afternoon outing

Yesterday afternoon I took the girls for an icecream, and afterwards we explored the nearby train cars that are there as museum pieces.  These other items were there as well, and you'd never know it, but right after climbing to the top of the rocks, the heavens let loose and it poured gigantic raindrops so we had to leave.  But it was a nice little outing while it lasted!

 

5/7

Hello Grade 5 and 7, please be kind but challenging to my girls. Allow them to learn everything they need to, in a fun but creative way. Allow them to make friendships, be kind and participate in all avenues of their school year. Allow them to prove how smart they are, but in a classy way. Allow them to struggle just enough to remember that this learning is a gift not a right. Allow them to always be themselves, in all aspects of their school experience.

steee-rike!

I signed us up for the summer Kids Bowl Free program and even bought myself a summer pass to accompany the girls but never got use of it until the other day. We're going to try for one more time yet before our passes expire but in the meantime we had fun. It was what I needed to distract me of the realities my day had thrown at me. At first Hailey was in lead, bragging and showing her expertise. I told her just to wait until I warmed up, and warm up I did .. the strike and spare were mine! hah! ;) I guess if hadn't said no to the offer of the bumpers being put up then the scores would have been higher. Fun times tho! We need to do more of those sorts of activities!!

62

That is the dollar amount I owed the girls.  Last report card, although grades were good, I did see much room for improvement and so in haste I made a deal with the girls .. I'd pay them $5 for A's, 4 for B's, and 3 for C's. So as it turned out, combined it came to $62.  Now, at first when I looked at their report cards, I added it up and just about died.  On a costly month such as June, with their birthday gifts, birthday parties, friends birthday gifts, teachers gifts and it seemed to go on, I wondered what the hell I was thinking when I agreed to this. 
Upon telling them I wasn't sure if I could pay them.  The response from Hailey especially nearly killed me.  She's such an understanding child.  When we were broker then broke just after becoming us three girls, she would always reassure me that she didn't HAVE to have the monthly hot lunch, or it was okay we didn't go out to eat ever because she liked home food better, etc.  Or that she would wear her falling-apart-shoes for awhile longer because she liked them that way.  She's such an understanding child and would give you the shirt off her back, so when she looked so disappointed, I couldn't follow thru with my promise.  Yes I'm sure I could have 'owed' them and paid later, sure I could have told her to suck it up .. I couldn't afford it and that's that, but I canNOT be one of those parents that lets down her children and doesn't let it affect me.  I know it's not a good reason to say that they've been let down already just by coming from a split home, but I make extra sure that it is not ME that is letting them down.  I want them to be grown adults and not have one of 'those' memories bogging them down.  I want them to know they can depend on peoples word, and even though in the real world everyone faces disappointment, it won't be me doing that to my own children.  Not if I can help it anyway.

I paid them and they were thrilled and they very much deserved it because I was looking at some pretty damn good grades.  But I also made an agreement with them.  We're going to open up savings accounts for them because having any amount of cash in the house, in the hands of children (in wallets and purses that so easily get misplaced), it's much safer in the bank.  They both have birthday money and other piggy bank money to add to it.  This is the start of some good life lessons. :)

sweet memories

As I was going through the closet in Alissa`s room .. pulling outgrown clothing, used gift bags, boxes with keepsakes and such from the shelf, I found in the far corner, two small little boxes for the girls.  I hadn`t looked at these since they were put there, some 9`ish years ago.  I decided to put them aside and look at them when I had a moment to truly pour over those boxes, and tonight was that moment. 

I opened up Hailey`s first and unfolded two little one piece sleepers with matching hats, pulled out the little diapers she first wore when born, her first pair of soft cloth shoes, and a pretty little bonnet and tried to imagine my nearly 12 yr old, 5`2`` preteen fitting into these teeny preemie clothes.  You see, she was born three weeks early at  only 5lbs 15ozs and swam in the newborn diapers.  She was just so tiny and looking at her baby clothes reminded me of that.

Once I had put all the things neatly back into their box, I pulled Alissa`s box in front of me.  Hers is a little different, and as I untied the ribbons and opened it up, her little sleeper and matching hat greeted me.  I had saved a couple of her first size diapers too, and looked over the record I kept of her feedings and diaper changes those first few weeks.  Wow what a blur it all was, but I`m so happy to have kept all these little things.  The ultrasound pictures (the ones you have to hold up to a light to see), the hospital bracelets, even my menu papers that came with my meals .. it`s all there.

I packed up Alissa`s box nice and neatly and put them back up on the closet shelf.  I think it will be neat for each of them to go through now or when they`re older.  I wish I had a box that had been saved just for me.

retail therapy

Purchasing something always carries a price tag, and today I discovered the price tag was a big smile! Why does going out and buying something give a person such a pleasant high? And when you find things you've actually been looking for so you can chalk it up to NOT impulse buying it makes it that much sweeter.

I've been on the hunt for a comforter that would match Hailey's fairly new rejuvinated bedroom. Something that would go with her purple theme.

Although we have not gotten to making Alissa's room over, we will once we've moved, and make it a special place she wants to hang out in more often. But until then, I knew her favourite colours and found this comforter for her. Not quite perfect, but she doesn't care that the brown isn't muted lime green because it still has sky blue and that's enough for her. Next on the list for both girls are pillow cases and toss pillows. I may even make them myself as a new upcoming sewing project. :)

2 house rules!

There are two phrases I repeat so often that even I'm sick of them.  "Leave the cat alone!" and "We have neighbours!" 

Let me explain why I have to say them so often. 

We have a cat who's turning 15 this year.  He was around long before the girls were, and he was traumatized by an adult's rough play, thus not sure about unpredictable play or endless cuddling.  He puts up with the girls but he doesn't like it one bit .. thus the reason for the first rule.

Kids are loud, I understand this, but screaming or loud voices, stomping, running up and down the stairs, slamming doors .. maybe it's more just being courteous and respectful of being indoors and the house, but I use the excuse of the neighbours hearing them.  We can hear our wall-sharing neighbour run up and down her stairs so I know she can doubt hear the girls stomp and do the same.  I have a loud youngest daughter, so those words of rule # 2 come out of my mouth often!



all fixed up again

Nothing like adding dentist appts to the already crazy hustle and bustle of the season, but we did!  Last week both girls had their cleanings done and came out with a clean bill of health aside from the tiny ones Hailey had that were already on the dentists radar.  He took new x-rays and they're still the small pinpoint size and not ready to fill yet. (makes no sense to me but whatever)
But a few months prior, Alissa had chipped a front bottom tooth when clanging her top ones down against them.  This needed to be fixed because she had sensitivity issues with it, so last night we went back for that to be filled.  When we were just about to leave the office, Irene the receptionist whom I've known for as many years as we've lived here, handed me over a poinsettia arrangement with a pretty snowflake ornament attached to it and only said 'this is for you, just because'.   Of course it made me gush with emotion.  How terribly sweet of her!  It sits as a center piece on our kitchen table to add a little splash of colour to that room. :)

crazy girls

My little munchkins were having fun with the camera before I got home one day. They're such goofs .. seriously weird children! :P But I'm happy to have these silly kinds of video clips because when they're 20 and 22, I'm going to love watching these and remembering my littles and how much they've grown.


To come a little later .. pumpkin carving pictures. :)

S day!

Today was the 'first' day of school! I put it into quotes because as if we can call one hour as the first day, but that's our district for ya. All they did today was the grades lined up in their classes per lists up on the wall (younger grades in the gym, older grades outside on the basketball court), then their teachers took them to their classrooms and hung out for an hour. During that time, the parents just hung out in the gym having coffee and cookies that were provided. I caught up with a few moms, found out what was new in their lives, how the summer went, etc. Now with me working, I won't be around the school as much so won't get to know any new parents or teachers as well.

Alissa has the same teacher/classroom as last year. Its a grade 3/4 split. I love the teacher as Hailey had her for two years as well, so I'm happy.Hailey's in a grade 6/7 split which surprised her so much. One of her best friends is in the 5/6 class and she's so sad about that. The only reason I can think of that Hailey's in the higher split (after looking at what other grade 6s are) is she's in the upper spectrum academically? It'll be nice she'll learn up rather then down but ummm, do I really want her making friends with 7th graders? ack! She's not ready for the grade 7 boys!

Today I measured the girls. Hailey's up three quarters of an inch since June and Alissa's up a quarter inch.Tomorrow I'll bring you first school day photos!

to-do's

I had yesterday off work but it was a day packed with lots of little things I needed to get done. One being hitting up the hardware store for those screen thingamajigs. Both screens are reinstalled now! yay! We also wanted to return books to the public library and get some new ones. Hailey picked Host by Stephenie Meyer, which is one I've been wanting to read as well, so we're going to read it at the same time, if I can ever get my ass off Entourage.
We're going away for the weekend, so I needed to make sure all fluids in my car were topped up and that my tires held the proper amount of air. And guess what? I did all the checking! Pretty good hey for a girl that a couple years ago didn't even know how to check the oil.

And then the girls had eye appts. I usually like to have them checked every year but I've been pretty bad the past few years so this one was much needed. I decided to switch them from their previous optometrist (which used to be mine as well), to the one I switched to when I went to contacts. He's thorough, not so intimidating for kids, and the ladies working there are really nice too. He did the entire workup on them right down to pupil dilation and examining afterwards. It worked out that Hailey's eyes are as perfect as they should be. No signs of diabetes (always something I worry about) or anything else unhealthy and her vision is perfect. Alissa checked out fine too in the eye health area but her vision is slightly near sighted. Nothing serious, just something they'll keep a look out for as she gets her annual checks and of course if she complains of headaches or dizziness then it's progressed but so far she hasn't ever, so it must just be slight.

Afterwards we met up with friends at a park for a play, and then had a taco dinner together. It was a good, packed day that left us three very tired and ready for bed early.

(8/10)

It's August and been pretty damn hot lately so you can imagine that there's not a chance I'm going to enjoy getting my nose anywhere near my 11 and 9 yr olds when they've played hard all day.

Heat + children = sticky smelly mess .

There are times when I do like to smell my children tho. Right after a shower when they're squeeky clean and donne the odour of yummy garnier shampoo (mango flavour) and dove (the only soap used in this house). Mmm. Or when they've put on a fresh set of clothes that still smells of fresh laundry, aka downy (april fresh to be precise). Mmm.

But tonight I realized that there is one more smell I enjoy. We spent the evening at the beach, soaking in the evening sun, the cool breeze off the ocean and after climbing back into the car when it was time to leave, I realized that the salt in the air made for salty smelling children and it smelled good. Almost earthy. I breathed it in for the ten minute drive home , letting the salt tickle my nostrils and the freshness linger. And then that was enough for me. I ushered the girls up the stairs for a shower so I could then breathe in their mango, dove goodness clothed in freshly laundered downy smelling pajamas. Mmm!

love affair

I wouldn't classify myself as an outdoorsy person. Yes I like parts of the outdoors, but not everything. There used to be a time I'd willingly give up my comfy bed located in my bedroom with a bathroom (running water/hot water/flush toilet) very near by for an air matress in a tent, in the middle of the dark woods with only an outhouse a football feild length away. Yeah no .. that's so not me anymore. But when it comes to taking a couple hours on a wonderful sunny day/evening to enjoy the surroundings I'm lucky to leave in .. well THAT I can do!

So on that walk we took the other day .. the girls found lots to occupy themselves with.

Alissa found a jelly fish (she's good at finding things to torture .. if you had a conversation with our cat Meesha, oh the stories he could tell) to poke and prod. It was dead already, and such a weird texture.

Hailey found a log or fifty that she could balance along. Actually we all balanced along them, from one to the other until we had managed to get down the entire beach without our feet touching the pebbles.

Then the part where the cliffs became part of the trail started. Of course we ventured off to parts unknown (and far to dangerous for my liking and I can't even blame it on me being a girl .. the girls are girls too!).

And then while the girls played along some other formation of rocks, I planted myself down and did some investigating of my own. I found some shells that with a little manipulating created the letter J. Hmmm .. wonder who was on my mind. ;)

This part of the outdoors I can handle. It's fun and not so much work that the work outdoes the fun of it. And I can go home and sleep in my own bed, in the bedroom that is located right beside the bathroom that has hotwater and a flushable toilet. I'm a snob!

f.u.n.n.y!

Last night I was snuggling on my bed with my littlest, watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid while the oldest entertained a friend for the night. It was nice to be able to just lay there all comfy like (aside from the heat, but the fan was blasting) and spend some time with just my wee one. She gets attention, don't get me wrong .. but it's usually of the negative variety because she's, well, she's the quirky, strong willed, tease, brat kinda child.
Anyway, to get to the point of this post. There was this REALLY funny part in the movie that had me laughing and laughing. I couldn't just cut the part I wanted to share with you, out of the movie trailer on youtube, so you'll have to either watch it all or skip ahead to 1.17mins to see it. Of course in the movie you get to actually SEE the hairy mole, but you get the gist of how funny this was, I hope. And the added part is that I'm not a fan of redheads .. and this redhead with braces, scrawny body, funny voice ... well it all worked in to a f.u.n.n.y scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVEIgPeDCE

I overheard the girls chit chatting this morning as I got ready in the bathroom. They were discussing books on the bookshelf, and what ones had been read and were interesting. Hailey was telling Alissa about one particular one that was borrowed from the library, while Alissa flipped through the section of the bookshelf that are the novels and hard covered books. All of a sudden Alissa said "is it anything like the HOLLY Bible?" (and pronounced it like the name or tree and how I spelled it). Too funny! And yes I have a bible. I earned it for perfect memory verse reciting in grade 1 when I attended a christian elementary school. It's collecting dust now tho .. literally!

no plans

Most people are gearing up for a long weekend. Here in BC the holiday Monday is called British Columbia Day and because I believe it's a nation wide holiday then other provinces must have it titled for their own province? Anyway, I have no solid plans for the weekend. I work Monday, so it's just a two day weekend for the girls and I. I'm debating about allowing them to each have a friend over Saturday night for sleepovers but during the day we can do as we please. Maybe a drive out to Parksville to see the sandcastles, or more locally to a kid friendly part of the river which we haven't been to in years, or the lake beach that we always frequent, or yet another choice of the ocean beach. I guess we can just be spontaneous and decide on the day what we'd like to do. It'll be outdoors because I do love working on my tan, swimming and the fresh air makes us three sleep so well!

What are your plans for this weekend?

sweet peace

After my horrible mood and post last night, I figured I better be proactive and try to change it. I decided the girls and I would hit one of the beaches to soak up some evening sun, breath in some salty air and watch the boats and ferries sail by. There's always so much to see, and the senses spring to life with sights, sounds, smells, tastes and so much to touch and do. I also desperately needed to caress my camera .. seeing the world through the lens is my therapy. Hailey built a statue made of only sea findings (not to be mistaken with peoples garbage or left behinds) and Alissa was on the hunt for dead jelly fish. I'm not sure why they were dead or at least looked like it, but she searched the waters for them floating, and the waterline for the ones washes ashore. I helped Hailey scour for treasures, but mostly I sat and watched, took ample photos and breathed deeply. I love the ocean!
Tonight we are all very tired, so early to bed is on the agenda. Ahhh!

beating the heat

The girls recieved this slip N slide a few months ago as an early birthday gift, but the weather's been too cold to use it until this recent heat wave. By the time the evening hours came around a few days ago and we still weren't able to cool off .. they pulled it out and had some fun letting the pure cold water soak them. They also happened to use up ALL my dish soap! But that's a small price for some occupied time, and happy children.

schools out for summer

Today was officially the first day for summer for the girls. I have to admit to being very sad I don't get the opportunity to spend the summer with the girls, hanging out at the water parks, beaches and parks like we have so many other years. Now that I'm working, I'll have to settle for filling our weekends we have together with many beach days and fun.

I'm thrilled and proud to say that my girls did amazingly well this last term. Hailey earned herself 4 A's and 5 B's which, if our school had it, would have put her on the honour roll. Alissa did superior with a book report and her teacher says she's above grade level with her reading and her artistic abilities make her stand out. Both girls have to work a little more on their times tables and some basic math, and of course we'll keep up with the reading by joining the summer reading program through the public library again and I think I'll try having them keep a journal, as that gives them the outlet to express themselves as well as keeps them learning to form proper sentences, continue with their spelling, etc etc.

I didn't take pictures of the girls on their last day of school, but that's okay .. there's plenty of time for pictures, pictures and more pictures.
Here's to an excellent, albeit busy, summer!

sunday night

My girlies are back from their weekend away .. J's back in the land of the living, and all seems to be right with the world.
Alissa always seems to have some sort of melt down upon returning home. Whether it's because she had difficulties taking orders from certain people, or sometimes she's over tired and in huge need of going to bed early .. which seemed the case today. She came home, went upstairs and disappeared into her bedroom. I thought she had our cat, so left her alone until I discovered he was under the table in his 'the girls are home' stance, then I went up to check on her. I opened her bedroom door and she was sobbing. Awwww. :( She wouldn't tell me why for the longest time, but finally she sputtered out that she's just so tired.
And as I type this, both girls are outside enjoying the last bit of the warm sunny evening before having to come in. She's fine now .. but clearly depends on the routine I've given her here at home, and needs the early bedtimes even if it's a weekend night.

And for the record .. both girls are in the middle of a growth spurt. Hailey grew 3/4 of an inch since April and Alissa grew 1/2. I've noticed Hailey's slimming out quite abit, and when I made mention of it tonight, she said she knows .. she's had to cinch her belt in a notch. Hello puberty!! lol