Best Day Ever

Yesterday was Ashton's last day of Grade One.  They had a sports day at school.  I didn't make it over to take any pictures but Ashton said they had a bunch of centres the kids could run around and participate in and they would get a bead to add to a bracelet for every event they did.  His favorite was the high jump.  He did the discus, shot put, running events, hurdle etc.  After 8 beads were added they were allowed to go and get a jugo juice.  He said it was tons of fun.  When I asked how his day was he said "it was the best day ever", when I asked why, he said it was because he lost another tooth!  Ashton has lost 4 teeth this school year and his teacher Mrs. Howey has pulled every one of them.  His report card came home as well.  He did great!  I'm so proud of him.  He's getting so grown up.  I remember when he was this age like it was yesterday .....

Age 2 1/2 singing ABC Song

(Sorry the video is kind of dark)



So excited for summer holidays!!



Soon he'll be off to Grade Two!!



Soccer, Soccer and More Soccer

So both Ashton and Bowen were involved in Timbits Soccer this year.  We had 8 weeks of 3 nights a week of soccer.  This was not an easy task with having to shuffle piano students and Jason has been quite busy at work but somehow we made it work.  Ashton played on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Bowen played on Tuesdays.  I was also the team parent for Bowen's team.

Bowen's team was the "Light Grey Sharks".  I wasn't sure how Bowen would do.  Those of you who know him well, know that he is a "bit" of a drama queen.  So I half expected tantrums in the middle of the field, but he actually did great.  Of course at this age it is pretty much a hoard of little kids chasing after the ball, but he made one goal, tons of assists, and did well in goal.  Of course, that was when he wasn't flirting with any little girl who happened to be on the field.

Ashton's team was the "Orange Tornadoes".  This was Ashton's 3rd year so he is starting to understand how the game is played and it wasn't quite as painful to watch these games.  He is starting to play more aggressively and he really enjoyed his season.  I hope we can find a way to let the boys play again next year.  It is a very inexpensive league and close to home - I just only wished it was held in the summer.

This past week were their last games where they were presented with their individual and team pictures, a soccer ball, bag and of course a medal.  Only a couple of Ashton's games were cancelled because of rain, and Bowen was able to play every one of his games.  They had a great season!!

And the Winner Is ....

The Winner of my 100th Blog Contest is.....

Charmaine!!

Congrats Charmaine - hope you enjoy your toffees!

Preschool Graduation & 100th Post Contest

Yesterday we celebrated Bowen's graduation from preschool.  Jason says it is completely insane, which it is, but it is also completely adorable.  He looked so grown up in his little cap and gown.  I've never seen him act so giddy.  He was so excited to be graduating.  They had a nice little ceremony and he was presented with his certificate and a memory book from his fabulous teacher.  He took homemade toffees to give her.



I think I pushed my luck and took too many pictures!

After the ceremony Jason and I took Bowen out for lunch.  I think he felt pretty special being able to spend time alone with mom and dad.

Next came his big surprise.  We went to Toys R' Us and Bowen got to pick out a new bike.  He was beyond excited.  He picked out a red Hot Wheels bike. 

All they had left was the floor model.  It looked a bit beat up so we asked for a discount.  One of the staff took it to the back to inspect it and tighten any bolts etc. and I went to the front to pay.  A bit later he came and told me that he couldn't sell us the bike as the front wheel was damaged.  Bowen was crushed.  It was totally the bike he wanted, but we assured him we could probably find it somewhere else.

So off to Canadian Tire (we should have gone there first), they had the same bike only in a great blue color, was in great shape and was $10.00 cheaper.  Happy boy once again.  He had the sales lady thinking he was so cute about how excited he was about his new bike. 

On the drive to pick up Ashton - Bowen says to me "mom - you are the best mom and dad I've ever had!"  We got to the bus stop a little early so Bowen tried out his new bike in the tennis court.  He'd make a few laps and then come running over and giving us hugs.  So cute!

How did my little boy go from this adorable little baby to a preschool graduate in the blink of an eye?  Say it isn't so!!

100th POST

So today is my 100th post, so I thought I'd have a little contest.  Everyone who comments on this blog will have their name put into a hat and I'll draw a winner.  What will the winner win you ask?

A BAG OF HOMEMADE TOFFEES

You have until Saturday, June 25th - midnight to enter.  Draw will be made Sunday, June 26th.  Good luck!!

Final Week

This week wraps up piano lessons until September.  As much as I love my students, and love teaching them music I must admit I am ready for a break.  Taught Monday and Tuesday already, 6 students coming tonight, 5 on Thursday and 1 on Friday and summer can begin!!

Got my students's summer practise charts, report cards, and homemade toffees made for today.  Now to go and get ready for Bowen's graduation and later today Ashton's final soccer game!

Dress Up Days at Preschool

Bowen has had several dress up days at preschool this year.  A couple recent ones were

COWBOY DAY



This was the closest us city folks had to cowboy gear.  His dad's hat, and Ashton's shirt! 
I didn't let him take the gun to school!!



DRESS LIKE DAD DAY



Stake Conference Talk & Father's Day

This past weekend was emotional and wonderful for me.  On Saturday night I had been asked to speak at the Adult Session of our Stake Conference on my experiences with the Temple.  I pondered this topic all week and remembered many special times I've had in the temple.  In my talk I shared journal entries I had made after I first went to the temple when I was 12 to do baptisms for the dead, and again when I went for the first time as an adult.  I shared about when we lost Kenny and how much comfort and peace I felt in the temple knowing that because of Jason and my eternal marriage our family would be reunited in the eternities.  I shared a quote I recently found on someone's blog (I wish I could remember whose blog I stole it from) but it explained so well exactly how I feel.  I think it touched a few hearts as I had one lady give me her email address that night to send it to her - and another lady stopped me in the grocery store today and wrote it on the back of a receipt.

"Worry is anticipating the outcome will be bad.

Hope is anticipating the outcome will be good.

Faith is anticipating that no matter the outcome it will be for my benefit."

It was a very emotional talk for me to share but I'm so grateful I had the opportunity and it was definitely a faith building experience for me.  Mom was able to come and hear me and I was so glad she was there.  When President Carter spoke he shared with the congregation an experience he had recently had in the Temple regarding Dad that is so special to me. The whole evening was excellent.

Sunday of course was Father's Day.  I was a horrible wife this year and didn't plan a thing for my poor husband.  I think maybe my heart wasn't quite in it after losing my dad this year.  I didn't even go look at Father's Day cards.  My sweet boys made sure to make the day special for their dad however.

I noticed Ashton was up early Sunday morning.  He came towards our room, but then stopped and went downstairs.  A few minutes later he was at Jason's side of the bed with a "Happy Father's Day - I made you a sandwich!"  It was so sweet.  So Jason ate his nutella sandwich in bed at 6:50 a.m.  Ashton said he saw what time it was and thought he had better hurry before Dad had to get to meetings.

Later that day the boys gave Jason gifts they had made him at school.


Tile Coasters from Ashton



Of course Homemade Cards



Soup from Bowen - Yes Soup!  The card said "Here's some Soup for a Souper Dad!"

Mom, Rachel and Liam were up for the weekend and we enjoyed their company.  We had steak, potatoes, and brocolli salad for dinner - yummy!

The only thing missing, of course, was Dad!  I felt all weekend as though he wasn't too far away.  I know he is still mindful of us.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Modern Spelling

I was quizzing Ashton on his "No Excuse Spelling Words" today.

Me - Spell "we"
Ashton - w i i

Scripture Olympics

This Saturday we had a primary activity for the children in our church ages 3 - 11 yrs.  We had a "Scripture Olympics".  We had several games planned all with a scriptural theme and before we did each activity I had one of our teachers tell the scripture story that went with the game.  I was worried the kids would be to excited to listen, but they listened intently to each story and then really enjoyed playing the games.  We have quite a small primary so we went to each station together rather than divide into groups. 
First up was the

SWORD OF LABAN RELAY RACE

We had two teams and passed off nerf swords up and down the gym.  Next was the

DAVID & GOLIATH MARSHMALLOW SHOT

The kids shot marshmallows with plastic spoons at a life size drawing of Goliath.  Then we moved onto the

2000 STRIPLING WARRIORS KNIFE DIG



We dug through sand to find plastic knives.  After the dig we moved onto the

TEN VIRGINS FILLING OF THE LAMPS RELAY RACE

Boys against girls carried spoonfuls of water from a bowl at one end of the table down to cups at the other end.  After this game we played

TOWER OF BABEL TOWER STACK

The team with the highest tower wins.  The boys kind of dominated this game.  Next we played

MOSES PARTING THE SEA TUG OF WAR



Seconds after this picture was taken Ashton fell in the water - I'm sure it was his plan all along!



The game was definately a favorite we played several heats.  Lastly was the

SAMUEL THE LAMANITE ARROW LAUNCH



This one was another favorite - our Bishop stood on the stage pretending to be Samuel the Lamanite and the kids attempted to launch arrows (balloons) at him.  Before the parents arrived to take kids home we fed them hotdogs, chips, and juice boxes. 

And of course they got sent home with a treat.

Thanks to lots of help, my first primary activity went off without a hitch.

Date Night

Thanks to Sheri, who came over to watch and play with our boys, Jason and I were able to go out for a date night.  We headed to Boston Pizza first for appetizers and dessert then off to the cheap theatre to see either Source Code or Adjustment Bureau. 

We were standing in line next to get our tickets and an employee walks by and puts up a sign saying there is no popcorn available for sale this evening.  I said "oh, that's a bummer", Jason screws up his face and steps out of line.  I say "seriously we're leaving because there's no POPCORN?"  Apparently it isn't as enjoyable for Jason if he can't have the "whole" movie experience.  In his defense he isn't a sweets and chocolate fan so it is all about the popcorn for him.  So we left and drove to the next theatre and payed $31.50 to see Pirates 4 instead of $10.00 at the cheap theatre.  Granted the popcorn was really good. 

I guess I had to busy of a week though as I had a horrible time staying awake, missing a fair bit of the middle of the movie.  I've kind of gotten my second wind, but we have an early start tomorrow with church so I better get off to bed.  All in all a great date night.  Sometimes I get a glimpse into where Bowen gets his "diva" behavior!!  Love that husband of mine!

What Bowen's Been Up To

The other day when mom was up to help me get ready for my recital she had brought the boys cousin Emry with her.  Bowen and Emry were playing outside and Bowen came in to tell me that he had planted some flowers for me.  I was curious as to what "flowers" he could have planted as I haven't bought my annuals yet, so I went out to investigate.

My Beautiful Weed and Dandilion "flower" Beds!!

Bowen made an electric guitar out of his lego and he's been singing me all these little songs that he makes up - the first line of the song usually is "I have a happy life".

I have a happy life too!