Go Canada Go!

While I missed the majority of the Canadian Men's Gold hockey game today, I did make it back home in time to watch the overtime portion of it.
I was on edge while I was here, which is a big reason why I didn't get all excited to watch the rest of it. I get really into games this big, but don't enjoy putting too much energy into it, so I thought just catching the end would do me fine.
I brought a fully loaded truck to the new house to drop off, and then headed back to my Gramma's to catch the end of the game.
HECK YEAH! Mr & I were having a friendly rivalry about the game. I told him USA was going down, and that there was NO way that Canada would lose the Gold on home ice. I'm proud to say that I was right.
I've been drinking water like mad, trying to get rid of this darned foolish cough & sniffles I've got. I figure if I haven't peed the stupid thing out by tomorrow morning I'm never going to get rid of it.
My first day at my new job is tomorrow. Had meant to speak to my MIL about boundaries, but I forgot she was headed out of town for a conference. Oh well, I'll catch on.
Made a fab table tonight, should've taken a picture of it. LOL
I'm totally addicted to mobil pictures on my Facebook page.
Have a reading break from my online course this week, good thing too because it's a long ass chapter, and an assignment that isn't all that hard, but still requires thought.

A Beautiful Reminder

It's been a bit of a busy week. Taking care of two sick kids, and trying to keep myself healthy at the same time is no easy feat. Plotting and planning along the way of things that need to be done, could be done, and will be done. I do feel overwhelmed, as it's a big move, 4 1/2 hours away.
Last weekend D & I had an opportunity to spend some time together, just the two of us. Mr & H had headed home early, and left us @ Gramma's for the day on our own. I decided to let him lead the way for the day. He took us to the park, then on down to the river, where we met up with Grandpa, who was fixing his rowboat. We skipped some rocks, swung on the fab rop swing, raced up and down the river bank, collected nice rocks, and ate pancake sandwiches before deciding to head to the Sandbar, about a mile or so up the river. We walked, and then rowed across. D had fun, I told him we were explorers, and boy did he ever let his imagination go with the flow. It was sweet, each branch was some new foe to surpass, and each bend in the path a new goal to reach. I love his imagination.
Once we got over the river to the place we were headed to, we started getting things ready for a bonfire. D helped me build a fire pit, then got right on gathering dried grasses, and deadfall from the nearby forest floor. While we were scavenging, we discovered a huge sand dune that was absolutely pristine, and called with an unresistable voice to D to go and jump all over it. He had a ton of fun rolling down the hill, climbing and pretending he was in quicksand, and stranded in the desert, and jumping and rolling. It was so much fun just to watch him enjoy being a kid. I really love these times together, and I'm really hoping that we'll have more opportunities like these together. It reminded me of when I was his age. I wasn't satisfied until every part of my body was coated in dust & dirt & grime. I loved playing in the great outdoors and getting as mucky as possible, and I can certainly see that in him. Once we finally got the fire going, he was having a blast keeping it going, exploring the riverbank, and fishing with Grandpa. he even found a dead fish skeleton that was all dried out. He was fascinated by the anatomy of a fish, and was amazed at just how sharp their teeth are, for being a salmon. He eventually burned the main body, but kept the bottom jaw bone to show his dad his new "saw" because the teeth, he discovered, could cut through wood ;o) No, that's not in his mouth, it's about a good 6 inches away from his face, the depth doesn't show though.
By the end of the day he was exhausted, asking me if he could just sit and watch a movie and relax when we got back to Gramma's. He even asked me to blog about the day, because it was so great, and he wanted to remember it. I can't remember the last time we had such fabulous fun together, and I can't wait for more days like this. The days where he can just be a kid, and I don't have to feel like I need to constantly correct his behavior. The kind of days where I remember what it was like when I only had him, and I could devote my every waking minute to making him happy.

Writing Letters

Well, H and D are both home from school sick. Arrgh, home from school this week. Makes for a very interesting home environment.
Mr is sick, my mom is sick...I've got a bit of sniffles, but nothing major that's putting me out.
I need to do some spring cleaning before I leave, and I figure today is a good day for it as we need to kick the sick germs outta here.
Had a Parent Teacher Interview today, as next week is D's last week, and then spring break hits. After all the fuss and hubub of trying to get the stupid fucking school on board, they still have yet to offer any suggestions.
When I leave, I'm writing a letter to both the superintendent, the Principal of the Native Advocates, and the Principal of the school to tell them all just how disappointed I am in the school itself, in the teachers and administration. They were unhelpful, and offered no suggestions what-so-ever to help my child succeed in their class.
I want to see my child succeed, obviously, and may just resolve to home school it if the new school is as useless as this one was.
Said my goodbyes to those folks I enjoy in the community, and am now focusing on what I can get done around here before I take off.
*sighs*
So much to do...

been letting myself broil in the limelight of being employed. It's a nice feeling.
Been mulling over having to leave the community again. It eas hard the last time I did it, but this time we're all so close with everyone. I hope we'l meet people as wonderful as these ones in the new town.
Made a DVD of pictures that I had taken since we got back of all the folks we've been spending so much time with. Broke down in tears when we watched it with them today. Got a great hug from an Elder. Am really gonna miss them.
Holding out hope for a brighter future. Doing research on gardening and a more natural lifestyle. Am looking forward to turning this move into an opportunity to get back to my Native heritage, and a more traditional lifestyle.
I've always hated good-byes.

Things to look foreward to

Well, it's sunk in. I feel amazingly lucky.
I find it ironic that I'm in the same feild of work that both my Mr & MIL are/would be in. I never saw that one coming at all. While I'm going to consider this new job both a challenge, and a valuable learning experience, I'm a bit intimidated knowing I'm going to have so much responsibility on my shoulders.
With that sort of professionalism, I'm wondering just what sorts of HNT's I'll be able to post, and how that could possibly affect my job, if at all. I'm hoping that I keep strong boundaries, and that none of my clients will find this little blog.
In that respect, I'm really looking foreward to having my own place to do my more creative HNT's. I've missed my phototherapy, as I've found it much more difficult to get into the mood to really show what I can do creatively, with such close quarters. I'm also hoping to drag Mr into it with me a lot more, as I've really enjoyed the shots he's both done with me, and for me.
Spending this weekend dropping items that we have already packed at the new house, then chilling out @ Gramma's. I feel nearly overwhelmed with the amount of things that I need to do to complete all of the daily/weekly tasks as well as considering moving.
I'm confident that I will be able to keep my head above the water, as I just happen to be a bit tired right now.
Thanks so much for all of your support, it brought a smile to my face while I was awaiting the call back. I'm elated with all of the things happening with our family right now.
When we first discussed moving, we couldn't help but see all that has been happening as a door that has been opened for us, and I'm really starting to hope.
I just can't wait to wake up tomorrow, and that's really saying something.

I Am Officially Employed

Yep. I drove up to Gramm's lastnight all by myself. I miss my kids.
Anyhow...I made it to my interview this morning, and I thought it went well. Heck, they even mentioned that they wouldn't mind hiring me @ their Daycare as well, so they took me over to introduce me to the other ECE workers.
After I left, I was productive and opened a PO box, then opened a new bank account. We headed down to Kamloops after that, and on the way I heard my phoe buzz.
When I looked @ it I realized the place that interviewed me had called & left me a voicemail.
Sure enough, when I phoned them back, they offered me the job, not more than 3 hours after my interview.
I am officially the Pre-Natal Home Visitor & support worker.
Hot damn I'm good!
Oh, and that "this is gonna be the best ever" feeling, has finally hit me :o}

Apprehension

I've been doing my best, but I just can't seem to get as excited about this move as Mr. I feel badly about that, like I'm the one putting the damper on everything.
Still haven't heard from immigration, hoping to hear from them by the end of the month.
I've landed a job interview for tomorrow morning in Clearwater, as a Pre-Natal home visitor. They did mention that they were looking for a registered nurse, but were having trouble replacing the one that was phasing her way out. So, they decided, instead, to have the RN supervise a regular lay person with related experience. Yay me!
So, I leave this eve for Gramma's, all by myself. I'll be setting up our PO Box, and getting some networking done, as well as getting a feel for the town. I'd like to know where everything is before we move there. I'll also be visiting the school to get more info on them, see if I like them or not. The good news is, at least they have both gifted and challenging children in their 2nd grade class, so I'm hoping that we'll be a nice fit with D.
I've got a lot on my mind, with the logistics of making this move work. It's going to be tough, in that neither of us can cross the border to load up our belongings that we stored @ MIL's. Considering that our new home is about a 4 hour drive from where we live now, and factor in a 2 1/12 hour drive MIL's, it makes for a crazy long day to get out belongings up there. We haven't even figured out if anyone is going to help us unload (though I'm sure it won't be a problem), because we're so focused on finding people to help load up in the states. With that being said I'll also have to meet them at the border to bring the truck of my belongings across. It's all a rather big headache. Though I can't really confirm it, I'm probably really stressing over this.
So, I am spending my day prepping for my interview tomorrow. Will leave later this eve, and focus on nailing my interview so that I can finally say I'm employed when it's all said and done.
Tomorrow will be spend in Clearwater, exploring and networking. Friday will be spent in Kamloops doing some shopping and the like. MIL will be arriving here on Friday eve, and Sat will bring the rest of the family up to go and have a gander at the new place. We'll also be a dropping off a load of our stuff there from this house, and that sort of thing.
*sighs*
I'm waiting for that crazy "this is gonna be the best" feeling to hit me, hopefully it will soon.

Saturday Snapshots

We had a nice week. Though it was filled with a wondrous amount of planning and stress, it was good.
D kicked it off with Cub Scouts, where he began building his new Pine Derby Car. At first he didn't like the way it was shaped, but he's totally willing to work with it now, so long as he gets to design the rest. He really is enjoying his Cub Scouts now. I'm actually rather sad to bring him away from it.
I also started going and volunteering in D's class as well, trying to make best of a crappy situation. I discovered that they do yoga in class as part of a keep fit initiative. I also learned that the kids are all very personable. After we looked at our new place, we were up in the air with the decision to tell the school our moving date. D let the cat out of the bag, and the school dropped any plans to help him out. I'm mad. I guess they figure because he's not going to be a part of the school much longer that they don't need to waste their resources on him.
We made our announcements in baby group and family nights. I also offered to make DVD's of all the pictures I've taken in these since we got here. Should be fun, I'm looking forward to it. I'll really miss these folks. We've spent nearly every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with them since we got back. Our family is well known to them all, and it'll be a shame to leave another place where we've worked so hard to be a part of community.
I had a good week, class-wise. As I mentioned in my last post, I seem to be getting a steady A- in all of my work, thus far. I'm hoping that with a bit more time to concentrate that I'll be able to change that to an A. The class is going well, and I'm really enjoying it. I asked what sort of certification I'll have at the end of it, and the prof explained that I will be able to apply for a license to be an Assistant Early Childhood Educator, which should open a lot of doors. I'm going to see about applying to finish the next 10 months worth of courses to make me eligible for the Licensed ECE. I'm hoping I'll be able to get funding for that as well. I figure, if I'm going to spend so much time with my kids in this area, it'd be a good idea to get certified, because once they're past the age, I can just apply it to my career.
We're excited for this fresh start. We're hoping everything goes through on Mr's Immigration. We've got hope. Not a whole lot of it, but at least it's there. At least they haven't gotten the better of us.

Wohoo!
I'm an A- student baby. Grade on first Assignment 8.25/10, and first paper was 8.33/10. I'm kicking some college ass baby!

It's Official

We're moving at the end of this month. Really sort of fell into our lap. This is where we're moving to. A small, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin in Well Grey Provincial Park in Clearwater BC.
I'm trying to come to terms with it, as it really is rather sudden. I nearly feel overwhelmed with all of the things that need to be done before we can make it.


We won't be getting cable or satellite, I prefer to just watch movies or play board & video games. The entire interior is hard wood, hand made by the people who own property. While we were driving there to go and see it (it's a good 20 minutes into the park, BTW and out of town), I had some serious reservations with how far we were going, but when I stepped inside they were blown away by the sheer beauty of the place. It's in the middle of no where, where we get no cell service, and where no one can tell us we're being too loud. The landlords have children who are spirited like ours are, and can relate very well to just how energetic they can be. Now, the drawback is I'm going to have to live without my high speed cable modem, and switch over to the only option of slow ass Dial Up. Can't live without internet though, as I am doing my college course through it. ;o)


Trying to make a decent list of how much I can get into the time frame left while here. Gotta call utilities, and find me a job. Gonna file my taxes before I leave, hopefully that'll go well. Gotta dig out some papers to make sure I have everything tho. This is all, truthfully mind boggling. Positive, but mind boggling.

Myrtle & George

Have I ever told you the back story on Myrtle & George? I tried looking through my archives, but as I don't have any idea when I would've mentioned it, I can't be sure where to find it...and I just don't have that kinda time.
ANYways. When I was working as a home care aide for a lady in Kelowna, I used to comment on how loud the birds were in their yard, they always seemed to be real happy. They actually wound up with a duck couple who nested in their yard. After a few days of seeing them around when I was hanging laundry outside, I decided they needed names. For some reason I chose Myrtle & George at random. Now, every time I seen a duck couple after that I told D they were Myrtle & George checking up on us, or come to play & watch over us. It got to the point where he would point them out himself before I could spot them.
When we moved to Ohio, we used to go wandering and he would spot a couple and ask "Is that Myrtle & George?" He really seemed comforted by the fact that Myrtle & George were watching out for us, and checking to make sure we were doing ok in Ohio, just like they did in Kelowna.
Eventually we travelled back to BC in the warmer months, so they flew with us all the way across the country, and each time he spotted them it made him so happy, almost like he knew he wasn't alone. The happy spark always lasted just a moment for us to see, then he hid it inside himself. The picture from above is when MIL & I took a walk at a local Creek/Waterfalls. On the way D & I were ahead of H, and he spotted them. There, swimming up the creek, were Myrtle & George. He yelled at me to look, showed me this smile & jumped up in the air for joy before he stuffed it away for himself.

reCharge

Heading to Gramma's for the weekend. need to re-charge the batteries to go on.
Mr & my mom's Mr had it out yesterday, and plans have been put in action to speed our departure for the northern region closer to my Gramma.
Have a meeting with D's Principal, Teacher & Native Advocate today after school gets out. Should be fun...can't wait. Have phoned and chatted with nearly everyone that I can think of that may be able to help me devise a plan. Have written notes of what I'd like to talk about, and am about as ready as I'm ever going to be to push them to do proper testing, and possibly either changing his classroom or getting him a Learning Assistant.
We took the kids to a place called H2O in Kelowna lastnight. We got a rushed dinner after D got home from school, then headed out and spent 3 hours in the water splashing and playing. I'm friggin beat today, and after such a hard workout with the boys, somehow or other they both ended up in bed with us lastnight...made for a restless sleep cause they all have their own weird patterns.
I think I may be coming down with a form of viral bronchitis that my mom is just getting over. I feel a strong need to sleep (though this may be due to all the hard work yesterday), and slept my morning away until I was forced to get up and pack for our weekend.
Hoping things will go our way...cause we're expecting to hear from Immigration regarding Mr's work permit and status. If it comes through by the end of the month, we'll be outta here, with nothing but a dusttrail left behind us.
Pray for us folks, this is one of those times where we need the blocks to fall into place in order for it to work out.

HNT

If you're a parent, please read the post below. Happy HNT

Calling All Parents

I'm frustrated.
I'm all over the place.
Mr brought D home from school today, and pulled me aside to discuss the goings on with D's day.
We've had trouble with the school since we first began. Back in the beginning of December, we finally had a meeting with both the teach and the principal. When we got there I was already frustrated because I had requested a meeting a number of times through parent/teacher/communication notes, and received no response. They thought I kind of blew it out of proportion. I felt I was being ignored, and had no other way to communicate because of my work schedule.
Unfortunately, when we did go to that meeting, no strategies for action were discussed other than having us enroll him in counseling, and role playing how he would approach other kids for play.
Mr went to pick up D on Tuesday, and found his desk had been moved (again, literally lost count of how many times he's been moved around the classroom) right next to the teachers desk.
My first thought when he told me this, was "My child has been a disruption to your class, and all you can think of is placing him right next to you...really?!"
It's time for me to advocate for my child, in a clear, honest, and direct manner.
I am unsatisfied with my son's school, and their abilities to handle and cope with my child. I am unsatisfied with any courses of action they've taken because they've done jack squat to help him, and could've possibly hindered him even more.
I'm pissed off. I'm frustrated. I'm nearly ready to move him to another school. If one of our other choices were available, I would.
So, to all of you other parents who read here, and even those who don't...please, come and tell me how you've advocated for your child, and tell me what has worked best for you??

Content

I have a tremendous feeling of accomplishment right now.
I finished my first college level paper. I completed my 3 week Work Search Strategies program. I've got my eye on two jobs that could possibly turn out to be mine, if I pursue it enough. Both of which are right up my alley.
I'm working on my 1st assignment for class, and have almost completed this weeks' readings.
I created a schedule for Mr to follow on a daily basis with the kids, to help eliminate tv/videogame/comp time. Heck, I even replaced a zipper in a jacket for a friend, folded all my laundry, and re-organized my room.
I'm content.
Just thought I'd let you know.