Monday, June 29, 2009

The best gifts for the best teachers - eva!

Well, another school year is done. Another thank you gift for the teachers.

If you have been following The Fringe, you know we do not give ordinary, run-of-the-mill teacher gifts. Nope, we do it a bit out of the box...out of the box of wood, that is!

Our homemade yule logs caused many tears! Sometimes the kids use power tools and let them raid my herb garden!

Once again, the boys worked with Pepe to make some beautiful gifts. Our best yet!





The boys made wooden flower boxes, and even decorated them with a apple of flower!

We then visited the dollar store and bought a bunch of flower seeds and a nice garden ornament.



I used photos of the boys working in Pepe's workroom to make a personalized card for each. Basically, I played up the fact that these wonderful teachers have "planted the seeds of education" and the boys have "blossomed" into wonderful little boys.


I brought them to the class picnic and the boys proudly presented Ms. D and Ms. B with their gifts.

Based on the smiles and hugs shared, I am pretty sure the two best kindergarten teachers appreciated their gifts!

(Thanks Pepe and Nana for helping the boys!)

Sunday, June 28, 2009

ME to WIN


Have you signed up yet for
NO???!!!!????
What the heck are you waiting for?????
Crap, if you sign up, then YOU could WIN
some of the awesome PRIZES
she has lined up...and well,
you are not ME, and well, um,
I want ME to WIN!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Know yourself, spelled with a capital T

"Meeeee want dat!"

"What do you want, Madigan?"

"Dat! Dat DJ's. Meeee want dat!"

"Yep, that is DJ's treat. It is not yours."

"Madie-Meeee want dat!"

"No."

"Yes. Madie-Meeee is a princess. I want dat, now!"


*** Conversation with my 2 year old daughter. I am not sure if the lesson from this encounter is that it is always good to know who you are, and what you want (both wonderfully, perfect characteristics a gal should have) or if the lesson is that we (the parents of the self-confessed princess) are in T-R-O-U-B-L-E when our princess is a teenager!!!! Maybe it is both???

Friday, June 26, 2009

Bunny ears and peacemakers

I am still recovering from my grad-day car accident. Oh, I am not physically hurt - but a button was pushed, or a lever pulled, or a tear damn broken. Let's just say, I am still very upset about the whole situation - and in my own admission, a bit out of control. I know and realize it, but I cannot help it.

Anyways, let me wipe away my tears and start this post.

Deep breath.

I could not leave the DJ's graduation post the way it was - no. That post was about me. My accident. My wanting to be at the graduation. My frustration and emotional break down. It was not about DJ, his accomplishments, his experiences or successes.

So, let's start over!

Two years ago DJ happily climbed onto a big yellow school bus and with a quick wave and a very brave smile he was off on an educational adventure.




He loved junior kindergarten. He made some great friends. He was exposed to many interesting things, ideas, attitudes - some his parents appreciated, and some, not so much! But hey, that is the nature of school.

He fell in love with his teacher, Ms. B. She is a veteran teacher with years of experience, a heart of gold, and firm, but loving and caring way. DJ excelled!

Ms. B calls her class Kinderbunnies. On the first day of school DJ came home sporting very cute brown bunny ears.

The year flew by.

Last September, DJ came home from his first day of Senior Kindergarten proudly wearing his grey ears. He was older, wiser, more experienced Kinderbunny.



This year was super amazing. DJ started developing reading and math skills. He become more outgoing, more confident and really started to become his own person.


"DJ has enjoyed an excellent kindergarten year;making steady gains in all areas."

"He consistently displays a respectful, kind attitude towards others;congratulating classmates on their successes or gently supporting them through their challenges."

"He can typically be depended upon to practice his best behaviour."

"He routinely applies simple problem solving strategies to address disagreements between friends though they rarely involve him due to his generous nature and innate sense of fairness"

These are only a few of the statements in DJ's end of the year report that had me beaming with pride and bawling like a baby.

I cannot express how proud I am of DJ.

At graduation DJ received his silver bunny ears. These old, wise ears symbolized his retirement from kindergarten.



Do you remember the All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten poem by Robert Fulghum? Well, Ms. B has taken that idea one step further. The main theme or philosophy in her class is centred around peacemakers and peacebreakers.

This terminology has been consistent all year round.

"Johnny, is that a peacemaker decision, or a peacebreaker decision?" "Amy, is hitting a peacemaker solution or a peacebreaker solution?" "Danny, you are being such a peacemaker helping Patty build that tower!" You get the point.

And you know, the whole concept is ingenious. We now use it at home, and heck, let's face it, I have even found myself cautioning myself about making a peacebreaker decision!

Ms. B. is BRILLIANT!

Anyways. Back to graduation.

Every senior bunny received a classroom award. There was the leadership award, the musicality award, the "took good care of the books" award, the tidy award, and even the Tigger award for unbridled enthusiasm!

Every child was called up and was presented their award. At the end, Ms. B. asked if anyone had not received and award. DJ slowly raised his hand. Ms. B. then explained the philosophy of her classroom; then without further adieu, she presented my DJ with the PEACEMAKER AWARD. Tops honours. My DJ.


Can you say proud?!?!?!?!

Today was the last day of school. DJ is now off to grade one. Who knows what is in store for us...but, you know, I cannot wait to find out!

Way to go DJr!!!!!!

Monday, June 22, 2009

10:30 tears

I woke up Friday morning knowing I was probably going to shed a tear (or two) at 10:30am. I thought I was prepared by stuffing some tissue into my purse when I ran off to work at 2:30am.

All morning the excitement grew.

I finished work shortly before 9am and hustled to my parking garage.

My plan was to head over to Party Planners and pick up a little balloon bouquet and meet my hubby and kids at the school. Today was the BIG day - DJ was graduating from senior kindergarten!

The ceremony was to start at 10:30.

At 9:05 I drove up the parking garage ramp. Stopped to let a few pedestrians walk across. Checked right, checked left, checked right and pulled out.....KABBOOOOOOM!

A garbage truck had been obstructing my view. I thought it was clear...but it wasn't clear.
I hit a Blue Line taxi.

Did I ever feel bad. But, the good thing was that I was just inching out when it happened, and there was very little damage.

The cab driver was upset. Understandably.

I apologized. Then went and retrieved my documents and information.

I was shaken and very upset, but worked very hard to keep it together. No one was hurt. There was minimal damage to the two cars.

I asked the cab driver for his information and told him that we would swap information and then go to the reporting centre. We could both be on our way in a matter of minutes.

He refused to give me his information. He claimed we had to call the police.

I did not want to argue - but I adamantly informed him that the procedure, as I understood it, was that since no one was hurt and that both cars were drive-able, that we would exchange info and then go to the reporting centre.

He refused. He got angry.

I called the police.

We waited...and waited...and waited.

I looked at the clock - 9:25...9:45...10:10...10:20... 10:30. Graduation time. Tears.

Of course we were not a priority - there were no injuries and no sizable damage.

The cab driver got impatient. I once again informed him what I thought we should do. He disagreed and we called the police again.

They were on their way.

I had been right - I did shed many tears at 10:30. Unfortunately, it wasn't at my eldest child's graduation. It was in my car, frustrated, upset, mad, angry and terribly shaken.
Finally the police arrived.

First I told my side of the story - explaining the garbage truck and how I thought it was clear, but obviously, it wasn't.

I explained how I asked the other driver at least 4 times for his information and wanted to go sort it out at the reporting office. I was visibly upset.

The officer was very understanding. He asked me to wait in my car while he took the information from the cab driver.

Oh, what a heated exchange that was...yes, I was correct in the proper procedure to deal with a minor fender bender. The cab driver - who drives for his living - was wrong. If he would have followed proper procedure, then I would have been at the school well before the graduation.

In spite of the minor finder bender, that I take sole responsibility for, I could have sat in the front row, clapping and cheering...and shedding tears of joy and pride at my son's graduation. I would have been there when my son was awarded to top class award...and I would have shed another tear. Yep. Top honours! The Peacemaker award!

Instead, I sat in my banged up car and cried.

I was charged with failure to yield from a private road - the least of the charges the police officer charge me. The police had been super nice - explained it all to me - told me he had "educated" the cab driver and told me I could go on my way.

I put on my seat belt, turned my key, and realized I had killed my battery while waiting. So, I shed another tear.

Yep, I knew I would shed a tear that morning - but I never imagined I would miss my little man's graduation. It was heartbreaking.

So, here are some photos of my eldest son's graduation, you know, the one his Momma missed :(









Let's hope I get to attend his middle school, high school, and university graduations!
(I am so proud of you DJ - You make my heart sing, my child!)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Pesky Plateau and 15 weeks



Ok - have a quick look over to the right side of my blog, the one listing my weekly weigh ins.


Notice anything?


Yep. For the last 6 weeks I have been gaining and loosing the same flippn' pound!

I have been struggling with my food plan and food choices. BLTs are killing me! Cheating, losing motivation and starting to get discouraged was my daily struggle.

After 41 weeks and 80 pounds loss, I was about to throw in the towel and go drown my sorrow in junk food. When, low and behold Amy, over at Amy's Quest to Skinny introduced a 15 week challenge!

(Amy friggn' rocks - you gotta read her story. She is an inspiration to me!)

This 15 week challenge promises to be challenging, motivating, fun and way cool!

Workout Wednesdays, Century Club Workout, Weekend Warrior Challenges, OH MY!

And, each week, there will be a Weekly Challenge. This challenge will vary in what is required but will always be related to healthy living. Participants will receive points for completing the task, and can earn additional points for photographing their challenge!

I could not sign up fast enough! This is sooooo going to help me get back on track!

Hey, how about you? You up for a challenge? Up to getting healthier, fitter and just feeling better? Go sign up today! Seriously - GO!

Come on! Let's join this challenge together and really support and help each other.

OK you pesky little plateau - WATCH OUT! I want you gone, and gone you will be!!!!!!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

WW - Future Olympians!







For more Wordless Wednesday entries, go HERE.
Or if you prefer Wordful Wednesday, then, go HERE!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Lessons in true love

Everyday, through your actions and by witnessing your love for each other, I learn and appreciate what having a strong marriage is all about.

Seeing how you love, cherish and respect each other has helped me form my ideals and attitudes towards marriage.

Thank you for being such wonderful role models!

Happy anniversary Mom and Dad!



August 2002 - This photo was taken moments before I walked walked down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams.


Wednesday, June 10, 2009

WW - True personalities

DJ and Anderson are in the same kindergarten class. Their teacher is amazing, loving and caring. They are both excelling and flourishing under her wing.

Last week I had the end-of-year parent-teacher conference.

No need to go through all the details and topics covered - this photo perfectly sums up their true personalities.

Anderson (4) on the left, DJ (5) on the right.

Yep. That pretty much sums it all up!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I am tired

I am tired.

I am tired of of my new hours at work.

I am tired of the being sympathetic to other working parents, who claim to be so tired.

I am tired of not falling asleep in the arms of the man I love.

I am tired of little, coughing, scratchy, kicking, bodies climbing into my bed at 1am and waking me up an hour before I have to get up.

I am tired of my house being a mess. Ok, let's be honest, I am tired of my house being a disaster.

I am tired of washing dishes.

I am tired of doing laundry.

I am tired of stepping over things.

I am tired of three children trying to gravely injure each other by wrestling, hitting, biting, and pushing.

I am tired of listening to three whiny voices at lunch time and then again at dinner time.

I am tired of the toy room looking like a tornado hit it.

I am tired of beating myself up for BLTs (Bites, Licks and Tastes).

I am tired of loosing and gaining the same friggin' pound, over and over again.

I am tired of all junk food in a 7km radius of my location calling my name - screaming my name!

I am tired of feeling like I have no energy to blog or comment on blogs.

I am tired of not being the type of mom I really am, when I am not tired.

I am tired of worrying if my hubby will still have a job at the end of the day.

I am tired of people thinking I have everything under control. I do not.

I am tired of feeling out of control.

I am tired of being tired.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Cursing Bonnie

Apparently, I have a "thing" for Bonnie! And now, I am cursing Bonnie and her cruel ways!

Sunday morning I met up with my running group. We decided on a nice easy 4km run.

My lovely running partner Lesley read out the route, "Down Merivale to Clyde..blah, blah, blah...turn left onto Bonnie...blah, blah, blah".

About 9 minutes into our route I saw a street sign saying "Bonnie", so we jetted left.

No one else did.

Lesley pulled out the paper and informed me we continue down Clyde, then turn on Bonnie.

Ok. Must be a crescent.

We back track back to Clyde and catch up with the back of the pack.

Down Clyde we go.

I look up and there is a street sign saying "Bonnie". Lesley and I take a left, no one else does.

So, as I am making the turn onto Bonnie, I shout out to the rest of the pack, "This is Bonnie! Turn left!"

No sooner had the words come out of my mouth with there was a painful yelp. I collapsed to the ground. I stepped into a pot hole/crack thingy on the road.

Twisted ankle.

So, apparently, given the fact that I kept trying to turn left onto Bonnie, I have some sort of issue with Bonnie. And now, as I nurse my tender ankle (slight sprain) I am super ticked that I am going to miss my soccer game tomorrow, I am upset I am going to probably miss boot camp and I am royally pissed that I may miss the start of my half marathon clinic that starts on Thursday.

Oh ya, I am mad. So mad that I am cursing Bonnie!

Errrrrrrr!

Ok, back to reality. Another reason I am upset is that I have been struggling with my food plan. I have been snacking, making questionable food choices and worst of all, my BLTs are out of control (Bites, Licks and Tastes).

I am already anticipating a weight gain this week based on my eating patterns and based on my monthly cycle - and now the curse of Bonnie.

It feels like a vicious cycle - I eat when I am upset, I cannot exercise to counter any extra calories and that makes me upset, so, well, I eat. Damn Bonnie!

So, this week my setting my food plan is more important than ever!

Here goes:

Monday
  • Steel cut oats, banana, PB
  • Apple slices with Allegro cheese and cracker
  • Mixed salad with tuna, low fat dressing
  • Veggies and hummus dip
  • Grilled chicken and veggies with cous cous

Tuesday

  • Steel cut oats, apple, cinnamon
  • 1 piece WW bread with tomato and Allegro cheese
  • Mixed salad with left over chicken and salsa
  • Hard boiled egg, pickles and baby carrots
  • WW 5 point frozen dinner

Wednesday

  • Steel cut oats, blueberries, vanilla yogurt
  • Pita bread with salsa and cottage cheese
  • Mixed salad with beef strips and crumbled blue cheese
  • Beef stir fry with Bulgar

Thursday

  • Steel cut oats, banana, PB
  • Crackers with tomato and cucumber with cottage cheese
  • Carrot and ginger soup with crackers
  • Apple
  • Mushroom salmon with rice and green beans
  • Popcorn

Friday

  • Toasted tomato sandwich with a touch of mayo and cheese
  • Kashi Go Lean and vanilla yogurt
  • Baked tofu stuffed pita with a side salad
  • Hamburger on BBQ with grilled veggies
  • Popcorn

Here's hoping I can stick to plan this week...already I have been "eating away my ankle pain". And well, that is not good.

Well, off to ice and elevate my ankle in the slim chance I will be able to play soccer tomorrow night!