52/52

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson & Lily: Christmas Eve snow fun. I had to work but Neil and friends of ours spent the day in the mountains enjoying the white stuff that didn't fall in town. Apparently it was a perfect day other than my not being there. Next time for sure. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

51/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: My handsome boy in his hockey photo for 2015, looking much older than the 12 year old boy he is.

Lily: Happy and excited to be at her first viewing of The Nutcracker at the Center for Performing Arts in Vancouver. It was my first time too and we both loved it and decided it will be an annual event every year. So lovely and a great Christmastime date for the two of us. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

50/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: Crazy boy, jumping in lakes in December!!! Every time I tell him we are headed to Inland Lake, he packs his swimsuit and towel. He loves to jump off the dock there and has done it too many times to count, summer, winter, spring and fall. He's usually in and out pretty quick and it literally takes his breath away but loves the rush. 

Lily: She's 10!!! This picture (stolen from my sister's iPhone) was taken at her family birthday party. She's wearing her new fav dress (same one she wore in last weeks picture) and posing with a cake she had no part of. On her actual birthday she had ice cream and then for her friend party, she had gelato. She is not keen on cake but was happy to have one for everyone else. I still can't believe both my kids are in the double digits. Time please, SLOW DOWN already!!!

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

49/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: It was his turn this year to put the angel on top. 

Lily: Proudly holding up the fingers she needs to show her age. It's been an up and down sort of week leading up to her birthday but I think she is finally feeling good about being 10.

Both kids had wonderful first report cards from Grades 7 & 5 this week. We also received some lovely comments about each of them from the school Principal for Jackson and from a good friend for Lily. I think kids know just how to test parents patience but I`m overjoyed knowing that they behave so well when they aren`t around us. I`m happy and proud. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

48/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: Somehow the week went by without my capturing a picture of him on his own. The photo above was stolen from his snapchat story.  I think he looks especially handsome, although maybe too serious and much older than he is. 

It's actually sort of mind boggling really. 

Lily: Nervously standing at the front of the classroom with her tiny note in hand, presenting her first big project of Grade 5. She chose to do it on hamsters and was excited to bring her own hamster Donut in for all to see. She did great. She was nervous but managed to project her voice well, answer all questions without trouble and hold Donut so the entire class could touch and pet him. It was very sweet and I was very proud. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

47/52

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: Once again, ripping the tape from his stick and starting over. This is a weekly occurrence and requires a lot of concentration. I wonder sometimes if its therapeutic for him. He's been stressing a lot lately about the end of elementary school. Of course it is ages away (7 months) but it seems to be dominating his mind as he is recognizing how fast time moves. The tears and stress about this from him kill my heart and often I cry along with him. Growing up is tough for the kids and the parents. 

"I just don't want it to end. All the teachers at the school know me so well. Who will remember or know it's my birthday in high school? Will the teachers be as nice?"

Lily: New hair, new attitude. At least for the afternoon anyway. It was really amazing to see how confident she became when she walked out of my friends place after getting several inches cut off. She was carefree and happy for hours and tried out several looks that night wondering if anyone at school would recognize her. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

46/52

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: Sporting a bruised cheek as a result of some road hockey with friends. 

"MOM! Seriously!? It's early November! What's with the Christmas music?"

Lily: Showing off some of her cards that she sold at a craft fair this past weekend. She did very well for herself and hopes to use the money she made "to buy Christmas presents for my family". 

All shots are iPhone this week and boy do the kids look tired. Or is it bad lighting? Or both?! Time to get out the real camera and get outside to get better light. Yikes!!!

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

45/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: I took this photo after he returned from his overnight volleyball trip with the high school boys. We were all a little surprised when he was asked to play with the older kids. Volleyball certainly isn't his passion but he's always keen to try any sport and this one included away trips so that made it even more appealing for him. The coach said he did wonderfully and although the team didn't make the Provincials, Jackson had a great time and was happy for the experience. 

Lily: Her latest project is making "scenes" out of empty boxes. She papers the walls, creates beds with old fabric and cuts out ads from flyers to make tiny tv's and computers. I'm thrilled she is so creative and uses her imagination but where oh where do we store all this stuff. I'm working on her keeping a "scene" for a week or two then changing it up to make something new. The boxes are piling up fast and furious. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

44/52 Hallowe'en

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson & Lily: My Hockey Goon and Fiona had a wonderful Hallowe'en. The rain stayed away until they had once again filled their bags with more treats than they need. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

43/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: My boy LOVES his hockey! As a result of being AP'd for the Rep team, he is practicing with them, practicing and playing games with the house league and this week, playing a game with the level above him. It's all positive and great exersise. Hockey is his life and he isn't complaining but I wonder some days how he manages. The coaches push the kids hard and he is up for the challenge. I'm so proud and wish I had half his energy. 

Lily: She is a creative force and her new bedroom and desk are always cluttered with her latest drawings, creations or newly fashioned barbie clothes. I can't keep up and no longer try. It's messy but it's all her and she is happy. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity 

42/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: I'm sure our new neighbours are loving my boy as he shoots puck after puck into his net. His shot is improving but the noise that goes along with the puck slamming against the fence behind the net is a little much. Sunday morning at 8am isn't a good time for practice my sweet love.

Lily: There is a boy in her class with autism and she is very fearful. She has had some poor experiences with him in the past and every fall we deal with her fears as they go back to school together. We talk about inclusion and how if he were in our family, we'd fight for him to be in the classroom too however none of this reduces her anxiety. He has hit her a couple of times and is very big and loud especially when he gets agitated. We and her teacher have worked out a system for her to leave the classroom every time she feels too afraid to stay. She is allowed to up and leave without question. We've also asked that she not be seated near him in the classroom. Her fear is real and awful. Last night at bedtime she cried as she felt nervous about school the next day, scared that the boy may somehow get a hold of scissors and try and hurt her or others. Lily is light. She is happy and quite easy going. This is a hard thing for us all to deal with. I'm very protective and worry. Things seem to improve as the year progresses. The boy gets used to the routines of the classroom and settles quite a bit but until then it's tough. I'm sure it's hard for other kids too but Lily seems to take it the worst. I'm so grateful that her teacher is on board with making her comfortable. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

41/52

"a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson & Lily: Busy enjoying and loving our new yard including the little pumpkin patch below. 

We feel so lucky and grateful. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

40/52

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: Another birthday means another chocolate cake with caramel icing. 

As an AP for the Rep Hockey Team, he still gets to practice with the team and occasionally, hopefully, get called up to play games. These practices, with his house practices and games, mean 5 trips to the ice per week minimum. I think it's crazy but he is overjoyed and not at all worried about it. 

Lily: I love this serious look :) She attended two rehearsals for a local play and dropped out. Her instructor said she was doing fantastic and was thrilled with her however Lily feels it's fun now but will be too stressful come performance time with an audience to watch. It was only a small role but I respect her feelings and don't want to push her. She is still keen to attend her "Introduction to Musical Theatre" and that's fine with me. In the meantime, we will happily continue to be spoiled with regular shows at home where she is absolutely comfortable and thrilled to perform for us. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

39/52

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson & Lily: My sweet children on a yet another beautiful fall day and below on the ferry headed to the city. We are so fortunate. 

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity

38/52

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson: He found out on Thursday that he'd be AP'd for the Rep hockey team and to put it mildly, he was crushed. I feel awful for him as he tried so hard and really, really wanted to make it on the team this year. It's always stressful to try out but this year it seemed way more high pressure. There was lots of tough competition and as ever, the selection process is very political. I believe being AP'd is still pretty great as he can still practice with the team and possible play a game or two but he wants more. I'm proud of him for trying however it's not what he wants to hear right now. He'll get through it and be a better player when the season ends with all the ice time he'll be getting. AP'd means rep and house practices at least 4 times per week. Hopefully he can rock house and show the rep team up with his skills.

Lily: Grade 5 means more French and she is loving it. One of her very best friends goes to the French Immersion school in town and Lily is always asking her to teach her words. She's thrilled to be learning in class so that she can speak more on her own. Her big dream is to head to Paris after she graduates for an extended period. I hope it happens for you my girl. 
"You know what my problem is with sausages?!! They're not bacon."

Living Arrows &  Practising Simplicity

37/52 - Back to School Edition

 "a portrait of, and occasionally a quote from my children, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Jackson & Lily: Ready and excited for their first day of school. They both got wonderful teachers and are looking forward to a great year ahead. Grades 7 & 5! I still can't believe it!!!

Living Arrows & Practising Simplicity