she had a friend over for a sleepover and didn't want to go to yet another hockey game.  Matt and Scott left for the game.  This one was important, as the winner would move ahead to the final game of the tournament.  Scott kept his parents and I updated with the events of the game via texts.  It was a very close game that went to a shoot out.  As a parent of the goalie, shootouts can be very stressful!  Matt's team won and everyone could not have been happier!  Matthew was quick to place calls to all the family to ensure they would be in attendance at the final game!

The final game began at 3 p.m.  It started out well.  We were up by 2 goals but the other team soon caught up.  We went to the second period tied but by the end the other team was up by two goals. Matt's team played hard but it just was not meant to be.  They were defeated and for the first time in Matthew's life I saw him fill with sorrow in a way I had not seen before.   Scott and I watched from behind the glass as Matthew seemed to fall over... not to the ice but his upper body lowered with his head hovering over his knees.  He stayed there for several moments.  Scott and I both looked at each other and without saying anything, we knew exactly what Matt was feeling.  He was overcome with extreme disappointment.  

As I watched unable to say anything to him, I remembered a page in a favourite book I gave Megan called Someday by Alison McGee.  It this moving book, McGee details her wishes for her daughter's life... wishes for her to experience great joys, to stretch, to grow, and do all the things possible in life so that she lives it to the fullest.

Later Sunday night as I tucked Matthew in to bed he and I talked about the game and how he was feeling.  Understanding the loss, but without tears, he commented "We were so close... so close".

As I went off to sleep, I was comforted by the fact that Matthew was able to endure such disappointment.  In life I believe we cannot truly come to know and understand JOY without knowing sorrow and disappointment and although what he experienced was difficult, in the end Scott and I know he will be a better person because of it.    

Christmas Fun

The decorations have been hung on the tree with care

And Rachoo, our Elf has returned with a flair

Christmas baking has begun, this year Gluten free

Despite no wheat flour, our treats bring glee!

SKOR BARS GLUTEN-FREE

Base:
Mix together the dry ingredients and cut in butter until it is crumbly.  Empty into 8 x 11 greased glass dish and pat down evenly with your fingers.

• 2 1/2 cups of Gluten-free flour (We used Cup for Cup - just make sure yours has xanthan gum or you'll need to add it)  *For those who don't need to do GF - use 1 1/2 cups of regular flour
• 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup of softened butter

Bake the dish in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.

First Layer:

While you base is baking, heat one can of sweetened condensed milk with 2 Tbsp of butter over medium heat.  Stir frequently until thickened.  Usually about 8 - 10 minutes. 

• 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 Tbsp of butter

Pour the topping over the baked crust bottom and then place back into the oven for another 10 - 12 minutes until the next layer is bubbly.

Last Layers:

Pour a bag and bit of chocolate chips evenly over the top.  Place the dish back in the oven for 2 minutes or until the chocolate chips are shiny.  Use a spatula to smooth melted chocolate evenly.  Then add a bag and a bit of Skor bits (they sell these in the baking aisle at most grocery stores - in the States they are called Heath bits).  I usually press these down lightly so they stick.

Enjoy!

I'm back...

I can't believe that the last time I wrote a post it was June and now here we are in November.  I would love to say it was because I have been so busy doing this and that... but truth be told, I've been enjoying a lot of down time.  I have spent time reconnecting with myself, my family and friends and rediscovering things that bring me joy.  Unfortunately the idea of blogging reminded me too much of online work for Masters, therefore I avoided it like the plague.

So what has happened in my life since June?

• Megan turned 8 - and I feel very guilty for not posting about it  :(
• Both Scott and Megan were diagnosed with Celiac's disease which has made some vast changes in the way our house eats
• We did our annual camping trip with the Mommy Group - always fun!
• I completed my Masters the third week of August - Elation set in...
• Our house went up for sale - It sold in four days - and then the deal was retracted - and then when we were in Vegas it sold again... and we bought a lot and have decided to build again -very stressful week and then month.
• We moved to a rental place mid-September and are adjusting.  It still doesn't feel like home. 
• I continue to teach and supervise B.Ed. students at UBC and teach one day in a Grades 3/4 class
• Megan started Grade Three and Matt began Grade Five
• I turned 39! 

Three months free from any Masters work, I have realized how wonderful it is to have the freedom of time.  Yes, our family like most, has the schedules of sports and other activities to contend with.  Matthew plays hockey and soccer and Megan also plays soccer and attends Brownies.  Although these events take bits of time out of our week, there remains so much other time for us to be together. Time to simply cuddle, to relax, to read for fun, play games, visit and really take time for friendships, time to watch TV shows, go for walks, and not rush through the every day activities that must be done.

This is the time I now realize I gave up these past two years.  I don't regret my Masters, but only now in reflection can I see the toll it took on everyone and what others gave up to ensure I succeeded.  I feel very lucky to be so loved by both my husband and mom who gave tremendously of themselves (driving, watching the kids, putting up with my shortness when I was stressed, keeping my house clean and everyone fed) to give me the time I needed to work.  Although only I will receive the degree tomorrow, I feel that each of them deserve an award as well!  I am so grateful to them.

As someone who takes comfort in being busy, the slower change of pace has taken a bit of adjusting to. I was focussed for so long on staying strong (my word of the year was STRENGTH) that honestly when things slowed down I wasn't sure what to do with myself.  Like I mentioned above, initially I sought a lot of down time.  Really, I think I napped and slept more in the past three months that I have in a long, long time.  I didn't realize how burnt out I was.  Now that my energy has increased, I feel like I have my groove back.  And funny enough along with this, I think I may have also found my 2014 word of the year.  Each day these past few weeks I have been trying to focus on (seeking and committing to) that which bring me JOY and making it a priority.

Matthew Turns TEN

Ten years ago today I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy!  Some days it seems like just yesterday and at other times it feels like forever ago.  Matthew has been a true blessing in my life and has changed me in so many wonderful and positive ways, as having children does.  I am so privileged to be his mom and I am so proud of the little man he is becoming.

In honour of his tenth birthday I have written a TOP TEN list of some of the wonderful things about Matthew!



TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MATTHEW:

1. Matthew is a HAPPY kid!  Truly - he wears a smile most of the day and it a joy to be around.
2. He is LOVING.... he still likes cuddles and will hold my hand when we take the dog for a walk.  
3. He is CURIOUS and asks lots and lots of questions.  
4. Matthew is a good FRIEND and likes the company of others.
5. He is PASSIONATE about all sports and loves the fun of the game!  He is a good sport and never gets upset as the team goalie when he has a bad game.
6. He is INNOCENT and has a genuine sense of wonder about him. 
7. Matthew is OUTGOING and not in the slightest bit shy.  He happily performs his 'dance moves' when we have friends over for dinner.  Usually he is the LEADER of the group and likes to organize all the kids.  
8. Matthew is ENTHUSIASTIC about most things in life including school and sports.  He does not like to be sick and never complains about his commitments.  In fact, he gets up early, eager to greet the day and hates to be late for anything. 
9. He is an ENTREPRENEUR  - He consistently sets up lemonade stands and even tried to sell his art work  several years ago.  He is learning how to save his money
10. Matthew DREAMS big and sees a world of opportunities!

Cookies he helped me to make to share
with his class on his special day!!!

Yes, he does fight with his sister and argue with Scott and I.  He can be stubborn and slow to do what is asked of him when it is something he does not want to do (e.g., make his bed, brush his teeth, etc.).  Overall though, he is a great kid and I love him so much!  

As much as I enjoy watching him grow, it makes me sad too, as I know that one day he will be grown. So tonight I am reminding myself that time is fleeting and I need to cherish my time with my big/little boy!  Tonight I am going to mimic the mom in the Robert Munsch book Love You Forever and I am going to creep up to his bed and sneak in a quiet cuddle.  

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.

Marvellous Mathematical Memories with Matthew

Moments of pride occur for parents when we are able to see our child shine ~ these become moments we truly cherish!  One that stood out for me occurred a couple of weeks ago at Delta’s Math Celebration held at Port Guichon Elementary School.

My son Matthew was invited to participate in this outstanding, well-organized math event held by Donna Bletcher, Delta’s Mathematics Consultant.  Students were grouped into teams that worked collaboratively to share, discuss strategies, and discover solutions to mathematical problems.  As a math educator, I loved that the focus went beyond simply getting the right answer and instead valued the process of learning.  An inquiry approach was used as the questions were open-ended and had multiple pathways to answers.  This promoted active learning requiring both a hands-on and minds-on approach.  Points were awarded for exploration, communication, risk taking, use of multiple strategies, and cooperative learning.  Students worked as communities of learners, helping and learning from each other. 

As I observed my son and the other students in the room, you could see the high levels of engagement, enjoyment and motivation, as evidenced by the smiles and laughter upon the faces of all of the participants and observers.   It was mathematics at its finest!

Not only was I proud to be Matthew’s mom, I was proud to be a parent in the Delta School District.  A huge thank you to Donna Bletcher and all of the other educators who took part in creating proud mathematical memories for students and parents of Delta schools.

Matt's close buddy Nolan doing some big math thinking!

Matthew and his team!  He is on the far right.

The Neilson Grove Students!