To worry a little less...

Can you believe it is now October? WOW! Time is flying.

I cannot believe that DJ has completed the first month of grade one! Honestly, I had been worried - oh, I wasn't worried he could not do it or that he would struggle - I knew deep down that he would do great! But, just the same, I worried.

I worried he would tire through the long, full day.

- He does come home a little tired, but seems to have adjusted to the full day quite easily.

Still, I worry.

I worried he would not like his teachers.

- Not only does he adore them all, but so do I!!!!

Still, I worry.

I was worried he would join the gang of trouble makers (they were identified in Junior Kindergarten...and well, they sure had an impact on DJ).

- Yes, he still considers one little (trouble-maker) boy his "best friend", but the teacher keeps the "4-Musketeers" separated and DJ is making new friends.

Still, I worry.

I was worried that he would struggle with the work load.

- Yes, DJ is a bit challenged with writing and fine-motor skills, but he is continually improving and not only have we, but also his teachers have seen a huge improvement. He has brought home more work and art in the last 15 school days than he did in ALL of J-K and S-K!!!!

Still, I worry.

I was worried DJ would be alone at recess.

Nope, he tells me wonderful stories of the fun he had during second recess with an ever-growing collection of names. First recess? Well, he has joined the school track team! The grade 3-6 track team practices every day, and well, my little grade 1 is the most eager of them all. The coach contacted me and is very supportive of DJ practicing with the team. In fact, I have registered him into a race in 2 weeks! He loves it!

Still, I worry.

Every Friday DJ comes home with his weekly portfolio. It is filled with work sheets, art work, exercises and notes. Every Friday I carefully examine each piece with great pride.

Still, I worry.

Then, this afternoon, I found this piece of work.

A smile came upon my face, from ear-to-ear.

A tear gathered in my eye and ran down my cheek.

My heart swelled with love, pride and wonder.

And I decided to try and worry a little less...

Check out my Senior Bunny

School supplies carefully stored in a new school back pack. Check!

Fancy clothes. Check!
(apparently, a belt, makes it "fancy, fancy!)

Smile on your face. Check!

Quick pose with Mommy. Check!

A big yellow bus. Check!

Ready to tackle senior kindergarten. Double check!!

Anderson,

Today you start senior kindergarten; today you are a senior bunny! How exciting! You are so ready for this new challenge. I cannot wait to see what the new school year brings for you. This year you will be one of the leaders in your split class. I know you will help and coach and befriend many junior and senior bunnies. Your infectious smile, crazy antics and sincere caring nature will help you make many friends. I hope that you continue to love writing, reading and drawing. May your level of confidence grow, and your success be many. I hope you allow your cute, cuddlely personality shine, but that you also pay attention, stay focused and most of all, that you have fun!

Every day at 11:47am I will be anxiously waiting at the bus stop for you - excited to hear about your newest adventure and fun. I cannot wait to see the zoodles and zoodles of art projects and work sheets you bring home. I cannot wait to see you excel and totally enjoy your last year of kindergarten.


Good luck my crazy, funny, Pander-Bear!

Kissies and huggies,
Mommy

Grade One

Supplies bought, new back pack packed...

First ever school-lunch packed...




A quick pose with Mommy...




Cool dude, ready to take on the world...



A quick wave and glance back...

... and DJ is off to grade one!

DJ,

May you have a wonderful first day, and a brilliant year in grade one. I hope that you make new friends, reconnect with your old pals, and have the time of your life. I hope you enjoy school, step up to all new adventures and challenges like you usually do - with a smile and a sense of determination and pride. May you make peace-maker decisions. May you be true to yourself. May you seek knowledge, fall in love with learning and have fun. May you accept your challenges, tackle any difficulties, take pride in your successes and use each experience to learn and grow into the person you are meant to be.

Best of luck in grade one, Buddy. I love you.

Mommy

(I miss you already!)

Did you have a great day too?

It is always important to start your summer vacation off right. Our first day of summer vacation plans had been in the works for a few days. The boys had decided that to truly celebrate the end of the school year they wanted to take a bus adventure. All year they took yellow school buses to school, passing the red city buses.

So, on Friday, with a huge bag packed we set off on our adventure.

We started at Baseline Station, where we bought Mommy $4 worth of tickets (all three kids were free!). Then we waited for the #95. Oh, the excitement was mounting!

The bus pulled up and our squeals of delight brought smiles and chuckles from even the most hardened public commuter!

It was all so exciting! With transfer in hand, the bus pulled out of the station. You cannot believe the excitement a little boy has when a bus pulls off the main road and goes onto the transit way - Little Anderson was looking out the window and then he started to shake, "Mommy, Mommy, look it, we are going onto the big bussie roads! Only RED BUSSIES can go on these roads Mommy!"

We arrived at Bayview station, and excited the bus. Have you ever tried to get off a crowded bus with a 5,4 and 2.5 year old??? Let's just say, it is a bit challenging, to say the least - especially when you throw in a 20 pound picnic/supply bag!

We walked from the bus stop to the O-Train platform. Here in Ottawa we have a bus system and then a new fast train system - well, I would not call it a system, it is actually one line! None, the less, we were off for stage 2 of our public transportation adventure!

We got onto the train. It was basically empty, but apparently, great care must be taken when choosing the perfect seat!

And then we were off. All three kids LOVED it. When we went through a tunnel, you would have thought we were on a big amusement ride at Disneyland!

About 10 minutes later we pulled into the station. Just for fun we exited the train, then made our way to another train car. We all switched seats, so those who had rode backwards, were now forward and those originally forward, were now seated going backwards! Fair, is fair, you know!

And off we went!

As we pulled back into the Bayview station, I asked the conductor if my transfer was still valid. Yep. I had another 45 minutes. So, I hustled the kids back up to the bus station and we hopped onto the first bus heading downtown.

We arrived downtown. We were making our way towards, what I thought would be an ideal picnic spot. Instead, we stumbled upon a promotional concert for the upcoming Jazz Festival. So, we grabbed chairs, broke out our sandwiches, fishie crackers and apples, and enjoyed a wonderful free concert.

We then hiked (yep, hiked, since I took a wrong turn) to a local establishment. My work was having a summer BBQ lunch and my boss had encouraged me to stop in. So, my plan was to drag all three kids! Little did I know that the excitement, just would not stop!

As we made our way to the restaurant, a fire truck sped past. Then, imagine our surprise when we discovered the fire truck stopped right in front of where we were going. (Apparently the BBQ set off the fire alarms!)

Well, the kids were in heaven! I could not have planned it better. And you know firemen, they are soooooo cute, I mean friendly. They let the kids look at the truck and chatted with them, and even let them stand on the back!

Anderson, came over and hugged my leg and exclaimed, "Mommy, I think this is the best day ever!"

I assured him, it was not over yet!

We joined my work gathering, and the kids were great! They were friendly, well behaved, and kind of cute in the mix with all my co-workers!

After hotdogs, pop and cookies we made our way to Chapters. This is a huge book chain that has a kids section that features a Thomas the Tank Engine play area. The kids played, I read, sipped a coffee and we all had a great time.

Then we walked up to Sparks street. Cannot miss Ottawa Ribfest! We all voted on which vendor smelled the most tastey, had the most trophies and which had the best decorations. We found our winner and waited in line. I bought a full rack of ribs with all the fixings - oh ya! Dinner would be SWEEEET!

We walked to the ice cream store. All chose our favorites, and then headed back to catch a bus home.

We climbed on board a packed train. I looked at all the weary, tired, annoyed commuters - all heading home. I lovingly looked down at my three, exhausted, but very happy (and sticky) children and smiled. This is what summer time is about. Fun and adventure.

These smiling faces sum it all up!

DJ stuck up a conversation with a fellow commuter, and he detailed his day. The love, happiness and excitement in his voice was amazing! My heart swelled when he ended his conversation with, " So, I had a great day, it was the best day ever in my life, how about you? Did you have a great day too?"

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!)

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!!!!!!

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!)

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!

Spread your wings and fly!

Every year a mommy and daddy goose build a nest outside my hubby's window at work. On the roof of the walk way.

The hatching of the eggs becomes a spectator sport of sort! Employees from all over the campus make sure to wonder over to get an update, eat their lunch while nest watching and some even come to take photos.

As soon as hubby sees the little goslings, he always calls and we rush down to watch the little little, fluffy, waddling, toddling goslings take their first steps. It is quite a sight!

Soon after they are born, the goslings start following mommy and daddy around the roof top. It is so cute! This year we were in for a real treat!

This year we saw them fly (or belly flop!) for the first time. You see, within hours of cracking through their little eggshells, these little goslings follow mommy off the edge! Off the roof. The roof! As in two stories high!

First mommy started to pace along the edge of the roof. Squawking and twisting her head. It looked like she was actually giving each gosling instructions. Then after serious consideration, she found a spot on the edge she liked, and then walked to the edge and after a quick glance back at her new babies and hubby, she flew to the ground. Moments later, daddy did the same thing.

The goslings seemed a bit confused. We watched them waddle back and forth, and then start to climb up onto the ledge. Some would move to the edge and look down at their parents, right below them. But would chicken out and return to the group.

One little brave fellow walked to the edge, you could just see him contemplating what to do next - and then a sibling tried to jump onto the ledge, and in doing so, bumped into the first gosling, causing him to go off the edge! With a belly-flop landing, he recovered and joined his parents in encouraging the rest of his family.

One by one they each started to follow. It was amazing to see. These little goslings, just hours old, trusting their parents, following their parents and spreading their wings for the first time.

Every little "chickie" needs to fly the coop one day.

Today, I registered Madigan for a preschool program next September. I sure do feel like that mamma goose...hoovering, worrying, coaching, instructing and encouraging. In September, my little "chickie" will be spreading her wings...I will be happy and excited for her, especially in September, but for now, I am sad! My little girl is growing up and spreading her wings.

I think I need a drink...Madigan, can I have a sip of your wine?

(You are growing up way too fast, my little girl, way to fast!)

Where did the time go?

DJ at kindergarten graduation...my heart swells with pride, my eyes with tears and my being with hope each time I look at these photos!

Wordless Wednesday - Fine Motor Skills

Like many 5 year old boys, DJ is not that interested in writing and letters. His teacher has suggested that we encourage him to write notes and lists. So we started with helping write the grocery list and now we are moving onto the chore lists.

I think he is getting better and better at forming his letters, don't you??!!