Back to School

Monday night we were blessed. I love back to school blessings, and I'm so grateful for Ken for being able to righteously exercise his priesthood to bless us. I took some notes and they are as follows.

Fiona
- understand that your parents and your family love you
- your teachers are there to help you
- you can be an example to your classmates
- you can find happiness in school and stability
- recognize your emotions understand what you feel
- help your family keep a positive outlook

Alice
- bless you to be a great example of kindness and optimism
- health this year
- you will be kept healthy
- you will recognize your place as a leader in your place and community
- be a force for good
- Excel in your school work
- help those around you

Kate
- bless you that you will be able to find joy and find the good in the people around you and in your situation
- bless those around you to feel included and loved
- gift of patience this year
- be able to identify your feelings
- realize your power over yourself
- mindful of your own needs
- have empathy for those around you

Wendy
- manage time
- have an impact, as much as you can on your students and children
- know when to ask for help, have courage to ask for help
- discernment - recognize truth, teach those around you
- safety as you travel
- health

Tuesday was back to school for the girls. Kate grade 8 Mme Medeiros, Alice grade 6 Mrs. Dawidek, Fiona grade 4 Mme Rocheleau.

The first day was great, but sadly not without a little drama. Monday night I received an email from the administration of the school encouraging parents to double check class placements because some last minute changes had been made due to last minute registrations. When I checked, Fiona had been moved. When Ken took her Tuesday morning, she'd been moved back. Fiona had some tears, but then she was okay, because her bestie Aubrey was still in the class with her! Wahoo! All the girls have friends in their classes and that feels so good!

Kate's first day of JK, her first day of Grade 8! I'm excited for Kate. Grade 8 is such a special year! The last year of elementary school, and the beginning of some excited choices!

Today, Wednesday is my first official teaching day. I was at school yesterday too, but it was a meeting/prep day. I'm really hoping that this year feels like a more normal year. I'm also understanding more and more that normal changes, and I'm trying to just figure out the changes! (Mostly rigorous band instrument cleaning protocols!)

Happy 2022-2023 school year to us!

Hazel's Baptism Weekend

Friday, September 2
We started the weekend with a trip to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario. We met Emily, Holden, Lauren and Hazel and explored!

The Inn/Tavern is one of the places I remember going when I visited with Ken 14 years ago.

Ken and I didn't try milking the cows, but everyone else did. It was quite the experience for everyone!

We missed Milo, and were slightly irritated to see dogs everywhere when we arrived! We totally could have brought Milo. Ah well. He had fun at Doggy Daycare.

Saturday, September 3
It was Hazel's actual birthday today so the day started with the giving of gifts! 

Then we went to this really cute farmer's market. I miss going to farmer's markets!

Then it was taco bar preparation time. 

And then it was baptism time! The baptism was beautiful! I played the piano. Emily's Mom spoke about baptism. Holden spoke about the Holy Ghost and Fiona and Alice did a musical number. 

After the baptism we enjoyed the taco bar and visiting with friends! I'm so glad that Sonia and Ben were able to come to the baptism. It was so nice to visit with them.

I'm so glad that we were able to come be with Hazel for her baptism. 

Sunday, September 4

Not having church until noon has it's benefits! The girls were able to have some more play time. Every minute counts with these two!

It's a good thing we left right after sacrament meeting. There was a crazy fire at a warehouse along the 401 and the traffic wasn't great, but thankfully we were able to pick up Milo before the doggy daycare closed for the night.

Good friends are such a blessing! We really did have a wonderful weekend with the Lim-Anderson's.