Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Adrian
Happy Birthday to you
Love you Adrian.
You are the best.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Birthday Wishes
The other day Owen asked me “Mama, what do you want for your birthday?” and I answered him honestly “All I want is a card made by you and Isabelle.” Adrian & Nora worked together to make this happen and all I can say is thank you…thank you…thank you. Nothing touches my heart quite like a homemade card. Owen was SO excited to give it to me on Tuesday (the day before my birthday) and insisted I take it to work and put it on display…which I did of course. Several people noticed it and wished me a happy birthday. My mom took us all out for dinner to a wonderful restaurant and the kids were extra-specially great; which may or may not happen in public places. Adrian and I had a great evening – he surprised me with James Blunt concert tickets – one of my favourites and a total surprise. So looking forward to a night out with my hubby!
It occurred to me last night that all I want in life, all I REALLY want, is simple…a few moments of peace, special time with my favourite people and a handmade card. Thanks for making my wishes come true. xoxo
It occurred to me last night that all I want in life, all I REALLY want, is simple…a few moments of peace, special time with my favourite people and a handmade card. Thanks for making my wishes come true. xoxo
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hello Friday
We have about a week under our belt with the new routine. With the "newness" of school wearing off, we are noticing there are a few challenges to work out but so far...school is great!
A little late: We are having a little struggle with bedtime, we hear "I am not tired" more than once each evening. Working on a plan to make this a happier more peaceful event for all parties.
A little chaotic: It takes some time to get into the swing of things. Mornings are busy, evenings are busy and we have had more than a few "I'm just having a bad day" comments when things aren't going just right.
A little nerve-racking for the mama: Breathing in & out. He is going to be just fine. They won't lose him. He will make friends. He is excited to be there. He will be respectful. He will learn something. So much trust goes into this whole process, trusting the school, the teacher, the other kids.
A little wonderful: Actually, a lot wonderful. BIG steps for a big boy. There have been no tears and more often than not, Owen is outside and ready to go long before he needs to be.
A little structure: I have always loved the fall and the newness of a brand new school year ahead of me. I am getting myself into a better routine of exercising and eating well. And the structure of school is good for Owen - and he is ready.
A little late: We are having a little struggle with bedtime, we hear "I am not tired" more than once each evening. Working on a plan to make this a happier more peaceful event for all parties.
A little chaotic: It takes some time to get into the swing of things. Mornings are busy, evenings are busy and we have had more than a few "I'm just having a bad day" comments when things aren't going just right.
A little nerve-racking for the mama: Breathing in & out. He is going to be just fine. They won't lose him. He will make friends. He is excited to be there. He will be respectful. He will learn something. So much trust goes into this whole process, trusting the school, the teacher, the other kids.
A little wonderful: Actually, a lot wonderful. BIG steps for a big boy. There have been no tears and more often than not, Owen is outside and ready to go long before he needs to be.
A little structure: I have always loved the fall and the newness of a brand new school year ahead of me. I am getting myself into a better routine of exercising and eating well. And the structure of school is good for Owen - and he is ready.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I love you and Goodbye
We have a lot of family that live quite far away; my sister at University in London, my brother and his family are in Arizona, Adrian’s cousins and aunt are in England. We like to keep in touch and so we spend a lot of time on the phone. Naturally, the kids like to mimic this and for quite some time Owen will have conversations with his grandparents and a few others on the phone.
Being a child, his attention span is rather short and after a few words he would generally just put the phone down on whatever flat surface was close to him and walk away, leaving the other party “hanging”. So we started to work on a polite way to wrap up and close a conversation. One day, while on the phone to Daddy, Owen was giving me those eyes, the eyes that say “I want to be done” and I told him to tell daddy I love you and then say goodbye.
Well…a new Owen-ism was born. Now, whenever he is done with a conversation he utters iloveyouandgoodbye all bunched together as if it was one word and then hands the phone to the nearest adult and runs off to do whatever had piqued his interest. Conversations are lasting longer and longer these days, but always end with a heartfelt ILoveYouAndGoodbye.
Today was the 5th day of school. I call home at noon most days to have a quick chat with Owen. Here is how today’s conversation went:
me How was school?
him Good. And I am watching Scooby Doo on my little TV (personal DVD player)
me: Did you get my note?
him: Yup and I got a sticker from Mrs. Fraser
me: That is great, what was the sticker for?
him: for how to know how to sit on the right bench (only day 5 and he already has the lay of the land - proud of you little buddy)
me: Good job sweetheart! I am glad you are happy and had a good day.
him: Know what?
me: What?
him: There was 3 juniors today. And know what?
me: What?
him: They RAN
me: Oh. Did you run?
him: Nope. There’s a Class Agreement on the wall and know what?
me: What?
him: It says we will use our walking feet in school and know what?
me: What?
him: That means no running. And know what?
me: What?
him: We had a pretend fire drill. I love you and goodbye!
And before I could say bye or ask about this exciting part of his day, he was gone. As he was handing the phone to Nora I heard him say:
him It’s mama, and she’s all yours! (precocious little monkey)
him Good. And I am watching Scooby Doo on my little TV (personal DVD player)
me: Did you get my note?
him: Yup and I got a sticker from Mrs. Fraser
me: That is great, what was the sticker for?
him: for how to know how to sit on the right bench (only day 5 and he already has the lay of the land - proud of you little buddy)
me: Good job sweetheart! I am glad you are happy and had a good day.
him: Know what?
me: What?
him: There was 3 juniors today. And know what?
me: What?
him: They RAN
me: Oh. Did you run?
him: Nope. There’s a Class Agreement on the wall and know what?
me: What?
him: It says we will use our walking feet in school and know what?
me: What?
him: That means no running. And know what?
me: What?
him: We had a pretend fire drill. I love you and goodbye!
And before I could say bye or ask about this exciting part of his day, he was gone. As he was handing the phone to Nora I heard him say:
him It’s mama, and she’s all yours! (precocious little monkey)
I know that there are times when I wish I was a 4 year old and could utter a quick ILoveYouAndGoodbye and hang up. (but not when I am talking to you of course...hee hee)
I Love You All & Goodbye (for now)
Jen xoxo
Super Huge Update: NO MORE PULLUPS
Now this, my friends, is BIG TIME.
Several weekends ago (7 to be exact...not that we are counting), the kids and I spent a weekend at Andrea & Jeff's trailer...it was just the kids and the mama's...and it was all wonderful. Madison and Owen are only 1 month apart and for quite some time, Madi has been going to bed without a PullUp. Owen has expressed interest in this area, but he drinks 2 HUGE drinks through the night and wakes up with a very full PullUp and sometimes even leaks. I figured we would be the only parents with an 8 year old in PullUps, but it really was not something that we were worried about or even desiring to change. The move from diapers to underwear took a very long time and was not without its challenges and frustrations on all our parts...sadly, I think our carpet took the brunt of it and still has "war wounds" to prove it. Neither Adrian nor I were in any rush to tackle this new challenge...but this is where we have to learn to take some cues from Owen...I am ready he kept telling us.
After the weekend, and seeing how "grown up" Madi was, Owen again expressed interest. I told him that if he could wake up for 5 days with a dry PullUp, then he could go without one. So he went to bed, like normal, with a PullUp and jammies on. When Adrian and I checked on him before bed, he was not in quite the same state as we had left him. Let's just say he had disrobed and was without a PullUp. Rather than wake a sleeping child I just figured we would have to change the sheets in the morning to deal with the leaking that would inevitebly take place.
I cannot tell you how surprised we were when in the morning we had a dry child and a dry bed greet us with the biggest grin on his face. He announced "See, I told you I was ready. No More Pullups!"
To celebrate, we had a "No More Pullups" party with some of his friends on the street - Ruby & William made Owen cards and wrote him letters of encouragement before they came...I found this so touching and wonderful (and great stuff to keep and add to his scrapbook. :) )
So we have a new routine around here, no drinks after dinner, an "empty the tank" pee before bed, and no more pullups. It has been 49 days and he has only had 2 accidents...I think we are now home free...No More PullUps.
So basically, Owen rocks.
Several weekends ago (7 to be exact...not that we are counting), the kids and I spent a weekend at Andrea & Jeff's trailer...it was just the kids and the mama's...and it was all wonderful. Madison and Owen are only 1 month apart and for quite some time, Madi has been going to bed without a PullUp. Owen has expressed interest in this area, but he drinks 2 HUGE drinks through the night and wakes up with a very full PullUp and sometimes even leaks. I figured we would be the only parents with an 8 year old in PullUps, but it really was not something that we were worried about or even desiring to change. The move from diapers to underwear took a very long time and was not without its challenges and frustrations on all our parts...sadly, I think our carpet took the brunt of it and still has "war wounds" to prove it. Neither Adrian nor I were in any rush to tackle this new challenge...but this is where we have to learn to take some cues from Owen...I am ready he kept telling us.
After the weekend, and seeing how "grown up" Madi was, Owen again expressed interest. I told him that if he could wake up for 5 days with a dry PullUp, then he could go without one. So he went to bed, like normal, with a PullUp and jammies on. When Adrian and I checked on him before bed, he was not in quite the same state as we had left him. Let's just say he had disrobed and was without a PullUp. Rather than wake a sleeping child I just figured we would have to change the sheets in the morning to deal with the leaking that would inevitebly take place.
I cannot tell you how surprised we were when in the morning we had a dry child and a dry bed greet us with the biggest grin on his face. He announced "See, I told you I was ready. No More Pullups!"
To celebrate, we had a "No More Pullups" party with some of his friends on the street - Ruby & William made Owen cards and wrote him letters of encouragement before they came...I found this so touching and wonderful (and great stuff to keep and add to his scrapbook. :) )
So we have a new routine around here, no drinks after dinner, an "empty the tank" pee before bed, and no more pullups. It has been 49 days and he has only had 2 accidents...I think we are now home free...No More PullUps.
So basically, Owen rocks.
Friday, September 5, 2008
She Loves...
It struck me yesterday, as Owen headed off to Kindergarten for the first time, how quickly time is passing. I was reflecting on how grown up the kids are getting. In the past month alone, I have noticed how Isabelle is growing up...
she loves books and can bee seen in her favourite princess chair with a book, snuggled on her bed with a book, and on the hammock in the backyard surrounded by books:
she loves music, dances to the theme songs to TV shows and yells "Dance Party" and expects everyone around her to dance, here she is playing the piano:
she loves books and can bee seen in her favourite princess chair with a book, snuggled on her bed with a book, and on the hammock in the backyard surrounded by books:
she loves music, dances to the theme songs to TV shows and yells "Dance Party" and expects everyone around her to dance, here she is playing the piano:
she loves the water in the bath - take a close look at this 2nd photo, I did a double-take. At first glance I thought it was Owen. I knew the kids looked alike, but this was a little eerie to me.
She loves her brother and most often, she can be found wherever Owen is...doing whatever Owen is doing:
My sweet little bella-boo. Love you ~mama~
Kindergarten
Off to a rough start as we awoke late...already behind...but spirits were high.
Fruit Loops...breakfast of champions:
Gotta project the right image on the first day...so he dressed in his favourite Mr. Messy shirt:
Batman backpack donned and lunch box in hand...we set off:
A quiet moment (and hug & kiss) with dad before the starting bell rang...not nervous, but not outwardly excited either: (notice that neither of Isabelle's feet are touching the ground - she was jumping...clearly she is excited!)
My big brave kindergarten boy...have a great day at school honey!
Fruit Loops...breakfast of champions:
Gotta project the right image on the first day...so he dressed in his favourite Mr. Messy shirt:
Batman backpack donned and lunch box in hand...we set off:
A quiet moment (and hug & kiss) with dad before the starting bell rang...not nervous, but not outwardly excited either: (notice that neither of Isabelle's feet are touching the ground - she was jumping...clearly she is excited!)
He didn't even glance back as he went into the school (that is his teacher Mrs. Fraser holding the door)
My big brave kindergarten boy...have a great day at school honey!Love you! xoxo
Back at home, Isabelle sat at the table to eat breakfast and in between each bite would ask, "Owen. Where?" to which Nora and I would reply "Owen is at school", after a few times, she then replied to her own question:
bite of cereal
"Owen. Where?"
chomp...chomp...
"Owen. Gone."
I think she will be very happy to see him at 10:45. She adores her big brother.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Count Me In!
Dear Owen,
Tomorrow you begin Senior Kindergarten.
Today we went together to meet your teacher, Mrs. Fraser and to visit you new classroom. For the past few weeks, whenever we talk about school, you say "I am a little bit nervous and a little bit excited. I am just going to have to be brave". I am amazed at your ability to communicate your thoughts; it is so great to hear you freely express your hesitation and your plan to deal with that...such wise words for such a little guy. As we approached the school you gripped my hand and got very quiet. You said that you were a little scared and then in the next breath said that you were not scared at all. That is bravery.
When we arrived in the school we had to wait for a few minutes in the hallway. This was a wonderful little moment where you found your hook and cubby and were able to peek in the classroom on your own terms.
After some initial shyness you held Mrs. Fraser's hand while she gave us a tour of the classroom. Mrs. Fraser was cleaning a pirate ship which you were very excited about. There are stations all over the class for reading, listening to music and books on CD, 2 computer labs, craft area with easel for painting and a sand table. I walked behind you smiling to myself as you tentatively explored each area; you looked to Mrs. Fraser for reassurance a few times and she was warm and kind and just perfect with you.
We then sat at a table and you did some "games" with Mrs. Fraser. She asked you a lot of questions about rhyming words, numbers and sounds and you concentrated really hard and answered every question. There were a lot of distractions; the older kids were outside having recess and playing outside of the windows and you clearly wanted to explore the classroom, but you stayed focused until Mrs. Fraser said that you could go and play. I know how hard this was for you and I was so proud!
You played for a few minutes while Mrs. Fraser and I talked about the daily schedule and what we can expect in the months to come. There will be gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a reading book will come home once a week, you will learn new letters and math concepts each week and periodic trips to the school library.
You used the bathroom and went into the BOYS after reading the sign - great work! When it came time to leave you did not want to go...you wanted to stay...how exciting!
As we walked back home, still hand in hand, but not the death grip we walked over in; we had a little conversation that went like this:
mama "So, what did you think?"
owen "Count Me In!"
OK buddy...we will count you in! The smile on your face was proof enough to me that you are going to be just fine! This school is very different from your last school and I have been feeling very nervous and apprehensive about how this year will go; how you are going to cope with the changes. After today's visit, I feel much better. Your excitement is contagious!
Tomorrow is your big day and Daddy and I couldn't be more proud to see you growing and moving forward! Have fun, be kind, pace yourself, be true to who you are, and most of all remember that Daddy & Mommy love you very, very much!
xoxoxo
Tomorrow you begin Senior Kindergarten.
Today we went together to meet your teacher, Mrs. Fraser and to visit you new classroom. For the past few weeks, whenever we talk about school, you say "I am a little bit nervous and a little bit excited. I am just going to have to be brave". I am amazed at your ability to communicate your thoughts; it is so great to hear you freely express your hesitation and your plan to deal with that...such wise words for such a little guy. As we approached the school you gripped my hand and got very quiet. You said that you were a little scared and then in the next breath said that you were not scared at all. That is bravery.
When we arrived in the school we had to wait for a few minutes in the hallway. This was a wonderful little moment where you found your hook and cubby and were able to peek in the classroom on your own terms.
After some initial shyness you held Mrs. Fraser's hand while she gave us a tour of the classroom. Mrs. Fraser was cleaning a pirate ship which you were very excited about. There are stations all over the class for reading, listening to music and books on CD, 2 computer labs, craft area with easel for painting and a sand table. I walked behind you smiling to myself as you tentatively explored each area; you looked to Mrs. Fraser for reassurance a few times and she was warm and kind and just perfect with you.
We then sat at a table and you did some "games" with Mrs. Fraser. She asked you a lot of questions about rhyming words, numbers and sounds and you concentrated really hard and answered every question. There were a lot of distractions; the older kids were outside having recess and playing outside of the windows and you clearly wanted to explore the classroom, but you stayed focused until Mrs. Fraser said that you could go and play. I know how hard this was for you and I was so proud!
You played for a few minutes while Mrs. Fraser and I talked about the daily schedule and what we can expect in the months to come. There will be gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a reading book will come home once a week, you will learn new letters and math concepts each week and periodic trips to the school library.
You used the bathroom and went into the BOYS after reading the sign - great work! When it came time to leave you did not want to go...you wanted to stay...how exciting!
As we walked back home, still hand in hand, but not the death grip we walked over in; we had a little conversation that went like this:
mama "So, what did you think?"
owen "Count Me In!"
OK buddy...we will count you in! The smile on your face was proof enough to me that you are going to be just fine! This school is very different from your last school and I have been feeling very nervous and apprehensive about how this year will go; how you are going to cope with the changes. After today's visit, I feel much better. Your excitement is contagious!
Tomorrow is your big day and Daddy and I couldn't be more proud to see you growing and moving forward! Have fun, be kind, pace yourself, be true to who you are, and most of all remember that Daddy & Mommy love you very, very much!
xoxoxo
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
cool dude
THE POSE from his hip-hop dancing days
Which quickly morphed into the Chicken Dance...nana-nana-nana-nuh
And the fish????
love you my sweet boy ~mama~
Which quickly morphed into the Chicken Dance...nana-nana-nana-nuh
And the fish????
love you my sweet boy ~mama~
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