Day 60 So Grown Up!

So proud of this girl. I can't believe she is in Gr 12 and will soon be finished school. We are excited that she has decided to spend the next year working and preparing to serve a mission.

Herstory

This week I have been studying this article on the women who made the trek with the Zion's Camp expedition (oh how I'd love to go to that conference!). More of an effort is being made to find out the stories women in the church. According to this article, there weren't any journals, diaries or letters from any of the women on the trek to Zion's Camp. 

We have to always be sure to record our history. We need tosSpeak up for ourselves. Interestingly, I would say that in the church now, women are more likely to be the ones that write stories and record history. I wonder how the stories are perceived? Is it "women's work"....that work of lesser value? I hope not. 

We need to not be afraid of what many would negatively coin as self-promotion. We need to tell our stories. We need to tell the stories of women in the past. Today as I sat through a lesson on one of the prophets, I wondered why we don't learn about more women in church history. The lesson was great, and I love the prophets....but really, doesn't it make sense that we might study the lives of women who might inspire us? 

Some think women should be quiet and not try to be powerful (or worse, pushy!) I don't think this is true. Elder Nelson, in his talk, A Plea to My Sisters seems to disagree as well. He says we need women who'll speak up and organize and defend.

"He (Joseph Smith) continued to read the chapter (1 Cor. 12), and give instructions respecting the different offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere allotted him or her, and filling the several offices to which they are appointed. He spoke of the disposition of many men to consider the lower offices in the Church dishonorable, and to look with jealous eyes upon the standing of others who are called to preside over them; that it was the folly and nonsense of the human heart for a person to be aspiring to other stations than those to which they are appointed of God for them to occupy; that it was better for individuals to magnify their respective calling, and wait patiently till God shall say to them, 'come up higher.'" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 223-2)

A she-shall-remain-unnamed friend was planning an activity for the women in her ward. She emailed  her Bishop and his reply was curt and off the cuff. He dismissed her idea and asked her to do something totally different instead. I was mad. I was offended. Did he not know how much time in thought and prayer she had put into this plan? We talked about how frustrated she felt for getting herself in such a corner. Thinking about it, I realized she should have gone to him with the thought and reasoning and work she had done. Maybe he assumed she was being quite haphazard in her planning.  It is hard know. There is a lesson to be learned though! "Sales" is key to success.

I'm taking Elder Nelson's call seriously. I think it is important that the voices of women are heard. To actually be listened anywhere, planning the delivery of our message is key. One of the challenges is the pat on the head and dismissal sometimes received when women do speak up. A well thought out discussion is key.

No more wasted words! In order to be a better thinker, I'm going to work more on my writing. I'm going to plan carefully and prayerfully how I will present ideas. With God at my side, nothing is impossible!

"I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up" (D&C 84:88).

Day 59 Restful Sunday

Peirce is working on sewing all his cub and scout badges on to this blanket. Quite a project!

Day 58 Waters of Sebus

We had a primary activity today and I was asked to hel at it. They had a million stations all about the Book of Mormon. My job was to teach them about the Waters of Sebus. It was fun. Teaching: right up my alley!

Day 57 Cinderella

I really should write a book with all the funny things that go on during a day at school.

When we go to gym they wear their black shoes and then change before they go into the gym. After gym they take off their gym shoes and put their other indoor black shoes on. Sometimes it's a big ordeal. Today was casual day so everyone had on different shoes...maybe ones with more buckles and straps...things that take more time.

Everyone had their shoes on and they started heading back to the classroom. One girl realized the line was going and she suddenly exclaimed, "Well, it worked for Cinderella!"

And off she went hopping down the hall....

Gee I love these kids!

Day 56 Scouts/basketball

Tonight was another Baden Powell night. Look at these boys! They're growing up so much. 

They're getting ready for the activities of the night.

This is Peirce receiving his medal for completing the Duty to God requirements.

Duty to God medal. He's so proud to wear it!

After the banquet, we went and found Jill at her school cheering on her friends. They beat Sir Winston Churchill 75-57. The game was a lot closer than the score tells. It was a fun night. Lots of noise. Lots of people. 

....And girls cry after they win big games. :)

Day 55 friendship

Does this count as a picture? Today I am thinking about friendships. I am a little sad over some fading ones. I have decided to let some friendships go....I don't think anyone will even notice. :(

I think I'll go have some ice cream.

Day 54 Drive!

Sometimes it seems like this is all I do. Drive to seminary. Drive to school. Drive to the pool. Drive to the church. Drive. Drive. Drive. 

Good thing I love my car. 

Day 53 Smart Board Fun

I am a bit of a nerd about tech stuff. I love finding new little tricks. Here is my smart board for today:

Magic pen from Dawn Ackroyd on Vimeo.

Day 52 Music

Wow. I have surprised myself by sticking with this goal to post a picture every day. I read a blog post today that said many things that I am finding in my own life from this project. It is starting help me focus on what is important about each day. I think about what I would want to share. The truth is, there are many things, but trying to whittle it down to the one best thing has been a good exercise.

You can read it here: 

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/15-reasons-i-think-you-should-blog/

I snuck this one in at church. It may be a little irreverent to take a picture during Sacrament Meeting since I was the organist for Sacrament Meeting. Forgive me, please.

I started taking piano lessons when I was in grade two.  I loved it. I practiced dutifully....most of the time. Now that many years have passed since I took lessons I continue to play. Pretty much every Sunday I end up playing in either sacrament meeting or relief society. I am also about to teach paint lessons again. I donated three months worth of free lessons to the online auction the swim club just held. I spoke with the lady who bought the lessons yesterday and she told me that if her son likes the lessons they will likely continue with me after three months. I didn't have the heart to say right then that this is only a three month deal. At this point, I don't want to continue after the three months. We'll see what happens! I am pretty excited about implementing some of the things I have learned as a full time teacher to my hobby of teaching piano though. 

I also ran across a really fun YouTube channel. The artist is Emily Arrow and she writes songs about great kid's books! I have to find a way to incorporate this into my teaching and our Book a Day goal! 

Day 51 Quality Time

I have a wise friend who often tells me how important quality time with kids is....and that time in the car is a great time for conversations. I often find food really helps the quality conversations with this guy.

I had to sneak in this photo:

Gee, he is growing up way too fast! I sure love him. 

Day 50 Morning Meetings

I have always been an early riser. This is one of the benefits. This was taken just outside the central office before a meeting I have today. Beautiful sunrise!

Day 49 Facebook Connecting!

Jill is off at Westerns. Tonight we tried out the Facebook calling and video function. Very cool! Works like a charm!

Chico misses Jill. Poor little guy needs someone to comfort him! I am trying to console him by giving him more lounging the with me....I have had more of it this week! When I read, I always put a pillow on my lap. Chico rests his chin on it. 

Day 48 Happy Anniversary!

22 years!! I am grateful to be married to Allen. We celebrated by going out for dinner.

Day 47 Western Nationals

Jill is gone to Winnipeg this week for Western Nationals. She has a roommate this year that is really good about calling home, so we heard from her on the very first day! Yea for roommates.  :)

We are so proud of her. I am sure she will have a great time there and accomplish some great things. We miss her!

Day 46 Family Day

Swim practice was scheduled for a leisurely 8 am today. Nice!

Jill got her special hoodie from Coach Dave for Westerns.

Nicest hoodie ever, I'd say!!

While Jill swam I read Bridge to Terabithia again. I am starting to really appreciate the value of re-reading books. I think this was my third time with this one.

After, Jill and I went fabric shopping. We should save about $900 by sewing her dress ourself. Wowza!!

"Don't make me carry it mom. It will wreck my taper."

We bought the fabric at Fabric Warehouse. What a place!!

Then we went and volunteered at the Flames game. Jill stays in the car and reads as long as possible.

 After, we celebrated Family Day with dinner out at Smash burger, Peirce's favourite place. I should have taken a picture of Peirce in his fancy new cardigan he bought today. He looks totally scholarly in it.

Finger lick-in' good!!

Day 45 Day of Rest

After church and a big roast beef dinner, this was my view of the world:

Laid on the couch and read Danny Champion of the World.

Bliss.

Day 44 Quiet Saturday!

Wow....today was a quiet day. After getting Jill to swimming then to work, I had it all to myself! Now that is something that hasn't happened for a LONG time! I exercised extra, cleaned a little, read a lot, did a few errands and got groceries.

I'm used to put my turkey kids in the cart. These turkeys are much less demanding :)

Peirce went on a two day scout camp this weekend and got home late this afternoon. He was soooo tired! He went straight to bed....woke up for pizza....then went back to sleep. I guess that means he had a great time!

Tonight Jill and I went and saw Lord of the Flies at Storybook Theatre. That was intense!

This is Catherne, the Front of House Manager and former student teacher at our school! We miss her!

Day 43 Fun With Jill

Today, after all the PD fun was over, Jill and I got busy looking at grad dresses.

So many choices!!! She tried on dozens. I took a few pics until I found out I wasn't supposed to be doing that. Oops!

After, we met Allen and went for dinner (Peirce is off at a scout camp and Bobby is on a little trip with his mom!)

All the dresses give a dad a migraine!

And the dress prices!! Eeek!

Tonight Jill and I went to Theatre Calgary. She and Allen bought tickets for my birthday so we could go see The Little Prince. I loved it so much!! The set and costumes were extraordinary. The music was perfect. The orchestra conductor was as entertaining as the play. She played two different keyboards WHILE leading the orchestra. Wowza!!

Best parking spot ever!! A birthday miracle!

The lights. The sheep. The emotion!

Well the prince was sitting and watching sunsets, everyone in the audience turned on their sheepy lights.....

It was amazing. Made me emotional! Stage brilliance.

Most of all, it was a great day with my great girl.

Day 42 PD Day

There isn't a topic I would rather spend the day on! Today has been a great day. I find it have to tell myself to dial it down otherwise I will just take over the conversation in my enthusiasm. It is great to hear that there are some things are doing right and also to get some more great idea. We had some fabulous facilitators today.

Tonight I was mom taxi and started and finished one of the grade 3 book club books for this month. I love evenings like this!

Best news of all: the is one more day of this!

Day 41 Valentine's Sugar Fest

Time for the dreaded "when I was a kid" moment.

When I was a kid we gave valentines to all our friends.....just valentines. Now every valentine is accompanied with a treat. Some don't even give valentines.....they just give treats. It is pretty much like Halloween, only pink and red.

I have to say though, that I had a lovely celebration with my class. They were all very calm and happy with everything they received. There was a lot of, "Oh! So cute! I love it! Thank you!!" Made my heart swell. 

Day 40 Two Mothers

Bobby's mother came to visit for Chinese New Year. Tonight she and I watched his basketball game together. I can't imagine sending my son across the globe. We are partners in mothering.

Day 39 Musical

Tonight was our school's musical. Every year I am amazed at what the music teacher and her team put together. The show is always amazing. Tonight's show was called Flakes and was all about snow flakes (and snirts....snow covered in dirt).

What a great night!!

Day 38 Blessed Sabbath

I didn't take this picture, but it reflects my day.

I love Sundays.

Today I was released from my ward RS presidency calling. I'll miss planning those  RS activities!

Day 37 Mornings

What do you do on Saturday mornings?

I get up early and drive to a pool.....every Saturday. This is us at the Airdrie Pool getting ready for the Timmerman's meet.

I don't know why the doors aren't open. We're waiting.

The quiet of the pool before the meet starts.....

I'm doing the job of Recorder Scorer this morning. This afternoon I'm the Chief Finish Judge.

It's always fun to be #1, even if you do add time.

Day 36 Glamour?

One of the things we have done to fundraise for swimming is to volunteer at Flames events. It is really a great fundraiser. In exchange for our time, t Flame make a donation to Jill' swimming.

Seems like a great opportunity to see lots of this:

We do see a little of that....as much as we can.

Mostly we see this though:

Not that glamorous.

I have to say though, it has been fun to see the 'behind the scenes' at the Flames games, Hitmen games, Roughneck games, concerts, and Stampeder games!

Soon Peirce will be old enough to volunteer too!

Day 35 It';s My Birthday

It isn't my habit to make a big deal of my birthday - but in an elementary school, birthdays are a big deal. When you get to hang out in my school all day you celebrate all day!

The kindergarten class across the hall gave me a crown. Then there's always the button. And of course, birthday wishes all day long. It's a fun day!

Best of all, Allen came and had lunch with me at school. We had Carl's Jr! So fun. :)

Then tonight I'm helping host a RS dinner....time with all my new RS friends!

It's a perfect day.

Day 34 Google!!

Part of my professional development goals this year was to learn to use some of the Google tools better and integrate them into my classroom. 

Today we started on that! I got everyone signed on and they each made their own Google slides document to re-tell one of our Open Court stories. At first there were some hiccups. I initially had everyone working on the same document at the same time.....delete....add....insert....delete....within 4 minutes the entire document was gone. Oops!!

Google slides take 2!!

It went much better the second time around when I had each of them create their own document from the original document. Live and learn!

They were all very excited to share their newly created work with their parents. I really love using technology!!

Day 33 Piles Piles and More Piles

Some of my teacher friends are able to keep clear desks. I am jealous of them. I can't seem to do it.

And sometimes my piles start to overflow to my students desks.

I usually need a little time on the weekend to clear up the piles.

Then it starts all over again on Monday.

Day 32 FHE

Watching a video we got from the Stake President.

Sometimes it is just not that spiritual.....

Me: Peirce, will you say the opening prayer?

Peirce: Why me? I said the blessing at dinner!

Jill: Your prayer sucked. That's why. Vain repetitions! Totally!

Peirce: You're not supposed to judge prayers! Evil!

*sigh*