BC Mum

Counting Down The Days

2010-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

In our home we are busy with all my daughters activities (Winter dance recital x2, Christmas Productions x3, Nutcracker x3 and not to mention a few Christmas parties). It feels as though this time of the year becomes the busiest and we rush around trying to fit in all the last minute shopping between work school and other activities.

As we count down the days until Christmas i find it important to take a moment to remember what the true meaning of the season is about.

This is the time to gather with friends and family that we as whole don't do nearly enough or as often as we should. It is a time to see the magic in our children's eyes as they are busily working on Christmas concerts, recitals, parades and parties. It is a time to reflect on the year and be thankful that you are able to spend it with people you care about. This year I have made it my priority to teach my 7 year old what Christmas really means and that it is a time for giving and not receiving. Yes there will be presents under the tree when she wakes up on Christmas morning but non of them will be addressed "from Santa" as she knows that there once was a man named Nicolas that gave presents to the poor but there is no Santa. We are going to have a birthday cake for Jesus and take this time to remember the gift God gave us! In the daycare I am also teaching the children the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate. We are collecting food for the food bank and we are going to find a away that we can give some toys and games to children who are as fortunate to have the means that our family's have to afford presents under the tree. The children have also said that they would like to go caroling in the neighborhood as a gift to our neighbors!

For Christmas this year I opted not to buy "things" for adults in my family but purchased Tickets to see Rebecca and the other children of Kamloops who made it Dance in the Nutcracker. I think that watching a classic ballet such as the Nutcracker is so much more enjoyable then stuff! We are doing several homemade gifts this year as well because it comes from the heart!

My Christmas wish this year is that everyone takes the time to do something special for somebody else that doesn't involve long line ups at the toy store or mall. Make a gift, sing somebody a song, pick up the phone and call somebody far away you haven't spoken to in a long time. Give a Gift from the heart and remember its not about the stuff its about the people and the meaning and the goodness that is found in all of us!

10 more Days

2010-03-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

So much has happened and continues to happen as we continue on with life and keep it as normal as possible and continue to prepare for the move to Surrey.

March 1-6 was the World Master indoor Track and Field Championship. For those of you who are not familiar it is like any other track meet except for the fact that all athletes are over 35. Watching men an women in their 80's and 90's compete in running, throwing and Yes even pole vault is pretty amazing. The experience as a volunteer for this even was more then i could ever have imagined it would be.

Over the Spring break we were able to visit with my brothers kids and also had my friend Daniel and his 3 kids stay with us for a few days. Rebecca really enjoyed having the extra kids around even if they were all older then her by at least a couple years. The house sure was quiet when everyone was gone!

Rebecca is continuing on with her schooling (grade 2 and not even 7 yet) I think we maybe be able to reach the half way mark before I leave her for 2 months. We have never been apart for more the a couple of days at a time so not seeing her until the end of April when I come back for her birthday will be extremely hard. I am not sure if I will be able to leave her behind when I head back to the coast and can't see her again until the end of May when I return to see her Year end Dance adn get her ready to return to Surrey with me.

The move is something Exciting to say the least. So much is happening for the better. I will continue my education (day care management and ECE Assistant) and then my friend Amanda and I will be able to open a fully licensed Childcare facility. We have many plans for the future including (in about 2 years) a fully functioning Christian Daycare and Pre-school center.

Now it is time to get Rebecca off to another dance class!

Busy times....

2010-02-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I had the chance to write a blog. Things have been busy busy busy, nothing to out of the normal about that. Big changes are happening and the are exciting.

Rebecca has finished her grade one and is now working on her grade 2. Her progress in my eyes is wonderful and I hope she keeps up the great work. The normal reading level for her age is a grade 1/2 and she is at a grade 2/3. She loves to read and it is a joy to listen to her progress. She has still yet to score less then 100% on a spelling test and that is impressive for anyone. Her math skills continue to improve and this year of school has just been an overall joy!

From March 1st to the 6th I have a wonderfull opportunity to be a volunteer for the Worlds Master's Track and Field competion being held here in Kamloops. The athletes are between the ages of 35 and 100 years. I am sure that it will be a very enjoyable experience and I look forward to meeting so many people from around the world.

We are moving this year and with all the changes Rebecca will be returning to school. I won't be homeschooling anymore as I will be to busy with work. I am sad that this is the case but I am looking at the different Christian Privet Schools that will be close to our new home and know that everything will work out fine. I leave for Surrey at the end of March and Rebecca will join me in June. I will be making trips back to Kamloops at the end of April for her birthday and at the end of May for her Year end Dance recital.

Rebecca is excited at finding out she will be close to the Vancouver Aquarium and the Science World and has already made noise that next year she would like to have her birthday at one of these places.

Here's to positive change!

Some Alarming Facts

2010-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease

* People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to die of heart disease than those without. 4 out of 5 people with diabetes die from heart disease.
* More than 60% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure, and almost 60% have high cholesterol. Both are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
* The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the chance of complications and death.
* Diabetes puts you 15 years closer to a heart attack, stroke or death from any cause. A 40-year old with diabetes has the same level of risk as a 55-year old without diabetes. Risk increases from moderate to high at around age 45 for men and 50 for women. If you are older than 30 years of age and have lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 15 years, you are considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Undiagnosed diabetes

* One in 3 people with diabetes have it and don’t know it.
* On average, people have diabetes for 7 years before diagnosis.

The high price

* Medical costs are two to three times higher for people with diabetes. Costs for medication and supplies range from $1,000 to $15,000 a year.
* By 2010, it’s estimated that diabetes will cost the Canadian healthcare system $15.6 billion a year and that number will rise to $19.2 billion by 2020.

Please don't forget to donate and help me reach my goal of $10,000 for 2010

Dublin Marathon on-line donation page: https://ocp.diabetes.ca/pledge/cspledge.asp?prId=td&oId=1094879&tId=13116

Calgary Marathon on-line donation page: https://ocp.diabetes.ca/pledge/cspledge.asp?prId=td&oId=1094879&tId=13238

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU.... The choice is Yours!

2010-01-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

So I kind of came off a bit defensive and rude today on facebook I think... I never meant to do so but the build up of frustration kind of crept out. I love having my daughter at home. I love being a homeschooling parent. Our situation works best for us and with that being said I wonder why it is that sometimes those who should be the most supportive and understanding in our lives(even if the don't agree with our choices) are the ones who are so quick to make the negative comments! I love all of my family and all of my friends but I am saddened by some who's tue colors have seem to come out since the homeschooling began. I do not judge you for your choices. I love you and support you and want to know if it is to much that I expect to much by asking the same in return? I will continue to do what I feel is best for me and my daughter with or without the support of those who matter most in my life!

"All the things I seem to feel uptight about Ain't so devasting afterall This must be what life is all about Standing tall each time you take a fall" -Jennifer Love Hewitt (You Make Me Smile Lyrics)

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

Wow… It’s hard to believe that 2009 is almost over. It has been a very full year for us full of change and excitement some tears and lots of laughs.

In April of this year we headed to Vancouver to visit the Greater Vancouver Baptist Church with some other members of our church family. The trip to Vancouver also included a trip to Metro Town Mall in Burnaby where Rebecca and her friend Brianna were able to visit the Build a Bear Workshop where Rebecca chose a very special new friend for her birthday.

Rebecca finished Kindergarten in June at a French Emersion school and was eager to get summer started. We were able to enjoy our summer together with trips to the Water Park and visits to Cranbrook. Our first visit to Cranbrook included a trip to Fort Steele and a couple trips to the beach. On the second trip we spent some time with my dear friend Dana and her son in August and were able to go with Dana on a small road trip to get her cousin. I enjoyed our visit very much and Rebecca was able to make a few new friends while there. We also got to spend some more time with the Grandparents Johnston.

We started School at the end of August. Why so early you may ask? Well after lots of thought, many conversations and countless hours of prayer over the past few years, I made the decision that the best option for us would be homeschooling. Rebecca was eager to get started and it has so far been a great pleasure and joy to be with her every step of the way. I loving being part of her education in such a hands on way and creating our own unique fieldtrips specifically designed for her including a Trip to the museum where we learnt about the history of Kamloops and a fun trip to Riverside Park to people watch. We are registered With Heritage Christian Online School and I have plans of continuing with them for her grade 2 year.

(Rebecca with Uncle Colin in Edmonton)

About mid September our pastor announced that he and his family would be heading off for awhile to try and get more much needed funding for our very small Church. This means that we will not be continuing with our Church until then return. I have grown very close to their family after the last couple years and Rebecca has also grown very close to their children and in particular their daughter. This has been very hard news for us but we know that Gods plan is much bigger then our own and we will continue to pray and hopefully sooner rather then later our close Church family will be together again. At the end of September we headed off to Edmonton for a few days to see my brother Colin play hockey. Rebecca was very excited to see her uncle again and it was nice to be able to watch him play again. While in Edmonton we were able to visit the West Edmonton Mall where we saw sharks, got to pet sting rays and star fish and Rebecca even got kissed by a Sea Lion. We were also able to Visit the Royal Alberta Museum where Rebecca was again thrilled as they had a special exhibit called “Much About Munsch”. Robert Munsch happens to be one of Rebeccas favourite authors and this was a neat experience for her and she talked about when she had gone to meet him last year with Grandma Julie while he was in Kamloops.

October was a very busy month continuing with Rebeccas school. Rebecca also started dance and tennis. These are two hobbies she seems to enjoy very much. I signed up for two more Team Diabetes events and will be heading to Calgary in May for a 5k and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Team Diabetes Canada and I am also headed to Dublin Ireland next October for a Marathon. My fundraising goal for these two events is $10,000. In order to help reach my goal I have decided to host a Dinner and Silent Auction early in the New Year (I was not prepared for the amount of work that goes into this sort of thing, but all planning seems to be going well). We chose to stay warm this Halloween and once again went Trick or Treating at the mall with Rebecca dressed as Cinderella

(Rebecca with Bruiser Halloween 2009)

(Rebecca at Dance 2009)

November was off to a busy start. Tennis ended and Swimming began and of course there is also dance. I am very happy that Rebecca is out to discover what she enjoys the most. We have been talking and when dance is over in the summer Rebecca wants to continue so we will see what happens. As for swimming she is just getting started again and is already looking forward to when this session ends and the new one begins and we have plans of signing her up for the diving programs after a couple more sessions.

We are looking forward to spending Christmas with my brother Brian and his Wife Donna. Brian’s Children James and Sarah will be here for Christmas as well this year which should be fun. My younger brother Colin will be home for Christmas also this year and although Dad will be away for work Mom has decided to stay home and spend Christmas with her Children.

Hope You Have a Very Merry Christmas
With Love,
Dannielle and Rebecca

Oh I wish I were a Glow Worm....

2009-12-06T19:16:00.001-08:00

"Oh I wish I were a glow worm
Cause I glow worms never glum
How can you be glum
When the sun shines from your bum?"

I feel trapped. This not being able to walk up and down the stairs thing dosnt work for me... I can't go out because we have stairs that lead out and I can't go to my own space because my own space is at the bottom of the stairs inside... It makes me feel so exposed and bummed... Poohy.... I just want to get better now... Thinks Heel shopping is in order once I am better.

Life must go on!

This Weeks Topics
Bible Study:
Math: More About Shapes
English: Pronouns
Socials: Land and Water in Canada
Sciences: Natural Structures

Life Waits for No Man... or in my case Woman...

2009-12-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the big day. I had surgery on my foot. The Doctor went in and and removed the tumor from my toe and replaced the bone with some from my heal on the same foot. It was quite the experience. Being awake for the whole thing was not something I minded but it was taking forever for the toe to freeze and then When the Doc had to go back into my heal to remove some more bone the freezing was starting to come out. That was a feeling I never want to experience ever again and I wish it upon no other. I have to thank my amazing sister-in-law for making sure I got to the hospital for my surgery and keeping Rebecca entertained for me and I have to thank her for doing it all while quietly in pain herself. She is a remarkable woman who gives so much of herself for her family. She did take my advice on the way passed moms office to stop and mom was able to take lunch off to get Donna back up to the hospital and return me to the comfort of home. The nice thing about day Surgery is I am able to be at home for the entire recovery process. I can't get down the stairs currently to my room but I should be able to conquer the stairs in the next day or 2.

Even after surgery life must continue as normally as possible. Today Rebecca is back to schooling, We have moved it upstairs for a couple days but we must accommodate mommy some how. Grandpa is home for a few days and is going to make sure that Rebecca gets to swimming today and dance tomorrow. I am very thankful that I have such wonderful parents. So here we go continuing on as life waits for no Man, or in my case Woman, to recover.

This Weeks Topics
Bible Study: Daniel and The Lions
Math: 2-D Shapes
English: Subjects
Socials: Streets and Distances
Science: Structure Around Us
Art: More Christmas Crafts
Physical Education: Swimming(Tues&Thurs)and Dance(Wed)

Countdown Generator

BUSY BUSY... BUSY BEES!

2009-11-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

The count down in our home has begun ONLY 40 Sleep Until Christmas.... With that being said we are getting ready to change the theme of our school room and start decorating... at least the downstairs. Have my list of things that I need to get done. Still have to start my baking.. I think I may be able to work all the Christmas prep into some kind of school lesson for Rebecca. She has now reached her half way mark and completed her mid year reviews... I am so proud of my baby girl and all her hard work.

Rebecca is counting down the days until Uncle Colin is here. I am also looking forward to spending Christmas with both my brothers and my sister-in-law and this year we will also be joined by my niece and nephew which is something I am very excited about. This year Dad will not be home but mom will... Half the duo is better then none. I am looking forward to cooking the dinner... Now fingers crossed my foot will be close to healed and I won't be hobbling around to much.

Tickets have been printed for my Big Dinner and Silent Auction to raise money for Team Diabetes Canada and The Canadian Diabetes Association. I am getting more and more excited each day about all the the new year has in store.

The Next's weeks Lessons
Math: Capacity
English: More With Capital Letters
Social Studies: Simple Maps and Directions
Science: Energy and Food

At least we know now right?

2009-11-03T13:28:00.001-08:00

Early in the year I started having alot of pain in 2 of the toes on my left foot. After brushing it off for nearly 5 months I brought it to the attention of my Doctor who had it x-rayed. It turns out that I have a cyst growing on the bone of one of toes that was enough of a concern that the Doctor referred me to the Orthopedic surgeon to take a look. Today I finally got in to see him. A very quiet and professional man that told me it wasn't a cancerous tumor but was cause for concern because of its location. It's resting very close to the joint and growing closer to being on top of the actual joint. He said that it can lead to fractures as well. So after sitting down with him and looking at my options I will now be getting surgery at the end of the month. They will go in and remove the cyst, taking part of the bone, and then take bone from my knee and put it in the hole that would be left from the removal of the cyst. It's kind of scary yet re-leaving and somehow kind of strange and funny to think that part of my knee will be in my foot.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

I had decided we weren't going to do anything this year for Halloween because I don't particularly like the whole idea of the day but when I saw the look on my little angels face I gave in and let her dress up. Our two malls in town host trick or treating every year so we went to the smaller of the to. It's safe and warm and mostly young children which is nice. We stopped by brothers before to say to him and his wife and show off my baby girls great costume that Grandma bought her at Zellers for 50% off yesterday. After the mall we stopped by to see my grandma and let her see her great grand daughter all dressed up. We enjoyed dinner out and then headed home where I gave into her again and took her trick or treating in the neighborhood. We are very fortunate to live in an area of town that I feel is safe. We know most of our neighbors and most of them have children as well. No one really seems to go out anymore my mom said only two children other then my daughter got candy from our house. We didn't see many kids out but I think that it is simply a sign of the times. I hope all had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Two more weeks Until Until Mid Year Review

2009-10-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Where is time going? We are so busy with school and other activities that it seems like time is flying by. I'm finding it hard to believe that in two weeks Rebecca will be doing her Mid Year Reviews. She continues to work hard although today was a bit of a rough day. A little cranky maybe a bit under the weather. She lost her second tooth today and was so excited but she was still cranky. I personally continue to work on organizing my fundraiser Event for Diabetes and am very excited and continue to pray that God will help guide everything into place.

This Weeks Topics:
Bible Study: Moses
Math: Money
English: Capital Letters
Social Studies: More about Community Workers
Science: Reuse and Recycle

Fundraisers

2009-10-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

(picture from of my medal and jerseys from OIM October 2007)
So Raising money for Diabetes is something I actually enjoy. Being part of Team Diabetes Canada is truly a wonderful experience. I am very excited about raising money for such a worthy cause and heading to Calgary in May and Dublin in October of next year. Finding new ways to raise the money other then going door to door or asking friends to sponsor me is always a challenge but it is fun. Because I am an Epicure consultant I have the ins to what goes on with the Epicure fundraiser trios so that one was an easy decision to make but it's not going to generate the $10,000 goal. With that being said and after many long hours once again of contemplating I have decided that I am going to plan and host a Black and White Dinner and Silent Auction. I feel this is one of the best ways to reach the fund raising goal. I am so very excited about this.

Things to do:
Book the Venue
Get tickets printed
Gather Auction Items
Find a great Thank you gift for everyone that comes.

Dublin in 2010

2009-10-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have joined Team Diabetes, a team of people from across Canada who will be crossing the finish line together and who have raised funds to support the more than 2 million Canadians living with diabetes. I will be on the course of the Marathon-Dublin Marathon-Dublin,Ireland-10/25/10.

It takes dedication to be part of Team Diabetes, but I am committed to making a big difference in my life, and in the fight against type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

One of the greatest contributions of the Canadian Diabetes Association is toward outstanding Canadian research. But that is not all the Association does - it runs camps for young people with diabetes and provides education and special services to people affected by diabetes in communities across Canada.

As I walk/run the course, you will be with me in spirit and your support will help me be strong all the way to the finish line. A donation for each mile is suggested, but whatever you can contribute matters - it all adds up!

If you want to support my mission, please click https://ocp.diabetes.ca/pledge/cspledge.asp?prId=td&oId=1094879&tId=13116

Thank you so much for your generosity!

Let the Busy Bee's Do their thing....

2009-10-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

So we have started yet another week of school.. Crazy to think that today marks 11 weeks already. Man do we ever have a busy week.

Today was simple yet full... I guess that's to be expected when you take on home schooling as way of education for your child. Tuesday We have to get school done and I have a meeting to attend in the afternoon. Wednesday brings Dentist in the morning (which fits in nicely with Social Studies this week), Throw some school into the middle and head off for Dance in the late afternoon. Thursday brings, of course, more school and the start of Tennis. This of course is something Rebecca is very much looking forward to. Friday we are making popsicles as part of science which should be fun. Rebecca got really excited when she heard this part of the school week plan and feels the need to share it with everyone she sees...and quite loudly I might add.

This Weeks Topics:
Bible Study: Jacob and Esau
Math: 1's, 2's, 5's and 10's
English: Sentences
Social Studies: Health Workers
Science: Changing Materials

Team Diabetes Canada 10 in 2010

2009-10-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

I have joined Team Diabetes, a team of people from across Canada who will be crossing the finish line together and who have raised funds to support the more than 2 million Canadians living with diabetes. I will be on the course of the Marathon-2010 Calgary-Travel-Calgary, AB-5/1/10.

It takes dedication to be part of Team Diabetes, but I am committed to making a big difference in my life, and in the fight against type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

One of the greatest contributions of the Canadian Diabetes Association is toward outstanding Canadian research. But that is not all the Association does - it runs camps for young people with diabetes and provides education and special services to people affected by diabetes in communities across Canada.

As I walk/run the course, you will be with me in spirit and your support will help me be strong all the way to the finish line. A donation for each mile is suggested, but whatever you can contribute matters - it all adds up!

If you want to support my mission, please click http://ocp.diabetes.ca/pledge/cspledge.asp?prId=td&oId=1094879&tId=13238

Thank you so much for your generosity!

One Busy Week and 2 new missions

2009-10-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

As we rapidly approach the end of another week I am tired and excited.

We are greatly enjoying the fellowship we are sharing at the new church while Our Pastor and his family are away for the next year. The people are kind and passionate for God's work and it truly brings a smile to my face and lights a fire to continue pursuing the things I am passionate about. We enjoyed a wonderful potluck meal after church on Sunday and I was able to sit down and chat some more with a few of the ladies about homeschooling and life in general. On Sunday afternoon we enjoyed the care home service which happened to be where my Grams is living and I was so happy she decided to join us for the service.

Monday we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with family and a couple of friends. My mother lovingly prepared the food and we all happily enjoyed it... MMMmmm Homemade stuffing Balls... If you have never tried these you have no idea what you are missing... The company was wonderful and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. Of course Turkey broth was made that night and in the morning put away so I could make soup.

On Tuesday we joined some more family to celebrate my young cousins 13th Birthday and it was nice time to socialize and visit with family that we don't spend nearly enough time with.

Wednesday was another day of dance. Rebecca is enjoying her classes so far and looks forward to the weeks to come.

This week I also decided to get back on the Team Diabetes Canada trail that I set out on 2 years ago when I joined and raised money and participated in the O.I.M. Thanksgiving Weekend in 2007 where I participated in the 10K. In 2010 I will participating in a 5K as part of the 10 in 2010 Team Diabetes Canada Anniversary Celebration. The fund raising has begun yet again. I will post more on how you can donate and get involved in a later post.

Today I decided to continue my mission on promoting Positive self-esteem in girls and women and have decided to take the facilitators training from the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. I look forward to hosting a workshop in the new year as this is something that I am very passionate about.

May you follow the path that God has placed in front of you and use his gifts as a blessing to others.

STOP FAT TALK

2009-10-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ups and Downs

2009-10-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty busy week so far. School has been going well. Rebecca continues to amaze me every day. She also started Dance today and couldn't have been happier about the class and making new friends.

I found out yesterday that I my story maybe shared in a wonderful book that is going to be put out about www.operationbeautiful.com and the wonderful work it's doing promoting the fact that all women are beautiful.

I unfortunately also received some sad news yesterday that a girl I was friends with in Jr. High and High school passed away. My understanding was that it was complications do to H1N1 (swine flu). She was only 25 years old. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as they deal with their loss and also to the families of others lost to this terrible pandemic.

I think tomorrow we will try and relax after school. Friday we are planning to spend some time with the pastors family before they leave next week. I don't think I will get on again until after the weekend so I wish you all a Very Happy Thanksgiving.

Dance, Tennis, Swimming and Turkey...

2009-10-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

This week will be busy so I figure I will write my blog for the beginning of the week tonight instead of Monday as per the norm.

Rebecca is getting excited about all her new activities that will be coming up. Starting this week on Wednesday she will be taking Combo Dance (ballet, Jazz and Tap). She has been talking about joining dance for some time now and after meeting a friend of my bothers in AB last weekend who happens to be a dance instructor Rebecca is more drawn to it. This very kind young girl gave her some ballet shoes, a dance suit and some custom CD's full of dance music. This of course only lit the fire to dance that much more. I am sure this will be a very rewarding experience for her and who knows where it may take her.

On October 22nd Little Miss will be starting a 4 week Tennis Program for young children. She is also very excited about this and it will give her something a little extra before swimming starts in November... Yup three very physical activities and all at her own choosing. I am very proud of my girl for wanting to try two new things as well as get back into swimming. She has also been talking about an Olympic Prep Diving program for Children. I told her we will talk about it some more after more lessons and she can possibly join up next year. We can only do so much at once right?

So off we go on week 7 of school and prepare ourselves for Thanksgiving and yet more new adventures.

This Weeks Topics:
Bible Study: Joseph
Math: More Addition and Subtraction
English: Sentances
Social Studies: Service Workers
Science: Objects and Materials
Art Projects: Lots of Autumn and Thanksgiving art for us this week...

Hockey, Deep Sea Caverns, and Mountians OH MY...

2009-09-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday my dad's sisters were in town. Although it was short, we had a wonderful visit. I haven't seen my dads oldest sister in several years. The picture to the right is of my sister-in-law Donna, My dads oldest sister Cindy, the middle sister Pam, My beautiful daughter Rebecca and the Baby of the sisters Jackie.

On Friday we drove for 8 or so hours from Kamloops BC where we live to Edmonton AB. We had a picnic lunch in Hinton AB at the Alberta Visitors center. After arriving at our hotel and getting checked we took the 5 min walk over to the N.A.I.T. Campus to watch my younger brother first hockey game of the weekend. They won 9-1 and Colin was in need of some dental work after the game as a result from a stick to the mouth from a future pastor (the team they were playing was from a Seminary school in SK)

(picture on the left of the mountians heading into Jasper Nation Park AB)

On Saturday I was able to get in a swim with Rebecca at the hotel pool and even got some shopping in at the mall conviently located across the street from our hotel. Saturday afternoon we watched another game that my brothers team just happend to win....AGAIN! Did I mention the 60-80 mile winds? At some point my skirt was almost around my neck and there were severe wind warnings on the TV (aprently Edmonton gets Tornados....I was a little worried).

Sunday was nice. We took our time getting up, later went for breakfast/brunch with my brother and then droped him back at his hotel and headed over to the West Edmonton Mall. I made sure to turn this into a learnign experience for my daughter with a visit to the Deep sea Caverns where we got see creepy crawlies, African Penguins, Sharks, full grown sea turtles and even pet star fish and baby sting rays (yes this was in a mall). r="0"></a>My mother and I also took Rebecca to the Sea Lion show where after she was kissed by one of the Sea Lions. Of course we also visited a few of the 100's of stores including Build a Bear workshop where Rebecca picked up a new outfit for her bear and a candy store where she got to pick and fill her own powdered candy tube. We also watched the last game that my brother had and the won yet again. Rebecca was very excited about being able to watch uncle play hockey.

On Monday we stoped by the Royal Alberta Museum where rebecca was very excited to see the MUCH ABOUT MUNSCH exhibit. Robert Munsch is in my mind one of the greatest childrens authors of all time and happens to be one of Rebeccas absolute favorites (we have a very large Robert Munsch book collection). We were als able to see the WILD ALBERT exhibit, HUMMING BIRDS exhibit, FIRST NATIONS exhibit (one of my faves) and much more. Outside the main entrance to the museum in the Goverment House. This happens to be one of the oldest building in Edmonton and was origionally buit for the Governal Generals to use. The building has also been used as a Ventrens Hospital and is currently being used by the government of Alberta to hold meetings and special events. After lunch in the Museum Cafe we headed off to Lac Le Biche to do a car swap and see where my brother is living and going to school. We stayed at the brand new Ramada where my brother joined us for a swim before we headed off to bed to rest up for the 13 hour drive hom on Tuesday. On the drive home we saw mountian sheep, cariboo and a very cute dog/part wolf named Timber.And Rbecca was Finally done!!!!!!

A piece of me just died...

2009-09-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Yet another week has begun and on somewhat of a sadder note. Yesterday at church we were given the news that due to the financial burden that is a very small church in such a terrible economy, our Pastor and his wife and their family will be leaving us for a year to seek funding. Over the last few years my Pastors Wife and I have become very close and so have our children. There were many tears shed yesterday at the close of the service with the note that next Sunday which will be the 5th anniversary will also be our final service :(. It's hard to wrap my head around but yet understandable. We are unable to make it next week as we will be in Edmonton for a few days visiting my younger brother. We will continue to pray and keep our faith that God will lead us in the right direction and the church family will be back together sooner rather then later.

On somewhat of a lighter note... Week 5 has begun in our schooling journey. The playroom/schoolroom had a major clean up job done yesterday afternoon and we are now actually able to conduct lessons where it was meant to be done in our home (no more sitting at the kitchen table). Rebecca has also started her spelling and scored 100% on her first spelling test.

The theme of the month: For the rest of September and through November and October we are learning about Autumn. We will be talking about all things that have to do with Autumn including changing leaves, Canadian Thanksgiving, and touch very little on Halloween as we don't really celebrate it.

This Weeks Topics:
Bible Study: Cain and Abel
Math: Addition and Subtraction Facts to 6
English: Proper Nouns
Social Studies: Out and about (1)- Transportation
Science: Healthy Eating
Art Projects: Healthy Foods Mobile, Farmer craft and more I'm sure...

God Give Me Patients

2009-09-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the end of another week. Can't believe we are completing a month of school already. It was a little bit of a challenging week with lots of interruption, but we made it through without to many tears (on both our parts).

Grandpa was home this week which meant Rebecca wanted to be his little shadow as usual. She has grown very close to her grandfather without any other constant father figure in her life. I love watching their relationship grow and know that what they share will always be extremely special. Despite wanting to be by his side the entire time he was home she did get her work done even if at moments it felt like I was pulling stubborn teeth.

On Wednesday we were able to head to Williams Lake to share in the opening week of a wonderful new church. Lake City Baptist Church will truly be a blessing on that community as will the wonderful pastor and his family. It was nice to see some faces I have met briefly in the past and get to know them on a deeper level. I was able to sit down with other moms who not only share in spiritual beliefs but also home school their own children. One mother in particular was wonderful to speak with. She has been homeschooling for 13 years and has about 13 more to go. Her oldest is now in college and away from home and the youngest just started Kindergarten. When asking for advise she simply said "have patients". Such wise words from such a strong woman. These were words I truly needed to hear. Although it can be sometimes I know that I must continue to put my trust in God and allow him to take control and grant me with patients to deal with anything this world will through and me...even if its my 6 year old telling me she hates school so that she can find away to go spend time with Grandpa.

The Beauty Of a Woman

2009-09-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

To add to the other days topic on what is beauty I thought I would add in this wonderful quote from a truly wonderful and beautiful woman.

For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.

And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!

Audrey Hepburn

Week 4

2009-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today we started week 4 with a bit of a struggle. Rebecca's grandparents were back from their trip which made it so that she really just didn't want to work this morning. After her grandparents went out she headed downstairs for a nap. She woke up from her nap in much better spirit and finished up the last few things she had before having something to eat. She smiled at me when I thanked her for sitting down and getting it finished and was very proud of herself for doing her last page without any help.

Topics of the Week:
Bible Study: Noah's Ark
Math: Addition and Subtraction using factors of 0 and 1
English: Nouns/common nouns
Social Studies: The Community
Science: Living things - The way they move and look
Art: Noah's Ark Paper craft

What is Beauty?

2009-09-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

As a mother I try to encourage my daughter to be proud of who she is and let her know what true beauty is even at the young age of 6.

Last year my daughter attended public school and I spent a lot of time at the school as a member of PAC, Coach of the girls Basketball team and volunteering for many things. I constantly heard the girls and even the guys talking about the way other students looked, giving each other a hard time about their appearance because they didn't fit in to what was considered "beautiful" in today's society. I think one of the hardest things I heard was a Kindergarten student telling another student that she had really ugly clothes and that she was fat. The little girl being made fun of started to cry and some other children laughed. There is something truly wrong with our society when 5 and 6 year olds are are making fun of each other because of they clothes they wear aren't the latest style or that they don't meet the right standards for what is considered pretty. There was time in history when bigger women were considered beautiful, when being plus sized was considered a sign of status and wealth in society. When did become ok to allow our children to judge others based on their appearance?

I have been truly excited about Doves campaign to encourage girls and women to embrace their true beauty. I am truly excited about Operation beautiful

http://www.operationbeautiful.com

and now I am truly excited about encouraging women to embrace their mommy body

http://theshapeofamother.com/

. We need to stop focusing on outer appearance and come back to what is truly important. We need to encourage kindness, compassion and love for an individual. We need to look deep into a persons soul. We need to embrace the gifts we are given. We need to find the good in out flaws because they make us unique and those flaws aren't so much flaws but rather the individual beauty that is You or I. Love that oddly shaped nose because its you, love your freckles because they are you, smile more because that quirky smile makes others smile.

I think Mark twain said it best "Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."

Encourage your daughters to find their inner beauty and share it with the world
Encourage your sons to love a woman for her soul
Encourage your children to look for the good in all people and respect them, and love them, and be their friend even if they don't fit in to what society says is beautiful, hip, or cool.
Parents Love your children, encourege their uniquness because without indviduality the world would be a boring and colorless place.

Wow... Three Weeks Already?

2009-09-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today I am finding it kind of hard to wrap my head around the fact that we have completed 3 weeks of school already and with very few hiccups to boot. I think it helps that my girl likes to learn. I find it very interesting how things I thought she would have problems with she has been getting right away while things that seem so simple she just can't quite grasp. Is this normal? With a little extra push she gets through it and by the end of the subject week she is understanding it and eager to move on to the next topic. I look forward to the many more ups and downs as this is a learning experience for the both of us and with all the love and support I have been getting from other homeschooling families I am determined to prove everyone wrong who said I couldn't or shouldn't do it.

Tonight we will be headed out to a wonderful new thing that our church has started doing, FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT. Every Friday during our Focus on the Family Topic we will have the chance to join our church family for a good family friendly movie and snacks. This is defiantly a better alternative to the movie theater: On average for my daughter and I to attend a movie at the theater is around $50 where as this family fun night is just a $1 a person for a movie, snack and the company of good friends.

Tomorrow I am thinking a trip to the local pool sounds inviting as I have some free passes and after that i have church song practice and then I think we may set up camp in the living room for the night and watch movies and have snacks in the comfort of our own home.

Total cost that I must put out this weekend for tons of fun.... $6 ... Now that's what I call Cheap entertainment.

The memories we make together as a family are the most important ones. It is important to enjoy every moment with our children that we can before they get to old and cool to hang out with mom!

Colorful Fish and Homemade Biscuits...

2009-09-09T14:04:00.001-07:00

Today was a wonderful day in. We haven't been having the greatest weather with off and on again rain and clouds so most of the morning was spent indoors and gave the perfect excuse to make plaster fish and a nice yummy warm lunch.

For the fish I used a great kit that I picked up for real cheap at our local Dolaram(man I love that store when it comes to buying craft supplies). The plaster was simple to mix and very quick drying which meant decorating the fish could come quickly for my impatient 6 year old. I allowed her to paint her fish however she wanted and the paint that came in the kit was quick trying and easy to clean up to.

For Lunch today I made some baking powder biscuits with some added flavor. I mixed the regular dry ingredients of flour, baking powder and salt but also added some VE Cheddar chives and Bacon dip mix and some grated cheddar cheese. After that I added the milk and made my dough rolled it out and cut the circles using the rim of a glass. We also had some yummy mushroom soup we a bit of grated Cheddar cheese on top, This is another meal my daughter just loves.

Taste of Mexico!

2009-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last night was Tacos that were oh so good and today for lunch we used the left over taco hamburger on Nachos. Both these items were similar yet different and OH SO YUMMY!

For the tacos we added VE Taco seasoning into the browned and drained meat. Put the meat into hard or soft shells depending on taste and topped with Sour Cream, Cheese, Tomatoes, and Lettuce.

For the Nachos I added the left over hamburger from lasts nights dinner, some onions and cheese and topped with some salsa made with VE Salsa mix and some sour cream.

I also felt like some eggnog so we had homemade eggnog but I didnt even think to take pictures. OOPPSS! Oh well next time.

A Quiet Labour Day

2009-09-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

I decided other then finishing up a few things that Rebecca missed last week we would not be doing any schooling today and would just enjoy the day off. We were able to watch movies and did some shopping. I am looking forward to all this week has to offer and getting back into the weekly routine. I will make sure to share more of our wonderful meals throughout the week and hopefully get some pictures of some of her art. We will also be taking a trip to the Swimming pool for some much needed swim time and planting and herb garden as part of this weeks science lessons.

This Weeks Topics
Bible Study: Creation
Math: Review of the Numbers 1-10
English: Rhyming Words
Social Studies: Responsibilities and Rules
Science: Liveing things - Their Growth and Needs
Art: Plaster Fish, Potato Stamps

Is He Welcome to Abide In Our home or Is He Just A visitor?

2009-09-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at your house." Luke 19:5

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

19:1-10 Those who sincerely desire a sight of Christ, like Zaccheus, will break through opposition, and take pains to see him. Christ invited himself to Zaccheus' house. Wherever Christ comes he opens the heart, and inclines it to receive him. He that has a mind to know Christ, shall be known of him. Those whom Christ calls, must humble themselves, and come down. We may well receive him joyfully, who brings all good with him. Zaccheus gave proofs publicly that he was become a true convert. He does not look to be justified by his works, as the Pharisee; but by his good works he will, through the grace of God, show the sincerity of his faith and repentance. Zaccheus is declared to be a happy man, now he is turned from sin to God. Now that he is saved from his sins, from the guilt of them, from the power of them, all the benefits of salvation are his. Christ is come to his house, and where Christ comes he brings salvation with him. He came into this lost world to seek and to save it. His design was to save, when there was no salvation in any other. He seeks those that sought him not, and asked not for him.

I felt the urge to blog about a very important question that was brought up at Church today. Is God living in your home or is he just a visitor that pops in from time to time? This really got me thinking about what I want for my family and home and about how we can make God feel welcome.

We Have started a Focus on the family study in our church that will take us into October and it is one that have been greatly looking froward to. We must make our house ready for God. We must ask ourselves "what is it that God wants for our home?" God has a design and plan for our home. He has a planed and a purpose for the the home. When He is allowed into the home he makes a transformation as he does when he is welcomed into our hearts. God is the difference between simply existing and actually living. We must have a strong set of standards and guidelines and understand that they are necessary. We must use the Word of God to steer us and guid us. The flesh must not rule us, "All flesh is still flesh at it's best". Everything we purpose must be seasoned with love. We must guid our children with kindness, gentleness and love. When we show our children love they understand that the rules are there because of this love and they can respect them. The difference in one home from another is the ammount of love that is taught and shown. You can not Love someone if you can not rule yourself.

With all this I now relise that I want my home to always be a place that is welcomming to God. Just as we set out to make our home comfortable for our guest we must do so for God. We must fill our house with the Fruit of the Spirit and raise our children to be good men and women of God. We must prepare our children for the day that they will leave our homes and make homes of their own and show them love so that they will go on to love their spouses and their own children. We must show and teach our children about how to make the home a place for God to abide so that they will be able to do the same.

Tastey Science and a Yummy Alternative to KD

2009-09-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day in Week 2. We enjoyed learning about our family and looking at our family tree. As I promised my daughter got a very special science project and was able to have a couple friends over to share in the fun. We finished up our unit on the 5 senses and made yummy Reese Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. The kids had a blast and mommy enjoyed the finished product.

We were also able to enjoy one of my daughters favorites for lunch. I don't much care for Kraft Dinner so I make my own Macaroni and Cheese using Cream of Mushroom Soup, Real Cheddar, celery and red peppers and throw in whatever Epicure flavor I may be in the mood for (today was Epicure's Red Garlic Sensel).
I am greatly looking forward to the long weekend and spending more time with our family and heading into week 3 on Tuesday . I hope you all have a wonderful and Tasty Weekend.

Breakfast with Epicure!

2009-09-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

I am a strong believer in the Epicure Selections Line of products, probably why I became a consultant. As I so often do I use the dip mixes for more then just dip. Today's breakfast included Scrambled eggs with Sun dried Tomato and Herb Dip Mix and Yummy Chai Tea Smoothies.For Scrambled Eggs Just add the Epicure Selections Dip mix of your choice to your egg mixture before puting in heated pan. I usualy make my eggs mixer while the bacon is cooking then when the bacon is done I wrap it in Paper towel and set aside, drain off all the extra fat fromt he ban and use the same pan for cooking the eggs.

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For the Chai Tea smoothis i simply follow the directions on the Epicure Selections Chai Tea and then Chill. After the Tea has had time to cool down I then add to blender with A Few Ice Cubes and Some Vanilla IceCream for a little added flavour.

Both these Recipes are high on my daughters favorites list and The fact that Epicure products are so Healthy makes them High on mine as a Special breakfast treat.

Another Week Begins

2009-08-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

As we start another week of school I am filled with excitement for my daughter. The fact that she is so eager to learn brings a great deal of joy to my life. I grow more and more excited and joyfull as I watch her grow and discover and learn with such ease. We shall see how the rest of this week plays out with new lessons and and tasty science project for later in the week.

This Weeks Topics:
Bible Study: Adam And Eve
Math: Ordering, Sorting and Sequencing
English: Short and Long Vowel Sounds
Social Studies: My Family
Science: The 5 Senses
Art projects: A Standing Family Tree, A Family of penguins, Popsicle Stick Frames,

The End of Week One

2009-08-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today we ended the first week on a high note. We had our weekly review and all was well. The first week jitters are done and I anxiously await what the following weeks have in store. I am looking forward to many more highs and even the lows this wonderful journey that my daughter and I are able to take together.

So whats coming up this weekend. A time to hopefully relax a bit and get ready for the next week of lessons. some grocery shopping and another wonderful Sunday with our church family. This Sunday happens to be the first Sunday that Rebecca is allowed to partake in the Lords Super. This is another wonderful thing that I am looking forward to shareing with my precious gift from God, another way to help her gorw into a strong intelligent woman of God.

Liveing and Learning and Helping Eachother Grow!

2009-08-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

As we continue on with day 2 and 3 I can see the wheels in my daughters head turning. Rebecca is one of those children that loves to learn and is always asking questions about everything and trying to figure out her own way of doing things. I smile As I watch her, as she goes about doing what has to be done. Sometimes things are not so easy, You know those momments when you just want to scream? But I wouldn't change anything. My little girl is growing and learning and teaching me along the way. I find I have learnt more about life in the last 6 years of being a mother the the last 26 years of just being me.

I am taken back a few years ago My daughter and I had just finished breakfast and now she is running around making siren noises pretending she is an abulance and that everyone she meets is sick and she has to help them.... She she comes running over to me and tell sme i'm sick and shes a doctor and then she rubs my arm and kisses it and looks up with those big brown eyes of hers "its ok mommy", she gives me a hug and then continues on her way. I also Remember a time when she was about two. I figure she maybe sits still ummm never......LOL no she dose but its rare and almost uncomfortable because its not something we're used to around the house. So needless to say after a few minutes of silance I decided it was best to go check on her..... I looked in all the rooms and then notcied a light on in the bathroom and the door was closed..... I opend it ato see what she was up to and there she was washing the toilet with Grandmas brand new toothbrush. I gave her some money and told her that she needed to give it to Grandma and apologize for using her toothbrush as a scrub brush. It's momments like these that make me so happy to be a mother. Some of the best times are when nobody is in the room and she is sitting their happily watching TV laughing her head off because whatever it is in the show is extremely funny to her and nobody else knows why.... Around the age of 3 she was waiting to watch Madigascar so I went out to help her start the DVD. Anybody that has seen the DVD knows that when you press play the Crate with the girafe falls over... Rebecca Saw this and just burst out like it was wrong not to.... She felt that it is was her duty to climb into anybox she could get her little body into and fall over. It's amazing how the simplest things (a cardboard box for example) can keep a child occupide for hours. Sitting here refflecting back on what has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the past 6 years I relise I wouldn't change a thing. Why would you wnat to when you have something so precious. I can not look at being a parent as a job but rather a privledge that God would trust me with such a precious gift.

When i feel down I think about her hugs and kisses and smiles. Her laughter brings more joy then the sun. I could never imagine a day without my precious angel.

Day 1

2009-08-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today we started our lessons. I was a little concerned on how this would work out with house guest leaving, but they were off bright and early which meant that it didn't have an affect at all. Rebecca was eager to get started and as a reults she was able to get her work done early and head out for a walk to collect objects for our next math lesson. Will she be as eager tomorrow??

This weeks Topics:
Bible Study: To be determined
Math: Comparisan
English: Beginning and Ending Consonants
Social Studies: All About Me
Science: My Body
Art Prjects: Hand Butterflies, Finger Print Bugs, Twig Frames, Plaster Foot Prints

If you would like instructions and Material Lists for any Art Prjects that we Do throughout the year please do not hesitate to ask.

Off On A New Adventure

2009-08-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm the single mother of one absolutely amazing little girl. My daughter Rebecca is 6, this means the start of grade one and all sorts of new challenges. After much thought and consideration and countless hours of prayer, 3 years to be exact, I decided this year that I would go out on a lim and try my hand at homeschooling.
This will be no easy task but it is one I a bound and determined to go whole heartdly into with God's guidence, a solid lesson plan, and much support from other homeschooling moms that I have come to meet over the last couple years. I am greatly looking forward to the time I will be spending with my daughter helping her learn what is required by the Province and adding in the little extras that will make it a wonderfully fun and excitieng experience for her and I both.
I plan on using BC Mum as a way to share our accomplishments throughout the year and as a way for me to just get out what I need to get out at the end of the day.