Can We Build It???

YES WE CAN!!! (that title is lost on anyone who doesn't have children but it's from Bob the Builder) Michael received this Dump Truck building kit from a neighbour for his birthday. We decided to take it out this week and what fun we had. You could have heard a pin drop in here, Abbey and Michael were so concentrated. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Here's Steve and the kids figuring out where the pieces go...there were no instructions?!?

Hard at work on the painting. See Mom...I made them wear the long painting bibs you bought them (but only remembered half way through!)

This is the finished product!

Michael couldn't have been prouder of his creation. He's brought it to bed every night since he made it. I wonder if there are any more models to make?

Last Day of Soccer!

Tonight is our last day of soccer. I can't say I'm too disappointed. For one, it means that were leaving for home and two...the twice a week practices were hard. The kids were raring to go for the first practice but the second took a little coaxing. Anyway, thought I'd post their "professional" soccer pics for all to see. So cute eh?!?

The team picture is hilarious! I think of all twelve kids there are only 3 looking...and Abbey & Michael were not part of the three ha!ha! We asked the photographer to take one of both kids together in case they aren't on the same team again.

I'm sad to retire Abbey's pink cleats...they were so freaking cute!!! but next perhaps it'll be a pink tutu for dance class! Being a Mom is so FUN!!! (and shopping as a Mom is awesome!!!)

Happy Canada Day!

Growing up in the Nation's Capital, I obviously loved celebrating Canada Day. It kinda evolved from walking around downtown with my family, watching the changing of the guards and eating Beaver Tails to partying downtown with my friends but the highlight was always the fireworks. I can picture Rideau Street, Parliament Hill and the market packed with people. SO many Canadians gathered to celebrate this amazing country we live in.

The McAlpine family had a super Canada day in our little neck of the woods. We biked to a park in the morning to play, dropped by school (the kids love it there), went on a picnic, took a nap, went swimming, played at another park, had ice cream and then came home to get ready for the fireworks. Every year, Steve and I build them up explaining that although they are loud it's so worth it to see all the wonderful colours brighten up the sky. Every year (until now) Michael has cried and wanted to go home. BUT tonight they stuck it out and even oohed and aahed a few times (with ears covered of course hee!hee!) If was a fantastic family day! As we were walking back to the car after the fireworks I overheard Steve tell Michael that this was his favourite Canada Day yet. Funny how things change eh?!? It's 11:3o pm - Michael and Abbey are already in bed and Steve and I are getting ready for it...pre-kids we would just be winding up getting ready for a big party and yet this is Steve's favourite Canada Day. Well to tell you the truth...it was mine too! I'm so lucky to have this family and so proud to be Canadian!

Rhubarb!

I love rhubarb! Some people pucker up at the mere mention of the word but I just love it! It reminds me of my Grandma. She made the best rhubarb and I'd slather it all over my toast when we would visit during the summer. Last week, Donna gave me a bundle of rhubarb and to prove that I AM getting more and more domestic I took pictures to prove that I actually did something with it!

This is what I started with! Yummy rhubarb home grown in Donna's backyard!

This is one of the batches I made for toast. My neighbour Leslie gave me a great recipe that's basically just adding strawberry jelly, sugar and cinnamon. It was delicious!

And here's a picture of the pie Steve made...with my decorative touch! hee!hee!

Thanks Donna for sharing! I love rhubarb!!!

Tout Fini!

The last day of school has come and gone! Report cards are DONE, classroom CLEANED out...I'm ready for vacation! I can't believe how fast this year went by. I had a great year in my classroom. To tell you the truth, I'm sad to let my grade two's go. I've had the majority of them for three years so I've grown very attached (to some more then others of course ha!ha!) The good news is that I have my grade one's again next year since I'm teaching a multi-age and I'll get a few new ones as well. I might have the opportunity to work with an educational assistant too. Anyway, an awesome year overall.
Big thanks to MY Donna (who I know is reading this...for taking such good care of me, always having her "chair" available and being such a wonderful lunch partner!!).

The end of the year is always sad/happy for me. Don't get me wrong, when that dismissal bell rings on the last day, in my head I'm singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year" but until it does, my stomach is in knots all day long. Not only did I have to say goodbye to my students on Friday but this year my principal, who I adored, is leaving for another school. He is so funny, approachable, easy going and all about the kids...and really isn't that the best quality for an educator.

The worst though was saying good bye to Mary. I'm tearing up just writing that last sentence. She came into my classroom on Friday to say goodbye before she left for Ontario (where she will be living while her husband attends Staff College). I can't even describe all the emotions I felt when we hugged. Needless to say...we both went to the ugly cry. I was a mess! Ugh! The military can be so hard. :-(



Sometimes people come into your life that you just know that no matter what distance separates you...you will always remain friends. I know Mary and I will be friends forever! Love ya babe!

Report Card Hell!

I'm smack dab in the middle of report card HELL! To all the teachers who are reading this... you can relate. To all those who keep telling me "June's here eh? You must be winding down?" I say "Are you mad?!? I'm wound tighter then a top!!!" and to all those who say that teachers have it easy having the whole summer off... I say "*%#^@&!"... you get the picture!
I have three days to finish my report cards. Ugh! I know I can do it. They will get done, they always get done...but it's soooooo stressful until they are completed, signed and stuffed in the envelopes.
Where's my Mommy???????????????? hee!hee!

Short and Sweet...

that best describes my best friend Tanya's visit to Nova Scotia this past weekend. We had such a fabulous time together. We had good food, great catch-up chats and relaxing girl time!

Here's a picture of Tanya and baby Kate (4 months old) in Margaretsville. It was the first time I met Tanya's newest family member. "Special K" truly is extra special. Not only is she so beautiful but she's the best baby I have ever met. She's unbelievable!!! Tanya has three amazing children. I was lucky enough to be present when her first son Jacob was born. What an honour! Then came adorable Zack and finally she got the long awaited GIRL...third times a charm!! and boy was Kate worth the wait!!!

This picture is right before our delicious lobster supper!!! Yummy!!!
(not sure why I can't make those two pictures bigger?!?)

Here's Tanya and I on the pier in Halifax before we dropped her off at the airport. :-(

So... short and sweet trip indeed. Thanks Tanya for coming all this way to visit. It meant so much to me to show you my new "home". We love it here and I'm happy I got to share it with you. Also I know how hard it was for you to leave your boys. I truly appreciate it!

See you in a month T!