tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76325205989391774362024-03-04T23:44:33.989-06:00From the HeartCarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-49351110951267964512016-12-20T23:23:00.000-06:002017-01-29T23:23:35.578-06:00Christmas Performance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of all the holiday performances, this is one of my favorite nights. For about sixty minutes or so, all the little pianists are proud to show off their skills. It's enjoyable to listen to all the familiar Christmas carols and to see the kids create the feelings of Christmas with their music. With every student who walks up and takes their seat at the ivory keys, each parent in the audience knows the time and effort that went into learning that one song. My girls began plunking away at Jingle Bells and Santa Clause is Coming to Town back in July and on this night, with all the arguing and protesting about practicing behind us, we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. A magical evening to get you in the Christmas spirit if you weren't already.</div>
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It was all smiles when the night was over...maybe because we are one day closer to the holidays but the more likely reason is that there are no piano lessons for two weeks.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-19106315445855819202016-12-18T00:23:00.000-06:002017-01-08T00:26:11.751-06:00Party Circuit <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's that time of the year! Time for concerts and parties and all that jazz. Let's start with little sister's school concert. It's getting harder and harder to get this girl into a dress these days so we settled on the hand me down penguin sweater. Because really, she's a beauty no matter what she's wearing. Now that Callie's in grade four, she's no longer a part of the school concert...much to her delight. I think the reason she's so glad not to be in the concert is the simple fact that she didn't have to get dressed up. </div>
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We snapped a quick couple pics in front of our perfect Christmas tree and off we went to the school gym to here sister sing D'où viens-tu, bergère? with the rest of her grade two class. </div>
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Just because Callie wasn't a part of the Christmas concert that didn't mean she wouldn't get a chance to sing. She had her chance to shine with the school choir singing a mix of traditional carols at a school Christmas party. I hope my girls never stop singing. Especially at Christmas time. </div>
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We moved on from concerts and choirs to our first holiday party. This party if for kids of the school staff and we've gone to several of these in the past. I asked the girls if they wanted to go this year, not knowing if they would since they are getting a bit older and wiser. But they both said yes! I'm sure I heard Callie tell Lexi that Santa comes to this party and if they go they get a present and that might have had something to do with the decision. As it turns out, she was right. Santa did show up with gifts for all the kids.</div>
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Whatever the reason, I'm glad they wanted to go. And as long as they want to go and sit on Santa's knee, I will take them. Because childhood is just too short and not that long ago I had to sit on Santa's knee with then hiding behind my leg. And I know that in the not to distant future they will non-nonchalantly sit on the big guy's knee just to appease their mother and to collect a gift that they act like they don't care about. I know its coming. So I am going to soak up these moments every chance I get, while I still have them. <br />
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There's nothing like concerts and carols and parties to get us in the spirit. Making memories with good friends and lots of laughs. Hanging out with my girls. I'm just loving these merry days! We're counting down the minutes until our holiday officially begins! </div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-35456563772425928802016-12-11T11:16:00.000-06:002017-01-04T01:21:34.516-06:00The Perfect Tree.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This story starts off the same each year. The phone rings and it's the local service group asking if we would like to order a Douglas Fir tree. This year it was Lexi who insisted we go to the forest to get our own tree. So I politely declined the pre-cut and delivered Douglas Fir tree they were offering but kept our name on the call list because who knows what will happen next year.</div>
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And really, just look at that tree line. There's gotta be the perfect tree out there somewhere.</div>
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We set out on the old highway with Christmas carols playing and our hopes high. Everyone looked out their window scanning the ditches for something suitable to string lights on. "There's one!" someone shouts. But upon closer inspection it's actually two trees intertwined. So we continue on. Looking and analyzing. "Too bare, too tall, too fat, too hard to get at..." And just as we were about to lose all our Christmas enthusiasm... there is was. The perfect Christmas tree.</div>
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There wasn't a lot of snow to contend with this year but the minus thirty temperature caused havoc on the fingers and toes. Good thing there was hot chocolate, strings of lights and tree ornaments waiting for us at home. But the funny thing is that a tree doesn't look as big in the forest as it does when you're trying to get it through the door. </div>
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Getting this monster tree into the house and standing straight up was no simple task. The tree stand was just not able to hold this beauty of tree no matter how much blasting wire we used to tie it to the wall. I went to the store to see if I could find a more effective, sturdier tree stand but had no luck. I can't lie and say that the pre-lit artificial trees that I saw while looking for the tree stand weren't looking very attractive at this point. After great discussion about the kind of tree stand we needed but didn't have, we tipped the tree back on it's side and Jon cut it down to a smaller, more manageable size for the wimpy little tree stand that we had. </div>
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After a full days work of tree hunting, tree erecting, tree decorating, and tree needle clean up we circle around to the same old question. Is it worth it? </div>
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In the middle of the fiasco, the answer was No! Definitely not worth it. But now that it's up and adorned with its lights and all the ornaments that each have a story to tell, my heart has softened. Maybe it wasn't that bad. Maybe we can find a better tree stand for next year. Or maybe we'll just order one from the service group when they call. Who knows.<br />
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What I do know is that it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here and I look forward to all the joy that is going to happen around our perfect Christmas tree. And that's worth it!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-13010403284793959672016-11-29T00:35:00.000-06:002017-01-03T00:36:35.245-06:00Bits and Pieces of November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a little bit of randomness for you today.</div>
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1. More Research</div>
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The girls shared their new found bannock making skills with their friends. Remember, it's all in the name of research. </div>
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Topped with butter and Grandma's homemade jam...that's what I call yummy research. These two girls have spent many hours learning the ins and outs of Metis life of long ago...</div>
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And low and behold, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XsrUYNPDks&list=PLYhOoxiaR5hEdWTcQAli6nfihWQ_fL-3G">Seirra Noble</a> shows up in our town just in time for these girls to experience a live performance of the Red River Jig. </div>
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2. Girlfriend's Birthday</div>
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Just 40 little reasons to go out with good friends and have a few belly laughs. </div>
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3. Four-legged House Guest</div>
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Obviously he thinks he's the king.</div>
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4. Smile Checks</div>
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Orthodontics in the future but cleaning, polishing and cavity free times 2 girls today!!</div>
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5. Most Improved</div>
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Little sister worked her butt off this term and here's the proof. This reading and writing stuff is serious business.</div>
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6. Hello December<br />
We're ready for sugar plum fairies and nutcrackers and all things Christmas. Let the December festivities begin!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-86898595363531833842016-11-09T10:46:00.000-06:002016-12-29T10:47:30.992-06:00In the Name of Research<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Callie came home from school one day talking about the Heritage Fair that was going to be happening. Basically the Heritage Fair is like a Science Fair with projects that are about Canadian History. The topic is pretty broad and the kids can really do a project about anything they want as long as it somehow relates to Canada. Callie said, "Mom, remember those flags we saw at the family picnic? I want to do my project about the Metis people." So Callie and her friend began researching and learning about the history of the Metis people in Manitoba and have become very knowledgeable about the languages, flags, sashes, Red River carts and, of course, they are a bit obsessed with the fact that Lois Riel was hanged for treason. Actually being hanged with a rope while other people watched is just not in the realm of a nine year olds thinking. Gotta love history to broaden little minds.</div>
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After helping these girls with their research project, it became clear that we had to make a trip to visit my Grandma. I explained to Callie that in this day and age, anyone can easily do a research project by Googling and cutting and pasting information. Maybe she needed to do some first hand research. Imagine having a Grandma, jammed packed with all kinds of stories and history, and not tapping into all that knowledge? <br />
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So my mom and I packed up the girls and made the five our trip south to spend the weekend with my Grandma. Callie came armed with a bunch of questions for her project and we all wanted to learn how to make bannock from the best! Grandma made the first batch of bannock to show us how it was done and then she let the girls make their own. Like most things in life, good bannock comes over time with practice and experience. It's more about feel and texture than following a recipe. And I have to say, for a first time, the girls did a pretty good job. Can you really go wrong with flour, Tenderflake and buttermilk?<br />
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We ate bannock with butter and homemade jam and asked grandma all about her life growing up. We learned so much and it made me think about all the technology we have today. With the ability to record and photograph and video everything at the touch of a button I sometimes wonder if the Facebook moments we share are actually capturing anything of importance, I take lots of pictures, that's no secret, and I share them, but it's the story of the photo that only I know that I love so much. And I wonder what part of the photos we take today will be of importance in the future. </div>
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When I was looking through grandma's old photos, we talked about this picture...</div>
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We talked briefly about the people in the picture but the bigger story was about the fiddle hanging on the wall in the background. We learned that the man who played the fiddle died and after his death no one ever played it again. But you have to wonder what songs were played, where the fiddle came from, and whatever happened to it. </div>
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Someday maybe someone will see this picture of Callie holding a rolling pin, sitting next to her great grandma and they will wonder what the story was behind the rolling pin. Where did it come from, what kinds of pastries did it make, and where did it end up?<br />
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We can all admit that Google is a powerful tool for researching but the stories we heard, the love we felt, the memories we made.... that stuff just can't be Googled. Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-22736257196984037972016-11-02T03:07:00.000-05:002016-12-27T03:10:06.781-06:00Pumpkins, Costumes and Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week we were talking Christmas, this week we're backing up the clock to Halloween. I put up a few decorations because I just can't help myself and the girls were in charge of designing their own pumpkin faces to carve. </div>
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There were some pretty fancy pumpkin carving pictures being posted from friends around the internet but I have to say I kinda like Big Mouth and Noseless. </div>
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As for costumes, Callie and her friend wanted to dress up as something together. After scrolling costume sites online they decided to be a peanut butter and jam sandwich.</div>
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As for Lexi, she chose a tootsie roll costume but when it came in and she put it on, it just didn't meet her standards. I'm not exactly sure what her standards were but whatever she had envisioned the tootsie roll would look like didn't match up with the reality. She decided she would be a secret spy agent instead and this mom said go for it sista. Sometimes I see photos of families all dressed up in a theme and think it looks pretty cool. Like all Star Wars or John Travolta and the Pink Ladies from Grease. When I see these pictures I always wonder how they get their kids to agree to the theme, cooperate, and actually put it on when its time. Those are some challenges I'm just not interested in taking on. I just let the girls pick whatever, because chances are whatever they pick will be stuffed under a winter jacket or squeezed over top.</div>
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Lexi changed her mind about being a tootsie roll but Ozzy didn't have that luxury. Thankfully most of the early snow has melted and the temperatures were bearable for trick or treating this year. The girls had a great time collecting their goodies with their friends. They did lots of walking and their bags were full. And everyone agrees, chocolate bars are the best treat. Personally, I like the licorice, Callie likes Mars, Lexi likes everything and the dad hardly touches the stuff. </div>
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Happy Halloween!</div>
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-21777313056951329912016-10-24T01:51:00.000-05:002016-12-27T03:11:23.771-06:00An October ChristmasWith all the snow that's been happening, Christmas with our snowbird family isn't actually that far of a stretch in October. <br />
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As we all sat around the table, enjoying an early Christmas dinner, enjoying each others company and some cups of good cheer, I was thinking about the first time I came to this house for Christmas dinner. Jon and I were a shiny new couple and although I had been there for dinner once before, Christmas dinner just felt like a bigger deal. I remember being so nervous. So nervous that I can't even really remember who was all there. I remember playing the present game and <i>one to the left and two to the right</i> and watching Zach, who was maybe four years old, try not to cry when he lost his quarters. I remember feeling welcomed and loved and cozy. I received perfume as a gift as we headed out the door early to get back to whatever twenty year olds do on Christmas. </div>
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And this year, as I watched my girls roll the dice and quietly hope that no one would steal their presents, I thought of the many people that I've met around that table over the past 19 years. The early Christmases before kids and the Christmases at the hotel. And how it doesn't matter who you have with you, there's always room for one more at the table.</div>
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I sat down next to the wood burning fireplace, looked out at the early snow and then over at the corner of the room where the piano that is now in our living room used to sit. I smiled as I thought of the years we sang carols around that piano after a few too many cups of good cheer. I suppose with the rumors that this may be our last Christmas around this table I was feeling a little nostalgic. </div>
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No matter when or where Christmas is celebrated, memories will be made and love will be felt. This early Christmas is the perfect kick start to all the good things to come. </div>
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Merry Early Christmas and safe travels to our snowbirds.</div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-71577646433493465802016-10-11T00:51:00.000-05:002016-12-27T01:53:21.989-06:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a mom, there are lots of things that I worry about. I worry about my girls becoming slaves to electronics, about them watching endless hours of Fuller House and obsessing over whether DJ will choose Matt or Steve to be her boyfriend. I worry about them doing well at school, if they remember their manners when I'm not there, if they are kind to others. I worry about them eating too much sugar and getting cavities from not brushing well. I worry that they don't get enough sleep, that they argue too much and won't grow up to love each other. And then there's the serious stuff to worry about. Freak accidents, crazy people, rare diseases. You get the picture. </div>
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And just when you're about to wave the white flag and surrender to doing the parenting thing all wrong, Thanksgiving rolls around and gives you a chance to slow down and truly remind yourself of how good you actually have it. Because when I look a little closer, many of the things I worry about are worries of indulgence. Too much of this and too much of that. And my concerns, although real to me, need to be checked every now and again and put into their rightful place. <br />
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Because for as much as I sweat the small, day to day stuff, I have to take a look around and acknowledge that our Thanksgiving was spent with my parents. We cooked a turkey dinner together with all the trimmings. We laughed and toasted each other as we watched the snowy blizzard that was happening outside from the warmth and comfort of the house. And to take that for granted would be completely disrespectful to all the peeps in my life who have lost their parents and those who aren't able to be with their parents and to the kids who don't have the luxury of healthy, capable and loving grandparents. <br />
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Due to the blizzard like conditions and the enormous snow fall, we spent most of Thanksgiving day without any power in the house. It likely couldn't have happened on a better day. What better day than Thanksgiving to lose power and give us a humble reminder of the many luxuries that we do take for granted. Although the power was out for most of the day and the house was starting to get a little cold, I knew deep down that we didn't really have anything to worry about. That Hydro guys were out working hard to get it restored and that we could always go to town where the power was still working. Because we have privilege, I get the luxury of worrying about the small stuff. The privilege of a loving family, food in the cupboards, and a peaceful country. Every once in a while its good to check our privileges so that we can remind ourselves that the small stuff is really and truly just small stuff. </div>
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Happy Thanksgiving.</div>
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-28161477329098039582016-10-04T22:30:00.000-05:002016-12-17T01:09:54.535-06:00#Snowday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well, we got a snow storm a little too early for anybody's liking. Except for the kids of course. While snow in October isn't all that unusual, what really rocked our world was that fact that we had our first ever snow day! A snow day like, you know, when schools are closed and buses don't run and all that jazz. On October 4th we got to experience this snow day phenomenon for ourselves.</div>
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The day started like any other first winter snow day. Jon left for work and said he would drive me and the girls to school in a shop truck because our truck was stuck in the back until they got the snow cleared. Just as I was scrambling around looking for mitts and ski pants, Jon came home form work and asked if I'd checked my messages. That's something I don't do very often in the morning due to the fact that I'm kinda busy getting lunches and back packs and the three of us out the door. "Well you better check," he said, "they're saying the school is closed." Say what? Our schools don't close. <br />
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But it turned out to be true story. And the cherry on top of the snow day cone was that staff didn't have to go in either! I can't hardly describe the feeling of just dropping everything and letting go of all the things that you were prepared to conquer in the day. I verified with all my teacher buddies that this snow day thing was for real and when it was confirmed I made myself a coffee and sat down and put my feet up. I'm not sure who was more excited, me or the girls! </div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-6644665359907119772016-09-30T00:35:00.000-05:002016-12-05T00:35:45.577-06:00Colors of Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like to meet the girls when they get off the school bus. Even though they are completely capable of making it across the parking lot, past the shop and up to the house on their own. I still like to walk out to the road to meet them. A long time ago, I was at a conference for work and the speaker was Gabor Mate and he had just coauthored a book with Gordon Neufeld and he was talking about the idea of holding onto your kids and the phenomenon of peer attachment. Google it if you're really interested but the funny thing is that even though I wasn't married and had no children when I heard Gabor speak (and I've since heard his buddie Gordon speak many times as well) I have never forgotten the concepts that he spoke of that day. One of those concepts was the idea of collecting our children and the benefits of a greeting ritual. Yes. I'm for real. This is what goes through my mind as I wait for the bus. How greeting and saying hello to my children will keep them close to me <i>and</i> how beautiful the leaves are <i>and</i> how the sun feels on my face <i>and</i> how happy I am to be alive.</div>
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I asked the girls if the wanted to go for a walk to World Rock. It used to be them asking me but there has been a shift as TV and electronics exert their power as we know they can. So it is me saying, "let's go for a walk." Lucky for me, Callie was willing to join me. Beyond our backyard fence and the trampoline and the too small swing set we have quite the yard to explore. <br />
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We make it to World Rock and decided to keep exploring. Walking down the highway just to see what we could see. Looking for fall's colors and treasures and just being.<br />
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We found some rock solid love around us. We're loving fall and all its amazing colors. We're getting ready to store nuts and make things cozy. These upcoming months are responsible for filling our hearts full to the top, warming them up and keeping them strong through all the winter days to come. Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-58279308664105639352016-09-16T22:39:00.000-05:002016-12-04T22:41:39.612-06:00Back at 'er.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first days and weeks of the new school year have come and gone and we are back to packing lunches and forgetting to return library books. Callie has the same teacher and mostly the same kids in her class as last year. And maybe all that sameness is what made this fourth grade year one of our smoothest transitions yet. Her exact words, "this is the first year I haven't had bad belly aches". Maybe it's the sameness, maybe she's growing up. Maybe a bit of both. Whatever it is, we'll take it. </div>
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And my sweet little Lexi started grade two without missing a beat. As long as she's got a high ponytail and tall boots, she's ready for anything. Grade two feels pretty big kid. Especially when you have a big sister and all her friends to hang out with. She needs frequent reminders that she is just seven years old. <br />
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I will enjoy another year of part time work. Getting home in enough time to make supper and meet the girls as they get of the school bus is a perfect balance. I will treasure this balance as I know it will not last forever. Cheer to grade two, four and part-time hours. Let the learning begin.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-28290975597362457192016-08-28T22:38:00.000-05:002016-11-12T22:41:58.192-06:00Seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been talking about getting a camper of our very own for a while now. We've yurted and camped with my parents many, many times but it may be time for us to dive into this camping lifestyle for real. With all the camper talk this summer it seemed like a perfect time to bring the outdoors in and get ready for a camp party.</div>
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Life at seven means...<br />
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You're a few teeth short of a full grill.<br />
You love your momma fiercely.<br />
You love sweets just as much as you love your momma. Sticky cinnamon buns, donuts, chocolate bars, cookies and chocolate milk are your favorite food groups.<br />
You jump around all the time. You're always moving. Always wiggling. Even in your sleep.<br />
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You love Barbie and Lego.<br />
You say Toopy and Binoo is your favorite but you watch Full House and iCarley on Netflix.<br />
You've mastered the eye roll and the hair flip. Probably from watching the horrors of Barbie's Life in the Dreamhouse.<br />
You love to watch movies and eat popcorn.<br />
You like swimming, gymnastics and dance. You tolerate piano lessons. <br />
You like to stay up late. Mornings aren't your favorite.<br />
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You are always hot. Even in winter. You're always wearing tank tops and leggings. <br />
You like to wear stylish boots. <br />
You like when dad cooks juicy steak, ribs and hamburgers. You order poutine in a restaurant. <br />
You say you're favorite color is pink but it doesn't really matter. <br />
You like to sleep with someone, especially mom, but anyone will do. You snuggle close and kick all night.<br />
When you're grown up you say you want to work in a bakery.<br />
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<br />
You're always climbing on furniture. <br />
Your sister is your best friend and, at times, your worst enemy.<br />
You run from the bus after school to hug and kiss your momma.<br />
Your favorite thing about your dad is that he makes you french toast.<br />
You are smart and funny.<br />
You are lovable, huggable and kissable.<br />
You are my little peanut.<br />
You are seven.<br />
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-38077449293775482452016-08-23T11:31:00.000-05:002016-10-21T11:37:30.130-05:00Family Roots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took a little trip to experience our first ever Métis Family Picnic and to learn a little more about our family heritage. It's pretty cool that my Uncle Dennis is doing such interesting work uncovering and researching our family roots. We all get to benefit from his hard work. Knowing where you came from is pretty fascinating stuff and it's very humbling to hear stories of the past and empathizing with how hard people had to work to provide for their families and the challenges they met at every corner. We learn this stuff in school but suddenly it's become a lot more interesting with real human faces attached to the stories. I can see a grade four social studies project in the making.</div>
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The girls had a few questions about the flags and what they were for and about the music and why we were getting together with family for this event but mostly they just ran around and played with cousins. Because that's how kids learn about their culture. Not from books but from everyday experiences that they are immersed in and are just normal to them. </div>
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This little town of Togo has many happy memories from my childhood. It was where my grandparents spent their retirement years and was a gathering place for my mom's family throughout my childhood. It is where I ran and played with cousins every summer and although the town has changed and transformed over the past twenty years as all places do, it is still a great place to make memories. I love that my girls get to experience it too.</div>
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Of course, the girls will say what they love most about getting together with family is when they get to ride a horse. There is something about these tall, strong. beautiful animals that attracts the kids like magnets. I'm sure some of their fascination is attributed to the fact that we don't see a lot of horses in our northern town so when we do, it is quite novel. But maybe its more than that. Horses were a love of my Grandpa's. Early in his life they were necessary for transportation but as time passed and they weren't necessary for getting around, my grandpa continued to keep horses and when I was a kid, "going to see the horses" was a summer tradition. Maybe the love of horses can run deeper than we can acknowledge on the surface. <br />
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Overall, it was a perfect weekend of leaning about the past, living in the present, and making memories for the future. Nothing better than that!</div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-438681232259262552016-08-22T09:30:00.000-05:002016-10-02T09:32:11.763-05:00Back Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So our holiday road lead us back home to our northern landscape. And the prize when we got home was that it was finally time for the dad to have some holidays! Let the fun begin! To start, we returned to our favorite piece of lakefront property, yurt 6. This location is a little slice of heaven. <br />
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Papa gave the girls fishing rods and tackle boxes for this yurt trip. They didn't catch us any dinner but they had fun trying. And I was so very thankful that the dad was on holidays to fish with his girls because if you've ever fished with kids off the rocks you know it's a full time job. Casting, snags, lost hooks and more minnows... yep, dad is the hero.<br />
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And look who showed up to share her northern roots with her prairie children! Same great bunch of kids, new location to grow and solidify their growing friendship roots.<br />
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Scavenger hunts, hiking, and biking through forests. Campfire, hotdogs and chocolaty s'mores...these are a few of my favorite things. Some may prefer spas and five star hotels with chef prepared gourmet meals as opposed to the great outdoors. All I can say is that I like both! <br />
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Who's to say glorious beach days with bags of chips, games of Uno, football throwing, and hours of swimming can't be five star too? Especially when surrounded by beautiful friends.<br />
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And to complete this five star adventure, swimming by the light of the moon. These kinds of memories can't be bought. They just happen when you show up in each others lives and sit back and let things unfold. <br />
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We said goodbye to yurt 6 after these days with our friends. We knew this would be the last time this season that we would be out there and the last time we saw our friends for a while. So it was good bye for now but not forever. Till next time, stay beautiful.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-14427488802111338242016-08-15T20:24:00.000-05:002016-09-07T20:25:30.538-05:00Holiday Road Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So our holiday road took us took us across the prairie to Saskatchewan. Since I was driving I didn't take any pictures along the way but I soaked up all the images of old barns and small town churches with beautiful steeples that have me intrigued by the amount of detail they put into building design when they likely had no access to modern day power tools. The vast fields of wheat and canola, grain elevators inscribed with town names and the endless horizon led us to our home away from home...the hometown of my BFF.</div>
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We celebrated my BFF's fifteenth wedding anniversary and we marked this milestone by releasing lanterns into the night sky over the lake. We're still not sure if this was a great idea or not but it sure was fun. <br />
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Many things have changed in the past 15 years. If I stop for a second and look around, the changes are actually pretty amazing. Despite all the slow, gradual changes that happen when days turn into weeks that turn into years, and despite all the barriers we can come up with such as time, distance, finances, priorities, obligations, health or the will. Among all the changes, our friendships continue to grow. Our kids continue to mesh together at every meeting. Our lives continue to grow together and then apart and then together again. I think strong solid roots are the foundation of long lasting friendships.<br />
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Every time we get together, our friend's prairie roots become intertwined with my girl's northern roots and the kind of friendships that these roots will grow into one can only guess. In the meantime, we'll keep showing up in each others lives and creating opportunities for more growth and change.</div>
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This holiday road that we were on ended up leading us to the University of Saskatchewan campus. What a time of reflection it was for us moms to return to the school where our roots grew together to form the solid foundation that has supported the last twenty years of friendship growth. And having our kids experience this together with us intertwined their little friendship roots a little tighter.<br />
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We toured our old residence and explored buildings and classrooms that used to be so familiar to us. We reminisced about the good times and marveled at the changes. We told the kids stories and bought souvenirs in the bookstore. We left the U of S campus with warm glows of nostalgia, said good bye to our friends and our holiday road lead us away from the endless prairie fields and back to our northern home. Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-89800330166895015262016-08-08T22:08:00.000-05:002016-08-30T22:19:25.595-05:00Holiday Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Near the end of June, the conversation is always about summer plans. It's as talked about as the weather. My response to "What are your plans this summer?" was something like, "oh, not much. just staying home, enjoying our town and the lakes, just relaxing."</div>
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So when my friend Marlene suggested the girls and I come to visit her in her town, we figured why not? So we loaded up the truck and headed south to have some new adventures and to revisit some old favorites. </div>
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Our first new adventure involved a beach in a town that we've never been to before. Lake Winnipeg feels a bit like you're beside an ocean just without the salty air. When the wind picked up, the girls road the huge waves on their boogie boards and I held on tight to Lexi so she didn't end up out at sea! We spent the day in the town of Gimli, checking out the seawall gallery, learning a bit about it's Icelandic heritage and finishing up with an evening movie at it's one of a kind retro theater.</div>
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The next town we explored was one we've been to before. There is never a shortage of fun when you're at Tinkertown with friends. We wanted to hit up Tinkertown again because the girls are getting bigger and the rides at this kids park are staying the same size so we wanted to repeat this performance for the third time just to ensure that the great times we've had here transfer into long term memory. But really, are you ever too old for funhouse mirrors...<br />
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And the same goes for the Children's Museum... the third time's a charm. <br />
There's no forgetting these good times!<br />
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We also spent some time at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers exploring, meeting musicians, learning about flood waters, bridges, statues of Louis Riel, and a little guy they call Golden Boy. We had a history lesson disguised as a river boat ride which makes me think I need to brush up on my elementary school social studies. Callie told us all about how many beaver pelts she needed to buy a sac of flour at the trading post. There is certainly a lot to learn at The Forks. <br />
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We made such great memories on this trip and this wasn't even the end of our holiday road...there's still more to come.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-14127053472034373352016-07-24T11:33:00.000-05:002016-08-14T11:34:44.426-05:00Summer Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year kids everywhere go to summer camp. Overnight camp, day camp, sports camp, art camp, French camp... all kinds of camps. If I mention any kind of camp to my girls they react like it would be the worst thing in the world. I try to explain that most kids actually want to go to camp, that they usually have tons of fun at camp, there are lots of things to do and other kids to play with etc. etc. But no, at this time these girls are not interested in leaving their mom and dad for any part of the day or night and pretty much freak out if I mention signing them up for anything. I have no idea if this is normal or not but I'm rolling with it because despite the media's spin that moms rejoice about their kids leaving for camp or going back to school, I actually love having my girls home with me. We don't home-school but we definitely home-summer! </div>
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Who needs summer camp when you have friends with a pool and a dad who's practicing for the Olympic kid throwing event!</div>
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And we can't forget the Olympic freestyle pool jumping event. I wonder if there's a camp for that? The competition was intense and there was no clear winner but the smiles were golden!</div>
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If there was a camp that had a counsellor who served up kids slushie mudslides then my kids would be first in line! We could call it Camp Shylo. The girls already have their bags packed and are ready to move in!<br />
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The dad celebrated his birthday at Camp Shylo. Now this is the our kind of camp...a family and friends and good times kinda camp. Sign us up.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-91287263527792336172016-07-23T23:50:00.000-05:002016-08-10T23:51:09.605-05:00Summer Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our summer days are clipping along at a record pace so I'm just going to take a minute to highlight a few of the moments we've been enjoying. </div>
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1. Snowbirds air show right here in our town! The pilots of these planes walk a fine line between brave and crazy. Seriously though. Aviator glasses and jumpsuits. Makes a girl search for Top Gun on Netflix.</div>
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2. Canada Parks Day. The water bomber plane was open for tours and the pilots were on hand to answer all our questions. Since the fire fighting season has been slow this summer I asked if they'd be willing to take us for a ride. The answer was pretty much a big no with an attempt to make us feel better by explaining that sitting in the back of a water bomber is rough, uncomfortable and loud. We may not have gotten to go for a ride but this photo made the front page of our local paper!</div>
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3. Annual Tie Dye Event. Tie Dying has worked its way into a summer tradition for these girls. After a couple years of dying shirts we switched it up this year and made some super colorful towels. We always do this outside on the rocks because I have no idea how it could be done inside without serious anxiety attacks for the moms. Other than some help twisting the elastics, these kid are professionals.</div>
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4. Beach Days. Days at the beach are a staple for a healthy summer diet. Sun, sand and water keeps little bodies busy for hours. This particular beach doesn't have any cell service which means no texts, no posting, and no groups of people catching Pokemon. Instead there is conversation, book reading, castle building, sand surfing, hand standing and the sound of children calling, "watch me! watch me!"<br />
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5. Laughs With Friends. One of the benefits of living in your home town is that dear friends come back to visit their families and I get to reap the benefit of their visits. We share the same hometown, we were university roommates a lifetime ago and now we live about three thousand km apart. Any time I get with this girl and her fam is a treasure...<br />
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Stay tuned. There's still more summer to come.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-50398803491584072442016-07-13T02:03:00.000-05:002016-07-22T02:09:37.952-05:00Yurting With Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can very distinctly recall being a teenager growing up in this small town and thinking, "this place is so boring, there is nothing to do in this town!" My teenage brain thought that the grass was greener somewhere else. I though that city life seemed so exciting. So many things to see and do. I had big plans to travel the world, to be the CEO of some billion dollar company and have a vacation home in Florida all by the ripe old age of 30. Because when you're a teenager 30 is like really old.</div>
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Obviously those dreams didn't quite pan out for me but after four years of university in the city I returned to this small town with new, more mature, twenty-two year old eyes and for the past twenty years I've been finding something to do in this small town. And the summer in this town will rival any Florida vacation home.</div>
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Let's start with our lakefront yurt property where we spent a week making some pretty awesome memories with some really awesome friends.</div>
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Despite some unseasonably cool temperatures, a bit of rain, and a windy day there was nothing but good times happening. The girls negotiated a dish washing contract with the dads that resulted in four girls washing all the dishes over the week for the low, low price of ten bucks a piece! Now that agreement was just a win-win for all involved.<br />
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This group of kids never complained about the weather. And I never heard the word bored. They built forts and made up games. They created dances and made unique crafts that they each presented to the moms. The moms had to judge and decide which craft they liked best based on a set criteria that the girls had developed. I kid you not. They really did. These girls have been friends since birth. Each one is unique with their own interests and personalities and when they get together they never seem to be short on ideas of things to do.</div>
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When they weren't busy negotiating their pay for washing dishes or presenting their crafting talents these girls jumped off the rocks and swam their hearts out. A little rain and cool weather didn't slow them down one bit.</div>
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There are many, many things to do in our small town. But I have to say, doing these things with good friends just makes it all the more fun. Good friends are the kind you don't have to entertain. The kind where you don't always have to talk, you can sit beside each other and read a book, you can hop in a canoe and go for a paddle or jump on a bike and go for a ride. </div>
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Everything is more fun with these ladies around...</div>
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Our yurting time is over for now but we've been go, go, going ever since. I feel like my time with my girls right now is precious. Before I know it, these girls will be teenagers. And maybe they will mope around and say that this town is boring and there's nothing to do and they won't think its fun to ride bikes with their mom or they won't jump in the lake because they just washed their hair or whatever excuse teenagers make up to compensate for their insecurities. I'm going to make as many memories as I possibly can with my girls this summer, just as we always do, and I will store these memories in a safe place just in case I need them to carry me though the teen years! Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-29897081643453976172016-07-02T10:58:00.000-05:002016-07-14T10:58:36.732-05:00Summer Kick Off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonne </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"> F</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">ête Canada! We participated in the Canada Day parade with our French classmates once again this year. The sun was shining and the kids had a blast handing out treats along the parade route. I figure as long as my girls want to </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">participate</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"> in this event I'll keep helping out...because really, balloons and paper signs are my talents!</span></span></span></div>
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These first days of summer vacation are always the best! Everyone is riding the high from the end of school celebrations and this mom is in her happy place, looking straight ahead at 67 days of glorious summer days with blank agenda pages. </div>
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Let's start with Main Street days and good friends.</div>
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When I was a kid, the fair rides were always set up in the ball field next to where we lived. I could see the ferris wheel making its rounds from our living room window. I would watch and listen to the carnival sounds drifting in though our open window and my excitement and anticipation would build and I could hardly wait until someone would take me to the show. </div>
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As an adult I said to my mom, "the fair used to be so much better years ago when I was a kid". She cleared up my error in judgment basically by saying that the fair rides have never been any different. The only thing that has changed is my perspective. You would never believe that my girls have been to Disneyland by the their enthusiasm for these rides. They love them! It is because of their enthusiasm that I push aside my adult perspective and my concerns over whether or not all the bolts got tightened on these contraptions by the questionable carnies the night before and hop in next to Lexi on the ferris wheel to enjoy the ride.</div>
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On the coldest winter days we dream about summer. We dream about perfect lake days and the warm summer sun on our faces. And here we are bringing the dreams to life. With open arms we welcome late nights and lazy jammie mornings, campfires and smores, friends and family, sunscreen and bug spray, barbeques and slushie drinks, coffee on the deck, books for pleasure and all the other good things that summer has to offer.<br />
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Summer on people! Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-76890689842097730202016-06-30T23:00:00.000-05:002016-07-12T09:01:28.114-05:00Favorite Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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June 30th has been my favorite day of the year for the past 15 years. I'm always telling my girls how lucky they are that they don't have to go to day care or have babysitters or go to camp all summer. Those lucky ducks get to spend the whole summer with their mama. Just before that last school bell rings and the girls run off to collect their report cards and say <i>au revoir </i>to their teachers, I make them pose for a picture with me. </div>
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The end of the school year is filled with all kinds of emotions. The girls received some recognition awards at the year end assembly and I was there with my proud mama flag waving as usual. Of course, like most moms, I'm proud of my girls even without an award. I'm proud because school is hard. It's hard for little bodies that weren't designed to be still, to sit all day. It's hard for little minds full of curiosity to stay quiet. It's hard to be motivated everyday to meet other peoples goals and expectations. It's hard to navigate constant social interaction, to tolerate and accept hundreds of personalities, block out distractions and stay focused on the task, constantly trying to make the right choice and doing it all with a positive attitude. All this <i>and</i> being expected to learn. So yes, I'm proud and humbled at all the things these little people are capable of. </div>
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There is a huge sense of relief and excitement that comes at the end of June. All our formal activities and commitments are wrapped up. I don't have to pack lunches. We all get to read whatever books we want to! We get to stay up late and sleep in! We have the whole summer in front of us.</div>
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June was a good month. It had Father's Day and my birthday to celebrate. I'm so glad that Facebook cares about me and my memories because whenever one of those memories pops up in my newsfeed I get the warm fuzzies.</div>
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Yes, June was a good month but now its time to get this summer thing started! Woot Woot!<br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-61129885247523266382016-06-20T01:33:00.002-05:002016-06-20T01:33:58.296-05:00Proud Mama<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So many things have been happening these past couple of weeks I'm not sure how to write it all into one cohesive post. If I had to choose just one word to describe the going ons, it would be<i> proud. </i></div>
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Last weekend our little family participated in our first ever organized running event. It made me so happy to be there all together. I've dabbled in running for many years. Mostly just for exercise and to keep active. I don't set a lot of goals for running. Basically I run when I feel like it, as fast as I feel like and for as long as I feel like on any particular day. Some days I feel good and have a great run and some days I feel like I have lead feet. However it goes, I just tell myself that any run is better than no run.</div>
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So when a committee I belong to decided to organize a family fun run for our community we all decided to sign up. Callie and her friends decided that they wanted to try to run the 5k race. A few weeks before the official run, and before I actually signed Callie up, we took the girls out for a couple of practices. Mostly just to ensure that they understood how far 5k was and to get them familiar with the route. After a couple of trial runs, Callie was confident that she wanted to do the 5k.</div>
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When I registered Callie for the run, she got a little pep talk. Something like, "Ok, on the day of the run, you're going to kinda be on your own. Mom, dad, and grandma are all running too but we're not going to run with you or wait for you. You and your friends will have to encourage each other and just do your best. There will be lots of people on the trail so you don't have to be scared. Run as much as you can. Walk when you need to. And have fun."<br />
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She was all good with this pep talk but sometimes I'm never sure what will actually happen until the moment is upon us. I always say that showing up is the hardest part of life. I'm a firm believer in participation ribbons for showing up because it's like saying "way to go, you tried". Imagine what the world would be like if everybody just showed up and tried.<br />
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Well sister showed up and tried and ran and completed her first organized 5k race at the age of 9. I wish that I could have been at the finish line to cheer her on and wave my proud mama freak flag but I was somewhere between k6 and k7 of my 10k run. But her dad and grandma were there to receive her and take pictures and wave the freak flag for me.<br />
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As for Lexi, she was signed up to run the 1k but instead chose to volunteer her services helping out at a water station and cheering on the runners. She handed me water at k2 and I saw her again at k8. Her little cheers were all the encouragement I needed to keep going. <br />
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This year Callie sang with her school choir. Every Thursday she packed her lunch and met at noon in the music room at school. Their grand finale was the performance of Pirates the Musical. Callie didn't have an acting part as those were reserved for the older grades but sister got a taste of what being part of a production is like.<br />
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She was nervous about performing on stage but was comforted by the fact that she wasn't up there alone. And all us parents gush and gush and wave our flags and smile and clap with pride because we know the time and effort and commitment that goes into a school play and how hard it is to sing and dance on stage for an audience. Imagine the last time you sang and danced on stage for an audience. Sober as a judge. Oh, you haven't done that lately? That's what I thought. Would you be brave enough to show up? Showing up and trying is all it takes to get the proud mama flag waving. Participation ribbons for everyone!</div>
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Let's take a moment to talk about piano lessons. After watching her big sister for the past two years, it was little sisters turn to join the ranks of piano playing. If you were to ask Lexi if she likes playing piano she would probably smile and say, "no, not really". But yet, she happily goes to her lessons, tries her best, doesn't give up and does her practices with little complaint. </div>
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When it came time for her first formal piano recital, little sister pretty much said, "I got this." She waltzed into the church, chatted up with her friends, played her composition and her <i>Bridges</i> song and took her bow like she's been doing this her whole life. Maybe her confidence comes from knowing what to expect since she's watched her sister at this gig over the years or maybe it's just they way she's made. Either way, she always amazes me.</div>
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Now, if you ask Callie if she likes playing piano she'll likely emphatically tell you, "NO, I hate it. Mom makes me do it and doesn't care that I hate it and it ruins my life." She complains about going to lessons and fights and argues about every practice. Of course I question everyday if "the gift of music" is worth the constant battle. I've turned to the all knowing Google to find out whether I should persevere and hold out for the day that she thanks me or if I am truly ruining her life by forcing her to take lessons and she'll resent me for the rest of her life. The problem with asking Google is that it will give you whatever answer you're looking for.<br />
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In my Google searching I did learn a few things about piano players. I learned a lot about what's going on in the brain when playing an instrument. I learned that the piano is the only instrument that uses all ten fingers independent of each other and I learned that most kids don't want to practice but most adult are thankful for having music lessons. Sometimes I sit down at the piano and try to play some of what Callie is learning. And guess what? It's hard! It's hard to play one had smooth and quiet while playing the other hand jumpy and loud and never mind actually hitting the right keys. I can appreciate that it is no easy task.<br />
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Going into this years recital, Callie said, "this is the first time I'm not feeling nervous". She played her composition and her song <i>Jazz Blast.</i> She played the bells and sang along with all the other students. She is a talented piano player. She enjoyed the recital. And interestingly enough, she has played the piano more in the last week now that she doesn't "have" to than she has in months. Go figure. I don't know if making her continue with piano lessons is the right thing or not. But when I see the little sparks of joy it seems to make it all worth it. <br />
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Showing up. Being brave enough to try. What more could a mama ask for?<br />
Very proud.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-48704483586540210282016-05-31T22:36:00.001-05:002016-05-31T22:42:05.505-05:00Shortened and Revised<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Hmmmph. I had a whole blog post written here. I left and came back to my computer and all my hard typed words have disappeared. Now I'm tired and a little annoyed that my words were swallowed up by the internet monster who sits back and laughs at those of us who don't save our work.</div>
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So now you get the shortened and revised version.</div>
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1. Since my camera has been broken, I haven't been taking as many pictures as I once did but that doesn't mean I wasn't aware of the trees doing their "bursting" thing earlier this month. I love this time of year. Everything's coming alive. Even the worms. But I don't love the worms. </div>
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2. Some of our activities have wrapped up giving us a little free time to hang in the back yard. The trees may have burst with luscious greenery but unfortunately, there's no hope for our lawn. I guess the bright side is there's nothing to mow!<br />
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3. A few photos from a while back... little sister's dance class has wrapped up for the year. She was the E in CHEER as she danced and shook her pom poms to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGflUbPQfW8">Cheerleader</a>. I'm always so impressed with how brave she is to perform in front of so many people. As soon as her recital was over she announced that she can't wait to dance again next year.</div>
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4. Gymnastics has also wrapped up. My girls love this sport. They are so strong and flexible. My body hurts just watching them.<br />
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5. And now we're putting in some time at the soccer field. Callie decided she didn't want to play this year so it's little sister's time to shine. She's getting better at every game. She is the most polite player I've ever seen. Every time the ball comes to her she yells, "thank you"!<br />
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Callie might not be playing soccer this year but she comes to every game with her homemade sign and cheers for her sister's team. Tomorrow is June 1st and that means we're rolling downhill towards summer vaycay! The hill is steep and we'll be rolling fast. Lots of great things happening. Good thing the days are getting longer. We've got lots to accomplish in the next 30 days. And the first thing on my list is sleep. Good Night.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-49200534947265353562016-05-16T00:13:00.002-05:002016-05-16T00:13:54.249-05:00Mother's Day LoveThere is no love like the Mother's Day love I received from my girls. And for that I must give a shout out to the dad and the teachers who teach our girls the importance of taking the time in life to reflect and extend gratitude to their momma!<br />
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If you look closely, you'll see that what my girls love most about me are my culinary abilities. My specialties include Kraft Dinner, cupcakes and toast! I like to relax by reading a book, especially if I'm lying on a beach somewhere and since my birthday party last year, these girls never get my age wrong anymore. The part where it says I'm perfect, fun, kind and that I never scream or yell, well what can I say... just call me June Cleaver and I'll be sure to serve you up some gourmet KD and toast with a smile! For the record, I do lose my marbles some days but it would seem that all the work I've done training my girls to look for the good in life is paying off in my favor.<br />
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We've spent a lot of time this week talking about our most valuable assets. After watching and listening to the stories of the the people who had to evacuate from Fort McMurrary with short notice because of the wildfires, its almost impossible to not take a moment and look around and imagine what you would do in that situation. To look around your at your home and your belongings, all the things you've worked hard to accumulate and then ask yourself, "What are the most important things? What, of all this stuff, is irreplaceable? It surly didn't take long to realize that stuff is just stuff and the only truly irreplaceable things are our people. </div>
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I got to spend Mother's Day with all my people. Call me lucky, call me fortunate or blessed or spoiled or whatever. Call me what you will, but I have a good life and I am beyond grateful for my people and I promise not to take them for granted. Sometimes I think that if I'm grateful and thankful for my good life then it will serve as protection and work like bubble wrap to keep my precious life safe from bumps and bruises and breaks. I know life doesn't exactly work that way and that sometimes not good things can happen to good people but it's still fun to imagine. <br />
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Callie is always asking me if I had just one wish, what would I wish for and I always give her the same answer. She always tries to change my mind by suggesting that my one wish should be for more wishes. Lexi wants me to wish that everything was made of candy and that candy was healthy. Those are some pretty decent wishes... <br />
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but I always say that my one wish would be that all my people would always be safe. Now that may not sound as exciting as a million more wishes or a world made of candy but it's my wish and that's what I would choose. Imagine a life where you never had to worry about your people. Because stuff is stuff, but its your people that truly make life good.<br />
Happy Mother's Day to all my peeps!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632520598939177436.post-16168164965859807332016-04-30T00:48:00.000-05:002016-05-01T00:50:32.218-05:00Escaping Our Lovely Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well, hello strangers. It's been awhile but here I am barely meeting my editor's deadline of one post a month. The last time I wrote we were playing in the spring snow. A lot of things have happened since then. Our beach vacation being just one of them...</div>
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There's always a lot of advice going around on the internet. One that I've read lately said, <i><a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=live+your+life+so+you+dont+need+a+vacation+seth+godin&authuser=1&biw=1242&bih=585&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjK17Wuj7jMAhWEsIMKHTxfCGkQ_AUIBygB#authuser=1&tbm=isch&q=you+should+set+up+life+so+you+don%27t+need+an+escape+from+seth+godin">"maybe you should set up a life that you don't need to escape from."</a></i> That sounds all fine and dandy but I'm going to argue that you can set yourself up a very lovely life but taking a break from it to have new experiences is a big part of that sustaining that lovely life. I'm also going to assume that whoever it was dispensing that advice has never endured a Canadian winter!</div>
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So we hit the Mexican beach for ten glorious, sun filled days with family and friends. And yes, it was awesome, in case you were wondering! I'm always glad that I have my photos to look at as proof of our great adventures because when you get back home and back to the lovely life that you have set up, sometimes the vacation feels like it was all a dream. You can actually start to question yourself as to whether it actually happened when you're knee deep in laundry or negotiating piano practice for the millionth time. But atlas, I look back at my proof. All the happy, smiling, relaxed faces in my vacation photos and I look down at my dry, peeling sunburned skin and I can conclude that yes it did really happen!</div>
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One of the great adventures the girls had was zip-lining. This has been on their bucket list for a while. I'm not sure if a six and nine year old can technically have a bucket list or not but if they can, zip-lining was on it since their early days when they used to watch Dora and Diego and more recently from watching the Kate plus Eight kids experience it. Our hotel had the perfect little intro to zip-lining kinda zip-line. The girls were brave and I think they may be ready to try some more thrilling zip lines the next time we take a vacation from our lovely life.<br />
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In addition to zip-lining adventures, we also had a pirate ship adventure and Mexican market adventures. If we had never taken this escape from our lovey, daily life, Callie may never have experienced what it was like to try a new hair style. That's right. My girl was super adventurous and had her hair partially braided by the ladies at the Mexican market. This is the first time in many years that we have seen her without her standard two hair ponies. Amazing things can happen on vacation!</div>
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Our adventure to the local zoo was definitely an experience! Remember that we live with a girl who loves reptiles. Well that girl was smiling ear to ear as we walked among the crocodiles and held snakes around our necks.<br />
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I asked Lexi if she liked holding the snakes and crocodiles and she happily replied, "no, not really. I liked the deer and the monkeys the best." I guess little sister prefers her animals to have a bit of fur. <br />
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We all walked along this little path past thirty or so living, breathing crocodiles. It was one of those moments when after we were done we questioned, "did we actually just let our children walk next to thirty real, live crocodiles?" The answer was, "yes we did!" We all nervously laughed at ourselves as we made up newspaper headlines such as, <i>Six Year Old Eaten by Crocodile Due to Stupid Parents! </i>Fortunately for us, only Jon was semi-attacked by a crocodile. And by attacked I mean after we were safely out of the croc pit, a croc that Jon wasn't aware of moved and rustled some leaves beside him and nearly caused him to have a heart attack. He survived the semi-attack but he may have had to throw his underwear out! Just Sayin. </div>
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I have to say though, the best thing about going on vacation was getting to hang out with our family and friends for ten straight days. Because although we all in the same town, the lovely lives that we have set up for ourselves can get busy. Sometimes you just need to carve out some time far away from your lovely life to narrow your focus onto life's most important things... your family and your friends and making memories.</div>
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Easter dinner, endless slushie drinks, building sandcastles, collecting sea shells, hours of pool fun and beach selfies. All these things are better with family and friends. And they were all a part of our lovely lives that we have set up...if only for ten days. </div>
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We have been back from our escape for a month now and many things have been happening in our lovely, daily lives. I will try my best to get caught up here in blog world. No promises though. I don't actually have an editor so I don't think I can get fired for my lack of blogging:)</div>
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Till next time.</div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630156447404502516noreply@blogger.com0