Rink, rink, everywhere a rink :)
I have to say, as busy as November was, our family life-flow was much better. At least, it was more manageable. I missed a couple of events I really wanted to attend, and totally blew NaNoWriMo, but life is filled with choices and always my kids will come first. As for the flow, I have no idea why it seemed easier, but I think I'd better pay closer attention and do it again in December!
- Claire survived, barely, "hell week" at school. It is the week where all of the term assignments are due prior to exams. She was so tired that she went to bed at 8:30PM on Friday and woke up sometime Saturday afternoon. Poor baby, I remember and wish I could make it easier for her - but that's part of the ritual called "growing up".
- At school there is a Nightingale "Star of the Month" awarded in Middle School. The first of the awards for the year were distributed in October. Cole was selected with three other students. Among other honours: he made the finals of the poetry recital with his rendition of The Charge of the Light Brigade; he made the school hockey team and on it he was elected Assistant Captain; he was also made a Chapel Beacon. Busy boy.
- November marked the beginning of singing season! So much rehearsal time has been dedicated to perfecting the performances. Chloe was disappointed not to be selected for "the" solo - it was given to another alto - but she really is the consummate team player. Happy to be a leader, keeping her section on key and in sync.
- The hilight of Caden's month was, of course, the Hound Dogs win of the Nottawasaga Tournament. The lowlight? The following weekend they were spanked - SPANKED - 9-0. We live in the land of the Toronto Maple Leafs, there is nothing surprising.
- Claire and Oskar are having a regular even-keeled relationship. I suppose, from what I hear from friends, that is irregular in itself. I'm thrilled at how respectful, kind and humourous it is and hope, with effort, they maintain an easy-going and drama-free friendship.
- For me this was the month of the sistah! I enjoyed lunch with Andrea and often see her (in the rink) on Saturday mornings, Beth came to visit overnight with her daughter and I saw Bryn when we all attended the family baby shower for Natalie and her new sweet baby. LOVED every minute of it :)
- Chloe donated a bunch of hair - after months and months of growth - and we are all so very proud of her!
- We are blessed, blessed, with a pair of men, brothers, who do the home maintenance in our neighbourhood. They're both retired and love putzing around in our homes. They are the go-to men for our neighbourhood from whole home renovations to clogged toilets. In our case they renovated our basement bathroom. Just in time for our Norwegian guests expected at the end of December. One thing off the never-ending-unfinished-project list.
- Who knew she wanted to sew? Claire is taking costume design and textiles with plans to make a dress for herself. We headed over to the local fabric store and got all of the materials. What an adventure! I can't wait to see it when she's done.
- Caden lead the parent/teacher meeting at school and was really, really good. It was fun to meet his teacher in a formal-yet-informal environment. What an improvement! At least with the kids there we knew how to get around the maze they call a school. (Parents are not allowed beyond the office, yet, during PA interview days there is no indication of how to find teachers. Not a guide, not an arrow, not even breadcrumbs. For a group, collectively dedicated to control and detail, you'd think they'd have solved this little dilemma quicker.)
- This was also the month of "OMG I was published"! In a real, honest to god, publication.
- After she started working this summer it was determined that Claire would not be paid, she would receive "service hours" instead. Unlike most students in Ontario who need to accumulate 40 volunteer hours between grades 9-12, our school requires more with a specific number per school year. Though, I don't know that Claire needed the 160 hours she was rewarded! Too bad they don't carry over to next year.
- Chloe loves volleyball. Chloe knows she is not, by any stretch, an athlete. Though she gets A+ for enthusiasm! She tried out for the school volleyball team and was not chosen. By some ridiculous set of circumstances (while Chloe was on a field trip) another girl who was not selected made such a crying stink over it that the principal intervened and declared that all who tried out would make the team. What?!? Undermining? You think? Anyway, Chloe is attending practices only at our insistence - and her agreement. I've found her a summer camp and that is where she'll learn how to play and perhaps make the team next year.
- Louis continues to be actively involved in our Minor Hockey Association. Though he was unable to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration - the organization of which he was an integral part (missed due to the Bauer Tournament in Chicago), he continues to give as much time as he can spare, and often time he cannot to make sure the children have a great season.
- The naturopath has really been effective. Though, Claire needs to learn to not put herself in situations that will exacerbate her eczema and asthma, she is slowly getting control over both. Dr. Jason has been very helpful. The most interesting of her sensitivities: worry. Hmm.
- It was also the month of really getting to know the mums, dads and coaches on my both boys hockey teams. I am fortunate that, this year in particular, the boys are on teams with some really interesting characters. I'm enjoying every minute of it. Louis went with Cole to Chicago and I went with Caden to Nottawasaga. A good time had by all!
- I've been thrilled to receive requests for the "specimen art" like that piece I made for Ava and gave to my sister at her shower. I'm happy to have produced 7 pieces so far with a few more being made for Christmas!
- Chloe loves volleyball. Chloe knows she is not, by any stretch, an athlete. Though she gets A+ for enthusiasm! She tried out for the school team and was not chosen. By some ridiculous set of circumstances (while Chloe was on a field trip) another girl who was not selected made such a crying stink over it that the principal intervened and declared that all who tried out would make the team. What?!? Undermining? You think? Anyway, Chloe is attending practices only at our insistence - and her agreement. I've found her a summer camp and that is where she'll learn how to play and perhaps make the team next year.
- The Upper School play was fabulous. A collection of three separate skits. Claire and her friends were fabulous. I admire her poise and fearless ability to get on stage and interact with her peers.
- As always, Cole finds himself in many rinks. This month had him in a few more! His team participated in the Bauer International Tournament in Chicago at which Louis attended and the Silver Stick (minor hockey equivalent of Stanley Cup Playoffs) in Whitby. There was also the regular practices, practices and more practices. Glad he loves it! If you are ever wondering (??) what's going on, you can check out the In the Rinks button on the right sidebar.
- The Moe was off to her first seasonal performances in Mississauga. Normally I am the parent who goes to support her and her efforts. In her way she let us know that she wanted her dad to attend instead of mama. Living in a house of divide-and-conquer stinks sometimes. Chloe got her way and not only did her Dad attend, but so did her big brother. She was beaming when she got home. Me? I'm proud of my men for supporting Chloe even though it wouldn't ever have been their first choice of evening activities.
- Caden loves, loves, bling. He's like a magpie. At his tournament he found the biggest, tackiest, necklace with a big dragon on it. For the $10 it cost, it was worth every penny. He loves it. I tease Louis that Caden is the only member of our little collective who has channelled the bling gene. I'm thinking it does not come from my rather dour Scots/Irish side :)
- My creative goodness continued as I also participated in my first blog article over at Ella Publishing Co. which was inspired by one of the new e-books Journaling That Matters. Do you have a copy? I was really impressed with it and got a ton of ideas from the ladies who contributed.
- It was wonderful to see my parents when they came out to see Cole and the Rangers play in the Silver Stick tournament. I was so happy they took the time to join us for lunch. Where else? Grampy's favourite Swiss Chalet! Not only that but we were also joined at the game by my good friend Char with Jonah, Cole's biggest fan in tow. I never realized how long it had been since I saw them last. Life is flying by far too quickly. They all should have stayed for the second game - quadruple overtime. Crazy!
As it is almost the end of the year, I am busy trying to organize my plans for 2011: creatively, domestically, parentally. All of which are so fluid, to think I have a handle on anything - except laundry - is ridiculous!
For December? I'll be participating in my first December Daily project. I've been skeptical and I've been hesitant, but experience tells me that the Ali Edwards projects I've completed have all taught me something positive. I look forward to this one doing the same. I signed up to take the Yesterday & Today course offered by Ali Edwards through Big Picture Classes - for the second time. I can only hope that this time round I DO IT! Not only that, but I've also signed up for Tracy Clark's Picture The Holidays course in an effort to improve my December Daily project. Fingers crossed :)
Oh and there's also a big family party followed by another big family party ... and Christmas ... and a hockey tournament ... and four kids home on holiday. My cup is overflowing. Happy December to you and yours!
