Coming Soon

Rory is going to be taking over Modern Mom Malarkey this month! To celebrate the Olympics, he has decided to try as many Olympic events as he possibly can. Watch for the videos and comments coming soon!

Auntie

While kayaking with my oldest niece today, I was reminded how blessed I am and how wonderful a child's perspective can be. The next best thing to being a Mom is being an Auntie.

Me: Kadence, I haven't seen you in a long time because Uncle Steve and I were on a trip...What is new?

K: I HAVEN'T seen you in awhile. Were you on your Iceland trip?

Me: (Surprised that she even knows about this) No, that is not for awhile yet. Did you find Iceland on your globe at home?

K: Oh, yes! It is little! I think you can kayak when you get there.

Me: (once again surprised at this little minion's awareness...) For sure! I will be kayaking there for sure. I am excited to go, but I sure will miss you (kiss her head). I get to see volcanoes too!

K: Wow! What year is it that you are going? I think I will come with you. Auntie, I would be a great trip taker.



I am almost in tears, and grinning ear to ear at this point. We are out in the kayak, just the two of us. The sun is shining and the water is still and this kid is breaking my heart in all the right ways. Of course you will be a good travel companion, kid. I know it. Someday, you can hop on that plane with me. I can't wait. Keep studying that old globe (maybe I'll buy you one that doesn't have the "Soviet Credit Union" on it.) 😁

Hockey Mom Survival Kit

1. Positive Peers: You need to surround yourself with morning people. The kind that greet you with bright eyes even before they have had coffee and say things like "What a beautiful sunrise!" as you glue your sleepy, time changed rear to the cold cement seat.... come to think of it...I am pretty sure I need to sit beside some different moms...or bring coffee. (No worries, I am only speaking of my dearest of friends who pre-approved this comment and have threatened to smack me if I keep greeting them in such ways).

2. Kleenex: The rink is cold. You will sniffle. You will cry with joy. You will laugh until you cry, You will be smacked for being too much of a morning person and need to soak up the blood from your bleeding nose. You WILL sit beside Moms who need Kleenex and expect that if you are writing a blog post about needing it, that you are obviously now the team supplier of said product.

3. Warm Clothes: I know you are thinking that this seems logical but you would be AMAZED at how cold some people were at our first two hockey games. I mean, they could communicate and move about freely, but a prepared hockey Mom has tights, lulus, sweatpants, socks, more socks, a heating pad, 3 shirts, a jacket, scarf, toque, mitts (the kind that can text the score to anyone and everyone who likely doesn't care to know it), baked potatoes in their pockets, and likely a heated quilt from their trunk.

4. Mitts: Now this must be a category all on its own. The chosen mittens must be properly tested. If, while wearing these mittens you cannot be heard while you are clapping, then there is no point to wearing them. Freeze your fingers. If you can find mittens that are a) warm, b) texting capable, and c) loud enough to be heard when you clap...then you have won the hockey mom jackpot.

5. Coins and small bills: Hockey clubs help keep costs down by doing 50-50 raffles at every game. Don't be a downer. Support the rink. Buy some 50-50. These kids are making life long friends, learning something new, and are being physically active. They love their skates. Bring your coins.

6. No, you do not need a cow bell.

7. Camera: Your scrapbooks will not be the same without 50 kazillion blurry streaks on what appears to be a hockey ice surface. A selfie a game is always acceptable. The facebook world eagerly awaits ANOTHER smiling picture of your darling Sidney Crosby as he prepares to go on the ice. True story.

8. A Thesaurus: There are many ways to creatively cheer. One does not need to linger on "GET AFTER IT." If you have a thesaurus, you can be the malarkiest, modern hockey mom around. You can also find a better word than 'malarkiest.' Behold the arena crowd and your son or daughter beam with delight as you scream out, "AQUIRE THE EBONY DISC!" or, "SHIFT HASTILY DOWN THE ICE!" Most importantly: Keep it positive. These are your beautiful, intelligent children. I know they are all going to the NHL, and they will appreciate your smile and encouragement en route there.

9. Gum: A polite diversion for anyone in the crowd who needs a reminder to keep it positive. Jawbreakers might be very fun. The VOLUNTEERS that coach and the REFS who are doing their best to please everyone...deserve NOTHING other than our constant thanks. Daily. Maybe even every minute of every day. Even then, the thanks is not enough.

10. Google: For when your seven year old is explaining off side and you don't know what they are talking about.

Happy Hockey Season! For those that celebrate the momentous start of the season, I bid you good luck and many wonderful rink memories. For those that don't, and don't understand why we do...I hope you at least enjoy a laugh as we roll out of bed early on a Saturday while you sleep in. Better yet...come enjoy some laughs with some great Moms and Dads. www.centralplainshockey.com
I highly recommend the Novice Mustangs. Bring your loud mitts and your heartiest smiles and cheers (unless it is early morning...in which case...just bring coffee).

Autumn Amazing Race

What a beautiful day! I make the bed and look out the window and ponder a great day out doors...only to see two kids on their iPods on the couch, watching netflix.

Challenge #1: Good morning Manns children! Today is the Autumn Amazing Race! Your first challenge is to get dressed and head outside. Take your iPod with you. You must use leaves and sticks to create a work of art. Once you have completed this challenge, send me a photo and wait for your next challenge.

Rory made a bird's nest

Challenge #2: Great Job! Now find a family member and take a photo of them beside a piece of harvesting equipment.

Kennedy found some burrs before I even gave her the challenge!

Challenge #3:  Search the yard for the most beautiful fall tree and take a photo looking up at it while lying underneath it.

Rory's Beautiful Tree

Challenge #4: Show me the math question 7+8 using acorns.

Challenge #5: Find a burr patch, take a photo of 5 stuck to your shirt.

Challenge #6: Show me you are ready for winter. You can use any winter clothing or toys you can find.

Kennedy is ready for snowboarding in the winter snow!

Challenge #7: It is almost hunting season! Find a spot that would make a really good blind and take a photo from there.

Challenge #8: Text a Grandma to help you write an acrostic poem about FALL. Take a screen shot OR Write an acrostic poem.

Challenge #9: Walk to the closest field and take a photo of yourself posing as a scarecrow...or take a photo of  an actual crow.

Challenge #10: Come help dig out the Fall decorating supplies!(my kids)

Cohen joined mid afternoon and proved to be the most creative...he gets top award for his ready for winter photo:

The YES year

Time for an update. I just realized I haven't wrote for a very long time. I have nothing exciting to offer my opinions on and nothing to rant about, but that is okay. Sometimes the best thing in life is just being. I just read over my Summer Bucket List and smiled remembering the completion of ALMOST every single one of those things. What a summer. I can't remember a summer with as much fun as this one.

The thing about summer is that it ends. My favorite month is September. I was so excited to finally turn 30 last year (I am the baby in our little circle of friends) and I vowed that during my 31st year I would live my life like no other year. I would conquer my anxiety issues and I would teach my kids that trying new things can be fun, exciting and worthwhile. I promised myself on Sept.8, 2013, that I would say YES to everything. This included kayaking which was a serious issue when you consider my fear of water. Because I use this page as my little online journal I want to highlight some of the BEST things to have come from my 31st year.

1) I had my first ever teaching job. I worked with a man who I admire and respect despite our different teaching styles. I am sad to not be sharing a classroom with him again. In fact, I am very anxious to not have a class to attend or to prepare for this fall. I know that everything happens for a reason and I am excited to see what this next year has in store for my career. I told Steve that if I did not have a job this fall that it would mean I was meant to be an author. He rolled his eyes but YES, maybe I should start on this crazy venture after all. Get all the stories onto paper...

2) Kayaking. Wow. This is one awesome sport and so good for the soul. Kim asked me to come kayaking one day. I said YES. Whether I was watching Rory master the blue kayak we bought or smiling as Kennedy pulled a friend behind her in it, or whether I was bumping into Kim and learning how to relax when there are little waves - this sport has become a new favorite.

3) Lazy Friday: Okay this has always been an important day in my life, but I have come to appreciate the wonderful people in my life even more this year. We are so lucky. For those that don't know, Lazy Friday is our tradition out here in Firdale. The thing about Lazy Friday is this: There are no rules. We are lazy. Sometimes Lazy Friday is just us ladies. Sometimes it is everyone in the neighborhood. Sometimes we even have Lazy Friday on Sunday! The most important part though is that we are together. It doesn't matter what kinds of fun and excitement we have planned during the week, there is nothing better than the text message "Lazy Friday tonight?"  "YES!" No matter who hosts, it is like coming home...A sigh of relief as we relax in my unorganized kitchen, or on Tammy's front step, at Kim's kitchen island, or in E6 at Shady Oaks. Kids, laughs and good eats.

4) Hockey Hair. I have become a more relaxed parent this year. They are kids. They are not perfect. Kennedy's nails are not always painted. Sometimes her hair looks like a rat's nest. For almost the entire month of July she wore the same dress. Ew. Rory decided on hockey hair and I have no problem telling people that YES he likes it and YES, I like it and no he is not getting a hair cut. So stop asking. I love his love of sports and enjoyed MANY Wheat King games and Penguin games (on television) with him this year. I guess in my 31st year, I also fell in love with hockey.

5) Baseball. I was terrified to take our little rec baseball team and put it back into a league. With good friends helping out and their constant encouragement, I was able to watch our little Rookies go from not knowing which way to run around the bases to one kid making a double play at our wind up YES! (high five). What a great group of kids and a great group of parents!

6) Fitness. I don't ever want to be posting what I do for exercise each day but I made a goal to become more physically active and to encourage my kids to be a part of it. I bought a beautiful new bike and I started running. YES, I will run in a glo-run this fall. My kids have done a triathlon and are doing their second in Portage on Sept.7.

7) I became an auntie again. 'nuff said. Let's hope that my 32nd year brings some more nieces and or nephews. I need to make more time to head north to see this precious gem. I am lucky to spend many hours with my other niece who turned 1 during my 31st year. YES I would like a nephew and maybe some more nieces Scott and Jeff!!!

8) I bought a ride on mower for the first time! This wasn't really something that I said YES too...but it was awesome anyway. I am now in love with mowing grass. "Regan, would you like a ride on mower? YES, I would, thank you."

9) By accident, a pumpkin plant became planted by my front door. Normally, I would have pulled it. I said YES when my kids asked if we could keep it. It has now taken over the entire front of my house. It is an hilarious addition to my YES plan. I can't wait to see if we actually have pumpkins this fall. This has been a lesson in patience and laughter...Going with the flow.

I have done so much this year. I am so excited for the next year. I have many goals. I want to take my cross country skiing coaches course, I want to watch more hockey, I want to conquer my little world with more YES answers. Nikki just asked me to play Rec Soccer. Normally, I would have shied away from such an idea...but YES has become a pretty powerful answer and I have learned that it is exciting to try something new. I also want to learn how to hook up the camper without help....wish me luck!

Summer Bucket List

1) Read some novels that are for ME.
2) Read Sharon Creech's Ruby Holler to the kids.
3) Teach Kennedy to play some piano.
4) Play guitar with Rory outside under the tree.
5) Build a pergula (sp?) on my deck. (Help Jeff!)
6) Strawberry pick with my kids and niece.
7) Go to see "Wicked" with my kids and Mom.
8) Force my Mom to watch the Wizard of Oz prior to #7.
9) Swimming Lessons in Carberry for the kids.
10) Take the kids golfing with Uncle Jeff and Auntie Jodiene.
11) Cheer for Kennedy at the Carberry Fair.
12) Camp with just Rory at Shady Oaks while Kennedy and Steve are away.
13) Buy a kayak. Kayak with Kim.
14) Watch the rest of Season 2 OITNB
15) Camp at Spruce Woods for the first time ever.
16) Hit up the Spray Park with my niece and kids.
17) Make homemade iced tea.
18) Watch Rainbow Stage's Little Mermaid so that Kennedy can see her character from Little Mermaid Jr.
19) Make fancy cupcakes.
20) Dig out the charcoal pencils and have some fun drawing with the kids.

In Defense of the iPod: The Farm Kid/Technology Balance

I wanted to write a piece about why I let my almost 7 year old take his iPod everywhere. His 9 year old sister does too. It is very easy to find article after article about how bad screen time is and how kids are needing to be more active and so on and so on. I agree with many of these articles but have found my own voice on the subject on the fence post of the argument. Technology bad? Technology good?

Well my friends...technology here.

Like it or not.

We live in a world where one to one devices in schools is not a far off fantasy worthy of laughing at but instead already happening! Why wouldn't I let me kids carry the devices that power their future? 

Now, before you get all upset with me...you need to know some important things.

A) My kids are very healthy...they play outside and imagine and create and run and jump and act.

B) My kids read. They read everyday. They read in our living room, in our bathroom, in the yard, on the deck, while they are camping, to their cousins, and sometimes...when they don't think I can see them...they even read to each other. They do well in school.

C) My kids have friends! Good ones! They get into trouble, they bicker, they invent, they celebrate.

D) AND I know this is going to go against every recent article I have read about how to be a good parent....they have IPODS that they can take where ever they want! They take photos, they make movies, they (eeek!) Play MINECRAFT (Parent of the Year is WAY too hard for me to win)...they text their grandparents, they have even been known to send spelling words to friends that live a distance away. They dance and sing. They YouTube musicals coming to Winnipeg and Google the Goldeyes' schedule. They find their favorite authors' websites and listen to stories downloaded from itunes. These are resourceful kids. AND I can brag. Because they are mine. And parents love to brag about their kids. Including me.

I do not believe that Technology Bad (said in cavewoman voice). I think that with every new change in our lifestyles comes hesitation and skepticism. New things are not easy. And these new things are changing fast. It is exhausting to keep up. Texting is evil - beware of Minecraft addiction - your kid's brain is going to mush. Maybe our kids' brains are working in different ways. That doesn't necessarily make it bad. Or maybe it is! I don't know...but I do know Apple is here.

 

SO instead of getting all worried that my kids are doomed to an anxiety filled, deaf, and robotic existence, I plan on making these my priorities:

1) Teaching  iPod etiquette (it doesn't go into the bathroom, you may not take photos of people if they don't want their photo taken)

2)  Teaching how to find the information they need in a safe and responsible way. What sources are reliable? You cannot believe everything you read.

3) Self Regulation - Vitamin D comes from the sun. Get outside. 

It is all about balance. Find the balance that makes you happy. I promise I will not judge you for your choice in not allowing your child technology yet, if you promise not to judge mine making science videos about how the baler works. 

Love That Boy

I am reading a book to the grade 4s that was inspired by this poem. The book is called Love That Dog by Sharon Creech but I was drawn to the poem.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Love This Boy by Walter Dean Myers

Love that boy,

like a rabbit loves to run

I said I love that boy

like a rabbit loves to run

Love to call him in the morning

love to call him

"Hey there, son!"

He walk like his Grandpa,

Grins like his Uncle Ben.

I said he walk like his Grandpa,

And grins like his Uncle Ben.

Grins when he’s happy,

When he sad, he grins again.

His mama like to hold him,

Like to feed him cherry pie.

I said his mama like to hold him.

Like to feed him that cherry pie.

She can have him now,

I’ll get him by and by

He got long roads to walk down

Before the setting sun.

I said he got a long, long road to walk down

Before the setting sun.

He’ll be a long stride walker,

And a good man before he done.

Rory is the scientist of the day tomorrow...we debated all weekend what to do. Then I re-read the newsletter (I hadn't lost it yet) and realized that all of our really cool ideas did not fit the criteria. We debated learning the science behind the hockey stick and then we were going to be paleontologists. The project had to be related to water. Behold...we made it rain! He was a bit nervous to be on video (unlike Ms. Dee) but ran and put on a dress shirt and the more we talked, the more excited he became, and the video turned out better than he ever imagined. He is all giggles about our slow motion rain drop. ALSO IMPORTANT: He is finally getting the hockey hair-do he is after and wants everyone to notice that he has a slight flip behind his ear now. My favorite part of this was Rory taking ownership. He so often has to listen to Ms. Science Experimenter boss him around when we do stuff like this and he thoroughly enjoyed telling her she had to stay out of this one. The satisfied look he gives me through the kettle handle when we catch the rain drop is the look that made this night so special. Love This Boy. Like May clouds like to rain.

She will prick her finger on a spinning wheel

Sleeping Beauty.

She is currently sleeping in her bed with a makeshift eye cover (not sure what the real terminology is here), that is made out of a headband and a piece of felt.

I should really just buy her an eye mask at Ardene's.

She wants to do sports. She comes to baseball and she tries her very best. When I asked the boy and her tonight what they thought they could work on...her answer was "my throwing...and my batting...and maybe my catching."

True. But, she did her best and I am so proud of her.

But Kennedy thinks outside the box...and that is what makes me even more proud. No one tells her what to like, or how to behave, or what she can or can't do (even me!).

So, she told me she was writing a play. Okay. One more pack of paper to spread all over her Cave of Wonders. I can handle that.

After I emptied her back pack, I noticed 5 or 6 scripts that have been printed off and stapled together. "Where did these come from?"
"Mr.M printed them for me."

Next day...she takes loose leaf and markers to her drama practice in Portage. Along the way, she informs me that she needs a spinning wheel. Do I have one? Uh...no.
Then perhaps we can just order one off of ebay?
uh...no.

But she doesn't give up.

Then maybe I could just use a bike wheel and make my own?

(Me...smiling at the thought of throwing her some tools and telling her to dismantle Dad's bike)...why yes! What a GREAT idea!

Next day...I get home from school and she is on the deck with the wheel in her hand. A grin a mile wide.

I then get a text from Grandma Early: "Kennedy asked me to buy some brown spray paint so I have it."

Oh dear.

I hear she has loose leaf posters up all over the school.

Tonight, in the tub, she took her crazy hair and started making the parts around her ears point in on her cheeks. I told her she looked like she had a moustache. How was I to know she was trying out a costume idea for Malificent!?

Steve is quite concerned. He keeps asking if there are any adults involved with his little production of hers. I am not concerned. This kind of learning and experimenting and problem-solving is EXACTLY the type of thinking that more of the world needs. Go Kennedy!

Regan Manns - Raise-A-Thon - Central Plains Challenge Walk & Run

Regan Manns - Raise-A-Thon - Central Plains Challenge Walk & Run

I am walking for 3 people. I am walking for Kennedy's friend who is far too young to be suffering with cancer. I am walking for my cousin. I am walking for my sister in law who keeps her Mom's memory alive. Help Central Plains Cancer Care by sponsoring Kim, Tammy, Michelle, or I (OR all of us) in the annual Walk and Run a-thon. You can donate online by clicking the link above. THANK YOU!!!

Crosby's Mom Doesn't Carry His Stick to the Rink

Wow. Great Job Canada!

Yes, we are good at hockey. So? I take offense to anyone who has a problem with that. In typical self degrading fashion, some Canadians didn't want to cheer for Canada because they are "too good?" Um...what? A country that sprung from so many cultures and from other countries' histories...can't we own something? Can't we be "too good" in something? Lots of other countries are "too good" at something...why can't we just celebrate and be proud that for a few weeks, every 4 years, we are united for one common goal...pun intended. We are Canadians.

Why I think the Olympics are FUN:

1) TOGETHER TIME: Steven and I rolled from our beds and crawled onto the couch at 6. Coffee pot on and sausages in the oven. Kennedy joined by 6:10 and Rory moved his blanket the couch about 6:30. All four of us on the couch. SOMEONE was a tad too spry at 6:30 on a Sunday.

Kennedy!!!!!!! In all 5 attempts she made faces and crossed her eyes....

2) GOLD MEDAL BREAKFAST:

Ingredients: 1 bag of Tater Tots, 6 eggs, 1 cup milk, salt and pepper, 2 pkg of sausage pre-browned and cut into pieces, cheese.

Instructions: Put the cut up, pre browned sausage into the greased 9x13. Mix together the milk, eggs and salt and pepper. Pour over top of the sausage. Grate cheese over top to suit your cheese loving taste buds. Pour the bag of tater tots over top and then finish off with another round of grated cheese goodness. Bake for 40 minutes at 350. Very tasty with a side of orange slices.

3) INSPIRATION: The number one goal is to have fun - but with hockey you also learn how to work hard to get what you want. You learn to take the hits and keep on rolling. You learn what it takes to keep your body working at its finest. You get fresh air. You learn to have patience when learning how to tie your own skates. You learn that it is okay to still ask for help. BUT Crosby's Mom does not carry his stick to the rink. 

4) PATRIOTISM: I love my country. My kids should too. We are very lucky to live in this peaceful and beautiful country. Every one of those hockey players, men and women, regardless of their NHL price tag, has worked hard to get to where they are. Let's put on our skates and go play! 

Making Sochi Gold Medals for Hockey with Salt Dough.

On the ice immediately after the game. Thank you Daddy for our own ice to play on!

The Box: Holiday Memories Day 1

I have decided after my perfect day at home to begin a nightly countdown to one of my favorite times of the year. Tonight I will tell the tale of my Grandma Early's Christmas box.

Every year (EVERY YEAR), my 15 months younger brother and I would resist sleep, pace the basement, throw up and then spend Christmas day passed out on the couch, ill,  because we were so excited.

But NOTHING could keep us from Grandma's house. Down we would go with little Jeffy and we would await our Christmas box. We knew there was one gift for us each. One GIANT gift. For the Earlys have always been known for having a lot of fun with Christmas. My Dad believes that Christmas is for toys, not for practicality. That being said...my parents did NOT approve of early risers on Christmas morning...but that story will be for another day.

The box though...was no ordinary box. Grandma would plunk it down in front of our eager, just vomited faces and we would begin the tearing and clawing of rabid animals after a prized meal....even though the smell of the pancakes cooking didn't help our over-excited stomachs. Inside, was a mound of newspaper. You see, Grandma wrapped all of our gifts in one box. Each gift was individually wrapped in newspaper. I remember unwrapping a black remote. Then a black Porche car. I couldn't believe it! I thought that for SURE my Grandma had given me my brother's gift! I was so excited to have a remote control Por-Shay as I affectionately called it (and no one thought to correct me). The world stopped for a few minutes. I remember nothing of the day after that moment. Just that I had a black Porshay car all of my own. But in that moment I remember every detail. I remember the pyjamas I wore. I remember Grandma's pink easy chair. The brown carpet. The sun coming through the large patio doors into the living room. The newspaper everywhere.

I have now grown out of puking every Christmas. I enjoy my sleep much more these days. I wonder if Grandma would have enjoyed giving 'the box' to what would now be 3 great grandchildren. I smile as I remember times past and as I imagine times to come. Kennedy is getting her Maplelea doll this Christmas and I can't wait to see her face. I hope she remembers the smell of the Christmas scentsy (according to Rory, this is quite sacred.."I PUT OUT THE CHRISTMAS SCENTSY" he claimed as he ceremoniously placed it on a shelf). I hope she remembers her grandparents next door coming over for pancakes. I hope she remembers every Christmas for the friends, family and well wishes for the years to come. I hope she doesn't puke with excitement.

But really...I won't put it past her brother...

The Rink

I always said we would NEVER put our kids in minor hockey.

My words taste not bad.

Some of my best memories are of the rink. My skates were of the figure skating variety, but I don't think that makes any difference. Although when I offered to come out and help at hockey, Rory DID laugh. Apparently Moms in figure skates, no matter how well they can move their feet out there, are not cool.

AND...MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE IS "GIRL'S SKATES and BOY'S SKATES" so don't EVER refer to them as such in front of me.

ANYWAY..back to my thoughts.

I pull into the rink parking lot, I follow Rory in, I help him put on his hockey equipment and I curl up in a chair to visit with anyone else or I grab a cup of hot chocolate. I visit with Kennedy or I wave at the Rory Crosby on the ice. I am in my happy place. So is Rory.

My parents created me and molded me into the person that I am ...but the rink built me. The man I married...the curling, the skating, the carnivals...the friends...the determination...the disappointments...the scars...came largely from the rink.

I have a massive scar on my knee from the day I fell on Austin's natural ice during melting time. I was electrocuted alongside my best friend when we tried to play music on the same melting ice. This still makes me laugh.

I had my first 'real' kiss at the rink.

Junior High and High School drama class was at the rink.

I met the ice caretaker one year. We started curling together after he quit at the rink.

I married him. Although I am pretty sure he almost dated the aforementioned best friend. She never did like cows so I guess it worked out.

I still rate songs on the radio as, "If I were in Stars on Ice, this is what i would skate to" I still think the song "Higher" would be perfect...even though I can no longer tell you who sings it.

Once, we were the Beatles on Ice.

How the years go by. I am so grateful for our small town ice surface and all of the wonderful memories I have from the rink. I watch with pride as Rory makes new friends and is able to move and express himself in a way that makes sense to him. I can't imagine being a snowbird because winter is a part of me. It is a part of us.


See ya at the rink !

A+

I am feeling a tad cranky today. There is something nagging at me. It has been bothering me for quite some time and I am sure my teacher friends will disagree, but I just need to tell you anyway.

Teachers complain too much about report cards.

Okay okay. I am a teacher. AND I DO think the new report card is slightly over the top. AND I do not hold that every teacher is to blame for my crankiness. But I have noticed a trend that I believe I can offer a solution to.

Get some kids.

The ones that live in your home.

24/7.

Life somehow takes on a whole new perspective when you have little creatures in your house....or maybe it is that I am getting old. Truthfully...I am worried about these new teachers who have taken report cards to a whole new level of sleepless nights, long hours in front of the computer and a lack of personal life. You will get it done. Believe me. It should not be at the expense of your loved ones and your own sanity. Your health matters.

I think what bothers me is that I don't see any of my doctor friends (because I have literally THOUSANDS of doctor friends) posting on facebook that they were up all night long helping a Mom give birth. Steve doesn't post every day about the HOURS upon HOURS (and HOURS) he spends harvesting food for the world. The caretaker at my school did not post on facebook that he cleaned up vomit today. Know why? Because they know it is part of the job. I choose to smile and be so very thankful for a job I love for all of its pitfalls and celebrations. I choose to get 'r done. Lousy days happen. So what. You have 2 more report cards sessions to get through. Is it the ONLY thing going on in your life? If so...get some perspective.

Tonight, I played Trouble with my kids.

I may do some report cards now.

It is so awful. Feel sorry for me? Of course not! You have a busy life too and a job that keeps you hoppin'. So cheers to whatever you do to help make this world go 'round.

Teachers do work incredibly hard. They walk a crazy blurred line between work life and school life. They take hours of work home every night... But we CHOSE this lifestyle. No one wants to hear us complain about the choices WE made. Report card stress = first world problem.

And if you want to borrow some perspective...I can rent mine out for a few hours....delivery, sauciness, hockey practice, dance parties and lunch making included.

The iKid

Someday we are going to fight a lot. A LOT. But most days I can appreciate the strong willed, independent nature of my daughter.

My Grandma said today that no wonder Rory is so free spirited...I have been raising my kids to explore and be be adventurous and to be....free spirited...

Um...so I am a bad parent?

She assures me I am not, but that I am always much too worried about being one.

Tonight I got a text. I opened up my phone to see it was from DeDe McGee. There is a voice mail attached. So clever she is to have figured out that she can just record herself and send it instead of texting. 

She begins by explaining that Rory really wanted her to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I know that this REALLY means that Kennedy just wanted to play on the iPad because that is where the book is. She goes on to say that since they were reading it without me (because we have been reading it together), she would just tell me everything that happened in the chapter they had just read. She then decides that maybe she should just READ me the chapter (this is all decided in her very long voice message). She then proceeds to read.

"Rory..LET....GO"...keeps on reading....."LET GO!!!!" ..... keeps on reading....in the background I hear..."KENNEDY LET ME HAVE IT!!!"  fumble, rustling, mumbling...keeps on reading.

And then I get this text after the voice message:

"Sorry about that Mom, Rory thought he should have the iPad, but I explained to him that you needed to know what was going on in the story for when you come home."

Wow. Defending the iPad from a perilous journey into the room of Rory, keeping me up to date on Mr. Wonka, AND a typical bedtime routine despite miles between us. Guess my free spirited children aren't turning out so badly after all. What a wonderful way to end my trip to Winnipeg. I can't wait for morning to see them and hear all about those silly little "Oompa Loompa's" in chapter who knows what.

This is Rory.

So Rory, What did the principal say to you today?
I dunno
Oh good, I am sure he will be happy to tell you again tomorrow. I will let him know you have forgotten.
Oh. Actually.....
And Mom...he likes the Leafs....he has Leafs stuff in his office.
You aren't supposed to be in his office. Tomorrow is a fresh start. Please let it be filled with good choices.
I love you anyways Mom. I love you anyways too Rory.

My son is the most remarkable young man. As remarkable as every other son to their mother.  He is remarkably frustrating, loving, anxious and beautiful in the same breath. He causes me so much stress that sometimes I just sit after he goes to bed and worry. Sometimes I laugh at the things he has invented. Sometimes I have to get angry because he sneaks out of bed because he "just has to tell me something." His view of the world is always skewed from the angle of a small boy who views the world as a happy place where Mom and Dad love him and will always hug him goodnight despite the day he has had. This is Rory.

A boy whose arse is often glued to a bike seat with a dog running along beside him.
A boy who struggles to sit and do school work in a classroom full of noise and distraction.
A boy who is already capable of seeing that he would work best alone, could he just bring his school work home everyday?
A boy who loves spaghetti...but without anything on it. Macaroni...without cheese.
A boy who when he IS in a bit of trouble, begins every apology with "Mom, Your hair looks really nice today."
Believes that the first day of hockey is a national holiday.
A boy who loves his baby cousin so much that when he hears we are visiting her, he jumps and cheers.
A boy who pretends not to notice when his friends leave him out but cries before bed after it happens.
A boy who knows that with each morning is a fresh start.
A boy who wants to save the world by taking photos on his ipod of people running the stop sign beside the field that he and Daddy are in.
A boy who forgives and forgets in a second.
A boy who loves to cook in the kitchen, learn by doing, and create with endless supplies.
A boy who will stop anything to cuddle on the couch to hear a chapter of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
A boy who is giving his teachers a lot of gray hair but who loves them dearly.

Is it Friday yet?

On turning 29 and 363 days

I am not in my 30's. Just for the record.

I did, however, enjoy a good giggle this morning when my sister in law texted me "Happy Birthday". I was practically on cloud 9 to write back "Thank you, but it is not my birthday."

But turning 30 is better than the alternative. And I always felt that 30 would be the ideal age. Too bad I am not 30.

Steve has been 30 forEVER. He seems to be handling it well.

I used to lie about my age so people would take me seriously. Now I realize that not many will ever take me seriously...but I am going to keep lying about my age so that I can at least be ID'd.

One of my students guessed my age to be 50 today when I received a beautiful bouquet in my classroom.

I kindly explained that it was a celebration of my 29 and 363days birthday.

Okay, so if I ever do turn 30, here is what I want for the day:

1) It to be on a Sunday so I can sleep in and be at home with my awesome kids.
2) For it to be during the most beautiful month of the year.


I am not hard to please.

But I am not 30.

Helter Skelter

None of the song actually applies to my life. But today was just one of those days where the intro to the song has me going "Yes...that is EXACLY how I feel today." And Helter Skelter is EXACTLY the mode I am taking when I type this blog post.Helter Skelter


So here is my summer full of wisdom...or wisecracks...

1) The whole world is not, in fact, "falling in love with the One Direction movie." I just saw the commercial and it made me roll my eyes...and then giggle at the realization that I was likely first in line for the Spice Girl movie, a way back when.

2) Sometimes fridges quit..in the middle of the hottest day ever...and you have to buy a new one...this sucks.

3) My new fridge is very pretty.

4) I have been without internet for almost the entire summer.

5) Xplornet does have good customer service on the phone.

6) I am pretty sure boys turn into wild animals over the summer. True story. Pretty sure he has stripes and a growl now.

7) Kennedy thinks ANYTHING that has stripes is beautiful. Maybe even with polka dots. Yes. Definitely stripes, spots and zig zags combined. Perhaps she will be a fashion model with this new found appreciation for the beauty of all animal print put together in one outfit.

8) Hope PETA doesn't get a hold of her, or WHAT NOT TO WEAR.

9) Paul McCartney puts on the most amazing concert you will ever see.

10) My Grandpa turned 80 and my Grandma turned 70 and we celebrated like crazy. First time that all of the cousins had gotten together in a picture with our kids. Roy turned 60 and I hear two men in our lives are turning 40 this year...I am pretty sure we are skipping my birthday, because I don't want to turn 25.

I am sad to see summer end and I feel like I accomplished nothing except running all over the place this season. I am (without sarcasm) very excited for autumn. There is something magical about September and harvest and school starting and the leaves turning beautiful colors. I hope that all of you enjoyed your summer and have not had to blow your entire income on school supplies. Happy Fall Y'all!

Composting Crazy

Many moons ago I thought I would be very GREEN and buy myself  (from a friend's garage sale) a large composting bin. I had no idea how to use it. I mean really...things that are biodegradable turn to dirt eventually..I just huck everything into the bin and voila!

AND...the bin sat for years with absolutely no one going in it except some very scary looking spiders. How quaint.

Then today I was working with my Grade 3's and we were learning all about composting (yes...great teacher that I am..I was learning right along with them). I just HAD to figure this out. I got home around 5:15 and the kids ran to greet me with requests for pizza and bike rides and jumping on the trampoline. IMAGINE their excited little faces when I asked "Wanna learn how to compost?!?"

Blank stares.

Eye roll.

"Oh here she goes again."Awesome Kids Composting Site

Kennedy put on her bike helmet (look at me not breaking any laws out in Firdale) and marched over to get her bike.

I promised Rory he could pour some water in the compost bin with my ultra cool plant watering can. He agreed.

We talked about nitrogen, carbon, brown stuff, green stuff, things we can compost...and worms. Which of course we had to look for. Now if you were fence sitting with the whole compost thing, I am telling you now that it is a MUST for any household with kids. As soon as I said worms I had 2 kids up to their elbows in the garden fishing out worms for the compost. And now that there is something LIVING in the compost bin...it is way more fun to 'feed it.'

They were especially excited when I told them (in my 'engaged' voice from above) that we should label 2 buckets and give one to Grandma and Grandpa to use and after supper every day they could take our bucket and Grandma's and it could be their chore...I mean...fun game...to empty the veggie peelings, etc, into the compost bin.

Rory CLAIMS he can't open the lid. (But he HAD to follow me out after supper in his P.J's ...AKA...gitch...to see if the worms liked what I gave)

The 352

Sometimes I go really slow and weave and wander around all of the pot holes and bumps. I really do like to take care of the Escape. Sometimes though, I am in a rush and I forget the unmarked holes and I hit them a little harder than I intend. Okay, seriously...if you have been on this road...you know that the whole pothole is actually a road. 

The road drives me crazy. Sometimes I can ignore the bumps and the holes and the dust that make it such a miserable road and I smile about things I could be doing or should be doing or wishes or dreams. Sometimes I crank the tunes and sing. I plan trips to Lunenburg and cabins by the lake. Sometimes I just chuckle that they played "Good Time" again and wonder if Jeff has heard it on his alarm. We joke that they play it every morning.

Sometimes it takes FOREVER to get home with all of the weaving and wandering (and the cursing when I hit the odd hole). Sometimes I get home very angry and bitter but I park the Escape in the garage and we both sigh with relief over the daily drive is over.

Thank goodness I have a good mechanic that looks after the needs of my Escape.

But I know that other roads are just as bumpy.

I know that sometimes it is okay to ignore how rough the road ahead is.

I believe that sometimes it is satisfying to meet those bumps head on.

And sometimes it is okay to curse when you forget about a bump that is not marked out. 

In the end I know that all of the repair people I need are within easy reach.

And someday...after driving over all of the bumps, I know I will wake up and find that the road is smooth. For a day or two. And there will be celebrating. Besides, despite the bumps along the way, I always seem to get where I want to go.