Such Things

Way to Go Canada!!

Just a quick note to say yay, Canada!!  We had such a great time watching the final game at an Olympic venue in Surrey, B.C.  They had lots of fun activities for the kids,

like skating,

tobogganing,

and lots of screens so we could watch the game, which really had us all on edge, especially right at the end and in overtime.  We went to some friends' to watch the closing ceremony which was fun as well.  There was tremendous celebrating, cars honking and Canadian flags being waved. 

People are happy and proud. 

We finished up some Olympics projects and celebrations at school this week.

It's been a fun journey having the Olympics come our way and thanks for joining me on this Olympic journey!

I Love the 2010 Olympics

I'm typing this post while watching the Olympic ice dancing.  AND THE CANADIANS JUST WON A GOLD YEAH- HOO!!  It's been so exciting being in the midst of it all.  We headed into Vancouver again this Saturday to check out LiveCity Vancouver with some friends.  It was a gorgeous day, as the weather here has been like nothing I've ever experienced in Feb.  It feels more like it's May! 

We started out at LiveCity Downtown where we saw the Stanley Cup in the Canada Pavilion.  We also stepped into the Manitoba Pavilion which was proud to highlight one of their own, gold medalist Jon Montgomery, winner of men's skeleton.

Outside the library,

Then heading down to Robson Street,

We ended near the art gallery again, in the center of the action.  The kids got a glimpse of the Olympic mascots ice skating in the Robson ice rink,

and there were people flying by overhead on the zip-line.

With the cherry trees already in blossom, it could not have been more beautiful and a perfect way to show the world our wonderful city. 

On Sunday, I was also proud to run a half marathon in the beautiful Old Fort Langley, with vistas of open field, mountains and heritage style homes.  

An all round amazing weekend, I must say. 

Go CANADA!!!!

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games

This week has been Olympic mania.  We loved the opening ceremonies.  Did you watch them?  I thought the special effects were excellent.  I was wasn't surprised to see Wayne Gretzky lighting the torch.  At some points I thought some of the people from the crowd might leap right into the truck with him, they were running so close beside!  We couldn't help but notice that Bryan Adams and Nelly Fertado were lip syncing, but I was still so proud and excited to see a handful of Canadian legends performing. 

We headed into Vancouver today on the sky train.  I've of course been to Vancouver many times (we live about 45mins from downtown), but this time and it was like nothing I'd ever seen before.  It was  amazing. 

There were so many people on the street that it was difficult to even move at some points. 

The weather was crystal clear and bright. 

We saw the torch, which is behind a barrier.  I thank Mark for a lot of the photography in this post.  

I must comment on the fashion I saw as we walked around.  Everyone had on red and white Olympic wear and I was especially eyeing the red hoodies and knit sweaters.  We made it into the Olympic "superstore" at the Bay for clothing, but these items are near impossible to find.  The saleslady said they get shipments everyday, but the sweaters are gone by 10:00 am.

We spent a lot of our time around the Vancouver Art Gallery.  Speaking of fashion, there were some anti -fur protesters,

and my children were happily playing on the lions right behind them. 

It was thrilling to be a part of the celebration.  We even got a photo with Gordon Campbell, the Premier of B.C.

 

Ah, Vancouver.  We love you!  Go Canada go!!!  We got our first gold today.

Then back at home,

Loved making Valentines with my Cricut machine

and our very own Bobsled team!

Happy Olympics and Valentines day to you!!

Catching the Olympic Spirit!!!

One thing I admire about Canadians, especially Vancouverites, is that we do things rain or shine. 

This morning it was pouring rain and we headed out with the kids at 6:45 am to see the Olympic torch, which actually came right into our neighborhood. 

It was amazing, not only to see the torch but to see the community out there cheering it on, friends, neighbors and classmates.  Later, after I dropped the girls off at school,

Myles and I headed to Mackin park, where I was even more inspired,

seeing the cauldron, 

hearing the speeches, seeing the flame lit, and a group of highschool students running off with the torch.

The kids also got to see Bobs and Lolo, local children's singers.

If you haven't heard of them, I recommend their music.  It's educational, catchy and lots of fun to sing along to. 

I absolutely can't wait for opening ceremonies tomorrow night.  We are having some friends over to watch and celebrate!  I'm especially intrigued by all the "surprises" in store!!!

Hope you are enjoying the celebrations from where you are!!! 

I'm so proud to be up close!

Hearts for Haiti and Happy Tuesday!

Wow!  We have been having a lot of fun and fantastic weather.  I've been outside a lot and not at the computer very much.  There's been a lot of joking about the warm weather affecting the Olympics, but from what I've heard, everything is ready and about to be in full swing.  The mood here in Vancouver is amazing.  There was A LOT of negativity about the Olympics, grumbling and resentment about the way money was spent, which is understandable, but I have really noticed a change over the last week.  It seems that most people are getting into the spirit now.

Both at home and where I work, we've also been getting ready for Valentines Day.  Decorating, writing cards, making treat bags,

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days that I teach.  I love the classroom. 

Today, the class was working on a project for the school and for Haiti as well.  

The kids want to spread kindness around the community, so they are making secret Valentines with friendly messages and posting them around the school in all kinds of places.

The class is also continuing to collect money for Haiti.  They are sending a notice home to parents and have made announcements to the school.  I've noticed that the hype about Haiti has passed, we don't really hear about it on the radio anymore, but there are still many people in need.  I stumbled upon another Hearts for Haiti project on etsy.  I found it on Stephanie's blog Overjoyed.

I had an idea that we could spend a little less on ourselves for Valentines Day and send the love Haiti's way.  

We encourage you to do that too.  Spread a little love around, to friends, family and people in need.

Well, that's a glimpse of my Tuesday, and similarly my Wednesday.  The Olympic torch is coming right down the street from my house this Thursday, and we are so thrilled to see it.  These are very exciting days for us in Vancouver and I'd like to keep you up-dated as much as I can.

Happy Monday (and happy first day of February!!)

I find I've almost been dreading certain days of the week, like Monday for example.  It seems a bit dreary to head into Monday after a fun and relaxing weekend.  There's cleaning, shopping, meals to be made and on and on and on...  Anyways, I've decided to enjoy everyday no matter what, to notice daily pleasures and even to find joy in monotonous routines and I have to admit, it is nice that I don't have to work on Mondays.

So here we go, first day of a new month and first day of the week:  Monday.

Here we are walking from the van to the Kindergarten room after dropping off Miranda at her grade two class,

Bye, Megan!  She's going into her classroom, and what's that in the bottom right corner?  Some of the kindergarten kids came right back out of the classroom to see,

Aw!!!  it's a brand new puppy that one of the Kindergarten families just got on the weekend. 

Okay, time to head off now...

Yep, it's time to grocery shop, just Myles and I.  Now grocery shopping actually can be pleasurable (even if it is Superstore).  There's the clothes section, the free sample from the deli for Myles,

we usually have a look at the crabs, lobsters and tilapia, and we often run into friends and chat too!

It's great to have a little help at the till.

As you can see, Myles thoroughly enjoyed his complimentary chocolate chip cookie...

And there's Myles running and running WAY down the ramp back to the parking lot.  I am usually moving forward with my shopping cart at a very rapid pace to catch him because then he runs, yes right into the parking lot!  AHH!!

After that, there's cleaning the fridge and putting away the groceries, while Myles played outside in the sandbox.  Then we picked up Megan.  The kids usually play in on the playground for awhile and I chat with the other K moms.   Egg sandwiches for lunch, nap time and I got started on a bit of mending and scrapbooking while Megan played with play dough in the kitchen in her room.  After picking up Miranda, I the kids did their chores:  cleaning the hamster cage and recycling, while I made stirfry for dinner.  I have to tell you the best sauce is:  soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil.  Mmmm!!!

Then one of my favourite parts of the day.  It was my turn to do the parent and tot with Myles.

Go Myles!!  I don't know what it was about photographing the day, but it made me feel practically giddy and I was laughing all day long.  Thanks for joining me on this journey!

What do you enjoy about your Mondays?

Tune in next week for Tuesday!!

Cozy Place

Beneath my bed,

a place to laugh and wrestle,

a place to read,

a place to cozy up together,

day and night.

On rainy weeks, I tend to focus on inside projects.  We bought a loft bed for Megan from Ikea and after being inspired by this photo in the catalogue, I created the same kind of cozy space under her bed, using pillows and the star lights.  Kids love to have special places to hide, to be alone and to play.  We have all kinds of fun under there!  

Enjoy the rest of your week!

January Joys

I expected January to be a bit dreary and slow, but it has been quite busy (sometimes too busy!) with lots of unexpected sun and mild weather.  

There's been cranberry suet,

exploring,

watching,

yard projects,

surprises,

play,

and outings.  I definitely treasure these wonderful moments and everyday pleasures.

I have a lot of projects on the go, and with the Olympics and Valentines Day coming up, there are lots of exciting things to share. 

The word "gladness" has resonated with me lately.  Kind of a happy word, but a grateful word as well.

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100:2

Hope you've have had a great start to your week!

Not to Worry

I admit.  I worry about my children.  My oldest in particular.  I know she's completely wonderful, talented, very smart, and yet I worry.  Perhaps it's because she's the first.  I worry about her when she's at school, I worry about her friends...  I know this is not at all helpful to her or to me.  When I start to worry, I head to my favourite parenting books.  In his writings, William Glasser talks about success identity and failure identity.  I definitely want to foster a success identity in my children, and in myself as well.  Some other words I love are from Barbara Coloroso.  She talks about six critical life messages to be given every day:

She says that "through love, acceptance, and encouragement, children's sense of self is recognized, valued and esteemed." 

The opposite of worry is trust.  I have to trust my children to succeed, to solve problems, and trust that God will give me the wisdom to know when they need my direct support and when they can work things out on their own.  I do trust that God is working out all things for good.  In fact for great.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" 1 John 4:18

I just found a wonderful little video of Barbara Coloroso sharing her six critical life messages.  Have a look!

Best Homemade Chilli

One of my favourite meals for cold winter days, or even rainy ones, is homemade chilli.  We do ours in a crockpot: fill it in the morning and scoop it out at dinnertime.

Like all our favourite recipes, this one has a bit of a story.  Before we had kids, our Bible study group helped serve dinner for an Alpha course.  The food was planned and prepared by a Singaporean woman with a passion for cooking.  She shared this recipe for her chilli, which was the best we had ever tasted.  It freezes well and it's easy for a large group meal.  I think the secret is the brown sugar and cinnamon.

I'm still working away at my recipe book, and purged numerous old recipes over the holidays.  I'm down to just a few favourites and looking for more... 

Hope you enjoy some chilli this winter!!