miss vera

This is one of Sam's techers - Miss Vera. Anna had her as a teacher too, and we just love her. She is from Germany, she has strict table maners, and ensures all the kids learn to say please and thank-you. She's great at breaking up fights, and doesn't put up with bad behaviour, she's in charge in this two year old room. Every morning when I drop off, she arrives just after us, and all the kids run to give her hugs, they just adore her. She is going in for knee surgery later this week, and will not be returning for a month, so this is Sam's last week with her. We will miss her a lot - she gave us this picture today with the following message:

"I will remember you always and thank you for being a great part of my days here at Discovery!

a day with dad

He's here for 24 hours on route to a conference in Banff and we are soaking up every bit of this guy. Both in hugs, kisses, grass cutting and laundry. We were all feeling a little down this past week and needed to be together again, and it did just the trick. We work so well as a team, and as a family when we are all together, you don't really notice until you're not together. It was a beautiful day here, and we capped off a great day with ice cream at Pop's - Anna's idea, Stew's treat.

sam sports shorts

I can't tell if he's happy to be wearing shorts, or switching out of boots and runners into his sandles, or if it's the weather, the green, green grass or his new hair cut, but he's on the move this little boy of ours.

here and there

A long weekend filled with great trips to Heritage Park and the zoo with Katie and Jacob. They came down to help me on my first of a few solo weeks and weekends, as Stew has now officially arrived in Guelph. After 3515km Bib and Stew arrived at Kate and Craig's house today. They are tired, but it was a great trip filled with Canadian scenery. His car had new tires and a tune up, which helped ensure a safe smooth arrival. He officially begins his first day tomorrow at the city, and it has now been confirmed that myself and the kids depart from Calgary on June 21st. We have confirmed a moving company, and with the help of Grammy and Jay everyone will be making the journey, some by air, and some of us in our new van.

We are welcoming the rain, the warm sun and savouring our last few weeks here. I am finding a groove, and enjoying my time with these two as we spend our days together. We talk a lot of what's to come, we miss Dad, but can't wait to all be together again very soon in our new home.

sam's first hair cut

His baby locks have been replaced by a big boy hair cut, and it looks great. I didn't even recognize him when he got out of the chair.

together

They spend a lot of time together these two - at daycare, at home, they share a room, and I'm beginning to see just how much Sam copies, repeats, follows and looks up to his older sister. She does a lot for him - lifts him onto the couch, helps him build train track, getting the bridge section just right as she says. Oh yes, they fight, they have trouble sharing, but the moments when they laugh, giggle and play together are just so nice some days.

saying 'so long'

We are in the middle of saying goodbye and so long to many people. Some are from work, some are friends and neighbours, and some of them are really hard. Our friends Jess and Brian and their kids Declan and Bryce are also saying goodbye. They are also relocating their family in the next few weeks, however they are going to Africa and they only get to take 16 pieces of luggage. A true test of what you need and don't need to take with you. We are going very different directions, however they are going through many of the same things we are at the moment, and we wish them all the best in their travels and really hope that one day we might be able to visit them.

on mom's day

Everyone got dressed up for a special breakfast this morning. Anna set a nice table, Sam combed his hair and put in a barrette - his hair is beyond controllable, and I've booked them both haircuts, as they need a trim for spring.

I received some beautiful jewelry today and was spoiled all day long by Stew folding load after load of laundry, doing all the dishes and even got a nap. True bliss for this Mom today, I am feeling loved that's for sure.

Sam also surprized us all tonight by going on the potty for the first time, he told me, I sat him down and he went. We will see how long it lasts.

great grandma

The world lost today one very important person in our lives - a Great Grandmother to our children, an extremely caring Grandmother and Mother, a loving wife and sister. The one who sewed my first sleeping bag and Halloween watermelon costume, she served us finger cookies and hosted amazing family dinners. We sit together today wrapped in her knitted afghans remembering her spirit and know it will be with us forever.

this week

Has been hard....we've been on our own, I had a huge business trip and we were battling the flu for a few days. Stew has spent the week in Guelph getting trained and up to speed for his new job, and for today and yesterday I was joined by Katie to help us get back home and provide more help along the way. This is a training run so to speak, as Stew will be in Guelph full time come the May long weekend, and we won't follow until I finish my job near the end of June. I know we can do it, we are just getting our sea legs and learning what I need todo to have everything run fairly smoothly. Anna has created a count down board, we move the number everyday so they can see how many days remain, today is zero, he is coming home in the next hour or so, and we are all so glad to have him back.